Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


I, Julian, by Claire Gilbert   


A clear challenge about our own walk with God by listening to Julian’s voice through the author’s thorough knowledge of her writings - story telling of the highest level



I, Julian by Claire GilbertI, Julian                                                                             
By Claire Gilbert
Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 978 1 399 80752 4 
Reviewed by Moira Kleissner

 
 
Recently, there has been some renewed interest in Julian of Norwich, the anchoress, or hermit, who lived in the 14th century in Norfolk and who wrote Revelations of Divine Love. Claire Gilbert, the author is an expert on Julian’s writings and Director of Westminster Abbey Institute.

In this book she reconstructs Julian’s life; a life about which we know very little. However, with a thorough knowledge of medieval Norwich, she transports us as participants, rather than observers, into Julian’s world. The “pestilences” experienced by Julian seem very pertinent after our brush with Covid. There is no over-romanticising, over-description nor preaching at the reader, but a clarity of purpose in drawing an accurate picture of perhaps one of the greatest women theologians we have had.
 
I found myself completely immersed in this world by the deftness of Gilbert’s writing and the deep spirituality of Julian. Jesus was central to Julian’s life and Gilbert brings this relationship into sharp focus. There is much we can learn from Julian today.
 
The story is told in Julian’s voice, enabling the reader to enter her world and faith; a faith that informs her whole life and the work that she believes God has given her to do as a listener. A listener who withdraws from the world, but is present; a listener who has the freedom of time to pray for those who come to her with their problems. Today many Christians are beginning to rediscover the skills of listening-therapies while steeping them in prayer. Julian of Norwich is the forerunner of this practice, following in the footsteps of the Desert Fathers and Mothers with a prayer life focused on Jesus.
 
This is no modern retelling with 21st century characters dressed in historical garb. Nor is it a modern biography “about” Julian with “preachy” bits added. There is no over explanation about Julian’s life, but a clear challenge about our own walk with God by listening to Julian’s voice through the author’s thorough knowledge of her writings, and the author’s own deep spirituality. This is story telling of the highest level.
 
When historians such as Janina Ramirez find it a “joy to read” and “accurate”, and theologians such as Paula Gooder and Rowan Williams find that it theologically challenging, while writers such as A.N Wilson and others laud its story-telling skills, who am I to disagree – and I don’t.
 
Read this book and rediscover how we can put Jesus and prayer for others at the centre of our lives.


Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife



 
Baptist Times, 24/08/2023
    Post     Tweet
A Calendar of Carols by Gordon Giles
'A useful, well-researched tool for those who want to know more about how the carols we sing came about - but would have benefitted from some illustrations'
Wounded I Sing: From Advent to Christmas with George Herbert, by Richard Harries
​Devotional reading helps us avoid the too-soon collapsing of Advent into mere preparations for Christmas - and here Harries demonstrates how George Herbert is our most significant observer of the spiritual life through poetry
Do Not Be Afraid, by Rachel Mann
'In this Advent book Mann writes with a simplicity that conveys a depth of wisdom both scriptural and theological, and which is related to the ordinary things of everyday life'
The DNA of Healthy Discipleship by Dave Criddle
'Accessible, rich in insights and practical wisdom, this is a book for anyone who is serious about following Jesus and helping others to do the same – and just wants to get on with the job'
Jesus and the Powers by Tom Wright and Michael F. Bird
Rather than telling Christians how to vote, the authors focus on the relationship of God’s Kingdom to the powers that govern different countries and to democracy
Mindful Formation by Shaun Lambert
'Blends academic, practical, and devotional content seamlessly - a modern spiritual classic'
    Posted: 04/10/2024
    Posted: 01/03/2024