Overview

Rudolf Steiner asserts that his writings and lectures do not in any way depend upon the content of the Bible, but upon his own perceptions in the spiritual world. While his unusual biography suggests a most unique and exalted personality, the vast domain, prodigious output and authoritative character of his life work, in the form of writings, lecture cycles and sacrificial service, demonstrate the autonomy of his source and the verity of his assertion. And so, Steiner says, it was only after his own investigations into the spiritual world that, taking up the Bible, he found it to be true in the fullest sense of the word as a matter of direct personal knowledge. One who is intimately familiar with the Bible and delves deeply into Steiner’s works can hardly fail to see, cloaked in ordinary language not in any way apologetic of the Bible, the most marvelous insights into scripture. From 1908 through 1914, Steiner gave considerable attention in his lectures directly to portions of the Bible, most notably the Gospels, Genesis 1-3, and the Apocalypse. But in truth, from the breadth of his works, the entirety of the Bible comes into focus with ever more breathtaking clarity. One feels the truth because the revelations concur with and explain the phenomena while striking rich chords within the soul.

Unfortunately, the immensity of Steiner’s output has constituted an impregnable bastion against intrusion by any other than the most committed seekers. Traditional Christians have either passed by the fortress walls unaware, or gone on their way after but brief encounter, while anthroposophists have seldom shown extensive independent familiarity with the Bible and the traditions of its interpretation. It is as though soul mates sit divided by a wall, oblivious of each other, yet desperately in need of one another. The goal of the present undertaking, as grossly limited and imperfect as it must be, is to bring back to the traditional Christian side of the wall, whence I came, knowledge of that deeply Christian soul mate on the other side. The reader who is willing to take a fresh and unprejudiced look at the Bible may find, as I have, a new source of radiant life and hope, not only for self but for humanity and indeed for all creation.

Much terrain lies ahead. Let us oversimplify for now.