Johns Gospel

The Cosmic Rhythm, Stars and Stones

That there is a living stream of Johannine Christianity can no longer be doubted. There is now an abundant literature from Rosicrucian and esoteric traditions – from the deepest prayer and meditation – that addresses the exalted nature of John the Evangelist as expressed through his Gospel, Letters and the Book of Revelation. Yet it fell to Hermann Beckh to elucidate clearly how the individual known as ‘John’ became the source of such undying love and wisdom in Christ. According to Rudolf Steiner, John was the ailing Lazarus, called from death to a new life as ‘the disciple Jesus loved’. Beckh demonstrates how John’s invaluable writings were based on personal spiritual knowledge and experience, expressing the divine work of the Cosmic Christ on human nature and on the Earth, leading far into the future.

Whilst Beckh’s authorship originated within the context of the emerging Christian Community founded in 1922, his profoundly original books could not be confined to its framework. Not only could Beckh tackle original texts in Tibetan, Sanskrit and Avestan, but – through his independent vision – he was able to establish new links with philosophical Alchemy, Jakob Böhme, Goethe, Nietzsche and Novalis. He thereby stands with these figures as a co-worker in a greater community.

Having prepared the way with his Mark’s Gospel of 1928, John’s Gospel could be described as the capstone of Beckh’s writings – as a triumphant announcement that theology and the study of John’s Gospel have finally come of age. Appearing here in a freshly revised translation by Alan Stott, the current volume is enhanced by a series of valuable addenda that shed further light on Beckh’s significant achievements.

HERMANN BECKH (1875-1937) studied Law and later Sanskrit, becoming Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Berlin. A master of ancient and modern languages, he wrote extensively on religious and philosophical subjects, including Buddhism, Indology, Christianity, Alchemy and Music. In 1911, he heard a lecture by Rudolf Steiner and was inspired to join the Anthroposophical Society, where he soon became a valued co-worker. In 1922, he helped found The Christian Community, a movement for religious renewal. His many books are gradually being translated from the original German and published in English. 10 November 2021; 434pp; 23.5 x 15.5 cm; paperback; translated by A. Stott.