Julian of Norwich, Theologian - Hardcover

Turner, Denys

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300163916 ISBN 13: 9780300163919

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2011

Synopsis

For centuries readers have comfortably accepted Julian of Norwich as simply a mystic. In this astute book, Denys Turner offers a new interpretation of Julian and the significance of her work. Turner argues that this fourteenth-century thinker's sophisticated approach to theological questions places her legitimately within the pantheon of other great medieval theologians, including Thomas Aquinas, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Bonaventure.

Julian wrote but one work in two versions, a Short Text recording the series of visions of Jesus Christ she experienced while suffering a near-fatal illness, and a much expanded Long Text exploring the theological meaning of the "showings" some twenty years later. Turner addresses the apparent conflict between the two sources of Julian's theology: on the one hand, her personal revelation of God's omnipotent love, and on the other, the Church's teachings on and her own witnessing of evil in the world that deserves punishment, even eternal punishment. Offering a fresh and elegant account of Julian's response to this conflict—one that reveals its nuances, systematic character, and originality—this book marks a new stage in the century-long rediscovery of one of the English language's greatest theological thinkers.

About this title

About the Author

Denys Turner is Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology, Yale University. He lives in New Haven, CT, and in Birmingham, UK.

Review

"This is the best book I have seen on Julian, and one of the most energizing ventures in theology in the last several years."—John Wilson, Books and Culture (John Wilson Books and Culture)

"The author writes with erudition, theological precision and flashes of humor. This is an enlightening book that makes an important and impressive addition to Julian scholarship."—Joan M. Nuth, America (Joan M. Nuth America)

“The best theological exposition of Julian to appear so far....It shows why her thinking is still of value and how one might critically engage with it.”—Brian Davies, Commonweal (Brian Davies Commonweal)

“Masterful . . . Great theology, well considered and well-told.”—Alex Joyner, Englewood Review of Books (Alex Joyner Englewood Review of Books)

"Fascinating and quietly powerful. . . . Recommended for serious college and university students and their professors as well as theologians who focus on this era."—Jennifer Stout, Library Journal (Jennifer Stout Library Journal)

"Turner is such a good, clear writer and the theological themes he picks up from Julian are so rich and central to the Christian life, that I think many readers will be able to read this book fruitfully and even with joy. He succeeds completely in what he sets out to do and it is not too much to say that this book can be transformative, not only for Julian's place within the history of Christian thought, but for readers searching for life-giving resources for contemporary Christian living."—Alex Joyner, Englewood Review of Books (Alex Joyner Englewood Review of Books)

Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0300163916
• ISBN 13: 9780300163919
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288