German mysticism

German mysticism, sometimes also called Dominican mysticism or Rhenish mysticism, was a medieval Christian mystical movement that developed in the 14th century, especially within the Dominican Order in Germany. Although Hildegard of Bingen had appeared as a mystic in Germany earlier, and the monastery of Helfta had developed into a centre of women's mysticism under the influence of Mechthild of Magdeburg, the term "German mysticism" is used primarily in reference to Meister Eckhart, Johannes Tauler and Heinrich Seuse, whose writings achieved the widest circulation. Other well-known names from the extensive list of mystics include Rulman Merswin and Margareta Ebner, as well as the Friends of God. Beyond the religious sphere, German mysticism was also important for the development of the German written language.

The relationship between scholasticism and German mysticism is controversially discussed, depending on the weighting of contrasts and similarities. For example, the use of the vernacular is cited in contrast to the Latin of the scholastics. But even Meister Eckhart, known for his German sermons, also wrote extensive philosophical treatises of the same doctrine in Latin.

Beyond the Middle Ages, German mysticism was of importance for the Reformation (cf. Luther's edition of the Theologia deutsch) and beyond that for renewal movements in both the Protestant and Catholic spheres in the following centuries.

Literature

• Kurt Ruh: Geschichte der abendländischen Mystik (4 Volumes), Verlag Beck, München 1990, ISBN 9783406344718.