Definition:
In her Showings, Julian of Norwich eloquently articulates the standpoint of a
teleological theodicy and how evil and sin can exist in a world created by a
good and omnipotent God. She believes that sin is a “felix culpa, a fortunate fault” (Julian and Baker xiv). This fault
is profitable for humans because it allows them to learn about their own
frailty and God’s abounding love. The pain is not a punishment, but rather a
teaching method for God to promote His will for a better world because of a
higher purpose.
Importance: Julian of Norwich contradicts the previously accepted idea of why
God allows for pain and suffering. The preceding Augustinian Juridical theodicy
had presented God in a way that made him seem wrathful and malicious towards
those who stray from His will. Those who support this explanation for pain
would agree that God has to punish humans as an act of reorganization. Julian
of Norwich denies this idea because it leaves humans feeling unworthy of God’s
love. She does not believe that his is the intent of God’s plan and her teleological
theodicy offer a more affable approach to this complex controversy.
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