Abd Ru Shin

Oskar Ernst Bernhardt, who adopted the name Abd-ru-shin, was a German religious figure born in 1875. He is recognized as the founder of the Grail Movement, a spiritual organization that emerged in the 20th century. Bernhardt's teachings, which he presented as a divine revelation, drew upon Christian traditions, Theosophy, and other esoteric Western thought. He proclaimed the imminent arrival of God's Kingdom on Earth, a concept central to his work.

Bernhardt's most significant contribution is the book 'In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message,' which he wrote between 1923 and 1931. He claimed to be a messenger, or the 'Son of Man,' tasked with guiding humanity during a critical period. His movement gained followers, particularly in German-speaking regions, and established a community at Vomperberg in Austria. Bernhardt faced legal challenges and arrests, including during the Nazi era, before his death in 1941. His followers continued his work, interpreting his prophecies in light of his unfulfilled predictions.

Born Oskar Ernst Bernhardt in 1875 in Germany, he came from a family of innkeepers. After training in business, he established his own company in 1897. His early life included accusations of fraud, leading to a prison sentence. From around 1900, he traveled and wrote various literary works, including plays that achieved some popularity. During World War I, Bernhardt was interned in Britain due to his German nationality. It is believed that his spiritual and religious ideas began to form during this period of internment. Following his release and return to Germany, he experienced a significant spiritual proclamation on Good Friday in 1923, asserting Jesus's mission to transfer his role to a 'Son of Man'.

Beginning in 1923, Bernhardt started writing what would become 'In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message,' completing it in 1931. He adopted the pen name 'Abd-ru-shin,' which he interpreted as 'The Son of the Holy Spirit,' though others have translated it as 'Son of Light.' He presented himself as the 'Son of Man' and foretold the imminent establishment of God's Kingdom on Earth in the mid-1930s. Bernhardt positioned his message as a final divine intervention before the end of the world, succeeding where Jesus's earlier mission was perceived to have fallen short. He attracted a following of several thousand people, primarily from German-speaking countries, and established a settlement at Vomperberg, Tyrol.

Abd-ru-shin faced legal issues, including arrests related to currency regulations and alleged illegal foreign exchange transactions between Germany and Austria. He was arrested by the Nazis in 1936, though records suggest he was unaware of the actions that led to the charges, which were carried out by other leaders of his movement. He was later declared innocent and released. The settlement at Vomperberg was eventually dissolved due to Nazi opposition. He was described in the press as the 'Messiah of the Tyrol' and the 'Prophet of Vomperberg.' Bernhardt died in 1941, before his prophecy of God's Kingdom was fulfilled. His followers later reinterpreted the prophecy, suggesting the timing was unknowable. His family continued to lead the Grail Movement after the war.