ECK, MAIER VON (1•S6-1543). A German theologian, the well-known adversary of Luther and opponent of the Reformation. lie was 1)(51.1) at Eck (now Egg). Suabia. November 13, 11813. He studied at Heidelberg (1498), Tit bingen (1499), and Freiburg (1501). De be eame doctor of theology at Freiburg in 1510. and professor of theology at Ingolstadt in the same year. In 1512 be beeame chancellor of the university and canon of Eiehstiidt, and held these position% the rest of his life. In 151S lie wrote the Obriisci, in opposition to Luther's theses. Previously he had been on friendly terms with the reformer. Carlstadt (q.v.) and Luther wrote replies to this work, and in 1519 occurred the memorable disputation at Leipzig. lasting from June 27th to July 16th. In 1520 he visit ed ltome and urged upon the Pope, Leo N. to take strong measures against Luther. The Pope
consented, and 'lick returned with a Papal bull of condemnation in his pocket. From this time on was prominent among the opponents of the Reformation in Germany and Switzerland. In 1525 he visited and was well received by Henry VIII. He disputed at Baden, S•itzer land. in 1527, with Haller of Bern and lEcolam padins of Basel, and attended the Augsburg Diet in 1530. Be also took part in the reli gions convocations held at Worms in 1540 and at lte;•ensburg in 1543. He died at IngoIstmlt, February 10. 1543, Iris most important works are included in Operum •ohannis Eccii contra Li/there m 1530-35), lle prepared a German translation of the Old Testament, and revised Luther's translation of the New. Con sult Wiedemann. Dr. Johannes Eek (Regensburg, 1865).