Quotes from Julian of Norwich
10 December 2025
Editor's Note: These notes are hastily assembled, do forgive
All quotes from Revelations of Divine Love.
Julian's Anglicanism
Ways Julian of Norwich speaks to theological points articulated in the 39 Articles of Religion and in general Anglicanism and Confessional Reformational theology.
We know in our Faith that God alone took our nature, and none but He; and furthermore that Christ alone did all the works that belong to our salvation, and none but He; and right so He alone doeth now the last end: that is to say, He dwelleth here with us, and ruleth us and governeth us in this living, and bringeth us to His bliss.
Salvation is only through Christ. Sola Fide, and monergism. Article II, Article XI, Article XVIII.
"For we are now so blind and unwise that we never seek God till He of His goodness shew Himself to us. And when we aught see of Him graciously, then are we stirred by the same grace to seek with great desire to see Him more blissfully."
We do not seek God of our own accord. Total depravity, and Article X.
"In this word God shewed so great pleasance and so great content, as though He were much beholden to us for every good deed that we do (and yet it is He that doeth it) because that we beseech Him mightily to do all things that seem to Him good: as if He said: What might then please me more than to beseech me, mightily, wisely, and earnestly, to do that thing that I shall do?"
Very like Article XIII, and also speaks to imputed righteousness. Simul Justus et Peccator.
And ever the more pleasance and joy that we take in this sureness, with reverence and meekness, the better pleaseth Him, as it was shewed. This reverence that I mean is a holy courteous dread of our Lord, to which meekness is united: and that is, that a creature seeth the Lord marvellous great, and itself marvellous little.
Assurance and Perserverence of the Saints, see: Davenant. Julian repeatedly emphasises the utter trustworthiness of God, whose plan cannot be foiled.