J. Brent Bill Explained

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

• As editor. 2002. Imagination and Spirit: A Contemporary Quaker Reader
• 2005. Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality
  • 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 ^[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
  • 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
• With Beth A. Booram. 2011. Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God
  • 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
  • Publishers Weekly described the book as practical and thought-provoking offering a "fresh, useful approach".^[10]
  • Friends Journal called it an "imperfect but powerful book" with a practical and humorous look at prayer.^[11]
• 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."^[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
• 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

External links

• 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

Notes and References

1. Web site: Bill. J. Brent. J. Brent Bill.
2. Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality. Publishers Weekly. April 11, 2005.
3. Spiritual Life. Fr David J.. Centner. 52. 1. Spring 2006. 54–56. Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality/Sounding the Silence. .
4. Web site: Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality (Second Edition).
5. Presbyterian Outlook. Berman D'Andrea. Emily. Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality. 199. 7. May 8, 2017. 45. .
6. Daniel. Boice. March 2017. The Catholic Library World. 185. 87. 3. Holy Silence: The Gift of Quaker Spirituality. .
7. Mind the Light: Seeing the World with Spiritual Eyes. Publishers Weekly. June 12, 2006.
8. Publishers Weekly. Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God. December 12, 2011.
9. Valerie. Brown. Awaken Your Senses: Exercises for Exploring the Wonder of God. Friends Journal. December 26, 2012.
10. Publishers Weekly. Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer. January 19, 2015.
11. Friends Journal. Finding God in the Verbs: Crafting a Fresh Language of Prayer. Chase. Steve. November 1, 2015.
12. Friends Journal. August 1, 2016. Diane. Reynolds. Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace.
13. Friends Journal. Top Ten Quaker Bestsellers 2018. September 1, 2018.
14. Western Friend. Life Lessons From a Bad Quaker (review). Ells. Rick. January–February 2018.