MACMILLAN The Charismatic Movement in Taiwan from 1945 to 1995: Clashes, Concord, and Cacophony (Christianity and Renewal - Interdisciplinary Studies)

This book presents a comprehensive account of the historical development of the Charismatic Movement in Taiwan, placing it within the context of Taiwan’s religious and political history. Judith C. P. Lin unearths invaluable sources of the Japan Apostolic Mission, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Formosa Chapter, and Jean Stone Willans’ short stay in Taiwan in 1968. Lin describes and analyzes how the efforts of 1970s charismatic missionaries in Taiwan―including Pearl Young, Nicholas Krushnisky, Donald Dale, Allen J. Swanson, and Ross Paterson―shaped the theological convictions of later Taiwanese charismatic leaders. She also explores significant developments in the Taiwanese Church which contributed to the gradual and widespread recognition of the Charismatic Movement in Taiwan from 1980 to 1995.  Lin offers a thorough treatment of history, reconfigures historiography from a Taiwanese perspective, and challenges the academic circle to take seriously the “Taiwanese consciousness” when engaging Taiwan’s history. Review “The Charismatic Movement in Taiwan is an exceptionally thorough survey of its subject, and those involved in such things will no doubt find much absorbing detail here. I have never seen such a long bibliography ― the remotest local newspapers seem to have been combed for records.” (Bradley Winterton, taipeitimes.com, December 2, 2021) Review “Commenting on the book of Judges, one author wrote ‘we must always see the Lord as the hero of each narrative.’ In tracing the path of ‘The Charismatic Movement in Taiwan from 1945 to 1995,’ Judith C. P. Lin has shown how the Lord was the hero of her narrative. Her amazingly painstaking research proves how the Lord weaved sometimes unconnected threads to bless the Taiwanese church with a vital change of approach to the work of the Holy Spirit. The 1970’s were not easy for some of us (comments like ‘why do you not believe the Bible?’ were not welcome to a lifetime evangelical who remained equally so on becoming charismatic). Therefore Judith’s work should be widely read, speaking through its pages that 1 Corinthians 15:58 is true today: ‘be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.’” (Ross Paterson, Missionary to Taiwan, 1969-1979, 2007-present day) “Those with a passion for bringing the gospel to all nations will of necessity encounter the Holy Spirit.   If not, they will be the weaker. With an eagle’s eye, Dr. Lin’s book is a very valuable work that sees many of the twists and turns that unfold in seeking to be faithful to this Spirit.  A New Testament symbol of the Holy Spirit is fire, which left in the fireplace warms the house but placed on the living room floor rug can burn the house down. Dr. Lin recognizes both that power for good and that danger. I served in Taiwan for 30 years, yet I learned many new lessons in this excellent work. I strongly commend it to all who desire to be better informed, educated and blessed by the Holy Spirit.” (Allen J. Swanson, Author of The Church in Taiwan, Profile 1980, Mending the Nets, and other works.) “Judith Lin convincingly shows that Taiwanese Christianity has always been typically open to charismatic sensibilities. She offers us a fascinating narrative of the various streams of influence that led to the flourishing of the charismatic renewal movement in Taiwan after 1980 and insightfully analyzes the movement and the debates that ensued over its significance. Her narrative is well researched and compelling. It contributed a valuable piece to my knowledge of the global Pentecostal and charismatic movement.” (Frank D. Macchia, Professor of Christian Theology, Vanguard University, and Associate Director of the Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Bangor University, UK) “Reading this book, based on valuable oral-history interviews and documents diligently explored from various