FREEMASONRY & THE FOUNDING FATHERS

In his book, The Question of Freemasonry and the Founding Fathers, author David Barton takes up the argument about whether or not the United States was founded by Masons.  Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, he diminishes the role of Masonry saying: “it is historically and irrefutably demonstrable that Freemasonry was not a significant influence in the formation of the United States.” (Barton, p. 21, emphasis in the original)

Nevertheless, in January of 2007, the first session of the 110th Congress (when Nancy Pelosi became speaker of the house) passed House Resolution 33, which recognized “the thousands of Freemasons in every State in the Nation …” The resolution goes on to say specifically:

“Whereas the Founding Fathers of this great Nation and signers of the Constitution, most of whom were Freemasons, provided a well-rounded basis for developing themselves and others into valuable citizens of the United States.” (H. RES. 33, as submitted by Congressman and 33rd degree Mason Paul Gillmor, emphasis added)

Christian Masonry?

Furthermore, Barton makes the assertion that Freemasonry was a “Christian” organization during the time of the founding fathers, but was then later corrupted by men like Albert Mackey and Albert Pike.  As we show in the documentary, Secret Mysteries of America’s Beginnings, American Masonry can be traced to England during the time of Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), who is considered the first grand master of modern masonry.  Even at this time, the inner doctrine of embracing all the world religions alongside Christianity existed; but they did not publish such things in formal declarations, for fear of persecution.  The outer and inner doctrine of secret societies is something overlooked by many researchers who attempt to marginalize the influence of Freemasonry.  These same men would also know little of Rosicrucianism, which was the forerunner of Masonry.  

Satanic Roots of Masonry

Sir Francis Bacon’s close associate during this time was Dr. John Dee, who was the Court Astrologer for Queen Elizabeth I.  It is well known that Dee was a sorcerer who summoned demonic spirits to obtain secret knowledge; a practice used by Rosicrucians (of whom Dee was the chief in England) for centuries.  The root word for “demon” means “a knowing one” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W.E. Vine, pub. 1997, p. 283) The Rosicrucians desired to know secrets of science (i.e. knowledge) and consulted demons to get information.  Bacon also made contact with demonic spirits, including the goddess Pallas Athena, whom he claimed was his muse or inspiration.  In time, Dee handed off the leadership of the Rosicrucian Society to Bacon, who would enfold the secrets of Rosicrucianism into the system of Freemasonry.

It is little wonder that Sir Francis Bacon would become the father of the modern scientific method, and that men like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson would follow his example in their scientific endeavors.  Franklin and Jefferson are both claimed by modern Rosicrucians as being of their order.  

Like the Gnostics, the Rosicrucians craved knowledge; and it was this desire that lead them to worship Lucifer.  The secret orders regard Lucifer as the Angel of Light, who, in the form of a serpent, bid mankind to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, so that their eyes would be open and they could become as gods.  This is the inner doctrine of Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and all the secret orders -- and always has been.  In the 19th century when Masons like Pike and Mackey (along with leading occultists such as Eliphas Levi and Madame H.P. Blavatsky) described this doctrine in their writings, they were only admitting in print what had been secretly known for centuries.  The difference was, that with the revolutionary movements, freedom of religion allowed them to publish such things without fear of persecution.  

Secrets in Stone

Centuries before all this, in 1492, Rosslyn Chapel was built by Scottish Freemasons.  To this day, the chapel is considered a puzzle because it is filled with carvings and icons of Christian and Pagan religions.  Why?  The reason is because Freemasons have always had the inner doctrine of amalgamating religious beliefs.  Much of this can be traced back to the Knights Templar who are said to have fled to Scotland when they were persecuted in Europe (circa 1307).  In fact, the red cross of the Templars is said to be a point of origin for the rose cross of Rosicrucianism.  Furthermore, in the wake the Scottish Jacobite rebellions of the early 1700’s, many Scottish Masons and Rosicrucians fled to America, bringing their occult doctrines with them.  One of their power centers was the Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, whose members included George Washington, James Monroe, and eight of the Revolutionary War generals.

 
The practice of carving their doctrines in stone continued in the new world with the building of Washington D.C.  This is why one will find in our nations’ capital countless images of gods and goddesses, along with zodiacs, the Washington Monument obelisk, reflecting pools, and a whole cacophony of pagan imagery.  There are no monuments to Jesus Christ, the Apostles, or anything having to do with the Christian faith.

