JUST IN..The Truth Behind the Freemasons

SECRET SOCIETIES

Secret societies have captured the minds of many throughout history, but how large of a role have they played in reality? Take a look into several allegedly secret societies and the conspiracy theories surrounding their covert activities.
THE FREEMASONS
Freemasonry is believed to have transitioned from simple conversations at intellectual salons of 18th century Europe, into a great secret fraternal society. Freemason members state that the group encourages its members to belong to an established religion, but ultimately a belief in a "supreme being" is the only religious requirement. The organization claims they encourage morality, charity, and studies of philosophy. Conspiracy theorists, however, accuse the group of planning Kennedy's assassination, right-winged terrorism, and other political scams. Rumored members of the group have included George Washington, Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, Andrew Jackson, Howard Taft, Irving Berlin, and Mozart.
THE BILDERBERG GROUP
The Bilderberg Group, consisting of members from many powerful industries including politics, education, and religion, meets annually. Conspiracy theorists credit the group with establishing the European Union. They meet at resort hotels that are cleared of people and surrounded by soldiers, the Secret Service, and state and local police units. The conference's true purpose is rumored to be kept secret by inviting heads of the world press to the organization, suppressing any negative media coverage. Some believe that the group wants to run a policed globe that will enforce global taxation, establish behavior engineering, and take control over the world's production.
ROSICRUCIAN ORDER
Unlike other groups concentrated around political conspiracy, the Rosicrucian Order is believed to work curing the sick, and even to know the secret of prolonging life. Likely originating in 17th century Europe, their theology stresses that members are to make no claims of superiority through exclaimed knowledge or luxurious dress, and requires them to heal the sick free of charge. During designated times each year, members are believed to return to a place known as the House of the Holy Spirit to plan succession of future members. Throughout the centuries, Rosicrucians have also been pegged as alchemists.
THE ILLUMINATI
Many conspiracy theorists state that the Illuminati plan out world events and conflicts that will lead to the establishment of a world run by one government. These theories state that the Illuminati work as a group of secretly interlocked government officials and elites. The Illuminati are believed to create inflations, recessions, and depressions through their control of the world's major banks, thus giving them the ability to support specific world leaders. The claimed overall goal of the Illuminati group is to create and manage world crises. These events, the theories state, will slowly allow Earth's population to accept a government-controlled economic centralization as a solution to these covertly staged events. Many conspiracy theories point to Yale's secret society, Skull and Bones, as an American extension of the group.
HERMETIC ORDER
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is believed to have been established in 1888 in London, England. Members claim that the group's philosophy supports perfecting humanism, stating that through hard work and discipline, people can control their own destiny. While religious affiliation is not required, members stress the secrecy of their membership, claiming that since many work in sectors of public service, knowledge of their membership could cause public relation problems. It is closely related to Rosicrucianism.
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Around A.D. 1118, French Crusader, Hugues de Payens, and several others are believed to have appointed themselves protectors of the Holy Land. Many historians state that the Knights Templar worked to protect Christians during their pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Some believe that many of the Knights Templar were arrested, tortured, and decreed heretics to be burned at the stake after Pope Clement disbanded the group. The Knights Templar are also rumored to have located many biblical artifacts, such as the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant, while excavating tunnels beneath Temple Mount.