As a child of anon-religious family, Michael Ridenour found a Bible one day and began reading.Initially excited by its lively stories, he paused at the New Testament, facedwith a baffling inner question: Where in the world is Christ today? Anunexpected answer came during his teenage years with a spontaneous experienceof the Christ being, but this only led to more questions. Later, he discoveredthe work of Rudolf Steiner and found the authentic vision and language neededto clarify and better comprehend his own experiences, but the questions keptcoming. This book is the fruit of Ridenour's life-long search for answers--abook that is deeply thoughtful, humorous, philosophical, and poetic.

In part 1, "Raising theFoundation," he studies the Judeo-Christian mysteries. After humanity's "Fall"into materialism, these mysteries signal the development of humanindividuality. The impulse for selfhood continues with Christ, who brings a newpath of divine love. But the mystery of Christ leads naturally to his shadow.Today, we can no longer escape this question: Where in the world is Judas? WithoutJudas' betrayal, Christ's greatest gift could never have been given. We cannotreject Judas, but should transform him within ourselves.

In part 2, "Lowering theTemple," Ridenour relates the theme of metamorphosis to the contemporary world.Once guided by initiates, personal transformation now needs to blossom fromwithin each individual human soul. The topic of evolution takes us to aconsideration of the perennially controversial Charles Darwin, as well as theintuitive approach of Goethe and the living thinking of Rudolf Steiner.

A rich treasure trove ofideas, The Greatest Gift Ever Given sharpens a dynamic focus on currentspiritual needs and contributes a thought-provoking response to them.