Masonic Education: Are the Illuminati Real?

Masonic Education: Are the Illuminati Real?

This Masonic education post will focus on “Secret Societies” and their so-called “connection” with Freemasonry.

In 1776, the Bavarian Illuminati, or so-called “Secret Society”, was started by law professor Adam Weishaupt.  The Illuminati was formed to teach secular philosophy, and shine a light on the shortcomings of the Catholic Church and its ideology.

It is recorded that Weishaupt also joined the Freemasons, modeled the organization of the Illuminati using aspects of Freemasonry, and recruited from Masonic ranks.

In time, both government (and the church) began to fear the Illuminati, due to their influence with the affluent, and those who ranked high in both church and government. The movement suffered from internal dissension and was ultimately banned by an edict of the Bavarian government in 1785. Some members were imprisoned, while others were driven from their homes. Weishaupt was stripped of his chair and banished from Bavaria. For all intents and purposes, the Illuminati thereafter ceased to exist.

Is the Illuminati affiliated with Masonry? No.  And yet it did copy aspects of Masonry and recruit from its ranks. This was most likely due to Masonry being organized in a very successful way, and at the time, many of that periods most successful leaders were also Masons. If your intention is to enlighten the world, then drawing from Masonic ranks would have been (in the eyes of many who are Masons today) an obvious organization to recruit from!

For an excellent introduction into the Illuminati, watch the 5 minute video below.

Additional Masonic Resources:

From Stone to Digital: The Timeless Heart of Masonry

While the face of Masonry may change over time, its heart remains steadfast. The future may bring smaller lodges, digital gatherings, or new interpretations of ancient rituals, but the essence of brotherhood and the pursuit of wisdom will never fade. The Masonic journey is not about the size of the lodge or the secrecy of its rituals; it’s about the quality of the bonds formed and the impact made in our communities. In this way, Masonry remains as relevant as ever.​

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  • *Please note, we follow the Grand Lodge of Indiana's Covid-19 social distancing guidelines at all our lodge events. Masks are required by all, and those who may be sick or at risk, are staying home with many healthy or "at-risk" members and/or guests watching our Masonic Education events online.  If you are in good health and do not have significant health risks, consider attending at our lodge and joining our other brothers meeting at the lodge. For more information see Covid-19 News and Updates.

About The Author

Carmel Lodge #421

Carmel Masonic Lodge #421 has a reputation as an open, welcoming Masonic lodge. We continue to attract both new members and transfers. Many lodge members, who haven’t been regularly attending lodge, find the friendly and active atmosphere at “421” results in a desire to attend more often, get more involved in degree work, or simply come out and join us at the next fun social.

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Matt Lackner
Matt Lackner
12:52 02 Oct 20
Nice building and warmly welcomed by my brothers there. Happy that I could help our brothers welcome some friends into our fraternity.
John Crow Dog
John Crow Dog
12:50 08 Aug 18
Wonderful Brotherhood the camaraderie is top-tier
Brian Ross
Brian Ross
23:44 05 May 18
Fun group of people to hang out with.
Michael Langdon
Michael Langdon
22:29 10 Sep 22
Very good food for breakfast, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 7-10:30
Jeff Conrad
Jeff Conrad
18:18 11 Apr 22
An excellent group of people! Welcoming, fun and civic-minded.
Nathan Weaver
Nathan Weaver
17:10 08 Jul 17
How do I join