Theodical Evidence in Meister Eckhart

Abstract

Underhill considers Meister Eckhart (1260–1329) to be the founder of the fourteenth and fifteenth century Flemish and German schools of mysticism. She says ‘all have passed under his hand, being either his immediate disciples, or the friends or pupils of his disciples’.¹ But his influence extended even further than this. Matthew Fox suggests that, among others, the English mystics Walter Hilton and Julian of Norwich, the Polish Angelus Silesius, and even Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross of Spain are indebted to Eckhart. And his reputation goes beyond mysticism proper. More notable philosophical figures influenced by his thought include Schelling, Hegel and Heidegger.² Not only was Eckhart a mystic of the highest rank and influence, he was also a philosopher of some stature and an outstanding preacher. But Eckhart is perhaps most noted as a Roman Catholic heretic who, within ecclesiastical circles, is not highly regarded for his theology. However, recently there has been some renewed interest in his philosophy and his mysticism both inside and outside the church.³