When a student of Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom learns the principles of freedom they will naturally look for people and places where these principles are expressed. They may become interested in the Anthroposophical Society because it was founded by Rudolf Steiner and expect to find these principles living there.

Some are disappointed by what they find. They say that members sound like they have all memorized the same dogma, in many society groups members have little say in the selection of Society officers, and criticism and non-traditional views are censored from its websites and publications; overall it hasn’t changed much from its formation over 75 years ago, still continuing the authoritative lecture format. The result has been a decline in membership and donations raising doubts to its ability to interest younger generations. Historically, those who have called for change have been shunned or expelled.

One is better able today to find striving toward Steiner’s freedom philosophy in new groups springing up today than the Society which some say is an indication the Society may have fallen behind anthroposophy itself, speaking an insider theosophical language not understood by the rest of the world. All the principles of anthroposophy are in the Philosophy of Freedom using more familiar terms, so it is possible to present anthroposophy and be understood.

Steiner warned that if the Society would fall behind, “anthroposophy's conveyance through the Society will result in its being completely misunderstood, and its only fruit will be endless conflict”.

Two common approaches to this problem is the harsh criticism of the Dualist who points out the contradiction between the Society and Steiner’s freedom principles and the superficial Monist who tries to deny this contradiction, blind themselves to it, or even worse have not studied The Philosophy of Freedom so don't even know what these principles are. Society criticism is even assumed to be an attack from some theorized demonic force the defender had read about in some lecture. None of these approaches have lead to any progress.

Does the world need an Anthroposophical Society that embraces the principles of The Philosophy of Freedom and the 21st century or is maintaining long standing traditions more important?