A close up of the book cover. Photo: Courtesy of John Hunt Publishing.
‘Telling the Truth About God’ by Rhiannon Grant
Abigail Maxwell reviews 'Telling the Truth About God' by Rhiannon Grant
Everyone does theology. Each of us has an understanding of what God is or is not, and for Quakers that begins with our experience. We value our meetings and the experiences we have there, which we might call ‘spiritual’. This is a direct experience, without a priest, and traditions may guide but not bind us. It is shared in community, and we make decisions as a community. Balancing the individual and community is complex.
Considering that we may be mistaken, sometimes revising our words, we find it easier to say what we do not believe – neither one extreme where the Bible is the literal word of God, nor the other where it is worthless and outdated. First there is silence, and direct experience, but when we talk afterwards we might use words others find difficult. Words can get in the way, reminding a Friend of past hurt, perhaps. But after this, discussion becomes deeper, with the sharing of what a particular word can mean to a particular person.
Knowing the different reasons why someone might value or reject the word ‘Christ’, say, can bring us closer together. We give lists of alternatives, where we hope one word will be acceptable to all, showing our unity and our diversity. The Quaker Women’s Group changed our view of masculine terms for God, but I might use the word ‘Father’ praying with other groups; I can recognise its meaning for them, even as I see the harm it does others.
We are rooted in Christianity and open to new light. Can this unite those hurt by abusive churches with those hurt by the rejection of tradition? Can we unite those who see Jesus as a human teacher with those who see Creator God? ‘Unity’ in our meetings has meaning; we are led by more than ego. Our process follows a Guide, whatever that guide is. This is difficult. Words approach experience but cannot encompass it. We all say ‘That of God’ is in each person; some say God is external too.
This is a summary of Rhiannon Grant’s book, moulded by my experience and understanding. I find it winsome, showing a beauty and possibility in Quakerism that I want to share. It is passionately inclusive. It recognises the hurt of those who feel excluded, and the richness we gain if we open ourselves to each other. It shows a Quakerly caution, approaching mystery in careful words, recognising the difficulties and gaps. There is an enthusiasm for the process.
The book continues the work of God, words and us. It shows how the spaces between us leave room for growth. Agree to disagree, its author tells us, living with uncertainty and struggle – living in love, seeing others as separate, complex human beings. We need to have those difficult conversations, and face the pain of them. They offer a chance to heal that pain, in mutual love. We go in a spiral, ever deeper, naming the mystery of spiritual experience, seeing new aspects of ourselves and each other, connecting, gaining answers and more questions. This short book shows how it is worthwhile for us to do theology. It ends with a question: ‘How are you telling the truth about God?’
