J. Brent Bill (born 1951 in

Columbus, Ohio Columbus () is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., the second-most populous city in the Midwest, after Chicago, and t ...

) is an American author of

Quaker Quakers are people who belong to a historically Protestant Christian set of Christian denomination, denominations known formally as the Religious Society of Friends. Members of these movements ("theFriends") are generally united by a belie ...

spiritual literature. He is a graduate of Wilmington College and

Earlham School of Religion Earlham School of Religion (ESR), a graduate division of Earlham College, located in Richmond, Indiana, is the oldest graduate seminary associated with the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). ESR's Mission Statement is as follows: "Rooted in ...

and has worked as a pastor and writing coach.

Works

*As editor. 2002. ''Imagination and Spirit: A Contemporary Quaker Reader'' *2005. ''Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality'' **''

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of B ...

'' described the book as a useful devotional guide and praised it for its "buoyant but realistic tone". **''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. **A second edition appeared in 2016: ''Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality, 2nd Edition'' **In a review of the second edition, the ''Presbyterian Outlook'' noted that "the Quakers are onto something" when it comes to silence. **''The Catholic Library World'' recommended the book for readers open to that "still, small voice". * 2006. ''Mind the Light: Learning to See with Spiritual Eyes'' **''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". *2008. ''Sacred Compass: The Path of Spiritual Discernment'' *With Beth A. Booram. 2011. ''Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God'' **In a

starred review A starred review is a book review __NOTOC__ A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is merely described (summary review) or analyzed based on content, style, and merit. A book review may be a primary source, opinion piece ...

, ''Publishers Weekly'' called the work "a deeply pleasing book" which gracefully accomplishes its goals. **''

Friends Journal ''Friends Journal'' is a monthly Quaker magazine that combines first-person narrative, reportage, poetry, and news. ''Friends Journal'' began publishing in 1827 and 1844 with the founding of ''The Friend'' (Orthodox, 1827—1955) and ''The Friend ...

'' called it a "useful tool" though some of the images did not resonate with the reviewer. *With Jennie Isbell. 2015. ''Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of God'' **''Publishers Weekly'' described the book as practical and thought-provoking offering a "fresh, useful approach". **''Friends Journal'' called it an "imperfect but powerful book" with a practical and humorous look at prayer. *2015. ''Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble toward Simplicity and Grace'' **''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." The book placed #5 on the list of "Top Ten Quaker Bestsellers 2018". **'' Western Friend'' recommended the book as a useful introduction to Quaker values for Christians of other denominations. * 2019. ''Beauty, Truth Life, and Love: Four Essentials for the Abundant Life'' * 2019. ''Hope and Witness In Dangerous Times: Lessons from the Quakers on Blending Faith, Daily Life, and Activism'' **''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''

References

External links

Bill's WebsiteBill's Blog
on "Sacred Compass" by ReadTheSpirit.com
Interview with Brent Bill
''Friends Journal'', November 1, 2012 {{DEFAULTSORT:Bill, J. Brent 1951 births Living people American Quakers Quaker ministers American religion academics American religious writers American spiritual writers Earlham College alumni Writers from Columbus, Ohio Wilmington College (Ohio) alumni People from Mooresville, Indiana