Freemasonry and the Anti-Christian Movement - Rev. E. Cahill |
We have already referred to the essential opposition of Freemasonry to Christianity. The contrast and antagonism between the two will serve to illustrate the character of Masonic policy.
Basis of the Church's Policy.
The definite objective of the Church in its action upon society is "to restore all things in Christ." This ideal and aim underlies every movement which Christianity inspires. The Personality of Our Divine Lord and of His Blessed Mother (whose character reflects that of her Divine Son as the moon reflects the sun's rays), the example of His life, the precepts and counsels of the Gospel, should in the Christian social ideal permeate and give colour to every detail of public and private life; and thus only will be fully realised the social peace and prosperity which Christianity has to offer. Hence, Pope Pius XI writes in his Encyclical instituting the Feast of Christ's Kingship: "When once men recognize in both private and public life that Jesus Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, wellordered discipline, peace and harmony."
Opposing Policy of Freemasonry.
The political and social ideals of Liberalism, of which Freemasonry is the soul and driving force, are the very opposite of all this. Freemasonry sets up a code of morals and a principle of human virtue and beneficence independent of God; and while it affects to ignore Our Divine Lord or, if circumstances require, pays a homage of lip-service to His sacred name, its very essence is opposition to Him and to His mission on earth. Underlying the whole Masonic system, colouring all its public teaching and activities, as well as its private ceremonial, there is a steady current of antagonism to Christianity. The Church's ideals are held up to derision; its teaching misrepresented; its ministers and religious, when occasion serves, are calumniated and persecuted. Even its sacred rites are fantastically and blasphemously caricatured in much of the Masonic ceremonial. These traits sometimes appear open and undisguised. Often the anti-Christian bias is partially hidden under a veneer of humanitarianism or false culture or pseudo-scientific scepticism—but it is always there.
Leo XIII, in the Apostolic letter which he addressed to the Bishops of the whole Church on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his pontificate, emphasizes the fact that the naturalistic or anti-Christian aim is always the dominant motive even in the so-called philanthropic or humanitarian action of Freemasonry:
"Filled with the spirit of Satan, who knows how to transform himself into an angel of light. Freemasonry puts forward as its pretended aim the good of humanity; but in reality it sacrifices every other consideration to the success of its own sectarian policy. While pretending to have no political designs, it exercises, nevertheless, the deepest influence upon the laws and administration of States. Paying a lip service to the authority of law, and even to the obligations of religion, it aims (as its own statutes declare) at the destruction of civil authority and of the Christian priesthood, both of which it regards as the foes of human liberty."
Rationalism and Hermeticism of the Masonic Policy.
We have already referred to Rationalism and Hermeticism (including Theosophy, Christian Scientism, Spiritism, etc.) as characteristic of the Masonic religion and philosophy. These, which are put forward as a substitute for real religion, are fast becoming more and more widespread in England and throughout the English-speaking world. They are the most powerful dissolvents of whatever elements of true Christianity still survive among the Protestant populations. Infiltrations even into Catholicism are being attempted. This element is perhaps the most deadly and dangerous aspect of the whole Masonic movement; for it cuts deeper than anything else into Christian life, whose very foundation it attacks.
Immediate Objective of Masonic Policy.
The immediate aim of the practical policy of Freemasonry is to make its naturalistic principles effective in the lives of the people; and first of all to enforce them in every detail of public life. Hence its political and social programme includes:
The same programme usually includes or favours a (so-called) Democratic or Republican form of government, indiscriminate universal suffrage, and the centralization of political and administrative authority in the hands of a bureaucracy. It is opposed on the other hand to the national distinctions which are associated with the Christian virtue of patriotism, to the ideal of strongly organized rural communities settled permanently on the land; and finally to the organization of society in classes bound together by ties of common interest and mutual service. Hence its policy tends towards commercialism, a false internationalism, and extreme individualism.
Effects of Masonic Policy on Social Life.
It is clear that in a social system organized according to these Masonic ideals, the masses of the people, while nominally free, and in theory the source of all authority in the State, would inevitably become degraded and enslaved. Demoralized by indulgence, deprived of the guidance and help which Christian principles give, isolated, unorganized, mostly bereft of permanent property, having a smattering of literacy, but without real education, they would have little or no power of resistance against the tyranny of bureaucracies or financial combines controlling the Press and the economic life of the country. The substantial freedom, prosperity, and true civilization which accompany or result from the Christian regime would give, way to social conditions akin to those of pre-Christian Rome.
Methods of Masonic Action.
Leo XIII, writing of Masonic methods and means in the Apostolic letter already quoted, has the following striking passage:—
"Including almost every nation in its immense grasp it [Freemasonry] unites itself with other sects of which it is the real inspiration and the hidden motive power. It first attracts and then retains its associates by the bait of worldly advantage which it secures for them. It bends governments to its will sometimes by promises, sometimes by threats. It has found its way into every class of society, and forms an invisible and irresponsible power, an independent government, as it were, within the body corporate of the lawful state
Day by day it is becoming clearer that the continued troubles and opposition which have for so long harassed the Church—and the renewed attacks of which it has quite lately been the object—are mainly due to Masonic initiative and activities. This appears evident from several indications; as a storm from an unclouded sky (that is to say, without any apparent cause proportionate to the effect), assaults and persecutions have quite suddenly burst upon us; the same means have been everywhere employed to bring about the persecution, to wit, a Press campaign, public meetings and theatrical displays; similar weapons are employed in all countries, namely, the spread of calumnies and the stirring up of popular uprisings. All this points, unmistakably, to a uniform plan of campaign and to one central authority controlling the several activities.
