J. Brent Bill
Appearance
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J. Brent Bill (born 1951 in Columbus, Ohio) is an American author of Quaker spiritual literature. He is a graduate of Wilmington College and Earlham School of Religion and has worked as a pastor and writing coach.[1]
Works
[edit]- As editor. 2002. Imagination and Spirit: A Contemporary Quaker Reader ISBN 0-944350-61-5
- 2005. Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality ISBN 1-55725-420-6
- Publishers Weekly described the book as a useful devotional guide and praised it for its "buoyant but realistic tone".[2]
- Spiritual Life praised the book for addressing a strongly felt need and described it as helpful to a wide readership. The reviewer noted, however, that the book left him unsatisfied and did not adequately explain the theological framework of the Quakers.[3]
- A second edition appeared in 2016: Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality, 2nd Edition ISBN 978-0-8028-7403-0[4]
- In a review of the second edition, the Presbyterian Outlook noted that "the Quakers are onto something" when it comes to silence.[5]
- The Catholic Library World recommended the book for readers open to that "still, small voice".[6]
- 2006. Mind the Light: Learning to See with Spiritual Eyes ISBN 1-55725-489-3
- Publishers Weekly described the book as useful but noted that "Bill's plethora of examples of spiritual sight sometimes overwhelm the point he wants to make".[7]
- 2008. Sacred Compass: The Path of Spiritual Discernment ISBN 1-55725-559-8
- With Beth A. Booram. 2011. Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God ISBN 978-0-8308-3560-7
- In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called the work "a deeply pleasing book" which gracefully accomplishes its goals.[8]
- Friends Journal called it a "useful tool" though some of the images did not resonate with the reviewer.[9]
- With Jennie Isbell. 2015. Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of God ISBN 978-0-8308-3596-6
- 2015. Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble toward Simplicity and Grace ISBN 978-1-63088-131-3
- Friends Journal described the book as accessible but also deep and praised the "sweet, serious prose with its simple advice about living in the Spirit."[12] The book placed #5 on the list of "Top Ten Quaker Bestsellers 2018".[13]
- Western Friend recommended the book as a useful introduction to Quaker values for Christians of other denominations.[14]
- 2019. Beauty, Truth Life, and Love: Four Essentials for the Abundant Life ISBN 978-1640602021
- 2019. Hope and Witness In Dangerous Times: Lessons from the Quakers on Blending Faith, Daily Life, and Activism ISBN 978-1789046199
- Friends Journal says "His book not only shares some of the timeless wisdom Quakers have to offer, but it is timely as well." http://www.friendsjournal.org/book/hope-and-witness-in-dangerous-times-lessons-from-the-quakers-on-blending-faith-daily-life-and-activism
- 2023. Amity: Stories from the Heartland ISBN 978-1803413662
References
[edit]- ^ Bill, J. Brent. "J. Brent Bill".
- ^ "Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality". Publishers Weekly. April 11, 2005.
- ^ Centner, Fr David J. (Spring 2006). "Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality/Sounding the Silence". Spiritual Life. 52 (1): 54–56. ProQuest 217580579.
- ^ "Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality (Second Edition)".
- ^ Berman D'Andrea, Emily (May 8, 2017). "Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality". Presbyterian Outlook. 199 (7): 45. ProQuest 1940083342.
- ^ Boice, Daniel (March 2017). "Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality". The Catholic Library World. 87 (3): 185. ProQuest 1915879477.
- ^ "Mind the Light: Seeing the World with Spiritual Eyes". Publishers Weekly. June 12, 2006.
- ^ "Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God". Publishers Weekly. December 12, 2011.
- ^ Brown, Valerie (December 26, 2012). "Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God". Friends Journal.
- ^ "Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer". Publishers Weekly. January 19, 2015.
- ^ Chase, Steve (November 1, 2015). "Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer". Friends Journal.
- ^ Reynolds, Diane (August 1, 2016). "Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace". Friends Journal.
- ^ "Top Ten Quaker Bestsellers 2018". Friends Journal. September 1, 2018.
- ^ Ells, Rick (January–February 2018). "Life Lessons From a Bad Quaker (review)". Western Friend.
External links
[edit]- Bill's Website
- Bill's Blog
- Interview with J. Brent Bill on "Sacred Compass" by ReadTheSpirit.com
- Interview with Brent Bill Friends Journal, November 1, 2012