New Testament

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Browsing New Testament by Author "Kourie, Celia E. T."

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    Journey within: the spirituality of Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
    (University of the Free State, 2016-01) Van Staden, Elmor; Kourie, Celia E. T.
    English: This research project investigates the relevance of the spirituality of the well-known twentieth century Trappist monk, Thomas Merton (1915-1968), for a postmodern contemporary society. The research follows a phenomenological approach. This investigation is done especially in terms of his understanding of the inner journey which is, paradoxically, also the journey to God. The study commences with a short biography of Merton, highlighting the key events that shaped his life and that influenced his spirituality. Merton’s concept of the true self versus the false self is then analysed in relation to spiritual growth, psycho-spiritual development, or what Merton, towards the end of his life, referred to as ‘final integration’. This is followed by an analysis of contemplation, a major element in Merton’s spirituality. It includes an investigation of the relevance of contemplation for holiness, the world of technology, inter-religious dialogue, passivism and non-violence. Merton’s prophetic wisdom is also analysed especially in light of the value of contemplation within the work-place. The study is concluded by drawing together the threads of the research and extrapolating the major findings.
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    Union and communion: The mystical spirituality of James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
    (University of the Free State, 2023) Lam, Judy Elise; Kourie, Celia E. T.; Chow, Wilson W.
    James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), founder of the China Inland Mission in June 1865, is one of the most prominent names in the history of Protestant missions. He authored Union and Communion, a short devotional commentary on the Song of Songs, published in 1894. Like many of his other writings, it is suffused with mystical elements. Taylor's mystical dimension, however, has been eclipsed by an overemphasis on his intriguing 19th century missionary endeavours in China; in addition, his writings have been eclipsed by popular missionary biographies and secondary sources. Through a focus on his soul landscape and intimacy with God, this research has reconnected the mystical threads for an in-depth understanding of the relationship between his mystical spirituality and his missionary spirituality. By recovering Taylor's mystical wisdom (through the biblical frameworks of the Song of Songs, the Fourth Gospel, and the apostle Paul's writings), the research suggests that Taylor be recognised and re-visioned as a Protestant mystic cum missionary.