Illuminati and Freemasonry

[danieljankovic]

What are the differences between the Illuminati and Freemasonry? Are they of the same organisation?
Are Illuminati the highest form of Freemasonry?

Why is there talk of the Temple of Solomon when researching Freemasonry?
I was always under the impressions that; Illuminati started with the Egyptians as an eastern cult. While on crusades, the Templar/Teutonic Knights discovered the ancient cult when in Jerusalem, and when they returned to Europe, Pope (Maybe Urban II) said they must repent or be killed for worshipping baphomet/satan.
The followers infiltrated freemasonry in Europe due to the ability to move around easily and and then moved to the British Isles to remain secret and avoid persecution.

Does anyone have access to a reliable website or information on their beginnings?

PAX

[GilWright]

I am not a Freemason (you can't be a Freemason and a Catholic at the same time) but In my non-Catholic family, there were (and still are) many Freemasons.

As far as I am aware, the Freemasons themselves would not link themselves with the Illuminati. Having said that, there are layers upon layers within Freemasonary and perhaps there is some internal connection - although it seems fairly unlikely.

In Australia, I believe there are a number of ordinary "degrees/layers" (33?) in the regular lodge. This is then followed by additional levels in the secret Orange Lodge.

Freemasons are taught that their origins can be traced back to the workers from Solomon's Temple. This is an urban myth that can fairly easily be debunked. Freemasons do have a "Old Testament" like belief in a Diety but it is not really the Christian God.

[GilWright]

I forgot to add that the Anglican Church does not seem to have a problem with Freemasons. I have met a number of Anglican ministers who were active Lodge members and had the opportunity to attend a funeral where the Anglican minister not only wore a stole but also a Masonic apron (at the same time).

[DavidObeid]

Check out this post: http://www.thecatholicforum.org/showthread.php?143-Witch-Hunt...&p=292&viewfull=1#post292

[GilWright]

Thanks David - I forgot about the gnostic / illuminati link. The gnostic heresy circles around the idea of secret knowledge that is only revealed to initiates. Freemasons also have "secret" knowledge that is only revealed one layer at a time, gradually leading one further and further from God. Some of the oaths required are terrible (google will find them). Whether illuminati is part of freemasonry or just similar to freemasonry is beyond me.

[New Jack Swinger]

A good Catholic resource on freemasonry is Catholic apologist - John Salza http://www.scripturecatholic.com/

He is an ex 32nd degree freemason. He has written book and has quite a bit of information on his website. Also, not too long ago, he was interviewed on EWTN. Below is clip 1 of 6 of the interview...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stu6rTacfAk

Another good resource from what I have heard from a friend of mine is Richard Marshall with his talk called: Freemasonry: #1 Enemy of the Catholic Church "This high Degree Ritual and many others are exposed in this intriguing expose of Freemasonry by former Calvary Chapel member and anti-Catholic Richard Marshall. Learn who the Knights Templar were and why they were condemned..."

[danieljankovic]

Thank you everyone :)