Three paths to Christ : experiencing the supersensible : 14 lectures given in various cities between January and December 1912 /

14 lectures, various cities, January 11 - December 29, 1912 (CW 143)

Replete with fresh immediacy, rich spiritual content, innovation, and occasional humor, these talks were given at a time when Rudolf Steiner was preparing for independence from the Theosophical Society. Alongside the much-loved lectures "Nervousness and Ego Development"--in which Steiner shares practical exercises for coping with contemporary life's challenges--and "Love and Its Significance in the World," the collection finds a focal point in descriptions of the three soul paths to Christ. The first of these is via the Gospels; the second through inner experience, and the third through initiation, which Steiner characterizes as a path that transcends religion. He further elaborates these themes in a lecture entitled "Mysteries of the Kingdoms of Heaven in Parables and in Real Form."

Elijah, John the Baptist, Raphael, and Novalis form a golden thread throughout, appearing as a fourfold herald of true Christianity of the future. In a moving yet astringent tribute to H. P. Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, on the tenth anniversary of her death, Steiner adds Christian verities not embraced by Blavatsky during her lifetime, as well as two stirring talks that set the mood for Christmastime--via Matthew, Eudocia and Luke--rounding off the volume with paeans to Novalis.

These lectures are complemented by an introduction by Margaret Jonas, detailed notes, and an index.

This volume is a translation from German of Erfahrungen des Übersinnlichen. Die drei Wege der Seele zu Christus (GA 143). Cover image Golgotha, by Rudolf Steiner.