Biographical Note on Julian of Norwich
Provide a brief biographical note on Julian of Norwich. Make sure that someone who has never heard of her will find it helpful. You will need to read an introductory essayyyy on Julian, outside of the text, for this question. Here is an example site, but you can easily find dozens more: http://juliancentre.org/about/about-julian-of-norwich.html
2. Julian organizes her visions and memories in an orderly fashion, topic by topic, and detail by detail. She tells us that she desired to have “three graces.” What are they? Feel free to expand.
3. Julian speaks of “three wounds” that she experiences. Name them. What do these “wounds” do in her or with her?
4. What was the significance of “something no bigger than a hazelnut” that Julian saw in a vision?
5. Julian says she saw in her understanding, “six things.” Explain what these were.
6. Julian says, “We are double by God’s creating.” Explain this statement.
7. Julian illustrates the workings of the Trinity through a few analogies or comparisons. What are they?
8. What, according to Julian, are the three ways of contemplating the “motherhood of God”?
Part B
9. Introduce Madame Guyon for a person who has never heard of her. You will need to read a biographical essayyy on her, for this purpose. Here is an example site, but please check others as well: https://bit.ly/1Ee4iFC
10. Guyon lived and died as a faithful follower of the Catholic faith, yet the Catholic Church banned her spiritual writings, condemning them as “Quietist.” What does that term mean? You should refer to a detailed definition of this term to answer the question adequately.
11. Guyon speaks of two ways to come to the Lord. What are they? Please explain each.
12. What does Guyon urge the reader to do, A. When the presence of the Lord is felt, and B. When the presence of God is not felt?
13. What does Guyon advise the reader on the matter of experiencing revelations from God?
14. What does Guyon mean by the term or experience of “abandonment”? Explain, please.
15. What are the results of “abandonment”?
Biographical Note on Julian of Norwich
Julian of Norwich, also known as Dame Julian, was an English mystic and anchoress who lived in the 14th century. She is renowned for her spiritual writings, particularly her work "Revelations of Divine Love," which is the earliest surviving book written in the English language by a woman. Julian's life is shrouded in mystery, and little is known about her early years. At the age of 30, she experienced a series of intense visions or "showings" from God, which profoundly influenced her spiritual beliefs and writings.
Julian's visions and memories are organized in an orderly fashion, topic by topic, and detail by detail. She desired to have "three graces," which she identified as a right understanding, a sure way, and a determined will. These graces were essential for her spiritual growth and devotion to God.
In her writings, Julian speaks of "three wounds" that she experiences: the wound of contrition, the wound of compassion, and the wound of longing for God. These wounds deepen her spiritual connection with God and serve as a source of profound empathy and understanding for the suffering of humanity.
One of the significant aspects of Julian's visions is the symbolism of "something no bigger than a hazelnut." In one of her revelations, she sees a small round object, which she interprets as representing the entire created universe in the palm of God's hand. This vision emphasizes the divine omnipotence and intimate connection between God and creation.
Julian describes seeing "six things" in her understanding, including God, sin, and grace. These revelations offer profound insights into the nature of God and humanity's relationship with divine grace.
Julian's statement "We are double by God’s creating" refers to the duality of human nature, encompassing both the earthly existence and spiritual essence bestowed by God.
In her writings, Julian illustrates the workings of the Trinity through various analogies, such as the roles of a mother, teacher, and lord. These comparisons provide a deeper understanding of the complex nature of the divine Trinity.
Regarding the "motherhood of God," Julian presents three ways of contemplating it: "the motherhood of grace," "the motherhood of nature," and "the motherhood of working." These contemplations elucidate the multifaceted aspects of God's nurturing and sustaining presence in the world.
Introducing Madame Guyon
Madame Guyon, also known as Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon, was a French mystic and writer born in 1648. She gained prominence for her profound spiritual experiences and influential writings on Christian mysticism. Despite facing persecution and condemnation from the Catholic Church, Guyon remained steadfast in her faith and continued to inspire spiritual seekers through her works.
The term "Quietist" refers to a religious movement associated with mystical contemplation and inner silence. Quietism emphasizes passive receptivity to divine grace and the abandonment of self-will in favor of complete submission to God's will. Madame Guyon's spiritual writings were condemned as Quietist by the Catholic Church due to their perceived emphasis on passive contemplation and detachment from external religious practices.
Guyon speaks of two ways to come to the Lord: through resignation and through total abandonment. Resignation involves surrendering one's will to God's will, while total abandonment entails relinquishing all desires and attachments to achieve union with God.
In her writings, Guyon urges the reader to embrace the presence of the Lord with gratitude and humility. When God's presence is not felt, she advises seeking consolation in faith and trust in divine providence.
Regarding revelations from God, Guyon advises the reader to receive them with humility and discernment, acknowledging that true revelations are accompanied by peace, love, and spiritual growth.
Guyon's concept of "abandonment" entails surrendering one's will entirely to God, accepting divine providence without resistance, and embracing a state of inner peace and trust in God's guidance.
The results of "abandonment" include spiritual freedom, inner peace, and a profound sense of union with God. By relinquishing control and surrendering to divine will, individuals experience a deepening of their spiritual connection and find solace in God's sustaining presence.