The Reason for Masonic Deception

Manly P. Hall has been called “Masonry’s Greatest Philosopher” in America’s leading Masonic publication (The Scottish Rite Journal, September 1990).  In his book, The Secret Destiny of America, Hall says that, in the past, secret orders intentionally made a pretense of Christian faith in order to avoid persecution.  He writes:

“The rise of the Christian Church broke up the intellectual
pattern of the classical pagan world.  By persecution … it drove
the secret societies into greater secrecy; the pagan intellectuals
then reclothed their original ideas in a garment of Christian
phraseology, but bestowed the keys of the symbolism only upon
those duly initiated and bound to secrecy by their vows.”
(Manly P. Hall, The Secret Destiny of America, p. 77)

The “initiated” that were “bound to secrecy” is an obvious reference to those in secret societies.  Hall argued that these groups have been operating in America for centuries, and that they were the authors of the American Revolution.  Before dismissing his assertion as a conspiracy theory, ask yourself a question:  Did Christians erect a bunch of pagan monuments to various gods in Washington D.C., and while doing it, just happen to omit Jesus Christ?  Or was it done by men who outwardly pretended to be Christians, but inwardly had a hidden agenda, just as their “greatest philosopher” tells us?

Classicism: the Veil of Lucifer

In his book on the founders and Masonry, David Barton defends the use of pagan symbolism with the following argument:

“Americans in recent generations have not been trained
in classical literature – a training that was routine in the
Founding Era.  Therefore, present-day Americans are not
inclined to consider structures from the ancient empires
(such as the pyramids), or to be familiar with their heroes
(such as Cato, Cicero, and Aeneus), or even with their writers
(such as Homer, Virgil, Herodotus, and especially
Plutarch …)" (Barton, p. 82)

If you take the time to look up the works of Homer, Virgil, etc. you will find that these ancient writer/philosophers were writing about the gods and goddesses of the ancient world.  All of these gods are called devils in the bible (1 Corinthians 10:20).  The same deception is used to describe the Statue of Liberty where reference is made to “Liberty’s Classical Origins.”  The placard on Liberty Island then goes on to say that the statue was based on the Roman goddess, Libertas.  Were the statue judged from a biblical viewpoint, it would tell of Liberty’s Demonic Origins.  The clever use of the word classic is simply more evidence of satanic duplicity.  David Barton’s incredible delusion seems to be that if Satan and his demons are put in a book marked Classical Literature, then are they somehow sanitized and no longer offensive to God.  But in the bible, God says:

“Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not
made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish
from the earth, and from under these heavens.”
(Jeremiah 10:11)

Why would any bible believing Christian want to build statues and monuments to exalt spiritual powers that God has condemned to destruction? Clearly, the modern references to “classical literature” by which demons become acceptable learning tools, is a clever veil of deception.  This danger was defined two centuries earlier by the 16th century scholar Erasmus concerning “classical” studies, who said:

“… that under the cloak of reviving ancient literature
paganism tries to rear its head, as there are those among
Christians who acknowledge Christ only in name but
inwardly breathe heathenism.” (Erasmus, as cited by David
W. Cloud, in What About Erasmus?)

G.A.O.T.U. and George Washington

To enable their members to embrace any god they wish, Masonry developed vague terminology when referring to deity.  Their favorite title is Great Architect of the Universe.  David Barton, in his attempts to call early Masonry a “Christian” organization, suggests that this idea developed after the founding era.  He creates this argument in an attempt to justify the involvement of men like George Washington and others in early American Masonry.  

In his book, Barton rightly states that in Christianity:

“Only one God is worshipped – and that God is not the
universalist deistic god that Masonry denotes as the ‘Great
Architect of the Universe’ (G.A.O.T.U.)” (Barton, p. 20,
emphasis in original)

While saying this, Barton fails to tell his readers that George Washington (whom he insists was a Christian) referred to this same Masonic god when writing to the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, on December 27, 1792 where he said:

“I sincerely pray that the Great Architect of the Universe
may bless you and receive you hereafter into his immortal
Temple. – G. Washington”

Notice that the idea of G.A.O.T.U. was not invented by Albert Pike or others who came later.  It was well known among early American Masons.  Could such a quote be the reason why George Washington in his thousands of pages of written correspondence, never made a clear confession of Jesus Christ?  Or that the only quote anyone can find from him makes mention of “the Religion of Jesus Christ,” but not faith in the Son of God, according to the scriptures?  Could this be why Washington’s own pastor called him a Deist?

