Letting in "the World": (Re)interpretive Tensions in the Quaker Meeting House

Garfinkel, Susan

doi:10.2307/3514247

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The expression «live in the world, but not of it» is attributed to Fox as a way of describing the inherent tension present in the Quaker way of life (Garfinkel 1995). The paradox of being «in the world, but not of it», a simultaneous condition of inclusion and exclusion, has shaped Friends' attitudes toward all the manifestations of material culture from exterior garb to architecture.…”

Section: The Quaker Doctrinementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The act of recognizing the «still, small voice» is of crucial importance in Quaker worship, but «there is no sure test of divine guidance in this or any other undertaking» (Brinton 2002, 103-104) and «no rules can be laid down for Quaker ministry» (Brinton 2002, 21). A tension thus emerges between silent reflection and the need for communication (Garfinkel 1995). Quaker harmony infers the unity of action without force.…”

Section: The Quaker Doctrinementioning

confidence: 99%

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In the World, but not of It

Mihalache¹

2017

Actas Arquit Relig Contemp

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Robert Venturi has repeatedly noted in several interviews and conversations that his upbringing was as a Quaker. The Quakers (or the Society of Friends) have deep historic ties with the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia and have had a significant presence in Venturi’s life. I propose to examine the inconspicuous and largely overlooked intersections between the Quaker aesthetics and beliefs and Venturi’s 1950 thesis project, a Chapel for the Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pennsylvania. «In the world, but not of it», Quakers have situated paradox at the core of their material culture: while the physical world was stripped of metaphysical content, craftsmanship was highly valued; while meetinghouses were never sacred spaces, they have always acted as depositories of historical and cultural genealogies. Through the lens of Quaker doctrine and aesthetics, I will examine the role of paradox in Venturi’s design for the Chapel for the Episcopal Academy.

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Section: The Quaker Doctrinementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Quaker Doctrinementioning

confidence: 99%