Quakers, the Bible, and Spiritual Authority with Father James Martin and Ollie from Quake It Up

In this episode of Quakers Today, we consider the Bible. Co-host Peterson Toscano (he/him) speaks with Jesuit priest and best-selling author Father James Martin about the story of Lazarus and what it means to live a resurrected life in today’s world. From a powerful visit to Lazarus’s tomb in Palestinian territory to reflections on freedom and healing, Father Martin brings spiritual and historical depth to a story often overlooked.

We also hear from Ollie, a British Quaker and creator of the popular YouTube channel Quake It Up. In conversation with Peterson, Ollie explores the role of the Bible in liberal Quakerism, what happens when scripture is weaponized, and how we can find spiritual grounding beyond the written word.

This episode delves into the complications and possibilities of engaging with sacred texts, especially for those who have felt harmed by them. It also celebrates the boldness of Mary and Martha in the Gospels, and the courage it takes to step outside of cultural norms in pursuit of truth.

Featured Guests

Fr. James Martin, SJ Editor-at-large of America Magazine and author of Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle. He also hosts the Spiritual Direction podcast. Learn more at AmericaMagazine.org.

Ollie from Quake It Up Quaker YouTuber and podcast host whose channel explores the faith and practice of liberal Quakerism. You can find Quake It Up on YouTube, Instagram, and Bluesky.

Listener Question for Next Month

🎙️ What’s your favorite Quaker term or phrase? Something common among Friends, but maybe a little odd to outsiders?

Leave a voice memo with your name and location. Call 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). If you're outside the U.S., dial +1 first. You can also send your answer via email or on social media. Email: podcast@quakerstoday.org

Resources

📖 Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle – by Fr. James Martin 🎥 Quake It Up on YouTube 📝 Friends Journal’s new Bible Study column. We welcome your insights, your stories, and your questions.

Transfigurations--Transgressing Gender in the Bible by Peterson Toscano. Available for free viewing on YouTube.

Episode Highlights

• Spiritual Geography: Fr. Martin reflects on visiting the tomb of Lazarus in Al-Eizariya (Bethany), a pilgrimage site in Palestinian territory, and how this physical journey mirrors spiritual transformation.
• Freedom as Disruption: Lazarus’s story reveals how resurrection is not just about life after death but the courage to leave behind shame and fear.
• Mary at Jesus's Feet: Peterson and Ollie reclaim this story as one of gender expansiveness, courage, and spiritual authority.
• Quaker Perspectives on the Bible: Ollie and Peterson explore the tension between inward spiritual authority and the cultural dominance of scripture—especially when it's used to exclude or harm.
• New Life and Letting Go: What must we leave behind to embrace spiritual freedom?

Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation (FPC) content online. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Sweet Miche McCall.