'What is the Christ-event? It is a confluence of all preceding philosophies and religious streams of humanity... united in Palestine; and they were expressed in the Gospels according to the different types of initiation of the one or other Evangelist.' - Rudolf Steiner Speaking two years after his main lecture course on the Gospel of John, Rudolf Steiner discusses initiation traditions in the course of human history, and how the Christ Event unified them all - in particular, those connected to the Western and Eastern mysteries. In addition to esoteric interpretations of passages in the Gospels, Steiner also presents many new and complementary insights on the world-historic significance of Christ's mission, including his initial reference to the Second Coming in the etheric realm. Dense in content, these thirteen lectures - delivered to an audience at the Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm - enrich our understanding of Rudolf Steiner's Christology. Only recently published in German, and here in English for the first time, the lectures are accompanied with an introduction by Hans-Christian Zehnter, an appendix of photos and facsimiles, extensive notes and an index. 'The voice rose and the speaking took on a more rapid tempo, while it flowed without stopping in perfectly formed, beautiful sentences, as only a born speaker can produce.' (From a contemporary newspaper review.) Thirteen lectures, Stockholm, Jan. 1910, GA 117a
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy "anthroposophy", meaning "wisdom of the human being". As a highly developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern and universal "science of spirit", accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unprejudiced thinking. From his spiritual investigations Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of many activities, including education (both general and special), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, religion and the arts. Today there are thousands of schools, clinics, farms and other organizations involved in practical work based on his principles. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal development. Steiner wrote some 30 books and delivered over 6000 lectures across Europe. In 1924 he founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world.
