Exegesis as Metaphysics : Eriugena and Eckhart on Reading Genesis 1-3
Bernard McGinn
The first three chapters of Genesis have attracted numerous interpreters in both Judaism and Christianity for millennia, with readings ranging from the crudely literal to refined philosophical, theological, mystical interpretations. Two most profound Latin were ninth-century Irish savant John Scottus Eriugena thirteenth-century Dominican Meister Eckhart. Both wrote long commentaries on 1-3 different genres, thinkers display remarkable similarities, as well some crucial differences. Without denying foundational role biblical letter, Eckhart insisted that can only be understood a rigorously philosophico-theological standpoint, one which exegesis reveals depths Christian metaphysics. In interchange between positive negative language about God world revealed Genesis, their modes relating letter spirit text, these two great made unique contributions history exegesis.
Instrumenta patristica et mediaevalia