The Muscular Christianity Of Eric Liddell

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By Eric Liddell on January 1, 2010 ,

The Muscular Christianity Of Eric Liddell

Within a year of his 1921 Olympic success (dramatized in the award winning film of chariots of fire), Eric Liddell-the gold medalist who wouldn't run on Sunday-went to china as a missionary with the London Missionary society. there he taught science at the Anglo-Chinese college in Tientsin and later decided to tackle the arduous task of rural evangelism, travelling many miles in rugged conditions by foot and bicycle.

Following the Japanese invasion of China and the consequent outbreak of World war II , Liddell was classified as an "enemy national" and sent to the prison camp at Weishien in August of 1943. As on of the 1800 prisoners packed into a facility measuring 150 by 200 yards, the former national hero played a pivotal role in meeting the camps physical and spiritual needs. He organized athletic meets, taught hymns, and ministered from the word. David J. Mitchel, who was a child in the Weishien camp , write "none of us will ever forget this man who was totally committed to putting God first, a man whose humble life combined muscular Christianity with radiant godliness."...

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Eric Liddell

Missionary Teacher

Eric Liddell (1902 – 1945) was a British Olympic Gold Medalist runner, a Scottish rugby union international player and Christian missionary. He attended the University of Edinburgh. Liddell served as a missionary teacher in additional to competing as a runner in the summer Olympics. Over the years, thousands of people have been inspired not only by Eric’s athletic accomplishment, but also by his integrity, humble service, and faith in Jesus Christ. His story was depicted in the Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire.

 

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