Are the Illumati related to the Freemasons? If so, how? In recent times?
108090
"Robert Alan Goldberg, in his book Enemies Within, summarizes the basic themes of the books by Barruel and Robison:\n"Writing in the aftermath of the French Revolution, these monarchists had created a counterhistory in defense of the aristocracy. Winning the hearts and minds of present and future readers would assuage some of the pain of recent defeat and mobilize defenses. The Revolution, they argued, was not rooted in poverty and despotism. Rather than a rising of the masses, it was the work of Adam Weishaupt’s Illuminati, a secret society that plotted to destroy all civil and religious authority and abolish marriage, the family, and private property. It was the Illuminati who schemed to turn contented peasants 'from Religion to Atheism, from decency to dissoluteness, from loyalty to rebellion.' "\nThe major immediate political effect of allegations of an Illuminati Freemason conspiracy in Europe was to mobilize support for national oligarchies traditionally supported by the Catholic Church hierarchy. Across Europe authoritarian governing elites were coming under attack by reformist and revolutionary movements demanding increased political rights under secular laws. The ideas of the Enlightenment were incorporated by the leaders of both the French and American revolutions, and in a sense, these Enlightenment notions were indeed subversive to the established social order, although they were hardly a secret conspiracy. The special status of the Catholic Church in European nation-states was actually threatened by the ideas being discussed by the Illuminati and the rationalist wing of the Freemasons.\nSeveral common conspiracist themes emerge from these two books. The Enlightenment themes of equality and liberty are designed to destroy respect for property and the natural social hierarchy. Orthodox Christianity is to be destroyed and replaced with universalism, deism...or worse. Persons with a cosmopolitan outlook--encouraging free-thinking and international cooperation--are to be suspect as disloyal subversive traitors out to undermine national sovereignty and promote anarchy.\n\nShortly after the Barruel book was published, conspiracy theories about the Illuminati Freemasons were mixed with antisemitism in Europe. This confluence took place much later in the US."
586978
Speculations as to the origins vary as has been discussed earlier. Personally, I am with the small crowd that does not believe it strictly came from the stone masons. Stone masons, however, were one of the very few groups of men who were not tied to the land and could travel in small groups. OK, I like the Templar theory, but it is MY liking. Freemasons are that, free to speculate.\n\nMany rituals harken back to the ancient mystery schools. More than that I cannot say. I would refer you to my Order's website (link below) for more information. I am a Co-Mason (women and men in Lodge together).\n\nFreemasons have not conducted Inquisitions nor burned people for not believing as they do. We encourage people to think and to explore, to extend the hand of friendship to people of all faiths. I know of few RELIGIONS which do that.
1041325
I enjoy reading information about secret societies.  If you want to learn more about another interesting group read about the Bilderberg group.\nAs far as my opinion for this society, I believe that they exist.  This country was formed by a group of men, most belonging to a secret society-free masons.  Seems like it is tradition maybe even American culture.
451656
I beg to differ with the first answerer. The masons are not associated with any cults they are simply a group of usually Christian religious men interested in community service.
1148218
The explanation given by the "co-mason" NeoArt is accurate and informative.  I, as an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason (the "real" Masons if you will), can only add this.  "Co-masons" are generally not recognized by real Masonic Lodges and will most likely not be permitted to attend meetings.  Many Masons in this country still are not even aware that this group exists.  \n\nNeoArt mentioned that Co-masons require that their "brothers" must declare belief in a higher power, but are not pressed further on the issue and there are no religious requirements apart from not being an atheist.  This is the case with real Masons as well.  There is no futher requirement where religious belief in concerned.\n\nCo-Masons seem to mean well, and are most likely very good hearted individuals who are lookinig to improve themselves and their community, just as real Masons are and have.  They just seem to differ in a few areas that caused them to form their own fringe group.  Co-masons should still be respected as people who are trying to do good, but they will not be accepted by real Masons, as doing so would violate the oath that every Freemason takes.
1173062
No, the last Freemason president of the United States was Gerald Ford. Before that Harry S Truman and Franklin Roosevelt.
