Inspiration for the Modern World.

Intersubjectivity.

Society of Edith Stein

Celebrating Edith Stein

Friends. Community. New Experiences.

The Society of Edith Stein exists to build friendships and a community that deepens the understanding and living of the life, philosophy, and spiritual teachings of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). The Society aims to create and cultivate a space where her profound insights into human nature, reason, and spirituality are applied in everyday life.

The Society is a community for friends of philosophy who wish to live and engage with the philosophy of Edith Stein. It operates entirely free of financial obligations and exists solely to honour and celebrate her life and work.

Living the Philosophy

From the time of Socrates (400 BC), philosophers have taught that philosophy is a way of life. Socratic thinkers showed that true wisdom is found in how one lives their insights, growing in virtue, self-knowledge and moral discernment.

With this intention, the Society of Edith Stein seeks to embody in daily life Edith Stein's intersubjective philosophy, which encourages reflection, empathy, and ethical action among its members.

Philosophical Identity

Edith Stein, like Pope Benedict XVI and Saint John Paul II, retained her birth name in philosophical contexts to maintain a continuity between her intellectual and spiritual paths. Her original name was central to her philosophical identity, reflecting her academic training and lifelong commitment to reason and thought.

For Stein, philosophy was not just the pursuit of abstract ideas, but a search for truth that transcended spiritual vocations. Her birth name links her intellectual heritage with her spiritual journey, honouring both her philosophical work and spiritual transformation.

This integration of faith and reason was central to her life, demonstrating that true philosophy and deep spirituality are never separate but are intertwined in the search for meaning and truth.

Stein’s Thought

As a philosopher trained under Edmund Husserl, Stein made significant contributions to phenomenology, particularly in the areas of empathy and the nature of the human person. Her groundbreaking work, On the Problem of Empathy, explored how individuals understand and experience others' consciousness, highlighting the relational nature of human existence.

Stein’s philosophy also seamlessly incorporated Christian thought, emphasising the dignity of the person and the central role of interpersonal relationships in coming to know oneself.

Carmelite Nun and Saint

In 1933, Edith Stein entered the Carmelite order and took the religious name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, choosing to dedicate her life fully to Christ and the contemplative life of prayer. As a Carmelite, she embraced the mystical tradition of the order, combining her deep philosophical insights with a profound spiritual commitment.

Her writings from this period reflect her integration of phenomenology with Christian theology, especially on themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the cross. Her spirituality was rooted in the understanding that God’s truth is revealed through both reason and mystical experience.

In 1942, during the height of Nazi persecution, Edith Stein was arrested and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where she was martyred for her faith, becoming a witness to the suffering of the Jewish people and a martyr for Christ. She was canonised a Saint by Pope John Paul II in 1998, recognising her extraordinary witness of faith, intellect, and love for humanity.

In 2012, the cause for Edith Stein to be declared a Doctor of the Church was officially opened. This title is given to saints whose teachings have had a lasting and significant impact on the Church. Edith Stein’s writings on human dignity, the nature of the person, and the integration of faith and reason continue to resonate deeply with people today.

Her philosophy, especially her exploration of empathy and the human experience, is regarded as a profound contribution to Catholic thought. The recognition of Edith Stein as a Doctor of the Church would honour her legacy as a philosopher, mystic, and Doctor of Truth, a woman whose life and teachings continue to guide both faith and reason on a path toward the divine.

Building Community

The Society of Edith Stein seeks to promote a deeper appreciation of her life, thought, and spiritual legacy, understanding that her philosophy is lived, it is reflective, relational, and practical. Stein’s philosophy cultivates contemplation, conscious ethics, and empathy, all essential to the growth of individuals and the development of a truly human community.

Reflection, in Stein's understanding, is not a passive activity, but a mindful observation of the world around us, combined with moral discernment and the integration of truth into daily life. To know the value of others is to act with love, respect, and integrity, recognising their inherent dignity as persons created in the image of God.

Through discussion groups, social gatherings, and reflective reviews, the society explores Stein’s philosophical insights and how they provide practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of everyday life. The aim is to embody her example, cultivating a life of deep reflection and genuine relationships grounded in both reason and faith.