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:
Steve’s Path: The Life-Changing Journey of Brotherhood & Masonry
In the quaint town of Carmel, Indiana, there stood the Masonic Lodge #421, a bastion of tradition and community. It was here that Steve, a fresh face in the world of Masonry, embarked on a journey that was about to enrich his life in ways he never anticipated.
Freemasonry and John Maxwell’s Leadership Model
Combining the principles from John Maxwell’s “The 5 Levels of Leadership” with the specific needs of a Masonic lodge for good leaders creates a framework that is both practical and deeply aligned with the values and traditions of Freemasonry.
The New Mason: Walking the Tightrope of Engagement and Retreat
Embarking on the Masonic journey is a moment of great pride and solemnity, as the new Mason steps into a rich tapestry woven with the golden threads of camaraderie, wisdom, and service. However, this path, while potentially enriching, is strewn with challenges that require a vigilant and proactive approach.
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