Abstract

This article explores the writings of Julian of Norwich and Catherine of Siena in relation to their treatment of pain. The first section gives a brief overview of their cultural contexts, and the second section situates their theology within the schema of judgment and compassion put forward by Rachel Fulton. In both of these sections, the lenses of the crucifix and of the will serve to highlight the different emphases in the women’s theologies. The third section focuses on their analyses of the causes of pain, which yields three themes: the human condition, God, and sin. The article as a whole thus provides a deeper understanding of the different emphases within the two women’s theologies, as well as providing two distinct models for analyzing and working with pain.

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