Get: Fire in the Minds of Men by James H. Billington

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Secret Societies: Their Origins and Beliefs

     Secret Societies are one of the more intriguing topics in today's information rich technological environment. With most of the world's knowledge just a keystroke away, many people find themselves researching topics that would otherwise be beyond their reach. One dark corner of the internet is dedicated to the research of secret societies. It will be the goal of this article to examine the origins and original motives of these elusive groups. Also, we will take a look a brief look at the societies in their more modern form.

        The more famous of secret societies is the practice of freemasonry. Some date the origins of this group back to the Knights Templar, and claim that after the Templar's were crushed by the King of France that they fled and formed the Mason's. Others say that the roots of Freemasonry can be traced all the way back to Egypt and the ancient Pharaoh’s. Whichever of the two is true, one thing is for certain, during the late 19^th century their influence was being felt by people as powerful as Napoleon.

       The Mason's were hierarchical in nature and led men to believe that as they achieved greater levels of Masonry, they would have 'greater truth's' revealed to them. While many claim to be Christian's to this day, the original object of the Mason's was to rebuild the temple of Solomon and reshape society in a secular way with 'moral force'. The whole idea being that man was finally capable of being a civilized society without the supernatural help of God, or as they called Him 'The Divine Architect'.

      As Billington wrote in his great work Fire in the Minds of Men, “In what follows I shall attempt to show that the modern revolutionary tradition as it came to be internationalized under Napoleon and the Restoration grew out of occult Freemasonry; that early organizational ideas originated more from Pythagorean mysticism than from practical experience; and that the real innovators were not so much political activist as literary intellectuals, on whom German romantic thought in general-and Bavarian Illuminism in particular-exerted great influence.” The internationalization of this movement brings the tantalizing idea that the power of one group of men had expanded and consolidated their power in multiple nations. This gives rise to the more popular theories of a One World Government and who is behind the push for such an international body. While the Mason's seem to be the power behind Secret Societies, the next group of men are alleged to have far greater control of world affairs.

     Popularized by the movie The Da vinci Code, The Illuminati has long been considered by conspiracy theorist as the head of all other organizations. According to Billington, “The Order of Illuminists was founded on May 1, 1776, by a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria, Adam Weishaupt, and four associates.” Different from the Mason's, The Illuminati didn't seek to attain a higher level of wisdom, but to be remade 'into a totally loyal servant of a universal mission'. They also sought to bring top level Mason's and other secret societies into their own organization to gain notoriety.

     The Illuminati were made up of three different bodies; church, synod, and areopagite. The areopagite were the top level Illuminists, and it consisted of 'the small secrets' and 'the great secrets'. When a member was able to attain the very top level they were said to have achieved the ultimate goal, which was, ultimate 'liberty' and 'equality'. Mostly political in nature, there is still not much known about this exclusive group. Some even suggest that the organization in its original form no longer exists.

      Today the Mason's are seen as a dying breed with 'temples' shutting down all over the country, but the truth is far from this. There have been 27 President's who were said to have been Mason's (including 33^rd level George H.W. Bush). Many have even claimed that Billy Graham is a 33^rd level mason, and have even claimed to see him in the 33^rd level temple in Washington D.C.. Whether there is truth in the claim, we may never know, but the mere fact that so many President's have been members of the organization its fair to say that the group is alive and well.

      As for the Illuminati, it is far more difficult to find their existence. Some believe that the Bilderberg group is the new form of the Illuminati, but it is uncertain. According to Ashley Lutz, “ The Bilderberg group is120-140 powerful people who meet each year to discuss policy. The meetings are closed to the public.” Not only are the meetings closed to the public, they are also heavily guarded by men with machine guns and snipers on the roof. Lutz also mentions that the group includes the notorious One World Government advocate George Soros. These elite few are tied to almost every major global corporation, charity, and political body. As one commentator once said, “Do you think they are getting together to play pea knuckle?”

     It is fair to say that these groups are powerful in nature and their influence encompasses the globe, but what can't be concluded is what their ultimate goal is (unless you take them at their word). Sometimes people laugh at conspiracy theories as the inventions of kooks, but I have always lived by the saying, “If just 10% percent of what they say is true, we should all be very afraid.” I hope this information was helpful, and I will write in more detail in the future on each organization. God Bless.

By Jeffrey Brandon Lee

Completing the Task God Has Set Before You

     Many times in life we are left feeling inadequate or unworthy of God's call on our lives.  Whether it's a sin we think God simply can't forgive us for, or the task that is just to great for us to overcome, it can truly put us in a rut.  The purpose of this article is going to shed light on how to respond to the constant inner conflict and defeatist attitude that stalls our obedience to God.

     Guilt is one of the tragic feelings that many Christians constantly battle to overcome.  At times it can be something so trivial and small it may seem silly to even feel guilt, but at other times it may be a very great sin that constantly plagues our consciences.  Take heart in the fact that you're not alone.  There has never been a man or woman who ever lived on this earth that has not sinned, except the mighty Son of God Jesus Christ.  

     So when the guilt attempts to condemn you and lay on your shoulder's the burden of sin, remember what Christ did for you!  Jesus lived the unblemished life that the messiah must, and for that He was put on a cross and nailed to it where He died.  He did this not only to do the Father's will, but so that you wouldn't have to feel the guilt or condemnation for you past mistakes.  He died and went to hell so that when the devil comes at you and accuses you saying you're not worthy to undertake the mission God has set before you, you can tell him, "I live without the burden of sin for God poured His wrath out on His Son so that I would no longer have to live by the law, which is called the ministry of death."  So pick yourself up with the confidence of God's love and move boldly toward the future that God has planned for you!

     Others of you may look at the task assigned and say, "Lord there is no possible way that I can accomplish what you have asked me to do."  This is a very common fear that we deal with when we are presented with a clear assignment from God, but once again we must not let ourselves get stuck in the mud and not move forward.  We must always remember that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!  He would have never given you the assignment if you could not accomplish it, and He knows exactly how it will be done.  All we have to do is have faith that He is in control of the situation and that He will deliver us in our time of need.

     The father of the Reformation, Martin Luther, is a prime example of how far God can take a simple man.  Luther was a monk in a small Abby in Germany in the 15th century.  Early on he struggled with his faith and even questioned the goodness of God, but God had a great work to do in this single man.  Through diligent study of the word and extraordinary faith, Luther was able to challenge the very Papal throne.  He relied completely on the grace and faithfulness of God to the point of facing death as an accused heretic.  Through it all God always provided the words and safety that Luther needed to accomplish his mission.  Today we all benefit from his courage and faith as he translated the first Bible to be available to the masses.

     The important fact to remember when you face the challenge God has set before you, is that He loves you enough to sacrifice His own Son so that you could be with Him forever!  If you truly believe that He is all powerful, then walk boldly out into the world and accomplish the task He set before you.  I can guarantee one thing, and that is, if it is His will, He will make the way for you to succeed in everything He has for you.  God Bless and have a great day!     


By Jeffrey Brandon Lee