On Deification and Sacred Eloquence

<p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>