Spiritual Conferences

Cross and Crown #20

by Johannes Tauler, Eric Colledge, M. Jane

SPIRITUAL CONFERENCES of Johann Tauler, O.P. is one of the great classics of the Catholic Church. And like the writings of so many other profound and saintly minds, Tauler s works are both easy to read and rich with meaning. They do not dwell on subjects pertinent to only the few, but come to grips with the essential problems we all face in our struggle with the world, the flesh and the devil.

If we would attain perfection ( Our Lord enjoined us, Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect. Mt.5:48 ), we must do battle with ourselves and with the subtle, little complacencies and pitfalls we are often content to live with.

To this end, Johann Tauler is unparalleled in his ability to bare for our scrutiny all the devious tricks of the human heart in its effort to avoid chastising itself and really settling down to the work of spiritual perfection. Tauler influenced Ven. Louis of Granada, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and many other saints with these seemingly humble sermons. Though brief and easily understood, they will exert a like influence on the Catholic saints of today. Excellent introduction. Impr. 283 pgs; PB

Genres: Theology, Mysticism, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, 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]

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.

[Chad D]

Helpful transitional book in the history of spiritual formation -- deeply Catholic and mystical, German -- and influential both on the Lutheran strain of Protestantism and my own Anabaptist tradition. It was good for me to read this Catholic mystic and claim it, though a remote ancestor and sometimes inescapably alien, as part of my own heritage.

[Ben De Bono]

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]

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

[Sam Landon]

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