Mark D Russ
@markdruss.bsky.social
Theologian. Queer Quaker ✝️ /|\. PhD student at University of Nottingham constructing a critical White theology of Quaker worship. Author of "Quaker Shaped Christianity" (2022). (He/him) 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ jollyquaker.com
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Mark D Russ
@markdruss.bsky.social
· Nov 26
Spirit of Freedom, The from Christian Alternative Books
The Spirit of Freedom offers accessible, useful, and life-affirming theology rooted in Quaker spirituality and Biblical wisdom. Collecting ...
www.collectiveinkbooks.com
Happy publication day to me! 🥳 My book is finally out there. Do give it a read. I think it's rather good! www.collectiveinkbooks.com/christian-al... #quaker #theology
"The greatest radiance anyone can have on earth is truth in works of justice performed in imitation of the Son, and to practice the truth with regard to all that exists, for the glory of the noble love that God is. Oh, what great radiance it is that we may let God act with his radiance!" Hadewijch
January 20, 2026 at 9:19 AM
"The greatest radiance anyone can have on earth is truth in works of justice performed in imitation of the Son, and to practice the truth with regard to all that exists, for the glory of the noble love that God is. Oh, what great radiance it is that we may let God act with his radiance!" Hadewijch
Just seen 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and my word there's theological stuff to unpack. 😍 Horror /sci-fi/fantasy can do theology like nothing else.
January 19, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Just seen 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and my word there's theological stuff to unpack. 😍 Horror /sci-fi/fantasy can do theology like nothing else.
Reposted by Mark D Russ
Last one from me today, promise. We have been asked to post our upcoming events calendar on here, so your wish is my command... To quote the Lego Movie, "Everything is awesome..." - I genuinely can't pick my favourite, so just come to everything!
January 14, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Last one from me today, promise. We have been asked to post our upcoming events calendar on here, so your wish is my command... To quote the Lego Movie, "Everything is awesome..." - I genuinely can't pick my favourite, so just come to everything!
Reposted by Mark D Russ
And the countdown is on... FTN expert panel on publishing is next week, so add Tuesday night to your diary.
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
And the countdown is on... FTN expert panel on publishing is next week, so add Tuesday night to your diary.
Reposted by Mark D Russ
"When standing water is disturbed, it is cloudy and opaque... When this happens, it is difficult to get a clear view… However, when water becomes still, sediment falls to the bottom, and everything is clearer... A spiritual practice based on inward stillness and listening can work in a similar way."
January 18, 2026 at 3:21 PM
"When standing water is disturbed, it is cloudy and opaque... When this happens, it is difficult to get a clear view… However, when water becomes still, sediment falls to the bottom, and everything is clearer... A spiritual practice based on inward stillness and listening can work in a similar way."
I went to morning prayer at my parish church, and was twice thanked for coming. I've nothing against people's well meaning politeness, but I feel weird about being thanked for worshiping. I think I'd prefer friendly indifference, which would weirdly give me a greater sense of belonging.
January 18, 2026 at 2:47 PM
I went to morning prayer at my parish church, and was twice thanked for coming. I've nothing against people's well meaning politeness, but I feel weird about being thanked for worshiping. I think I'd prefer friendly indifference, which would weirdly give me a greater sense of belonging.
Reposted by Mark D Russ
Even in the depths of colonialism, genocide, enslavement, ethnic cleansing & holocaust, there have been white folks all over who have refused and resisted white supremacy.
We get to choose which ancestors we honor. One of my ancestors was an enslaver who sold my foremother. *I don't claim his ass.*
We get to choose which ancestors we honor. One of my ancestors was an enslaver who sold my foremother. *I don't claim his ass.*
January 17, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Even in the depths of colonialism, genocide, enslavement, ethnic cleansing & holocaust, there have been white folks all over who have refused and resisted white supremacy.
We get to choose which ancestors we honor. One of my ancestors was an enslaver who sold my foremother. *I don't claim his ass.*
We get to choose which ancestors we honor. One of my ancestors was an enslaver who sold my foremother. *I don't claim his ass.*
Reposted by Mark D Russ
📣 New Video! This week, I look at the interesting relationship between Quakerism and alcohol. We examine the Early Quaker hatred of the tavern and drinking to excess, to teetotalism and chocolate, to modern interpretations amongst Quakers today.
#quakers #quakerism
youtu.be/hTQV92E8LoU
#quakers #quakerism
youtu.be/hTQV92E8LoU
So, Do Quakers Drink Alcohol?
YouTube video by Quake It Up
youtu.be
January 17, 2026 at 5:59 PM
📣 New Video! This week, I look at the interesting relationship between Quakerism and alcohol. We examine the Early Quaker hatred of the tavern and drinking to excess, to teetotalism and chocolate, to modern interpretations amongst Quakers today.
#quakers #quakerism
youtu.be/hTQV92E8LoU
#quakers #quakerism
youtu.be/hTQV92E8LoU
Come join me in the Lake District to explore the connections between Ignatian and Quaker spirituality.
