ABSTRACT
This conclusion chapter presents some closing thoughts on the keyconcepts discussed in this book. The book considers the personal motivations and approaches of the authors towards their topics and their findings. It looks at the nature of the Quaker study of Quakerism and how insider research affects the researchers and the relationship between the findings and the Quaker group itself. Michele Tarter’s academic work makes personal connections for her, whilst Carole Spencer’s work affirms the holiness aspect which originally attracted her to Quakerism. It is as if the research findings of these Quakers (or some-time attender, in Richard Bailey’s case) become a pivot point or a series of points along their spiritual journeys. The ‘explanatory’ is concerned with explanation rather than deep understanding and looks for causes and regularities. Disciplinary differences, different starting points and a wide range of motivations lead the chapter authors to end up in very different places.
