Johann Eck’s Edition of Pseudo-Dionysius’ Mystical Theology: Teaching the Unknowable?

In 1519, the German theologian and humanist Johann Eck published an edition and commentary on Pseudo-Dionysius’ Mystical theology . By examining this edition, this article explores the early modern reception of Pseudo-Dionysius and the influences that shaped Eck as a scholar. It categorises these influences into humanism, scholasticism and affective theology, analysing how each impacted his work. This article also argues that the purpose behind Eck’s edition is two-fold: to renew scholastic theology and to revive mystical theology by introducing or recommending it to an audience of scholastic theologians.