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.
Highlights
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While Taylor’s experience of 1869 does not go unmentioned in writings on his spiritual life,3 few authors describe it as mystical transformation which the present article articulates as ‘from holy striving to wholly abiding’
Schneiders defines spirituality as ‘the experience of conscious involvement in the project of life-integration through self-transcendence toward the horizon of ultimate value one perceives’ (2011:16); and, with reference to Christian Spirituality, it specifies the horizon of ultimate value as ‘the triune God revealed in Jesus Christ ...’ (2011:17)
Summary
From Holy Striving to Wholly Abiding: Mystical Transformation in James Hudson Taylor (1832–1905). 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, his short devotional work on the Song of Songs which was published in 1894. While Taylor’s experience of 1869 does not go unmentioned in writings on his spiritual life, few authors describe it as mystical transformation which the present article articulates as ‘from holy striving to wholly abiding’ By identifying this ‘holy moment’ as the apex of Taylor’s spiritual journey and elaborating the profound effect on his personal life, missionary vocation, and love for the Song of Songs, it will become evident that Taylor’s mysticism is the raison d’etre for his spiritual legacy and a treasure trove for contemporary spirituality studies. Several suggestions are delineated for a rediscovery of Taylor as a mystic and a critical reconsideration of his model of a holy life for contemporary Protestant missionary spirituality
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