Wolf Mendl

In this lecture given at Guilford College in 1981, Mendl argues that pacifists do not put as much effort as they might or should into understanding those with whom they disagree. He says that doing so would be an important part of turning the world away from war as a method of settling disputes.

The first two chapters of the book seek to explore the origins of the Quaker Testimony against war and violence and its historical evolution. The remaining two chapters offer an analysis of the rapidly changing circumstances of our time and discuss Friends individual and corporate responsibilities in dealing with them.

Pacifists should learn to know and understand those with whom they disagree, so that they may be bridge-builders, nudging the world toward abandoning war.

This pamphlet provides a description of the traditional Quaker understanding of power and spiritual authority, and God's gifts in relation to them, particularly gifts of ministry and eldering. The author suggests ways that monthly meetings can support and nurture ministry and the individual Friends through whom it comes.