Julian of Norwich: Showings (Classics of Western Spirituality)

Julian of Norwich was an anchoress, a woman who lived in a small room attached to a church in Norwich, England, in the 1300s. Early in her life, she prayed for three graces. First was to have a vivid recollection of Christ's Passion. Second was to experience a severe bodily sickness at age 30, as if she were to die. Third was to have three wounds--"the wound of true contrition, the wound of loving compassion and the wound of longing with my will for God." [p. 179] In her thirtieth year, she did have a sickness that took her to the brink of death, after which she had sixteen visions or "showings" that altered and deepened her spiritual life. She wrote about them immediately after the experience. Twenty years later, she expanded that writing, giving the book richer spiritual detail that she developed with all that time to reflect upon them.This book contains both the first text and the longer second text. The translators provide a substantial introduction. As is my way, I read the texts before the introduction in hopes of not having the words pre-interpreted for me. The introduction is mostly a rehash of the text, giving the historical context, showing the connections to biblical and patristic sources, and commenting on her theological insights. I found the introduction a little dry and probably won't re-read it in future readings.As for Julian herself, her visions are a mixture of vivid experiences of Christ's bodily suffering and of God's relationship to His creatures. Several themes are prevalent. Her most famous quote (which comes up several times in the text) is "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." She has a profound faith and trust in divine providence. God has a plan for everyone and things (like her near-death illness) do work out according to His plan for salvation. She appreciates the sacrifice Jesus made for us and wants to unite her suffering more to His. His providence protects us from the greatest evil, sin, but not from suffering: "He did not say: You will not be troubled, you will not be belaboured, you will not be disquieted; but he said: You will not be overcome." [p. 315] The devil tempts us and our own nature can falter, but God's grace is enough to carry us through.Another theme she develops is controversial. She discusses the motherhood of God, often referring to Christ as "our Mother." He gives us mercy and feeds us from His own flesh, both maternal attributes. She draws on the popular image of the pelican, a bird that will tear bits of its own flesh to feed its young. All good things come from God, so the goods of motherhood also come from Him. Interestingly, even when referring to Christ as "our Mother," Julian always uses the pronouns "He" or "Him." So she isn't confused about Jesus's gender. In addition to His masculine attributes, He also has what are considered feminine traits, like compassion and tenderness and healing. Just as a father and a mother provide for their children, so God provides for all humans. It's a subtle nuance that is easily lost in casual conversation or reflection.I found the text interesting and challenging. I have read almost nothing about people's mystical experiences and this makes me want to read more. That's a good thing.Recommended.

Julian of Norwich was a 15th century anchorite (or anchoress) who lived much of her life in a little chapel on the grounds of her church. This book contains both a short version and a longer version, written later in her life. Learning that she lived much like a hermit, one is tempted to dismiss her writings as unrelated to the busy, interactive life for most of us in the 21st century. However, her focus on her relationship with God (Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit) can be instructive, or even inspirational for the reader. She is best known for her affirmation that "All is well; all will be well; and all will be made well." Her "Showings" (or Revelations) elaborate on this theme, which is a mantra the could well be pasted on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror: a needed reminder in the stress, the rush, and sometimes the tragedies of everyday life.

Exceptional!! If you have sought to be enlivened by spirituality this is the book for you! There is a fare amount of what I would call "Churchifieng" in the first half but the long version of Julians "Showings" (included) is truely bliss at its best. Truth has a way of bringing the "bugs" out of the woodwork as it were (the first half "introduction" section) but then freedom is a major threat to power. Just believe what Julian heard and you life will change.... and do pass it on!!!!

To anyone familiar with the Western contemplative and mystical tradition there will be much that is familiar in Julian's "Showings". But there are also a considerable number of delightful surprises, and profound insights, that this reader, at least , found moving and valuable, most of them I am sure unique to Julian. Don't bother with the short version, but do read the introduction, even though it is a bit long, maybe after a first reading of the text, and before a second reading and closer study (which is rewarding).

I am reading it now, so I do not have an opinion, but have been told it is very impressive

One of the most important books I've ever read and continue to read annually, especially during the season Lent. Don't fail to read this one.Cross reference what Julian states with other written works.

Purchased this to add to my Classics of Western Spirituality collection. When I get around to reading it, probably years from now, I'll probably review it then.

Best translation and commentary. Good background information provided. Plenty to meditate on.

a good read

Love Julian! First woman who wrote in English. This series introducing the classics of Western spirituality are wonderful.

A challenging but essential read for the Christian pligrimage