The next Great Books KC meeting:
What: Revelations of Divine Love, by Julian of Norwich
When: February 26, 2010, 7:00 PM
Where: Plaza Branch Library
4801 Main Street, KC, MO 65112
It is believed that this is the first book written by a woman in the English language. Julian of Norwich (c. November 8, 1342 – c. 1416) is thought of as one of the greatest English mystics. Little is known of her life aside from her writings. Even her name is uncertain, the name "Julian" coming from the Church of St Julian in Norwich, where she was an anchoress (a type of hermit living in a cell attached to the church, engaged in contemplative prayer). At the age of 30, suffering from a severe illness and believing she was on her deathbed, Julian had a series of intense visions of Jesus Christ. (They ended by the time she overcame her illness on May 13, 1373.) She recorded these visions soon after having them, and then again twenty years later in far more theological depth. They are the source of her major work, called Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love (circa 1393).
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1 comment:
It was a robust discussion amongst a good group of individuals. Participants represented the spectrum of reactions to the book that ranged from skepticism to appreciation of the book as devotional material. Historical aspects were discussed as well as personal reactions to some of the images used by Julian. All opinions expressed were received by others in the group with interest and respect. Our discussions occasionally wondered on to other subjects such as our favorite art movies. It was a fun and intellectually inspiring evening.
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