Restless Hearts: George Fox and Augustine of Hippo. Issue 2 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birkel, Michael
• Is Part Of: Quaker studies. Volume 22:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 197
• Page End: 208
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: George Fox -- Augustine of Hippo -- Confessions; Society of Friends -- History -- Periodicals; 289.605
• DOI: 10.3828/quaker.2017.22.2.4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-013X

Abstract

Abstract : John Punshon once proposed that someone should undertake a comparison of early Quaker George Fox with ancient North African bishop Augustine of Hippo. Despite considerable differences between the two, a close look at turning points in their religious autobiographies shows common themes, particularly a Johannine sense of interiority and divine love. These turning points operated differently in their lives: for George Fox, it enabled him to embrace others whose unrighteousness had repulsed him, while, for Augustine, it enabled him to relax his terrified grip on those whom he loved.