Julian of Norwich: a phenomenology of health and home

The thesis offers a new reading of the Julian of Norwich texts using a theoretical framework based on post-Heideggerian philosophy, specifically the phenomenological hermeneutics of health and medicine. By redirecting attention to the complex network of phenomena which constitute the visionary text, it argues for a consideration of the relationship between contemplation and wellbeing, proposing spiritual seeking as a means to being ‘wele’. Engaging recently developed phenomenological models based on Heidegger’s concept of ‘homelikeness’ (Heimlichkeit), the thesis redefines health as a holistic condition not solely confined to full physiological function, but of phenomenological ‘being-at-home’, or ‘homlyhede’, in Julian’s terms. In doing so, it considers the impact of Julian’s illness on her being-in-the-world, arguing for the ensuing disruption of Julian’s subjectivity as a precedent for the divine showings which follow. It subsequently proposes an interpretation of Julian’s near-fatal illness and revelation as contingent phenomena constituting a single lived experience, which brings forth the anchorite’s highly original theology of love. Following this event, Julian devises a participatory model of salvation which offers the possibility of ‘homlyhede’ on earth, as well as in heaven. Through a close reading of this vernacular theology, the thesis offers the Julian texts as an instructive and tranfigurative tool for developing personal and communal wellbeing. Focusing particularly on Julian’s language of homeliness, it demonstrates the efficacy of this concept as a metaphor for understanding the salvation narrative and issues of postlapsarian living, including pain and tribulation. Finally, it calls attention to the insufficiencies of modern thinking and vocabulary related to these issues, insisting upon the continued relevance of the genre of medieval contemplative literature to present day concerns. It concludes with an invitation to participate in the communal project of Julian’s Revelation of Love, through a compassionate programme of reading and contemplative seeking.