The Enchanted Christianity of Anne Conway
29 October - 26 November 2025, Online
Join this course to explore the life and thought of philosopher and early Quaker Anne Conway (1631 –1679). Discover her radical vision of Enchanted Christianity and encounter the thinkers who shaped her intellectual and spiritual journey.
Conway's life offers contemporary Friends a fascinating microcosm of the theological and existential problems that captivated religious radicals and elites alike in 17th century Britain. What is the nature of goodness? Why does God allow suffering? What is the proper relationship between human beings and nature? In tackling these questions, Conway affirms the reality of absolute divine goodness, the central role of Christ in the restoration of nature, and the belief that suffering is a doorway to transcendence.
Throughout this course, learners will encounter the circle of friends, acquaintances and philosophical interlocutors that fed and sustained Conway's intellectual and spiritual life. Alongside familiar figures like George Fox, William Penn, and Robert Barclay, learners will discover Anne's formative friendships with the Cambridge Platonist Henry More and the Flemish alchemist Franciscus Mercurius van Helmont.
The Live Zoom sessions will take place every Wednesday at 19:00-20:30 (UK time).
More information
For more information contact:
Woodbrooke
Telephone: 0121 7282360