Adult Religious Exploration

When

03/19/2023    
8:45 am - 10:30 am

Adult Religious Exploration
Sunday, March 19, at 9 am in the Annex
(coffee available at 8:45 am)

Anthroposophy: “A Brief Introduction, with Thoughts on the Meaning of Life and Death.”   

Anthroposophy (wisdom of the human being) was developed by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist who lived from 1861 to 1925. His philosophy teaches that “through inner development and training a person can gain knowledge of the spiritual world.” Its lasting outgrowths include Biodynamic farming, Waldorf education (we have a Waldorf school here in Ithaca), and Curative Education centers like Camphill communities and schools, which offer support and acceptance to adults and children with various disabilities and special needs. Steiner’s philosophy also inspires philanthropy (see “RSF Social Finance”), architecture and art, counseling, biography work, and various healing arts such as music, speech, and drama.

Our speaker, Inez Vermaas, was introduced to anthroposophy at age 14, and it has been central to her life ever since. She studied biodynamic farming both in the Netherlands and at Emerson College in England. After visiting a Camphill community in the north of England, she continued working in Camphill communities for the next 30 years, including 16 years in South Africa and 4 in Copake in the Hudson River valley. Moving to Ithaca in 2013, she and her current partner Tom started a bed & breakfast overlooking Treman State Park. She enjoys the “hundreds of guests who enrich our lives.” Inez’ talk will be followed by some time for lively discussion!