Divine Audacity

In Divine Audacity, Peter Dillardpresents a historically informed and rigorous analysis of the themes ofmystical union, volition and virtue that occupied several of the foremosttheological minds in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. Inparticular, the work of Marguerite Porete raises complex questions in theseareas, which are further explored by a trio of her near contemporaries. Theirrespective meditations are thoroughly analysed and then skilfully brought intodialogue.What emerges from Dillard's synthesis ofthese voices is a contemporary mystical theology that is rooted in Hugh ofBalma's affective approach, sharpened through critical engagement with MeisterEckhart's intellectualism, and strengthened by crucial insights gleaned fromthe writings of John Ruusbroec. The fresh examination of these thinkers - oneof whom paid with her life for her radicalism - will appeal to philosophers andtheologians alike, while Dillard's own propositions demand attention from allwho concern themselves with the nature of the union between the soul and God.  

How are we to conceive of union with God? What is the role of knowledge, if any, in attaining mystical union? Focussing on the thought of Hugh of Balma, and drawing Eckhart, Ruusbroec and Margarete Porete into conversation, Peter Dillard's rich and challenging study offers highly original answers to these questions. Whether or not one agrees with his dialetheistic approach, readers will benefit tremendously from his incisive analysis and impressive scholarship. Rik Van Nieuwenhove, Associate Professor of Medieval Thought, Durham University   In exploring the nature of mystical union, Divine Audacity offers careful analysis and clarity of exposition, shedding new light on the key issues at stake in the thought of a number of the most important contemplative theologians of the late thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. This book is highly recommended for all those interested in the Christian mystical tradition and medieval theology and philosophy. John Arblaster, Ruusbroec Institute, University of Antwerp   With theological sensitivity and philosophical insight, Peter Dillard's Divine Audacity breaks the impasse in mystical theology between 'affective' and 'intellectual' mysticism.  Dillard's exploration of Carthusian Hugh of Balma opens a wider, nuanced discussion, with Marguerite Porete, Meister Eckhart, and Jan van Ruusbroec, of fundamental mystical questions:  In the journey into God, how does love know what intellect can never grasp?  Is the fire of love all-consuming? An audacious conversation indeed!   Kevin L. Hughes, Professor of Historical Theology, Villanova University      

Peter S. Dillard is an independent scholarliving in Tucson, Arizona, having received his PhD in Philosophy from theUniversity of Pennsylvania. He has previously published studies of StBonaventure's The Soul's Journey into God and Hugh of St Victor's DeSacramentis. His most recent monograph is Fate and Faith afterHeidegger's Contributions to Philosophy (2020).