Pythagorean Masonry

While some patriot Christians will scoff at the idea that the Illuminati could have had anything to do with the design of Washington D.C., they are simply unfamiliar with Illuminati symbolism.  The Illuminists (an inner circle of Freemasons) were high-minded intellectuals who exalted the teachings of the Greek and Roman philosophers of the ancient world (i.e. the so-called classical authors that Barton defends).  Pythagorean philosophy was chiefly embraced by the revolutionaries of the founding era.  The Pythagorean Theorem is based on the right triangle of Pythagoras, and (according to Masonic author, David Ovason) is the reason Federal Triangle in Washington D.C. was designed as it is.

Dr. James H. Billington in his book, Fire in the Minds of Men writes about the revolutionary faith that was inspired by the Bavarian Illuminati.  Bear in mind that Billington is not a “conspiracy writer,” but the 13th Librarian of Congress and a friend of the Bush family.  He is as official an historian as you can find.  President George W. Bush quoted his book in his 2005 inaugural address after he was elected for his second term.  In his exhaustive work, Dr. Billington has a whole section titled The Pythagorean Passion, in which he says:

“… a vast array of labels and images was taken from
classical antiquity to legitimize the new revolutionary faith.”
(Billington, Fire in the Minds of Men, p. 99)

Notice his reference to “classical” antiquity (i.e. pagan symbolism).  He goes on to say that “Pythagoras, the semi-legendary Greek philosopher, provided a model for the intellectual-turned-revolutionary.  He became a kind of patron saint for romantic revolutionaries …” (Ibid, p. 100) Adam Weishaupt, the founder of the Bavarian Illuminati, even named his “final blueprint for politicized Illuminism … Pythagoras.”
(Ibid, p. 100)  Billington says that the “revolutionaries … repeatedly attached importance to the central prime numbers of Pythagorean mysticism: 1, 3, 7, and above all 5.”  The number 5 is significant because there are 5 points to a pentagram.  Pythagoras called the pentagram the pentalpha which is why there are so many Pentalpha Lodges in modern Freemasonry.  This is also why there is a pentagram in the street layout of Washington D.C., as we detail in our documentary, Riddles in Stone.

The Washington D.C. Pentagram

All serious researchers contend that the controversy over the pentagram is not about whether or not it is truly there.  Arial photos clearly reveal it.  Even the Masons, who deny that they are responsible for it, acknowledge its presence, but argue that Rhode Island Avenue does not extend all the way to complete the figure.  As such, the debate is twofold:  1) Was the pentagram intentional, or simply the coincidence of geometric lines?  2) Why is the pentagram incomplete? The answer to the second part seems to reveal the first.  As we explain in our film, Riddles in Stone, the unfinished pentagram is a well known symbol in Freemasonry.  As Manly P. Hall records in his writings:

“The pentagram is used extensively in black magic,
but when so used its form always differs in one of three
ways: The star may be broken at one point by not
permitting the converging lines to touch …When used
in black magic, the pentagram is called the ‘sign of the
cloven hoof’ or the ‘footprint of  the devil.’” (Manly
Palmer Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages, p. CIV)

Of course, Hall was writing in the 20th century; but was this symbolism known by Masons during the founding era?  The answer is yes.  One of the most famous Master Masons of all time was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who made use of such a pentagram in the play Faust, in which the character of Faust summons Mephistophiles (the devil) to make a pact with him.  As the devil tries to leave, he is hindered.  As a result, he and Faust have the following exchange:

MEPHISTOPHILES
Let me go up!  I cannot go away; a little
hindrance bids me stay.  The Witch’s foot
upon your sill I see.

FAUST
The pentagram?  That’s in your way?
You son of Hell, explain to me,
If that stays you, how came you in today?
And how was such a spirit so betrayed?

MEPHISTOPHILES
Observe it closely!  It is not well made;
One angle, on the outer side of it,
Is just a little open, as you see.

The “open” or “broken” pentagram was used by Faust to summon the devil in a black magic ceremony.  The famous author of the play, Goethe, was not only a Mason, but also a well known member of the Bavarian Illuminati.  To this day, Freemasons proudly acknowledge that his writings are filled with Masonic symbolism, while books have been written about his Illuminist involvement.   

