The Crucifixion Of Christianity Analysis

The “intractable strangeness” of the crucifixion of Christ represents the cornerstone of the revelations of Julian of Norwich. The mystic theologian embraced the immense offering of Jesus and his message of self-reflection and interrogation. While many critics argue against the worship of a crucified criminal, Rowan Williams preaches that the strangeness of the Passion narrative is the very reason for its relevance. His writings attempt to fight against modern ideas of spirituality which tend to focus squarely on the individual and attaining acceptance into the afterlife. Williams argues that “the goal of Christian life becomes not enlightenment but wholeness” (2) in the face of individuals more often looking strictly inward to achieve happiness and fulfillment. Throughout his work, Williams emphasizes imitating the life of Jesus Christ, with Julian of Norwich representing a perfect …show more content…
It essentially describes how the servant in his attempt to do out the lord’s will fell to the ground and injured himself. She argues that the servant represents Jesus and his desire to become man and rectify humanity’s righteousness. It is here that Julian’s experience with intense suffering influences her theology. Her knowledge of the suffering that Christ experienced as man leads to her understanding of the suffering that God subjected himself to in order to save man from sin. Once one can appreciate this sacrifice of God, they can discontinue their search for justification as it lies within God’s relationship with every man. Julian argues that people can only practice Christianity in the right way if they can reach this understanding of God. It is only at this point that someone is able to disregard their fear of God with total love and imitation. While Julian admits that most Christians are trying to live by the word of God, only those who embrace his love are acting for the right