In the course of his pioneering work in The Christian Community, Emil Bock made many studies of different aspects of the Gospels. Bringing his wide knowledge of the history of that time together with his deep insights in anthroposophy, he brings a fresh view of the familiar stories of the New Testament. Volume 1 looks particularly at the relationship of the New Testament to the Old, at St Matthew and the Sermon on the Mount, Judas and Peter, concluding with Simon of Cyrene and Joseph of Arimathea.

Describing the environment into which Saul was born, his education, his conversion before Damascus and his subsequent journeys, Bock's study gives a spiritual dimension to Paul's background, providing a deeper understanding of this great Christian figure and his teaching. Above all he shows that Paul was the apostle who carried Christianity beyond the Jewish communities to humanity at large. As a zealous Jew, Paul was convinced he was serving the coming Messiah in his persecution of the followers of Jesus. When the light suddenly came to him before Damascus, his innermost being was opened. Paul shows that the time of the Law of Moses had run its course and conscience as 'inner jurisdiction' was now to replace the rules and laws imposed from without.

How can a scientifically-minded person approach the healings and miracles of the Gospels, including such events as the raising of Lazarus and the Resurrection itself? Emil Bock rediscovers the works of Christ without minimizing the difficulties. He brings together historical records and the geographical background of the Gospels, all the while keeping sight of their spiritual wisdom. Bock considers the Gospel of John to give the most precise record of the events of Christ's three year ministry, as well as being the Gospel with the deepest esoteric significance. This profound study reveals a new understanding of Jesus' incarnation on earth.

Emil Bock lectured widely on Rudolf Steiner after the Second World War, and during the course of his research he uncovered many previously unknown aspects of Steiner's life. The Life and Times of Rudolf Steiner brings together the two volumes of this insightful work, which were previously available separately, in one comprehensive book. Part one introduces the great range of people who surrounded and influenced Steiner. Bock tracked down the mysterious 'Felix the herb gatherer', from Steiner's youth, and describes the Viennese social circles and coffee houses frequented by Steiner in his student days. He also details Steiner's meeting with Friedrich Nietzsche, and the various literary, artistic and eccentric people from Steiner's time in Berlin. Part two reveals some of the themes and ideas in Steiner's work - the early years of Jesus, the Christmas festival and the break from the Theosophical Society to the Anthroposophical Society - as well as exploring the nature of destiny. Bock also examines the circle of people around Steiner at this time and, using Steiner's ideas on karma and reincarnation, draws interesting parallels with Rome, Byzantium, Ephesus and the Grail Castle.

The biblical author of Genesis wrote in great cosmic images. The dramatic figures of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob and Joseph pass before our eyes, each in turn revealing hidden mystery knowledge. Emil Bock's gift is to interpret these majestic events for our modern-day understanding, without diminishing them. He brings his wide reading of the occult and mythological traditions, as well as the spiritual investigations of Rudolf Steiner, to bear on the texts, deepening our appreciation of Genesis as an outstanding work of art, relevant to the world of today.

The gospel accounts of the birth and childhood of Jesus have puzzling discrepancies and contradictions. In particular, Matthew and Luke give different versions of the genealogy and birth of Jesus, and of the events that follow. A long forgotten tradition held that there were, in fact, two families and two Jesus children whose destinies would come together: one from the kingly line of Solomon, and the other from the priestly line of Nathan. There are various apocryphal texts, as well as works of art, in which both children clearly occur. Emil Bock shows how the pattern and structure of the four gospels support the stories of two boys called Jesus, living side by side in Nazareth until the age of twelve, right up to the dramatic day of their visit to the temple in Jerusalem. He also recreates the years between this time and Jesus' baptism. This book is essential reading for every Christology student, and for anyone who has ever wondered about the gospel accounts of Jesus' birth.

