Julian of Norwich makes a compelling argument that sin can never thwart God’s ultimate saving intent and is therefore ‘no thing’. But it’s still a pervasive force in the world — a force that brings nothing but pain. And since we are generally averse to pain as a species, and since the people most directly … Continue reading Why, Then, Do We Sin?
One of the common stereotypes often leveled against the younger generations raised in more supportive environments is that we are “precious snowflakes” — so confident in our uniqueness that we have come into the world feeling entitled to greatness. Silly and harmful generational stereotypes aside, both sides of this generalization hold some truth: We are, … Continue reading God’s Work for Me (And for You)
In popular imagination, Medieval Christianity is generally seen as having been obsessed with sin and shame and the avoidance thereof. So far, however, our study of Julian of Norwich’s writings has shown a rather shocking absence of this theme. She certainly takes sin itself seriously, but next to the grandeur of God, it is “no … Continue reading No Shame in Sin
The Gospel reading for this second Sunday in Lent is the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader who is curious about Jesus and comes to him looking for understanding. It ends with some of the most famous words of the New Testament: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that all … Continue reading Gifts of Love
One of the biggest recurring themes in Julian of Norwich’s writings is the idea that God is so much bigger than anything that might try to stand in the way of God’s aims that we don’t need to worry about them. All we are asked to do is to trust that, when all is said … Continue reading Eyes in Front
Matthew Root 