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Waldorf Schools, Anthroposophy, and Rudolf Steiner

Statement

Anthroposophy is a religion invented by Rudolf Steiner about 1912 in Germany. It can be regarded as an off-shoot of Theosophy, as Steiner was national secretary to the Theosophical Society before he separated the German branch. It is based on occult insight and philosophy. Its tenets include the existence of a large number of spiritual beings, of which a most important one is Christ. Anthroposophy and Steiner have a number of theories and practices on health, education, art, architecture, and "bio-dynamic" agriculture unknown outside the faith.

Sources

Anthroposophy - Skeptic's Dictionary
Jack Raso, "The 'Weird Science' of Anthroposophy" chap. 8 in Mystical Diets: Paranormal, Spiritual, and Occult Nutrition Practices (Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books, 1993) pp. 115-127.
"Weird Science at Steiner School" Skeptical Inquirer 16 (Fall 1991) pp. 23-24.
James Webb, The Occult Establishment (LaSalle, IL: Open Court Pub. 1976) pp. 62-79; 164-167; 284-299; 307-317; 404-405.
Max von Laue, "Steiner und die Naturwissenschaft." Deutsche Revue 47 (1922) 48-56 (a Nobel price physicist takes on Steiner early in the century.)
Dan Dugan and Judy Daar, "Are Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf Schools 'Non-Sectarian'?" Free Inquiry 14 (Spring 1994) 44-47.