Claire Gilbert, an author and founding director of the Westminster Abbey Institute, dives into the wisdom of medieval mystic Julian of Norwich. She discusses how Julian's 'Revelations of Divine Love' continue to resonate with modern spiritual seekers. The conversation explores the themes of suffering as a pathway to growth, the intersection of femininity and spirituality, and the timeless appeal of Julian's insights amidst contemporary challenges. Claire also highlights the need for authenticity in faith and the relevance of contemplation in today's fast-paced world.
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Julian's Impact
Claire Gilbert found Julian of Norwich to be a bright star during her theology studies at Oxford.
Julian's writing stood out as alive and free from attempts to over-organize God.
insights INSIGHT
Julian's Life and Work
Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love details her visions from May 1373.
She lived as an anchoress in a cell attached to a church, reflecting on her visions and writing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Entering the Cell
Claire Gilbert reads a passage from her novel, I, Julian, depicting Julian entering her cell.
The passage evokes the feeling of confinement and the simultaneous relief of solitude.
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Revelations of Divine Love is a classic work of Christian mysticism written by Julian of Norwich. It recounts her personal experiences of divine revelation and offers profound insights into God's love and compassion. The book explores themes of God's motherhood, the nature of sin and salvation, and the ultimate triumph of love. Julian's writing is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and profound emotional depth. It continues to inspire and challenge readers centuries after its creation.
The Young Visitors
The Young Visitors
Daisy Ashford
I, Julian
Claire Gilbert
The House of the Spirits
Isabel Allende
The House of the Spirits is a family saga that spans three generations of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of an unnamed Latin American country's turbulent history, widely recognized as Chile. The novel explores the lives of Esteban Trueba, the volatile and proud patriarch; Clara, his mystical and clairvoyant wife; their daughter Blanca, and her granddaughter Alba. The story delves into themes of class conflict, political upheaval, and the cyclical nature of violence and love within the family. It culminates in a crisis that pits the patriarch against his beloved granddaughter during a military coup, reflecting the broader social and political changes in the country[1][3][5].
Dr Claire Gilbert is an author, lecturer, mentor and retreat leader and was the founding director of the Westminster Abbey Institute. She is the author of books including ‘Miles To Go Before I Sleep: Letters on Hope, Death and Learning to Live’ and her most recent publication ‘I, Julian’ a novel about the medieval mystic Julian of Norwich.
Belle and Justin talk to Claire about how Julian Of Norwich's 'Revelations Of Divine Love' from 650 years ago, can speak to modern spiritual hunger.
For Re-Enchanting: https://www.seenandunseen.com/podcast
There’s more to life than the world we can see. Re-Enchanting is a podcast from Seen & Unseen recorded at Lambeth Palace Library, the home of the Centre for Cultural Witness. Justin Brierley and Belle Tindall engage faith and spirituality with leading figures in science, history, politics, art and education. Can our culture be re-enchanted by the vision of Christianity?
Re-Enchanting 