Goethe published his first edition of Faust in 1790 (called Faust: ein Fragment), and it was in the next 2 years that Pierre L’Enfant (with the possible help of Thomas Jefferson) came up with the street design for Washington D.C. (1791-1792).  It is therefore provable that members of these secret orders were familiar with the idea of an unfinished pentagram before the street layout was complete.  Admittedly, this does not, of itself, prove that the pentagram was intentional. Yet it is interesting that Goethe’s play and the D.C. design were done during the same period.  Because of the close interaction between the Freemasonry of America, and that of Europe, it is entirely possible (and likely) that L’Enfant and Jefferson were familiar with the symbol and placed it intentionally.

Were they Masons?

Both Pierre L’Enfant and Thomas Jefferson are thought to have been Masons.  The reason for doubting it is because modern American Masonry cannot find the initiation records of these two men.  Some believe they were initiated in France and their records destroyed through the chaos of the French Revolution.  Before believing those who deny their membership, bear in mind that Jefferson is listed among the Masonic Presidents in the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.  Furthermore, the well known European publication, Freemasonry Today maintains unequivocally that Pierre L’Enfant was a Mason.  They write:

“Washington DC can fairly be described as the world’s
foremost ‘Masonic City.’ Its centre was laid out according
to a plan drawn up by the French Freemason Pierre L’Enfant.”
(Freemasonry Today, Spring 2001, Issue 16)

Many other Masonic writers similarly state that Jefferson and L’Enfant were Masons, while some Masonic apologists debate the issue.  When critics like David Barton, or the History Channel, insist that these men and others of the founding era were not Masons, and then blame the “conspiracy theorists” for passing on misinformation, they are either ignorant or deliberately withholding information.  

America: The New Atlantis

In our documentary series, Secret Mysteries of America’s Beginnings, we show how Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism existed in England during the Elizabethan era, and were directly involved in the colonization scheme. Yes, there were most certainly Christians who came to this country through the Puritan/Pilgrim movement; but they were not alone.  With them came the secret societies that saw America as “the New Atlantis” envisioned by Sir Francis Bacon.  There is even a 1910 Newfoundland 6 cent stamp (with three sixes on it, no less) with the image of Bacon that reads: “Lord Bacon, the Guiding Spirit in Colonization Scheme.”  

Clearly, there were those who understood that the development of the new world was inspired by Bacon and his occult philosophies.  It was Bacon who said, “Knowledge is power,” and the pursuit of knowledge through scientific discovery has guided the success of America.  If one reads The New Atlantis, where Bacon describes a society with tall buildings, flying machines, weapons of mass destruction, health spas, the magnification of sound, and experiments with poisons on animals for the purpose of curing human beings, it becomes readily discernable that our country has followed his blueprint from the start.

Comments

[J Pritchard]

If you haven't already started on it, I believe you should start highlighting and magnifying the statements of that "great conservative Christian" President, George W. Bush, along with his family's history and involvement. Particularly, his comments from his interview in 2004. I forget the name of the journalist, but you have it on your "Secrets..." dvd. Damning evidence that the "conservative Christian Right" must address and face with the mind of Christ. God willing, I hope to make this an issue if I run for office again next year.

Too many Christians and Conservatives give Bush too much credit and slack. I found his "fire in the minds of men" statement and reference to the vision of the ancients to be very revealing on your dvd. Republicans, especially those here in Oklahoma will not like this when they are confronted with this. I know some will react as I have, but others will whitewash it and make excuses. I have already stepped on toes. They will like me even less if I am able to make a stink about this to them. I will be attending the GOP State convention in early May. I don't think I will have opportunity to bring it up then, but I plan on making this an issue when I am in a position to do so.

By the way, are your sure the H. Resolution 33 actually "passed"? I found something online that shows that it only got passed to committee and not actually passed by the House. Also, it appears to have been submitted and passed to committee again in the 111th Congress as well. I find it interesting to see the names of the co-sponsors each of the past few years it was submitted. Jim Demint is one that caught my eye. Things that make you go...."hmmmm."

[Cris Putnam]

Chris, Thank you for your research and ministry. I had the privilege of meeting you at the 2010 Last Days Conference and I will be doing a workshop this year at the Future Congress (hope to see you there!) In this age of information overload, it is difficult to keep abreast. In this area of interest you are one source I trust as someone who seeks the mind of Christ and honors biblical truth.

[Mrs. Porter]

As home school parents, we've had ongoing misgivings over some forms of 'classical education' over the years ---which seem to be increasing----as well as over various curriculums that are highly recommended in the Christian community.

