A Theological Bridge Over Somewhat Troubled Water: Ernst Müller’s Way between Judaism and Anthroposophical Christology

Anthroposophical world view, whether when considered as antisemitic or not, presents a problem for a Jewish point of view. Its concept of spiritual world evolution sees ancient Judaism as a preparation for the spiritual "I am" of humanity, represented by the incarnation of the heavenly being of Christ in the body of Jesus from Nazareth. Therefore, argued Rudolf Steiner, Judaism has mainly fulfilled its historical mission. A disintegration of the Jewish people into a modern, individual-universal, non-ethnical society would be the right move, whereas Zionism is counter productive to true modern spirituality.

The Jewish anthroposophist and Kabala researcher Ernst Müller (1880-1954) had a different perspective of this Jewish-anthroposophical conflict. Coming from a strong Jewish and Zionist background, he took upon Steiner`s advice the study of Kabala. This led him to a lifelong journey in which he gradually built the concept of Jewish history as an ongoing esoteric mission, which can fully conform with Steiner`s idea of the evolution of consciousness.

In his autobiographic article "Mein Weg durch Judentum und Christentum", Müller claims that also dramatic and tragic events such as the holocaust and the foundation of Israel can be seen in the context of Steiner`s non-confessional esoteric Christology. His interpretation foresees and encourages a unification of the true spirit of Jewish esoteric tradition with the modern spiritual science of anthroposophy.

Despite antipathetic comments from his fellow Anthroposophists in Vienna for his too Jewish approach, Müller insisted that the greater vision of anthroposophy contains his view. Yet he published it late, outside of anthroposophical circles, and remained known to few although he was heartly supported by his friend Hugo Bergman. The purpose of this paper is to reexamine his ideas as a possible perspective to the issue of Jewish-anthroposophical relationship.