1022093
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasons\nRead. Learn.\n\nI have to ask, rocker, if not even the freemasons know, just a few top people, then how the hell would you know? Are you a hermit who's spend his entire life researching them and infiltrating their ranks? If you find a "big secret conspriracy" without looking for it, that it can't possibly be a "big secret conspiracy" now can it?
973192
Masons have a role in society.  I don't know what it is but they must be a worthwhile organization.
365610
Freemasons are members of a Fraternal Organization founded on the principals of The Fatherhood of God (whatever you perceive him to be) the Brotherhood of Man and the Immortality of Man ... we believe in Faith Hope and Charity and are the driving force behind the Shrine and Scottish Rite Childrens Hospitals ... There are a number of appendant bodies (like the Shriners and Scottish Rite and York Rite) that extend from Freemasonry but you must be a Freemason before you may continue in the other bodies.
299087
The Order of the Fraternity of the Illuminati, also known as Brotherhood of the Light, was a highly secretive society back in the 17th-century at the hight of the occultism.  If, and only "IF", this very society still exists into the modern age, its secrecy should not be any less as it was centuries ago.  However, since people do know little pieces of this society via the historical records (whose authenticities are yet very questionable), you are NOT without hopes in ATTEMPTING to locate this society.\n\nNow, there ARE over a dozen societies out there all claiming to be the Illuminati or related to the Illuminati (and let the X-File's theme-music play with that logo dispalyed: "The Truth is Out There").  My suggestion?  Try the Rosicrucians because, the Rosicrucians and the Illuminati shared a long history that goes way back (even to claim as far back as to the Era of Atlantis).\n\nSo, the Illuminati cannot be found but, we still can find their former "sister society" -- The Rosicrucians.  Now, the Rosicrucians were NOT that secretive then nor are they very secretive now-a-days...only if you know where too look (A Hint: Type "Rosicrucian AMORC" into YahooSearch).
1187928
WOW.  Ahhh, just so you know, most Masons are NOT Mormons.  I  am a Mason and have been for years.  I have met many Masons, and none of them are Mormons.  I have met Christian Masons, Jewish Masons, and Muslim Masons.\n\nJoseph Smith WAS a Mason, and I believe he "borrowed" quite a bit of his "prophecy" from Masonic ritual.  We Masons do not adopt any religion as part of the fraternity, because each member is to worship in his own faith.  We are not a religious organization.\n\nIf you have any more questions about Freemasonry, and want the answer from a real Freemason, please feel free to contact me.
12908
You can go to their website (http://www.freemasonry.org/) and check out the local chapters in your area.  Many have their own websites with information on becomng a member of the society.
706454
I am a 5th generation Freemason, and I have found it be a rewarding experience.  Please feel free to email me with any questions you have.  There is very little that is actually secret, and I will be glad to share as much information with you as possible.
775992
The Illuninati, sometimes called Zionists, believe that they have a right to control the planet, and everyone and everything on it. And they almost do!\n\nAn Illuminati Primer\nhttp://www.rinf.com/news/nov05/illuminati.html\nRothschild/Rockefeller\nThe Architecture of Modern Political Power\nhttp://dgwa1.fortunecity.com/fourthreich/rockroth.html
258983
If you are referring to the "Legend of the Skull of Sidon", its origins appear to be propgandic hearsay designed to help foster public support for the Church's decision to disband the Templar Knights on the alleged grounds of heresy.\n\nIf you are talking about Yale's Skull and Bones Society, it was modelled after general "secret society" characteristics.  Most secret societies are in some way based upon the Templar model - although they usually contain a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and outright fabrications. Historians sometimes refer to this as "Templarism," and it is a derogatory term: These people don't approach the Templars as they actually were, but as they'd like them to be in order to support some sort of agenda.  The agenda of Skull and Bones Society seems to be allowing rich Yale students to network with each other.  This makes it essentially a fraternity with some occult-like trappings.
962094
The Illuminati and The Protocols.\nhttp://jahtruth.co.uk/illumin.htm#main
839773
There are many secret societies in the US. Several people in my family belong to them. But if you're talking about conspiracy theories (the country being run by the Illuminati, Bilderbergers, Skull & Bones, etc), you'll find debates on either side.