Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts has some text in each chapter from the 14th-century saint. Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts will only apply to catholics, who should appreciate reading about divine love, but Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts could also be of interest to those who like history. This book was published in 1988 and is well-written. At 132 pages, Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts is readable, and because some interpretation is presented in each chapter, the book is educational as well. Do you think this book would be helpful to you?
Summary of Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts
Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts offers reflections and interpretations on the Christian life based on the Book of Shewings (Revelations) of Julian of Norwich. Julian of Norwich was said to have visions of Jesus during her mystical seclusion, so these words are worthwhile. The interpretations in each chapter are helpful to readers.
Julian of Norwich was one of the great writers in medieval England. She has her place in literature alongside Chaucer, and she is also one of the great spiritual writers of the fourteenth century. The author of Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts has lectured in Church History and in Christian Spirituality, so he knows his stuff.
About Austin Cooper, the Author
Father Austin Cooper was ordained as a priest in 1956 and has a Master’s degree from the Catholic University of America and a Ph.D. from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. He was involved in the teaching ministry for the greater part of his life. He was a member of the community at St Mary’s, the House of Studies of the Australian province of the Oblate Fathers, and he lectured in Church History and Christian Spirituality at Catholic Theological College, Melbourne, Australia. He was also a visiting lecturer at the Centre for Christian Spirituality in Sydney, Australia, and the Institute for Spiritual Studies in Melbourne.
What is Mysticism?
Julian of Norwich was a Mystic, and Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts is filled with her writings. Mysticism is known as becoming one with God, but may refer to any kind of ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or spiritual meaning and can occur in many religions. The term “mysticism” has Ancient Greek origins with various historically determined meanings. Mysticism came to refer to the biblical, liturgical, sacramental, spiritual, and contemplative dimensions of early and medieval Christianity.
In modern times, “mysticism” has acquired a more limited definition, with broad applications, meaning the aim at the “union with the Absolute, the Infinite, or God.” This definition has been applied to a wide range of religious traditions and practices, valuing “mystical experience” as a key element of mysticism.
In early Christianity, the term “mystikos” referred to three intertwined dimensions. They are the biblical, the liturgical, and the spiritual. The biblical dimension refers to hidden interpretations of Scriptures. The liturgical dimension refers to the liturgical mystery of the Eucharist, the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The third dimension is the contemplative or experiential knowledge of God.
Until the sixth century, the Greek term theoria, meaning “contemplation” in Latin, was used for the mystical interpretation of the Bible and the vision of God. The link between mysticism and the vision of the Divine was introduced by the early Church Fathers, who used the term as an adjective for contemplation.
Theoria enabled the Fathers to perceive depths of meaning in the bible that escape a scientific or empirical approach to interpretation. Later, theoria or contemplation came to be distinguished from intellectual life, leading to contemplation in prayer. This is distinguished from meditation in both Eastern and Western cultures.
Conclusion
Julian of Norwich Reflections on Selected Texts is a useful text. Not only does it contain writings from the 14th-century mystic who has visions of Jesus, but it also has interpretations from an expert in each chapter. It is a readable text that will appeal to Catholics, but it should also appeal to those who like medieval English history.
