Eckhart, Johannes (c. 1260-1327)

Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 5: Diocese-Fathers of Mercy -- from Herbermann, Charles George (1840-1916)

Eckhart, Johannes (c. 1260-1327) -- from Wikipedia Article

Light, Life, and Love (Author of section)

Description: This book has everything a reader needs to explore the world of German mysticism. William Inge begins with an introduction of histories, biographies, and summaries of the movement, and his scholarly articles will prove useful for the student of mysticism. Then he includes in the book many examples of the writings of the 14th century Dominicans, the Friends of God. These friends were an informal group of Catholics who strove to deepen both their communal relationships as well as their inner spirituality. Eckhardt, Tauler, and Suso were the major proponents of this theology, and each is represented in Inge's collection. This book is a unique and convenient volume that will assist readers interested in the fascinating movement of German mysticism.

Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer

Meister Eckhart's Sermons -- from Microfiche ATLA 1989-0613

Description: Meister Eckhart was a fourteenth century Dominican monk. Considered a forerunner to the Reformation, he was an established theologian, and as a result had a profound impact upon medieval scholasticism mostly through his sermons. Meister Eckhart's Sermons contains some of his short sermons. The sermons themselves are in relatively plain English. In them, Eckhart flirts with some controversial topics. He describes the soul as "laying hold" of God in a mystical manner, so that there is "no distinction" between God and the soul. Indeed, some of his more radical teachings were eventually condemned by a papal council as heretical. But Eckhart does illustrate a way to synthesize one's religious belief with one's philosophy. Interesting and demanding, Meister Eckhart's Sermons will challenge a person's conception of God and religion.



Tim Perrine

CCEL Staff Writer

Meister Eckharts Mystische Schriften: In Unsere Sprache Übertragen von Gustav Landauer.

Language: German

Description: Meister Eckhart was perhaps the greatest German mystic of the Middle Ages. His ideas served as forerunners to the Reformation. Unlike many of his peers, Eckhart stressed the importance of the individual’s connection to God, rather than just God’s connection to the church. Recently, his writings have once again come drawn attention. They have greatly influenced modern movements in theology and philosophy, such as postmodernism and existentialism. Eckhart wrote his original text in medieval German; the version provided here is in modern German.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff