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 UniversityIn 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 AntwerpWith 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
