Master Johannes Eckhart
1260-1327
Johannes Eckhart was a Dominican theologian and writer. He was one of the greatest German speculative mystics, who focused on the relationship between the individual and God in his writings. Eckhart wrote on metaphysics and spiritual psychology, drawing extensively on mythic imagery. He wrote on education as well, arguing that the learner in order to be successful should isolate himself thereby freeing himself from distractions caused by things and people.
Eckhart received a master's degree in theology from the University of Paris in 1302 following which he served as a church leader in many different capacities including professor of theology in Paris in 1311, a position which earned him the title of Master.
Eckhart's theology followed that of St. Thomas Aquinas. His teachings on the union of the soul with God led to accusations of heresy by Pope John XXII who was a Franciscan and who was leading an Inquisition of the Dominicans. Eckhart's now-famous defense involved reasoned arguments to all aspects of his writing that were under challenge.
Eckhart had a profound influence on the development of the German language, as he wrote in German as well as in Latin. The German idealists looked to Eckhart as a forerunner of their movement and modern scholars have traced his influence in the development of Protestantism and existentialism.
Writings of Johannes Eckhart
Talks of Instruction (1300?)
The Book of Divine Consolation (1308?),
Sermons