Julian of Norwich and the Problem of Evil

Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love explores the problem of evil and the existence of suffering in the world. Traditionally, there have been two approaches to the problem: the pastoral and the systematic. Richard Norton suggests that these two lines of thought may not be as separate as they seem and may be dependent on one another for their cohesion. He constructs a compassionate model of theodicy that can be of use to both pastoral and systematic theologians, while remaining sensitive to the raw atrocity of evil and preserving a vision of God as the one who ensures that all shall be well.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

The profound and enduring exploration of Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love delves into the core question that has perplexed philosophers and theologians since the dawn of monotheistic faith, and remains a formidable obstacle to belief for many individuals today. Specifically, how can a benevolent and omnipotent God coexist with the existence of natural disasters, genocide, trauma, and the pain we endure in the present? Throughout history, two distinct approaches to this dilemma have emerged: the pastoral, or practical, on the one hand, and the systematic, on the other. However, Richard Norton argues that these two lines of thought may not be as distinct as they initially appear, and may in fact be interconnected and dependent on each other for their coherence. Drawing upon Julian's personal experiences of profound suffering, both on a personal and societal level, as well as the insights of contemporary theologians like Dorothy Solle and Jürgen Moltmann, Norton constructs a compassionate model of theodicy that holds immense value for both pastoral and systematic theologians. Throughout his work, Norton remains acutely aware of the sheer magnitude of evil, while simultaneously maintaining a profound vision of God as the ultimate guarantor of a harmonious and well-ordered universe.

The exploration of Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love is a profound and enduring endeavor that delves into the core question that has perplexed philosophers and theologians since the dawn of monotheistic faith. This question remains a formidable obstacle to belief for many individuals today. Specifically, how can a benevolent and omnipotent God coexist with the existence of natural disasters, genocide, trauma, and the pain we endure in the present? Throughout history, two distinct approaches to this dilemma have emerged: the pastoral, or practical, on the one hand, and the systematic, on the other. However, Richard Norton argues that these two lines of thought may not be as distinct as they initially appear, and may in fact be interconnected and dependent on each other for their coherence. Drawing upon Julian's personal experiences of profound suffering, both on a personal and societal level, as well as the insights of contemporary theologians like Dorothy Solle and Jürgen Moltmann, Norton constructs a compassionate model of theodicy that holds immense value for both pastoral and systematic theologians. Throughout his work, Norton remains acutely aware of the sheer magnitude of evil, while simultaneously maintaining a profound vision of God as the ultimate guarantor of a harmonious and well-ordered universe.

In the depths of Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love, lies a profound exploration of the age-old question that has vexed philosophers and theologians alike: how can a benevolent and omnipotent God coexist with the existence of natural disasters, genocide, trauma, and the pain we endure in the present? This question remains a formidable barrier to belief for many individuals today. Throughout history, two distinct approaches to this dilemma have emerged: the pastoral, or practical, on the one hand, and the systematic, on the other. However, Richard Norton argues that these two lines of thought may not be as distinct as they initially appear, and may in fact be interconnected and dependent on each other for their coherence. Drawing upon Julian's personal experiences of profound suffering, both on a personal and societal level, as well as the insights of contemporary theologians like Dorothy Solle and Jürgen Moltmann, Norton constructs a compassionate model of theodicy that holds immense value for both pastoral and systematic theologians. Throughout his work, Norton remains acutely aware of the sheer magnitude of evil, while simultaneously maintaining a profound vision of God as the ultimate guarantor of a harmonious and well-ordered universe.

The exploration of Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love is a profound and enduring endeavor that delves into the core question that has perplexed philosophers and theologians since the dawn of monotheistic faith. This question remains a formidable obstacle to belief for many individuals today. Specifically, how can a benevolent and omnipotent God coexist with the existence of natural disasters, genocide, trauma, and the pain we endure in the present? Throughout history, two distinct approaches to this dilemma have emerged: the pastoral, or practical, on the one hand, and the systematic, on the other. However, Richard Norton argues that these two lines of thought may not be as distinct as they initially appear, and may in fact be interconnected and dependent on each other for their coherence. Drawing upon Julian's personal experiences of profound suffering, both on a personal and societal level, as well as the insights of contemporary theologians like Dorothy Solle and Jürgen Moltmann, Norton constructs a compassionate model of theodicy that holds immense value for both pastoral and systematic theologians. Throughout his work, Norton remains acutely aware of the sheer magnitude of evil, while simultaneously maintaining a profound vision of God as the ultimate guarantor of a harmonious and well-ordered universe.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780718896140