11. On the Essence of Christianity

GA 68a/1905-01-23/p015 ·1905-01-23 · English HighHigh alignmentThis translation's paragraph count matches the German original — the locus maps cleanly to the same paragraph in DE.
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The center of Christianity is the personality of Jesus Christ. That is the positive core of truth. Not his teachings, but his person; not the good news that his disciples preached, but that they heard his voice, that they were in personal contact with him – that is what made them speak in such an inspiring way. All other explanations are insufficient to explain the unique phenomenon that the world has been renewed through the appearance of Jesus Christ. The theological teachings do not provide sufficient information about this. Theosophy brings us closer to understanding by deepening the theological view. Those who delve into its teachings will find that they have always been there, but they were not taught publicly, but in secret temples, where the disciples of priests and sages were taught and initiated.

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Cite: GA 68a/1905-01-23/p015 · edition English