How might Ignatian practices help Quakers grow in their spiritual life? This course weaves together the insights of Ignatius of Loyola and Quakers over the centuries with the aim of increasing our spiritual freedom and helping us find God in all things.
For more info visit https://ow.ly/7lRg50XRRMc
For more info visit https://ow.ly/7lRg50XRRMc
January 17, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Come join me in the Lake District to explore the connections between Ignatian and Quaker spirituality.
Reposted by Mark D Russ
Thrilled to get a mention on Discovering Quakers over on Instagram! Was wondering why this video was getting a resurgence! We are talking about ways to collaborate in a number of ways so shall see what happens!
January 17, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Thrilled to get a mention on Discovering Quakers over on Instagram! Was wondering why this video was getting a resurgence! We are talking about ways to collaborate in a number of ways so shall see what happens!
Reposted by Mark D Russ
This! "The reason I yearn to worship God, whether at a gay bar or in a Meeting for Worship, is because I need to stay close to life’s source. I need saving, not from fiery punishment in the afterlife, but from the grip of the hells we’ve created in this world."
A little bit of Quaker theology for you. I've had an article published in the Friend about worship, heaven and drag. Enjoy!
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
Heaven sent: Mark Russ has a lesson from the drag show | The Friend
‘The queens and kings create joyous spaces of inclusion and affirmation.’| The Friend
thefriend.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:08 PM
This! "The reason I yearn to worship God, whether at a gay bar or in a Meeting for Worship, is because I need to stay close to life’s source. I need saving, not from fiery punishment in the afterlife, but from the grip of the hells we’ve created in this world."
Reposted by Mark D Russ
Does anyone have experience of Quaker meetings for worship, or churches in general, finding ways to make the post-service "coffee in the hall" less horrendous for neurodivergent people? (Question inspired by realising last night *why* I had just fled, again, from the post-meeting bunfight)
January 15, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Does anyone have experience of Quaker meetings for worship, or churches in general, finding ways to make the post-service "coffee in the hall" less horrendous for neurodivergent people? (Question inspired by realising last night *why* I had just fled, again, from the post-meeting bunfight)
Reposted by Mark D Russ
A little bit of Quaker theology for you. I've had an article published in the Friend about worship, heaven and drag. Enjoy!
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
Heaven sent: Mark Russ has a lesson from the drag show | The Friend
‘The queens and kings create joyous spaces of inclusion and affirmation.’| The Friend
thefriend.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:22 AM
A little bit of Quaker theology for you. I've had an article published in the Friend about worship, heaven and drag. Enjoy!
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
Reposted by Mark D Russ
My article on Whiteness and Quaker Universalism in Britain is now available as a free download. I think it's quite good. I hope you do too. Enjoy! digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/qrt/vol142/i... #theology
Whiteness and Quaker Universalism in Britain
In this article I do not address Fox’s message or his cultural limitations. Rather, I turn this question back on to the Quaker universalist discourse itself. How is the theology of the Quaker Universa...
digitalcommons.georgefox.edu
January 15, 2026 at 9:44 AM
My article on Whiteness and Quaker Universalism in Britain is now available as a free download. I think it's quite good. I hope you do too. Enjoy! digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/qrt/vol142/i... #theology
My article on Whiteness and Quaker Universalism in Britain is now available as a free download. I think it's quite good. I hope you do too. Enjoy! digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/qrt/vol142/i... #theology
Whiteness and Quaker Universalism in Britain
In this article I do not address Fox’s message or his cultural limitations. Rather, I turn this question back on to the Quaker universalist discourse itself. How is the theology of the Quaker Universa...
digitalcommons.georgefox.edu
January 15, 2026 at 9:44 AM
My article on Whiteness and Quaker Universalism in Britain is now available as a free download. I think it's quite good. I hope you do too. Enjoy! digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/qrt/vol142/i... #theology
Reposted by Mark D Russ
Because the Quaker movement emerged out of an earlier time of profound crisis and upheaval and is in essence an end-time spirituality, it might still have something crucial to offer a humanity faced with such significant existential threats.
The Quaker Faith: Friends of Love and Truth, pp.172-173.
The Quaker Faith: Friends of Love and Truth, pp.172-173.
January 15, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Because the Quaker movement emerged out of an earlier time of profound crisis and upheaval and is in essence an end-time spirituality, it might still have something crucial to offer a humanity faced with such significant existential threats.
The Quaker Faith: Friends of Love and Truth, pp.172-173.
The Quaker Faith: Friends of Love and Truth, pp.172-173.
A little bit of Quaker theology for you. I've had an article published in the Friend about worship, heaven and drag. Enjoy!
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
Heaven sent: Mark Russ has a lesson from the drag show | The Friend
‘The queens and kings create joyous spaces of inclusion and affirmation.’| The Friend
thefriend.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:22 AM
A little bit of Quaker theology for you. I've had an article published in the Friend about worship, heaven and drag. Enjoy!
