The General Anthroposophical Society is an association of individuals who aspire to nurture the life of the soul, both personally and within human society, based on a genuine understanding of the spiritual world. The society was founded with the intention of supporting those interested in the inner path of schooling known as anthroposophy, which was developed by Rudolf Steiner.
The Anthroposophical Society was initially founded on December 28, 1912, in Cologne, Germany, with Rudolf Steiner playing a central role. It was later re-established as the General Anthroposophical Society in 1923/4 in Dornach, Switzerland. The society’s headquarters is situated at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. The society organizes meetings, conferences, supports research, and facilitates communication channels for various purposes. As of 2013, it had approximately 52,000 members worldwide.
History
The Anthroposophical Society traces its origins back to 1902 when Rudolf Steiner became the General Secretary of the German branch of the Theosophical Society. Over time, differences in spiritual approaches between Steiner and the Theosophical Society became evident. Tensions peaked when the Theosophical Society declared Jiddu Krishnamurti as the reincarnated Christ, leading Steiner to oppose this move. By the end of 1912, the German Section of the Theosophical Society, led by Steiner, was revoked.
In response, in February 1913, Steiner and some prominent German theosophists established the Anthroposophical Society, aiming to follow a more Western spiritual path. Initially, the society was predominantly German-speaking. After internal disagreements among members, the society was formally refounded in December 1923, bringing together both old and new members under a unified vision.
Structure and Organization
The Anthroposophical Society, with its roots deeply embedded in the spiritual teachings of anthroposophy developed by Rudolf Steiner, boasts a structured and organized framework. Its headquarters, the Goetheanum, is situated in Dornach, Switzerland, serving as both a spiritual and administrative center. The Goetheanum is more than just a building; it’s a hub for anthroposophical studies, research, and activities.
The society is structured with national societies in numerous countries, including every English-speaking nation. These national societies operate under the umbrella of the General Anthroposophical Society headquartered at the Goetheanum. Each national society has its branches, groups, and sections, allowing for localized activities and studies tailored to the needs and interests of its members in that region.
One of the primary roles of the society is to organize members’ meetings and conferences, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. It also supports research and provides communication channels for various anthroposophical endeavors. Furthermore, the society encourages sustainable initiatives in practical fields where its members are active, such as education, agriculture, and medicine.
Membership is open to anyone, regardless of nationality, social standing, or religious beliefs, emphasizing the society’s inclusive nature. The society also houses the School of Spiritual Science, an esoteric institution that delves deeper into anthroposophical studies.
Functions and Operations
The Anthroposophical Society serves as a platform for individuals interested in the spiritual path of anthroposophy, developed by Rudolf Steiner. Its primary functions include:
- Promotion of Anthroposophy: The society is dedicated to nurturing and promoting the life of the soul based on a genuine understanding of the spiritual world.
- Organizing Events: It organizes members’ meetings, conferences, and lectures to foster a sense of community and shared learning.
- Supporting Research: The society backs research in anthroposophy, ensuring that the teachings and principles are continuously explored and expanded.
- Communication: It provides communication channels for various anthroposophical endeavors, facilitating discussions, and knowledge sharing among members.
- Encouraging Initiatives: The society supports sustainable initiatives in practical fields influenced by anthroposophy, such as Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, anthroposophic medicine, and more.
- Membership Services: Open to all, the society offers membership services, including access to resources, events, and the broader anthroposophical community.
- School of Spiritual Science: Housed within the society, this school offers deeper anthroposophical studies, serving as an esoteric institution for those keen on advanced learning.
Controversy
The Anthroposophical Society faced significant controversy during its history, particularly in its relationship with the Theosophical Society. The tensions began when the leadership of the Theosophical Society declared Jiddu Krishnamurti as the reincarnated Christ. Steiner, who was then leading the German section of the Theosophical Society, strongly opposed this move. This disagreement culminated in the revocation of the charter for the German section of the Theosophical Society by the end of 1912. In response, Steiner and a group of German theosophists founded the Anthroposophical Society in February 1913, aiming to pursue a more Western spiritual path.
Another significant controversy arose during the Nazi regime in Germany. On November 1, 1935, the National Socialist regime banned the Anthroposophical Society in Germany, accusing it of having “close relations with foreign freemasons, Jews, and pacifists.” The order, issued by Reinhard Heydrich, stated that the society’s activities endangered the National Socialist state due to its opposition to the National Socialistic idea of Volk. As a result, Jewish teachers at Waldorf schools, which are based on anthroposophical principles, were dismissed.
Furthermore, from the 1930s until the 1960s, internal disputes over issues like publishing rights for Steiner’s books and the spiritual direction of the society led to divisions within the Anthroposophical Society. These divisions resulted in the formation of multiple splinter groups.
Conclusion
The Anthroposophical Society, founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1912, is an organization dedicated to nurturing the life of the soul based on a deep understanding of the spiritual world. Rooted in Steiner’s teachings of anthroposophy, the society seeks to integrate spiritual insights into various practical fields, including education, agriculture, and medicine. While it originated in Germany, the society has since expanded globally, with its headquarters at the Goetheanum in Switzerland. Over the years, the society has faced controversies, especially in its early relationship with the Theosophical Society and during the Nazi regime in Germany.