From the Friends Center Brochure:
Early Friends certainly knew their Bible. When in conflict with non-Friends who questioned their faith or practice, early Quakers could wield the Bible as readily as their opponents to defend their position. Yet they had another way of reading Scripture, one that did not simply talk about God (as though God were not present) but instead brought them to a profound encounter with God. We can see the results of this kind of reading by looking at early Quaker writings that offer spiritual nurture and guidance.

In this retreat we’ll both explore that way of reading and consider how we today might practice a mode of reading in which the Bible becomes the language of spiritual intimacy.

Michael Birkel is Professor of Religion at Earlham College, where he also directs the Newlin Center for Thought and Practice. He has led retreats among Friends for many years and has written books on John Woolman, reading Scripture with early Friends, and Quaker spirituality.