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
thefriend.org/article/heav... #queer #LGBT+ #Christian #spirituality
Reposted by Mark D Russ
George Fox died on this day in 1691 at the age of 66. We know him as a brilliant preacher, networker, and a fan of good hats. We should also remember him for his incredible immune system because I’m honestly not sure how he survived prisons or transatlantic travel!
January 13, 2026 at 8:07 PM
George Fox died on this day in 1691 at the age of 66. We know him as a brilliant preacher, networker, and a fan of good hats. We should also remember him for his incredible immune system because I’m honestly not sure how he survived prisons or transatlantic travel!
Reposted by Mark D Russ
New video!! Thrilled to be joined by @timquaker.bsky.social General Secretary of @globalquakers.bsky.social (Friends World Committee for Consultation). We talk all things FWCC, Global Quakerism and the differences and similarities amongst Friends!
#quakers #quakerism #fwcc
youtu.be/CyF9aHvpNzA
#quakers #quakerism #fwcc
youtu.be/CyF9aHvpNzA
Global Quakerism: How FWCC Connects Friends Worldwide | Tim Gee
YouTube video by Quake It Up
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 6:37 PM
New video!! Thrilled to be joined by @timquaker.bsky.social General Secretary of @globalquakers.bsky.social (Friends World Committee for Consultation). We talk all things FWCC, Global Quakerism and the differences and similarities amongst Friends!
#quakers #quakerism #fwcc
youtu.be/CyF9aHvpNzA
#quakers #quakerism #fwcc
youtu.be/CyF9aHvpNzA
Reposted by Mark D Russ
My interview on the People So Bold Unitarian Social Justice podcast
youtu.be/Bk9WjcgyBus?...
youtu.be/Bk9WjcgyBus?...
Stephen Lingwood and the Right to Protest
YouTube video by People So Bold
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 3:07 PM
My interview on the People So Bold Unitarian Social Justice podcast
youtu.be/Bk9WjcgyBus?...
youtu.be/Bk9WjcgyBus?...
Just booked my place at this year's Society for the Study of Theology Conference. 🤩 www.theologysociety.org.uk/information/ #SST26
Conference Information - SST
Society for the Study of Theology
www.theologysociety.org.uk
January 14, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Just booked my place at this year's Society for the Study of Theology Conference. 🤩 www.theologysociety.org.uk/information/ #SST26
Reposted by Mark D Russ
Merry Feast of the Ass, y’all!
January 14, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Merry Feast of the Ass, y’all!
Reposted by Mark D Russ
If you're a Christian looking for resources for resistance against tyranny, there are 2 fairly radical texts you may want to consider.
1) The Magdeburg Confession: specifically the articulation of the doctrine of lesser magistrates
2) John of Salisbury, "Policraticus" - a defense of tyrranicide.
1) The Magdeburg Confession: specifically the articulation of the doctrine of lesser magistrates
2) John of Salisbury, "Policraticus" - a defense of tyrranicide.
January 12, 2026 at 5:36 PM
If you're a Christian looking for resources for resistance against tyranny, there are 2 fairly radical texts you may want to consider.
1) The Magdeburg Confession: specifically the articulation of the doctrine of lesser magistrates
2) John of Salisbury, "Policraticus" - a defense of tyrranicide.
1) The Magdeburg Confession: specifically the articulation of the doctrine of lesser magistrates
2) John of Salisbury, "Policraticus" - a defense of tyrranicide.
Reposted by Mark D Russ
1/2 A friend of mine spent time with Ukraine Friends over Zoom during the early months of Putin's invasion & many worried about forgiving Russian forces. That seems like rushing ahead a bit. I think it's okay to leave forgiveness until after they've stopped bombing your home. Summarising Quaker....
I think ultimately, loving our Herods is not about manufacturing sympathetic feelings towards them, but refusing to bow before them. They'll probably experience this as a call for their destruction, which it kind of is, the destruction of their false self. 5/
January 12, 2026 at 8:29 AM
1/2 A friend of mine spent time with Ukraine Friends over Zoom during the early months of Putin's invasion & many worried about forgiving Russian forces. That seems like rushing ahead a bit. I think it's okay to leave forgiveness until after they've stopped bombing your home. Summarising Quaker....
Reposted by Mark D Russ
2/2...theology as "that of God in everyone" sometimes has the unfortunate consequence of encouraging us to affirm the humanity of the oppressors before we have sufficiently attended to the experience of the victims. Forgiveness is a process. Its not something you can just switch on at will.
January 12, 2026 at 8:29 AM
2/2...theology as "that of God in everyone" sometimes has the unfortunate consequence of encouraging us to affirm the humanity of the oppressors before we have sufficiently attended to the experience of the victims. Forgiveness is a process. Its not something you can just switch on at will.