From Holy Striving to Wholly Abiding: Mystical Transformation in James Hudson Taylor (1832–1905)
Judy E. Lam
November 16, 2016 DOI: 10.4102/hts.v72i4.3483 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis |
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| Key points | Argues that James Hudson Taylor's 1869 mystical experience brought about an experiential union with Christ and a new consciousness of soul rest, described as a transformation 'from holy striving to wholly abiding,' and that this pivotal moment shaped both his personal life and his lasting missionary vocation, with implications the author draws for contemporary missionary spirituality. |
Abstract
James Hudson Taylor (1832–1905), founder of the China Inland Mission in June 1865, was one of the most influential 19th century British Protestant missionaries in China. His writings, sermons and personal letters are suffused with spiritual insights and mystical nuances, notably Union and Communion,1 his short devotional work on the Song of Songs which was published in 1894. This article focuses on his mystical or transformative experience of 1869 which effected a profound experiential union with Christ and a new consciousness of soul rest. Captured here as a transformation ‘from holy striving to wholly abiding’, the significance of this pivotal moment is elucidated in terms of its immediate personal effect and its lasting impact on Taylor’s mission vocation. The relevance of Taylor’s mysticism for contemporary missionary spirituality is briefly delineated.