Thank you for information confirming our own misgivings, and for solid evidence regarding their danger and 'purpose'. We've already had our brushes with Purpose Driven Life in the church, but the attacks are becoming subtle & infiltrating home schooling, as well, which saddens us immensely. The confusion has caused us to draw back from much home school community involvement at all since the focus on worldly excellence & mastery in order to 'infiltrate' and to be a relevent witness has become a real stumbling block & point of confusion to us. Just what IS left that a Christian can safely partake of, or yoke oneself to in partnerships of service & employment, without denial of Christ---the distinctives of the Christian life all pointing to Him & justified only by Him?

It's becoming a mine-field out here ---what with humanist syncretists such as Genevieve Foster held up as a Christian author & included without note or warning in many Christian reading & curriculum lists, the Biologos folks taking the 'Christian worldview' tag upon themselves in order to sneak pagan philosophy & humanist fascistic authoritarianism in right under the noses of trusting, free, Gospel-believing Christian parents' noses in the guise of Bible Study curriculum (in order to retake us or our children captive), fake Christian worldview novels & curriculums that despise Genesis & take up the world's caveman-polytheist mantra while purporting to support the infallibility of Scripture & denying clear historical evidence of preceding universal monotheism, along with evidences of corrupted aligning mythologies that actually SUPPORT the Scriptural account & vast amounts of geological evidence of the denied worldwide flood...

Left, right...it doesn't seem much to matter. Pagan views of theology & human nature ---and endless justifications for legalistic, authoritarian tyranny--- in the guise of 'science' & 'enlightenment' are coming in under the headings of supposedly neutral pedagogy & psychology & sociology masquerading as 'history' from BOTH directions. Luther was right ---you can fall into either ditch with a bad end. And, I guess we really should not be unaware of his schemes ---- the prowling lion seeking whom he may devour can pounce from either direction. Most dangerous of all is one who feints from the left ---then takes his quarry from the right.

So-called 'Christian' colleges are being revealed as false right and left...I would recommend Ken Ham's latest book: 'Already Compromised' in this regard ----and in relation to the information Mr. Pinto is sharing. The implications are sobering as the apparently disparate & loose ends of John Taylor Gatto's, John Stormer's, the Gabler's, Berit Kjos's, Schlafley's, Judith Reisman's and Charlotte Iserbyt's various approaches & differently focused works on education fall neatly into place. (even if it IS difficult to discern friend from foe with Machiavellian, Jesuitical, occultic & taquiyya any-means-to-the-end-justified wickedness involved --- the simplicity of 'the heart is deceitful above all things ---who can know it?' & ' trust solely in Jesus' being the only way of peace...)

Parents beware---'educated' Nicolaitan 'authorities' in the church can disarm unprepared parents' defenses, weaken resolve & even steal biblical assurance in the sufficiency of Christ with their 'greater knowledge'. Be sober & aware & informed -----especially new converts from nominal backgrounds who are seeking to learn & walk in the Word themselves, as well as to pass the faith on to their children. Be in prayer, be diligent, and be Bereans. The traces of ingrained & conditioned assumptions from our own public educations, from media-influences & their coarsening, doubt-inserting conditioning can linger, hinder & enslave ----but the Word, the Truth does indeed set us free & keep us. ---It seems that sometimes all a person can do is leave our dignity & our desire to explain in the dust & flee, as Joseph left his cloak in the clutching, conniving hands of Potiphar's wife.

There is little of ANY value in worldly media ---and NOTHING that is neutral or outside of the command to 'test all things.' Thank the Lord for the internet which gives us a modicum of control over the flood of dissipation, disinformation & distraction. Anyone still attempting to find morsels of 'truth' amidst the increasingly evident 'purposeful', overwhelming flood of media trash & distractors after what we've witnessed in the past couple of years --- should surely be cautioned.

Thank you again, Mr. Pinto, for this information. We are following closely & prayerfully. ---------And, you know, there's something in the repentance & redawning realization & recognition of the truly hopeless state of our souls without grace & Jesus, of this world & its vain hopes & its terrible, coming end ---that clarifies & focuses one's attention back on Jesus & the Word & obedience where it should be---on both the necessity of separation & distinctiveness----saltiness----& the need to provide saving knowledge of Jesus with whoever will hear it while there is still time. God grant us such boldness & faith as is necessary for the task.