Meister Eckhart

Meister Eckhart lived from 1260-1327 CE in Germany, specifically

the area known as the Rhineland.1 We dont know much about his life, save
that he entered into the Dominican Order and was well educated in Roman
Catholic theology and Platonic philosophy. From his sermons and
documents concerning him, Eckhart had a substantial following and was
given the title Meister or Master. His sermons and commentaries on specific
parts of the Bible are the only primary sources we have for this great
mystics theological and spiritual ideas. It is essential to understand the
mystical tradition of the Rhineland Valley that formed Eckharts views. It
should be noted that such great mystics as Mechthild of Magdeburg, The Beguines, and St. Hildegard of
Bingen, all women of great spiritual significance, were involved in this spiritual community along the
Rhine.
Eckhart became a great teacher and leader of a spiritual community. His sermons served to
inspire others to embrace a deep sense of experience between their normal lives and the Divine. His
ideas were attacked and condemned near the end of his life by The Inquisition. His theology was
considered heretical, along with his person. It was only until the Second Vatican Council that Eckharts
personality was redeemed and no longer condemned. However, his teachings are still considered
heretical or cautious for readers.2
What was it about Eckharts theology that caused so much controversy for those who were in
charge of the patriarchal hierarchy of The Roman Catholic Church? There are some sermons by Eckhart
that would appear to challenge not only the gender of God but also how we can approach the Divine in
our personal lives. Eckharts sermons are full of theological concepts that refer to God as both Father
and Mother; having both paternal authority and also maternal birthing.3 We are made in the image of
God and therefore can experience this same intimate relationship and experience of birthing God
subjectivity within our very psyches and souls. This is important because Eckharts stages of spiritual
transformation are critical. He taught that every person can achieve this goal of spiritual and mental
transformation,4 viewing God as being active within each person, living and even becoming more like
Christ. This type of personal spiritual transformation not only honors the Divine Feminine and the
critical role it plays metaphysically and psychologically, but there is also an honor for the individual
outside of the boundaries of Orthodox dogma. It is no wonder that Eckharts lasting theology has been a
source of inspiration for modern theologians and psychologists even into the 21st century.5

Resources

Eckhart, Meister. Breakthrough: Meister Eckhart's Creation Spirituality In New Translation. Edited by
Matthew Fox. New York: Image Books, 1980.

Forman, Robert K. C. Meister Eckhart: The Mystic As Theologian. Element, 1991.

1
Robert K. C. Forman, Meister Eckhart: The Mystic As Theologian (Element, 1991), 29.
2
Ibid., 29.
3
Meister Eckhart, Breakthrough: Meister Eckhart's Creation Spirituality In New Translation, ed. Matthew Fox
(New York: Image Books, 1980), 293-330.
4
Robert K. C. Forman, Meister Eckhart: The Mystic As Theologian (Element, 1991), 62-3.
5
Meister Eckhart, Breakthrough: Meister Eckhart's Creation Spirituality In New Translation, ed. Matthew Fox
(New York: Image Books, 1980), 1-4.