Julian of Norwich, Theologian

April 15, 2011

Turner (historical theology, Yale Divinity Sch.; Faith, Reason and the Existence of God) sets out to argue that 14th-century English mystic Julian of Norwich not only was witness to divine visions but interpreted those visions in a theologically sophisticated manner, and this put her in the same category as Thomas Aquinas and Bernard of Clairvaux. Turner focuses on the contradictions within Julian's visions, or "shewings," and how Julian made sense of them, e.g., by asserting that sin has no "substance" and is "nought" to God in spite of her empirical knowledge that sin and evil do indeed exist and have tangible consequences. Turner systematically explains terms that Julian uses, such as "behovely" ("fitting"), essential to understanding Julian's insights. Elsewhere, Turner lays out then rules against arguments that could be used to question Julian's orthodoxy. Readers are left with a fresh interpretation of both Julian's shewings and of sin, redemption, and God's love for humanity. VERDICT This fascinating and quietly powerful academic work assumes that the reader is already familiar with the writings of Julian of Norwich. Recommended for serious college and university students and their professors as well as theologians who focus on this era.--Jennifer Stout, Cumberland Univ. Lib., Lebanon, TN

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