Rudolf Steiner Audio CW 117a: Gospel of John & 3 other Gospels: Lecture1 (Stockholm, 3 January 1910) by Rudolf Steiner
Nov 12, 2025
Rudolf Steiner dives into the rich tapestry of the Gospels, unveiling their unique contributions to Christianity. He discusses how each Gospel harmonizes with ancient initiation types: John as the wise thinker, Mark as the magician, Luke as the healer, and Matthew as the harmonious human. Exploring pre-Christian spiritual streams, he highlights influences from India, Persia, and Hebrew traditions. Each Gospel's distinct emphasis is illuminated, showcasing a deeper understanding of these foundational texts and their ongoing relevance.
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Four Complementary Views Of The Christ Event
- Rudolf Steiner explains that the Gospels offer four complementary perspectives on the Christ event rather than a single contradictory account.
- He argues combining the four portrayals lets readers ascend step by step to a fuller understanding.
Early Christians Valued Multiple Accounts
- Steiner notes that historically the Gospels were read by a small educated elite who accepted multiple accounts gratefully rather than complaining about contradictions.
- He infers early Christians valued multiple portrayals as complementary rather than problematic.
Gospels Map To Initiatory Types
- Steiner links each Gospel to a distinct initiatory tradition and human faculty: thinking, feeling, and will, plus a harmonizing fourth path.
- He maps John to wisdom, Luke to healing, Mark to magic, and Matthew to the harmonious human overview.
