The Rudolf Steiner Archive

72. The Wisdom Teachings of Christianity

[ 1 ] On April 14, the Karlsruhe branch of the “Theosophical Society” held a public meeting here, at which Dr. Rudolf Steiner from Berlin, the Society’s German Secretary-General, spoke on the “Wisdom Teachings of Christianity.” The speaker first outlined the goals of this Society, which strives for a universal brotherhood of people throughout the world, regardless of nation, religion, social status, gender, etc., and seeks to bring about the reconciliation of the great opposites of our time— religion and science. It was pointed out that these opposites exist today not only between people, but also within the soul of the individual—even that of a child. This becomes evident in schools when the teachings of modern science, on the one hand, and the millennia-old tenets of religious worldviews, on the other, appear to young people as an irreconcilable conflict. The Theosophical Movement, which is currently spread across more than 800 branches throughout America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, sees its mission as investigating the truths about spiritual realities and presenting them to the present age in a manner that is just as objective and lucid as that employed by science with regard to the facts and laws of nature. It has already achieved fine results in this regard during its 30 years of existence. The speaker pointed out, above all, that the opinion is still widespread that the Theosophical worldview promotes Indian and Buddhist views. He demonstrated that such aspirations are far from its aims and that this would contradict the needs of European culture. For this reason, he addressed the topic “The Wisdom Teachings of Christianity” and demonstrated that it is possible to present religious truths in a form that meets all scientific requirements. He traced the subject back to the early centuries of Christianity, to the so-called Mystery Teachings. In the spirit of this “ancient wisdom,” he elucidated the nature of the human being. He distinguished the eternal, immortal core of human nature from its transitory shell. He then illustrated how the Christian teachings on the Logos (the “Word”) and the Holy Spirit reflect these ancient teachings in a unique form and need only be properly understood to fully satisfy even those with a scientific education. In the Middle Ages, a different kind of Christian ministry was possible than it is today, for back then religion did not face a natural science that it needed to measure up to. Today, every religious view must stand up to science. If one truly grasps the true essence of Christianity, then this is possible. One need only delve deeper into Christian truths to become convinced that they contain not childish imaginings of an undeveloped mind, but rather mature spiritual insight.