Anthroposophy
| Anthroposophy | |
|---|---|
| Family | Western esotericism / Spiritual philosophy |
| Origin region | Central Europe |
| Founding period | Early 20th century CE |
| Estimated adherents | Unknown; the movement has institutions in education, agriculture, medicine, and the arts. |
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner that teaches the possibility of disciplined knowledge of spiritual worlds and has influenced Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and esoteric Christianity.
Overview
Anthroposophy was formulated by Rudolf Steiner after his involvement with Theosophy. Britannica describes it as a philosophy based on the idea that the human intellect can contact spiritual worlds, though full access requires latent faculties of knowledge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Key beliefs
- Spiritual worlds are real and can be investigated through disciplined inner development
- Human beings evolve spiritually across time
- Christ has a cosmic and esoteric role in spiritual evolution
- Art, education, agriculture, medicine, and social life can be spiritually renewed
- Knowledge should unite spiritual insight and practical work
Practices
- Meditative exercises
- Study of Steiner's lectures and writings
- Waldorf education inspired by anthroposophy
- Biodynamic farming
- Eurythmy, arts, and community study
Places of worship
- Anthroposophical Society branches
- Study circles
- Waldorf and biodynamic institutions
- Christian Community congregations for related liturgical practice
Sacred texts
- Knowledge of the Higher Worlds
- Occult Science
- The Philosophy of Freedom
- Rudolf Steiner's lectures
Holidays and observances
- Christian seasonal festivals in anthroposophical interpretation
- School and agricultural seasonal festivals
- Community lecture or founding anniversaries
Branches and related traditions
- Theosophy - Anthroposophy developed partly out of Steiner's earlier Theosophical work.
- Western esotericism - Anthroposophy is a major modern esoteric current.
- New Age spirituality - Some New Age ideas overlap with anthroposophical interests.
See also
References
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