Union and communion: The mystical spirituality of James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
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Date
2023
Authors
Lam, Judy Elise
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
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.
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Keywords
Thesis (Ph.D (Old and New Testament Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023, James Hudson Taylor, 19th century british protestant missionary in China, union and communion, song of songs, the exchanged life, christian mysticism, mystical spirituality, missionary spirituality, mystical text, mystical transformation, mystical path, yin-yang, paschal mystery, mysterium tremendum, soul care, soul love, soul rest, soul work, askesis, kenosis, theosis, epektasis, spirituality