Aren't the Illuminati, FreeMasons, and Occult very similar?

Question

I understand the Illuminati was established May 1, 1776 by Adam Weishaupt(some believe he was only "reviving" the organization that was already existing). It was said to have been made WITHIN the organization of the FreeMasons, so a secret society inside a secret society.

Then I've heard of links between the Occult and FreeMasons; their members attempting to use science and establish new government systems(oddly similar to the Illuminati's goals and such).

Is there a chance they are three different names for the same thing? Or perhaps all linked in a way closer than just being a little similar in their ways of going about membership and science over religion?

Please help me understand this all. :(
I'm very confused. This internet search isn't turning up anything I don't already know. I've been searching answers for about a week now.

Oh, one more question! The Occult is often referred to as "Satanic" but during my research it speaks of a society who is only trying to understand the inner-beings of life. There is no devil worship(like today's rip-off occult members who mock religion by playing with demonology and satanism, blah blah blah.). So, why are they called satanists if they are merely trying to find answers to living things?

It reminds me how people call wicken a satanic group; a group that is clearly all for nature, NOT satan.

Answer 1

Illuminati, Freemasonry, and Occult are three very distinctly different and unrelated things.



Occult is a vague, general term, which can mean vastly different things to different people. The word is applied and misapplied by some to describe just about anything that falls outside of their beliefs or understandings, and usually in a negative context although the word itself does not necessarily indicate anything sinister.



Illuminati is a name used by various real and often wholly unrelated groups and societies over the years, the most notable being the Bavarian Illuminati which existed from about 1776-1800. Then there is too the Illuminati of pulp fiction and pop culture understanding which never really existed at all, except in the minds of fiction authors and those too inept to define the difference between fact and fiction.



Freemasonry is a social, moral fraternity which in truth holds no opinion on matters of religion. politics, science, etc. Freemasonry is about the betterment of individuals- individuals who need not accept that the opinions and beliefs of another are as valid as his own, but must tolerate others right to have said different beliefs. Through that tolerance, men will find common virtue and values which can be agreed upon despite their differences, and they may then apply those common virtues through acts of charity, civic service, etc. to the end of gaining a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Answer 2

Well first and foremost I don't see how one could "understand it all" in this forum. But he goes nothing.



Your date for the creation of the Illuminati is correct, although your facts are incorrect. Adam Weishaupt didn't start in Freemasonry, in fact he himself never joined. What he did do was recruit from within Freemason Lodges and was quickly discovered as a user and his member booted out.

Also what you don't say is that his little band, was rooted out and suppressed by 1787 and completely died out by 1791.



As one poster put it Occult does not mean evil or Satanic, etc. It simply means that which is hidden.



Some Freemason did study many things and were usually men of the enlightenment that did seek knowledge, scientific and spiritual. The Illuminati's goals were not similar as they sought to infiltrate the government and the Church and cause chaos in order to foment unrest. Adam Wesihaupt and his inner circle believed that the Church was too involved in government and that monarchies were a bad thing. They also be lived that religion was mostly superstition and mumbo jumbo and this includes, things like the devil, etc.

Just for your own edification you can read all this in Adam Weishaupt's own words as he did write a book while in exile and basically apologizes for his attempts to disrupt the government. His book is called Diogenes Lamp.



The Freemasons are sworn to be peacable citizens in the country they live and to obey the law, so definately not the same ideals. What Freemasonry teaches is that we should always be in search of kknowledge There were many great thinkers that were Freemasons but they always paid due homage to Deity and never sought to put science over God.



I suggest you go here: http://www.masonicinfo.com/primer.htm



and here: http://www.masonicinfo.com/illuminati.htm



for more information on Freemasonry and the oh so mysterious IIlluminati



I would also suggest a few books on the subject and to use the Internet only as a ccursorytool. Mainly bbecauseany boob can post a site and say anything they'd like with no basis in reality.



A few good newer books are:



Freemasons for Dummies by Chris Hodapp

CConspiracytheories for Dummies by Chris Hodapp

Solomon's Builders by Chris Hodapp

Is it true what they say about Freemasonry by Art DeHoyos and S. Brent Morris



For a more spiritual aspect see The Builders by Joseph Fort Newton, Baptist Minister and Freemason



Just know that those that speak oput against Freemasonry were/are by and far not members and claim to know more then all FFreemasons..make sense? Of course not. Or they have some religious or political agenda. Usually it's just and insane fear of that which they don't know.





The Internet is no place to

Answer 3

What you're REALLY looking for is an education. "Occult" only means hidden from view. There are no "13 satanic bloodlines." The NWO was disbanded in 1999, much to the disappointment of fake wrestling fans worldwide. Freemasonry is completely spelled out in Freemasons for Dummies by Chris Hodapp. Not coincidentally, The Knights Templar are also fully explained in Knights Templar for Dummies ALSO by Chris Hodapp. The Illuminati haven't existed for 226 years. It's unlikely you'll find anything written by an outcast member of that little group. There's also one other book out there that you should read: Conspiracy Theories for Dummies. This book, coincidentally enough, was also written by Chris Hodapp.

Answer 4

"Occult" is not most often "satanic":

"1.

of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.

2.

beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.

3.

secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/occult



The Freemasons are well known and their history and culture is everywhere on the net. All you need to do to join is to ask a member who can vouch for you to introduce you to the group and ask that you be permitted to join. You do have questions to answer, and oaths to take, etc, but it isn't all that secret. The Shriners, an offshoot, even have their own hospitals and circus, for goodness sakes!

http://shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Chicago/

http://www.shrine-circus.com/



The Illuminati may not even be true. If they are, what member is going to out them? Outsiders can try, but being on the outside, they have no objective proof the Illuminati exist.

Answer 5

I think the Illuminati are a secret society that runs world affairs. Freemasons are different as far as I know. Here is some information about the Illuminati:

http://www.bofads.com/stories/secrets.htm



http://www.bofads.com/stories/moresecrets.htm



http://www.bofads.com/stories/evenmoresecrets.htm



http://www.bofads.com/stories/jacksonsecrets.htm



http://www.bofads.com/stories/nasasecrets.htm



http://www.bofads.com/stories/wikileaksilluminati.htm



http://bofadeez.blogspot.com/2010/11/illuminati-secrets.html

Answer 6

Chris, your name seems not to fit you. else why would you be asking questions? All of these groups are best understood from experience. I would suggest that you sign up at the local membership drive next time each is recruiting.