Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior for Our Times
✍️ Fox, MatthewThis paperback volume brings thirteenth-century mystic Meister Eckhart into direct dialogue with modern activists, theologians, and spiritual practitioners. Across thirteen thematic chapters, author Matthew Fox pairs Eckhart's teachings on ecology, justice, and creativity with voices from Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufism, Indigenous wisdom, depth psychology, and Christian theology. The text functions as both an introduction to Eckhart's medieval theology and a guide for connecting spiritual searching with modern social, economic, and educational activism.
Praise for this book
“The special uniqueness of this book lies in Matthew Fox's ability to put a host of ancient and contemporary thinkers and social activists in close mutual relationship with Meister Eckhart. . . . With this book, Matthew Fox gives us an intimation that hope in the future is not some idle passing thought. That it is even possible to have written this book is a reminder that such spiritual searching and the worldwide diversity that accompanies it is more prevalent than one would think.”
“By connecting Eckhart's wisdom to the problems of today, Fox creates a sense of optimistic urgency; solutions do not wait in the future or lie in the past, but are present right now if people choose to act with compassion and conviction. The book is not only an excellent introduction to Eckhart's theology, but also an inspirational guidepost for connecting faith with activism.”
“In this book Matthew Fox, one of the gigantic Christians of this century, engages and presents Meister Eckhart, one of the gigantic Christians of the ages, in dialogue with some of today's best minds. The result is a stunning new vision of Christianity that transcends both creeds and boundaries. It is a thrilling read.”
📝 Description: Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior for Our Times
📑 What's inside
- Introduction
- 1. The God of Awe, Wonder, and Radical Amazement: Meister Eckhart Meets Rabbi Heschel
- 2. The Christ of the Earth and Cosmos: Meister Eckhart Meets Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry
- 3. The Apophatic Divinity: Meister Eckhart meets Buddhism via Thich Nhat Hahn and the Dalai Lama
- 4.The Divine Feminine: Meister Eckhart Meets Adrienne Rich
- 5. Liberated and Liberating Sisters: Meister Eckhart Meets Dorothee Soelle, the Beguines Mechtild of Magdeburg and Marguerite Porret, and Julian of Norwich
- 6. The Historical Jesus: Meister Eckhart Meets Marcus Borg, Bruce Chilton and John Dominic Crossan
- 7. Depth Psychology: Meister Eckhart Meets Carl Jung
- 8. Creativity as Psychotherapy: Meister Eckhart Meets Otto Rank
- 9. Wisdom of Hinduism: Meister Eckhart Meets the Upanishads and the Vedas via Ananda Coomaraswamy and Father Bede Griffiths
- 10. Eckhart as Sufi: Meister Eckhart Meets Rumi, Hafiz and Ibn Arabi
- 11. Indigenous Wisdom and Shamanism: Meister Eckhart Meets the Dreamtime, Black Elk, Mircea Eliade, Bill Everson and Robinson Jeffers
- 12. Warriors for Economic Justice: Meister Eckhart Meets David Korten and Anita Roddick
- 13. Warriors for a Deeper Education: Meister Eckhart Meets M.C. Richards, Yellawe, Lily Yeh and Theodore Richards
- Conclusion: Where Might Eckhart Take Us?
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking a bridge between historical spirituality and modern activism will find profound value in this text. It is ideal for those who feel disconnected from traditional religious frameworks yet crave deep, holistic meaning. The book appeals to individuals passionate about ecological consciousness and radical social justice, offering them a blueprint for personal and collective transformation. By presenting Eckhart as a dynamic 'mystic-warrior,' it empowers readers to embrace artistic expression and challenge economic and gender divides. It serves those ready to move beyond mere historical study toward applying ancient insights to contemporary crises, fostering a vibrant, engaged spirituality that honors both the inner self and the outer world.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Matthew Fox successfully rescues Meister Eckhart from obscurity, presenting him as a vital ally for today’s seekers. The narrative is compelling, weaving together mysticism with urgent calls for justice and ecological awareness. However, readers who prefer strictly academic or detached historical analysis may find the persuasive, activist tone overly subjective. Those seeking quiet, contemplative meditation without social engagement might feel the 'warrior' aspect is too aggressive. It is not suited for skeptics of spiritual interpretation or those who view mysticism as purely private. Ultimately, it is a passionate manifesto rather than a neutral biography, demanding an open heart from its audience.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you seek ancient wisdom that actively addresses modern challenges, from ecological crises to social inequalities, this book is for you. It's for those yearning to integrate deep spirituality with a commitment to justice, and to embrace a transformative, holistic worldview.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Ecological Consciousness
Explores Eckhart's surprisingly modern understanding of our interconnectedness with nature, seeing divinity not just in humanity but throughout the natural world. This ancient wisdom provides a spiritual foundation for contemporary environmental ethics, urging a reverent stewardship of the Earth as a sacred manifestation.
Creative Expression as Spirituality
Delves into how Eckhart viewed artistic creation as a direct path to the divine, a sacred act of bringing forth newness. It suggests that our innate capacity for creativity is a reflection of the divine creative force, offering a profound spiritual practice accessible to all.
Radical Justice & Equity
Examines Eckhart's revolutionary calls for social, economic, and gender justice, challenging hierarchical structures and advocating for inherent dignity and equality for all beings. His teachings provide a powerful spiritual impetus for dismantling oppression and fostering a more equitable world.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Mysticism
- Ecumenical
- Scholasticism
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How might embracing a deep interconnectedness with the natural world transform your daily actions and spiritual practice?
- In what ways do you see your own creative expression as a sacred act, and how can you cultivate it more intentionally?
- Considering Eckhart's call for justice, what contemporary social or economic issue calls to you most strongly, and how might your spiritual path inform your engagement?
