Why Julian Now?: A Voyage of Discovery

Rating:
Summary: Not what one would expect, but interesting analysis anyway
Review: "Why Julian Now" is a study of the teachings of fourteenth-century English anchoress Julian Of Norwich that attempts to explain why she is seen as relevant even in this day and age.

The book does not, though, look at her thought in any way from the perspective of modern Western society. Rather, it is written as a journey through Julian's thought and Upjohn uses highly symbolic language to title each chapter, so that the reader has to read intensely to find meaning in the book.

However, the analysic of the teachings Julian makes is, if you are able to make your way into the language, very deep and profound. Sheila Upjohn has a very good understanding of the way in which Julian thought and gives the reader this in full depth. Each chapter follows quite logically so that there is a very good sense of cohesion - welcome for the student who does not know much about what Julian taught. There are some perspective on how her teachings fit into history, but only just enough to avoid the problem of historically isolating her work.

On the whole, most interesting, even if it will not be what you expect. This book is a very deep spiritual analysis that may not appeal to some.