Abstract

Carole Dale Spencer explores the possible influences of the German mystic Jacob Boehme on the radical incarnational Christology of James Nayler, prolific writer and leader of the early Quaker movement. Spencer theorizes that Nayler’s dramatic literal imitation of Christ, termed his “fall,” may have been motivated by Boehme’s idea of “a divine signature.” Nayler’s “fall” discredited his leadership, sparked a more conservative, less mystical turn, and led to a rejection of the Behmenist faction within the early Movement. Spencer shows how Nayler’s so-called confessional writings, written “post-fall” contain echoes of Boehme’s The Way to Christ, yet enabled him to be reunited with Quakers. His writings later became a respected part of the Quaker canon, continuing the mystical trajectory into the evolving Society of Friends and on into the present.