Writers of the School of Eckhart--Tauler
The sermon explores the characteristics and teachings of German mystics, particularly Tauler, a successor of Eckhart.
W.R. Inge discusses the religious teachings of German mystics, particularly focusing on John Tauler and his successors Tauler, Suso, and Ruysbroek. Tauler, born around 1300, was influenced by Eckhart's sermons and led a life dedicated to study, preaching, and pastoral work. He had a close relationship with Margaret Ebner, a renowned visionary. Tauler's response to the Papal decree during the great interdict of 1329 remains a topic of debate, but his impact on mysticism and spirituality is undeniable.
Text
Such are the main characteristics of the religious teachings which we find in the German mystics. Among the successors of Eckhart, from whose writings the following extracts are taken, the most notable names are those of Tauler, Suso, and Ruysbroek. From Tauler I have taken very little, because a volume of selections from his sermons has already appeared in this series.[25] Accordingly, it will only be necessary to mention a very few facts about his life.
John Tauler was born at Strassburg about 1300, and studied at the Dominican convents of Strassburg and Cologne. At both places he doubtless heard the sermons of Eckhart. In 1329 the great interdict began at Strassburg, and was stoutly resisted by many of the clergy.
It is a disputed point whether Tauler himself obeyed the Papal decree or not. His uneventful life, which was devoted to study, preaching, and pastoral work, came to an end in 1361. Like Eckhart, he had a favourite "spiritual daughter," Margaret Ebner, who won a great reputation as a visionary.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction to German Mystics
- Tauler's Life and Teachings
- Early Life and Education
- Influence of Eckhart
- Spiritual Daughter, Margaret Ebner
Key Quotes
“Such are the main characteristics of the religious teachings which we find in the German mystics.” — W.R. Inge
“Like Eckhart, he had a favourite 'spiritual daughter,' Margaret Ebner, who won a great reputation as a visionary.” — W.R. Inge
Application Points
- We can learn from the devotion to study and pastoral work of Tauler and other German mystics.
- The importance of spiritual guidance and mentorship, as seen in Tauler's relationship with Margaret Ebner.
- The value of resisting unjust authority, as demonstrated by the clergy at Strassburg in 1329.