Beliefs & practices

The manifestos describe a programme combining alchemy, Hermetic philosophy, Christian piety (in a Protestant key), and the practical sciences — particularly medicine — for the relief of human suffering. The brotherhood was depicted as healing the sick without payment and meeting once a year in a hidden place.

Modern Rosicrucian organisations differ significantly in doctrine. AMORC, the largest, presents itself as a non-religious mystical school offering correspondence study; the Rosicrucian Fellowship, founded by Max Heindel, is explicitly Christian and theosophical in orientation.