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Yes, Anthroposophy is based on the prolific writings of Rudolf
Steiner. It was a spin-off movement from the Theosophic society
that was founded by H Blavatsky and run by Annie Besant and others.
Steiner disagreed with some of their teachings and started his own
movement. He gave lectures around Europe, for many years in the
first part of this century. Most of his books are compiled from
his lectures. (There is now a publishing house that publishes
a series called "Steinerbooks", many of which are quite good, though
not all of them were written by Steiner himself.)
Steiner also started a system of private schools, known as
Waldorf or Steiner schools. They use a very open system of
education, not forcing subjects and grades on the students.
There are several private Waldorf schools in the US, and many
in other parts of the world (Canada, Europe, New Zealand Australia...)
The Waldorf schools do *not* teach Steiner's philosophy, they do,
however, use his ideas about childhood development (such as the
idea that children do not need to be taught reading before the
age of seven). Steiner believed strongly in free will, and had
the schools structured so that ideas would never be forced on students.
The graduates of the Waldorf schools do quite well in college and
in subsequent jobs, thus proving the effectiveness of this method
of education. I don't think the Waldorf schools are directly
affiliated with Anthroposphy.
Steiner's teachings are very deep and profound. I have read
several of his books, (only a few of the 200++ books) and have been
quite impressed with the range of his scholarship. He is said to
have been a great magical adept, with psychic abilities that he
developed through his meditation and study. He had quite a rational
approach to religion and mysticism, and sometimes called his method
"scientific mysticism".
Books I remember liking; "Outline of Occultism", "Medievel
Mystics", "Knowledge of Supersensible Worlds, and It's Attainment".
Some of his stuff went over my head on the first reading, but I
have found lasting value in the portions I have managed to eventually
understand.
Sorry, but I don't know much about the current state of the
Anthroposophy organization. Perhaps another reader here can
fill us in on that...
Alan.
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| Found this on Usenet...
Newsgroups: talk.religion.newage
Path: decwrl!labrea!eos!ames!elroy!peregrine!uunet!dasys1!wlinden
Subject: Re: Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy
Posted: 20 Jul 88 03:27:43 GMT
Organization: The Big Electric Cat
In article <1241NU038090@NDSUVM1> NU038090@NDSUVM1.BITNET (John H. Fuller) writes:
>Is anyone familiar with the work of Rudolf Steiner?
>Collectively, it is sometimes referred to as Anthroposophy.
>
>I would appreciate any information on the man or his work.
Steiner came to prominence as the leader of the German wing of the
Theosophical Society. However, he came into increasing tension with the
British leaders over their insistance on turning their backs on their
own culture in favor of Hinduism. The formal break between Theosophy
and what became the Anthroposophical Society came when he refused to
acknowledge Besant's promotion of Krishnamurti as the new savior. (As
in time did Krishnamurti.)
In a vast production of books and lectures, Steiner promulgated the
teachings of Anthroposophy as a modern gnosticism, claiming to carry on
the tradition of the Western mysteries, and holding to the literally
central importance of the Incarnation of Christ. Besides the General
Anthroposophical Society, there are allied movements based on the
application of Steiner's philosophy to one or another field: the
Waldorf Schools; eurhythmy, a "new" art form combining rhythmic
movement, music, and recital; "bio-dynamic" agriculture; the Christian
Community, a church applying the ideas to theology and liturgy; and so
on.
I find that Steiner gives a far more sophisticated treatment of
concepts than many "new age" writers. For instance, he makes it clear
from the start that when he refers to "blue" auras and such, he really
means a spiritual perception analogous to blue. His writings on
reincarnation and "karma" are similarly refreshing.
For an introduction, you might try Geoffrey Ahearn's recent biography
TO SEE THE SUN AT MIDNIGHT (Aquarian Press). If you prefer to go
straight to the source, the best beginning is probably THEOSOPHY (the
book, not the organization.)
--
Will Linden {sun,philabs,cmcl2}!phri\
Compuserve 72737,2150 {bellcore,cmcl2}!cucard!dasys1!wlinden
MCI Mail WLINDEN {portal,well,sun,amdahl}!hoptoad/
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