Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), was an Austrian philosopher, esotericist, and the founder of Anthroposophy, which can be viewed as a Christianity for modern times. At the heart of Steiner’s writings is his unique articulation of Esoteric Christianity, a visionary approach that covers Gnosticism, Rosicrucianism, and the Hermetic philosophy. His seminal works such as Christianity as Mystical Fact, Theosophy, and Esoteric Christianity articulate a vibrant spiritual cosmology in which the incarnation of Christ is the central turning point of both cosmic and human evolution.
Steiner’s Vision of Esoteric Christianity is not a departure from traditional Christian faith but a return to its mystical roots. He believed that Christ’s incarnation brought about a new evolutionary impulse in human consciousness—one that could be directly experienced by spiritually awakened individuals.
The cornerstone of Steiner’s Esoteric Christianity is the Christ Impulse. This is not merely a theological abstraction but a living, spiritual force that entered the fabric of human evolution through the incarnation of Christ at the turning point of time—an event he placed in cosmic perspective. According to Steiner, the Christ being descended from the spiritual Sun realm into the body of Jesus of Nazareth, thereby embedding a divine impulse into Earth’s spiritual life.
Steiner referred to Christ’s death and resurrection as a pivotal event not just in religious history but in the metaphysical evolution of the Earth itself. Unlike traditional atonement theology, Steiner viewed this mystery as the moment when Christ, through His sacrifice, united His being with the etheric body of the Earth. This union allows every human soul the potential to overcome death inwardly and spiritually regenerate.
All of what I've just written is fine, but where I think Steiner is spot on, is how he breaks with with mainstream Christianity and argues that the human soul evolved through multiple lifetimes.
Yes, reincarnation.
Furthermore, Steiner writes about Christianity like, well, for lack of a better term: Buddhism. His path to spiritual knowledge emphasized meditation, concentration, and moral purification.
He also wrote about Christian mysticism, alchemy, and Hermetic wisdom and taught that through such initiations, the soul begins to align consciously with the Christ Impulse and take part in humanity’s collective spiritual ascent.
Yes, he was a fan of Madame Blavatsky's "Isis Unveiled."
Finally, Rudolf Steiner’s Esoteric Christianity offers an alternative to secular Christianity for those afraid of being labeled a non-believer in a Christian society where it pays to be a Christian. Having said that, I believe it is a great visit on the path of enlightenment, wherever that takes you.
~~ Eso Terry
