Spiritual Conferences

Cross and Crown #20

by Johannes Tauler

Along with Meister Eckhart and Henry Suso, Johannes Tauler (c. 1300-1361) was one of the most influential German mystical writers of the fourteenth century. Born in Strasbourg, he spent virtually all of his life there working as a mendicant preacher in the Order of Preachers. A product of the newly ascendant merchant class, he attempted to address its concern for a practical, active spirituality while being true to the apophatic tradition that he saw in Eckhart. If Eckhart can be called the greatest theoretician of the spiritual life in fourteenth-century Europe, then Tauler was certainly the one who most effectively interpreted Eckhart's message to a broader audience, adding a measure of balance and clarity lacking in his master.

Tauler's sermons were among the most influential spiritual writings of the late middle ages, esteemed in their own day by their hearers and later by both Catholics and Protestants. This translation of selected sermons by Maria Shrady captures the brilliance and perspicuity that has made Tauler famous.

Summing up his contribution, Josef Schmidt writes in his introduction to this volume: "He was preaching in the context of an everyday medieval reality which he tried to make translucent for men of good will, enabling them to return to what he perceived to be the ultimate union: the return to God."

Genres: Theology, Mysticism, Religion, Christianity, Spirituality, Catholic, Classics

283 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Johannes Tauler OP (c. 1300 in Strasbourg – 15 June 1361) was a German mystic, a Catholic preacher and a theologian. A disciple of Meister Eckhart, he belonged to the Dominican order. Tauler was known as one of the most important Rhineland Mystics. He promoted a certain neo-platonist dimension in the Dominican spirituality of his time.

Reviews

[Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fine selection of sermons offers practical encouragement on the spiritual path. Tauler's doctrines are not unique, albeit inflected with the vision of the Rhineland mystics; but his language is vivid as he incites pursuit of friendship with God in humility, looking past external observances and concentrating all the love and attention of the soul on God. I was surprised at times by how much he sounded like Luther, and of course this devout Dominican was a major influence on the Reformer.

[Ben De Bono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one's really a must read. The sermons collected here are incredible. There are a few points where Tauler's medieval, Catholic theology is a bit unhelpful but for the most part what he has to say is spot on.

Tauler isn't very widely read and that's a shame. Every Christian needs to hear the things he has to say about experiencing God.

[Beth Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent translation of some beautiful sermons and an interesting look into medieval spirituality.

[Sam Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best spiritual reading I've ever had! Read these a year ago and I still return to them regularly