"A Model for All Christian Women": Candida Xu, a Chinese Christian Woman of the Seventeenth Century

Candida Xu (1607–1680), granddaughter of Xu Guangqi, was a prominent Chinese Christian woman of the seventeenth century. Her life is recounted in a biography based on European missionary and Chinese language sources, highlighting her faith and contribution to the Christian Church in China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Candida Xu (1607–1680), the esteemed granddaughter of the renowned Chinese Christian convert and statesman Xu Guangqi (1562–1633) and the preeminent Chinese Christian woman of the seventeenth century, is the subject of this biography. The foundation of this account is the biography titled Histoire dune dame chrétienne de la Chine (Paris, 1688) authored by her confessor Philippe Couplet, S.J. (1623–1693), an obituary of his mother, and various other writings by her eldest son. Additionally, the Xu family history has been consulted to provide further insights into her life. By utilizing these and other pertinent European missionary and Chinese language sources, the life of Candida Xu, encompassing her roles as a daughter, wife, mother, and generous contributor to the Christian Church, is recounted. The events in her life are contextualized within the historical and religious backdrop of China during that era. An examination of the circumstances surrounding women, particularly Christian women, highlights how Candida Xu's faith played a pivotal role in empowering her and other believing Christian women to exercise greater freedom of choice and action.

Candida Xu (1607–1680), the esteemed granddaughter of the renowned Chinese Christian convert and statesman Xu Guangqi (1562–1633) and the preeminent Chinese Christian woman of the seventeenth century, is the subject of this biography. The foundation of this account is the biography titled Histoire dune dame chrétienne de la Chine (Paris, 1688) authored by her confessor Philippe Couplet, S.J. (1623–1693), an obituary of his mother, and various other writings by her eldest son. Additionally, the Xu family history has been consulted to provide further insights into her life. By utilizing these and other pertinent European missionary and Chinese language sources, the life of Candida Xu, encompassing her roles as a daughter, wife, mother, and generous contributor to the Christian Church, is recounted. The events in her life are contextualized within the historical and religious backdrop of China during that era. An examination of the circumstances surrounding women, particularly Christian women, highlights how Candida Xu's faith played a pivotal role in empowering her and other believing Christian women to exercise greater freedom of choice and action.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367682927