Friedrich Rittelmeyer was a German theologian and anthroposophist who played a significant role in the founding of The Christian Community. He was born in Barmen in 1895 and died in Stuttgart in 1959. Rittelmeyer's theological and anthroposophical work contributed to the establishment and development of this religious movement.

He met Emil Bock, a prominent figure in The Christian Community, in 1916. Bock later studied theology and, after Rittelmeyer's death, took over leadership of the Community in 1938. Rittelmeyer was also involved in co-authoring works related to religious renewal and anthroposophical thought.

Friedrich Rittelmeyer was a key figure in the establishment of The Christian Community, a religious movement founded in 1922. He served as one of its initial founders and was instrumental in its early development. The movement sought a renewal of Christian religious life, drawing upon spiritual insights and philosophical perspectives, particularly those associated with anthroposophy. Rittelmeyer's theological background and spiritual inclinations deeply influenced the foundational principles and direction of The Christian Community.

Rittelmeyer's work and influence extended through his collaborations with other thinkers in the spiritual and anthroposophical circles. He met Emil Bock, who would become a central leader of The Christian Community, in 1916. Rittelmeyer co-authored "Zur religiösen Erneuerung" (On Religious Renewal) with Emil Bock in 1922, a work that likely articulated some of the core ideas for the movement's spiritual and theological direction. His passing in 1938 marked a significant transition, with Emil Bock assuming leadership of The Christian Community.