Nonconformists and the Modern Revival of Mysticism

14 January 2021

The 2020 Lecture (delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic) will take place at 5:30 pm on Thursday 28th January 2021. Professor Jane Shaw, Principal of Harris Manchester College and Professor of the History of Religion at the University of Oxford will speak on the subject, Nonconformists and the Modern Revival of Mysticism.

The early twentieth century saw a revival of interest in mysticism, and an accompanying growth in retreats and prayer groups. While Anglicans and Roman Catholics initially sparked the revival, nonconformists – especially women – contributed to it in significant ways. Some wrote influential books, others edited modern editions of the medieval mystics, yet others helped lead retreats and prayer meetings, and a handful engaged in a rigorous form of the mystic and ascetic life themselves. In addition, many nonconformists were shaped by this renewal of mysticism (notably the leading Congregationalist of the day, R. J. Campbell), and made it a part of their theology and daily life.

This lecture will consider the impact of nonconformists on the revival of mysticism, and the impact of the revival on key nonconformists.

The lecture will be delivered via Zoom. To obtain the Zoom link and password please contact the Friend's Secretary.