On Deification and Sacred Eloquence Richard Rolle and Julian of Norwich Contemporary Theological Explorations in Mysticism Series

This book considers the place of deification in the writings of Julian of Norwich and Richard Rolle, two of the fourteenth-century English Mystics. It argues that, as a consequence of a belief in deification, both produce writing that is helpfully viewed as sacred eloquence.

The book begins by discussing the nature of deification, employing Norman Russell?s typology. It explores the realistic and ethical approaches found in the writings of several Early Greek Fathers, including Irenaeus of Lyons, Cyril of Alexandria, Origen, and Evagrius Ponticus, as well as engaging with the debate around whether deification is a theological idea found in the West across its history. The book then turns its attention to Julian and Rolle, arguing that both promote forms of deification: Rolle offering a primarily ethical approach, while Julian?s approach is more realistic. Finally, the book addresses the issue of sacred eloquence, arguing that both Rolle and Julian, in some sense, view their words as divinely inspired in ways that demand an exegetical response that is para-biblical.

Offering an important perspective on a previously understudied area of mysticism and deification, this book will be of interest to scholars of mysticism, theology, and Middle English religious literature.

Introduction: Christian Ideas on Deification: Historical and Scholarly Perspectives 1 Defining Deification: Realistic Models 2 Defining Deification: Ethical Models 3 Stilling the Wandering Mind: Richard Rolle’s Implicit Deification 4 Participation and Deification in Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love 5 The Sweet Ductus of Contra Amatores Mundi: Deification and Sacred Eloquence 6 Speaking in Christ: Julian’s Revelations as Sacred Eloquence; Conclusions

Louise Nelstrop is a Lecturer at York St John University and a College Lecturer at Saint Benet’s Hall, Oxford, both UK. She specializes in the English mystics. In addition to several articles, she co-authored Christian Mysticism: An Introduction to Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives (2009) with Kevin Magill and Bradley B. Onishi. She has also co-edited a number of volumes for the Routledge Series Contemporary Theological Explorations in Mysticism. She is co-convener (with John Arblaster and Simon D. Podmore) of the Mystical Theology Network.