Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quakers

The mid-seventeenth century was a tumultuous time, and out of the chaos, Quakerism was born. Zealous: A Darker Side of the Early Quakers tells a different side to this story.

The Civil Wars touched all corners of England, Scotland, and Wales; the people of the 'poor, almost wasted Kingdom' were war-weary, miserable, and in total ruin. Years of conflict left the people in utter desperation. Communities were pillaged, torn apart, and irrevocably changed. And then, in September 1651, it was over. What remained was a tattered landscape, an uncertain political future, religious upheaval, and emotional trauma.

Amongst the turmoil, a new religious movement started in the north of England.

The early Quakers were a group of people led by charismatic preachers wholly convinced that it was their responsibility to save as many souls as possible. Their means of convincing others to be saved ranged from attempting to perform miracles (and failing) to deeply antisocial behaviour (e.g., walking naked through busy towns) to infuriating local authorities (e.g., refusing to abide by the law and being repeatedly jailed).

The early Quakers were standing on shifting sands during a very uncertain time. Throughout history, fear has always compelled people to do just about anything to feel safe and secure. Their zeal led them to challenge what they saw as an impure world. They were willing to die for their beliefs, and on occasion, they would commit unspeakable acts in the name of God.