Customer Service 703-661-1594

John’s Gospel

The Cosmic Rhythm, Stars and Stones

Hermann Beckh
Translated by Alan Stott
Paperback
March 2022
9781912230815
More details
  • Publisher
    Temple Lodge Publishing
  • Published
    11th March 2022
  • ISBN 9781912230815
  • Language English
  • Pages 434 pp.
  • Size 6" x 9.25"
$49.95

It can no longer be doubted that a living stream of Johannine Christianity exists. There is now 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 whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2). 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.

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

Having prepared the way with his book Mark’s Gospel in 1928, John’s Gospel could be described as the capstone of Beckh’s writings—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.

C O N T E N T S:

Table of Zodiac Signs
Foreword
Translator’s Note
Introduction

Part One: Mystery of the Stars: The Cosmic Point of Departure for Contemplations on John’s Gospel

1. The Zodiac in the Cosmic Rhythm of Mark’s Gospel
2. The Planetary Aspect: The Spirit of the Planets
3. The Planetary Aspect in the Cosmic Rhythm of the Gospel
4. The Cosmic Rhythm in John’s Gospel (overview)
5. John’s Gospel and the Other Gospels Observed from the Cosmic Rhythm
6. John’s Gospel as Christ’s Message of the “I”
7. The Star Mystery of the Eternal Name: The Books of Life and the Book of Destiny

Part Two: From the Riddle of the Stars to the Riddle of the Earth: The Rhythmic Structure of John’s Gospel in Detail

1. The Descent of Christ (John 1–5)
2. The Crisis (John 6–10)
3. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11–12)
4. The Last Supper and Leave-taking from the Disciples (John 13–16
5. The Great Intercession (John 17)
6. Suffering and Dying (John 18–19)
7. Resurrection (John 20–21)

The Figures of the Zodiac

Appendices:

Hermann Beckh: Rhythmical Events in the Gospel
Hermann Beckh: The Indian Yoga Mystery and the Awakening Deed of Bethany
Hermann Beckh: The Heavenly Jerusalem
Hermann Beckh: John and the Word
Rudolf Steiner’s Last Address
Book Reviews

Bibliography
The Works of Hermann Beckh
Endnotes

Hermann Beckh

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 became a valued coworker. 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.