In the course of his pioneering work in The Christian Community, Emil Bock made many studies of different aspects of the Gospels. Bringing his wide knowledge of the history of that time together with his deep insights in anthroposophy, he brings a fresh view of the familiar stories of the New Testament. Volume 2 looks particularly at the teachings of Christ, and at the Gospel of St Luke.

During the time of Moses a fundamental change in people's consciousness took place. Moses himself still had the ancient faculty of natural clairvoyance while a new, intellectual faculty was awakening. Bock describes the symbols and myths of the Osiris-Isis mysteries, the Messianic hopes concerning the young sun-Pharaoh, Akhenaton, and the spiritual twilight of the Egyptian mysteries that led Moses to leave Egypt for the desert. Bock interprets the imagery of the Bible in detail: the unconsumed burning bush, the miracles of staff and spring, the revelation on the Mount Sinai. He finds an inner history running parallel to the outer, linking far past and distant future. In its trials and temptations, the history of this people follows the same stages and crises as the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Emil Bock brings his wide reading of the occult and mythological traditions to bear on one of the central Old Testament texts.

An unusual perspective on the cultural and political milieu in existence at the time of the emergence of Christianity. Events such as the Persian Wars are examined with a view to understanding the spiritual struggles raging between those forces that wished to promote a newly emerging human consciousness, based on independent thought and a growing sense of egocentricity; and those forces that wished to preserve the authoritarian structures of the past, which were rooted in now decadent mystery practices. In particular the role of Essenes receives prominence, given that Bock was writing prior to the discoveries of the Dead Sea Scrolls. In the second half of the book, Bock investigates the esoteric biographies of some of the key figures surrounding Jesus Christ, and demonstrates how their destinies were affected by the encounters with the being of Christ.

Emil Bock interprets John's rich pictorial language, which is often found harsh and mysterious, helping the reader understand that John deals with the universal problems of spiritual development. This is not merely a detailed commentary on the Apocalypse but a profound and encouraging examination of human needs in today's world. Bock shows how we can read The Revelation to understand Christ's position as leader through danger, both in the present and in the future.

In an age where much of the Bible is frequently proclaimed to be irrelevant, perhaps it is the prophets of the Old Testament who are the least regarded of all. What significance could these obscure historical figures from a small nation -- at best, examples of moral uprightness and devotion -- have for us today? Emil Bock argues that they are, in fact, hugely relevant. He shows that it was among the Israelite-Jewish people of the last pre-Christian millennium that the true pulse of the spirit of the age was beating. For that period, they were the brightly-illuminated centre of world history, a focus for all the life and endeavours of humankind. He paints a picture of the Old Testament prophets as being guided from above by the spirit of Christ, preparing the way for his human incarnation. In a parallel analogy, he also shows how the prophets help prepare our own souls to meet Christ.

This precious little book contains three lectures -- "The Mystery of the Virgin Mary in Body, Soul, and Spirit" -- presented during the Christmas Holy Nights of 1950/51. On November 1, 1950, Pius XII proclaimed the Dogma of the Assumption--Mary's bodily assumption into heaven--which sent shock waves throughout the Christian world. C.G. Jung, for example, wrote his Answer to Job in response. Emil Bock's response was these lectures, which answer some of the issues and broaden the scope to include not only the Mary-Sophia mystery in human history, but also the meaning of the feminine element in the evolution of consciousness. Anyone interested in an anthroposophic perspective on Mary in body, soul, and spirit will gain much from this book.

Emil Bock lectured widely on Rudolf Steiner after the Second World War, and during the course of his research he uncovered many previously unknown aspects of Steiner's life. This book, the second of two volumes, explores some of the themes and ideas in Steiner's work, as well as exploring the nature of destiny. The early years of Jesus, the Christmas festival and the break from the Theosophical Society to the Anthroposophical Society are just some of the many themes and events covered in this comprehensive study. Bock also examines the circle of people around Steiner at this time and, using Steiner's ideas on karma and reincarnation, draws interesting parallels with Rome, Byzantium, Ephesus and the Grail Castle.