J. Brent Bill

J. Brent Bill
Born	1951 (age 72–73) Columbus, Ohio
Education	Wilmington College and Earlham School of Religion
Occupation	Author

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]

• 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
  • 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 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

• 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