These activities are, in fact, merely a single episode in the evolution of a prearranged plan which is being carried out on an ever-widening field of action, and is multiplying over the world the ruins of which we have spoken. Thus, the Freemasons are endeavoring first to restrict and then to exclude completely religious instruction from the schools . . . They carry on a war by means of the daily press against Christian morals; they turn into ridicule the Church's practices and profane its rites . . . The Catholic priesthood is attacked with special bitterness.
These words were written more than a quarter of a centurv ago before the Masonic system was as highly develoed as it is to-day. We shall strive to indicate briefly its main features, some of which are more prominent now than they were then.
The Duplicate Personality.
Freemasonry having, so to speak, a duplicate personality, manifests itself in either character, as circumstances require. There is the outer Freemasonry, whose personnel, organization, and activities are more or less openly professed. This Freemasonry publishes its rituals, holds its festivals, edits its calendars, etc. Besides this portion of the organization, there is another which we may call the inner or esoteric Freemasonry, and which forms the real center and soul of the society, and in which the Jewish influence predominates. This portion of Freemasonry is definitely irreligious, subversive, and anarchical.
The outer Freemasonry stands ostensibly for tolerance, liberalism in religion, humanitarianism, etc., without actively participating in the dark deeds and purposes of the inner circles, which, however, its members actually uphold and assist by giving their adhesion and support to the Masonic body. The outer circles of Masonry contain multitudes of members who do not know the purpose or activities of the inner body. Their motives in joining the sect are merely or principally the commercial or social advantages which they hope to obtain. It also usually includes wealthy or influential men who serve as useful figure-heads. These seem to give the Masonic body a certain character of moderation; but in reality, they exert little influence over its activities, and are merely utilized as tools by the inner circles.
Formation of the Members.
In the Masonic system, the lodge is the training ground for the members as well as the unit in the organization. It is in the lodges that the minds of the members are gradually and almost imperceptibly fashioned to Masonic principles and ideals. This result is principally brought about not by formal instruction (although that is utilized especially in connection with the different initiations) but rather by means of a whole variety of more or less subtle influences. Among these may be mentioned the effect of Masonic symbolism and ceremonial on the mind and character of the initiated; the unvarying etiquette of the lodge in which all reference to the supernatural or to patriotic idealism ("Religion and Politics") is taboo; the carefully fostered tone of superiority and enlightenment as compared with the superstition and ignorance of the non-Masonic (Christian) world; the soi-disant broadminded spirit of cosmopolitanism and humanitarianism (which exclude, however, the true foundations of the real corresponding virtues, viz., true charity founded on love of God, and patriotism); the artificial atmosphere of secrecy, etc.
"Neither politics nor religion," writes Ragon, "are referred to in the ordinary Masonic reunions: but such is the admirable organization of the Masonic institution, protector as it is of the higher sciences, that its religious grades and degrees speak to the intelligence of the initiated, while its form and system of administration address themselves to the political spirit of all the brethren. The reflections thereby suggested to the minds of the members are by them brought back to the outside world as sure and approved ideals by the aid of which they seek to improve or destroy in the religious or political order whatever they find to be out of accord with them."
Masonic Action upon Christian Society.
In the Masonic idea, its own sectarian system of morals and government and social life is the exemplar upon which it strives to refashion all sociaty. It is essentially propagandist and zealous for the triumph of its principles. The spirit and tone, and intellectual outlook which prevail in the Masonic lodges are consciously or unconsciously disseminated by the members among the public outside.
Its methods of propaganda vary according to circumstances, between those of peaceful penetration and of open violence. Lying, hypocrisy, and dissimulation are perhaps the most constant and outstanding characteristics of Masonic action in all its phases. It appeals to and utilizes men's passions of avarice, pride and voluptuousness to undermine the Christian social customs and organization. For the same purpose it influences legislation and the administration of the State.
The following extract from a Masonic document published in Le Monde Maconnique (1879, p. 224), illustrates some of the methods usually employed by Freemasonry in the earlier stages of its efforts to interpenetrate a profoundly Catholic society with naturalistic principles and ideals. The document contains the official scheme of proposed activities of the Grand Lodge of Chili, 1876 (Plan de Travaux de la Grande Loge du Chili). The country then enjoyed profound peace, its social system resting on the basis of the old Catholic tradition:
"Art. 1. Besides the existing committees, the Grand Lodge will establish committees of External Activities.
"Art. 2. These committees shall be called: (a) the Section of Instruction; (b) the Section of Beneficence; (c) the Section of Propaganda; and (d) the Section of Masonic Fraternity.
"Art. 3. The Section of Instruction will apply itself— (a) to found lay schools; (b) to assist all associations which have for their object the giving of gratuitous instruction to the poor; (c) to assist and promote all the existing scientific, literary and artistic, institutions; (d) to organize popular lectures for the propagation of all knowledge tending to facilitate the progress of humanity.
"Art. 4. The Section of Beneficence will— (a) aid in the founding of hospitals, etc,; (b) give direct or indirect support to all institutions of this nature which do not aim at private gain or sectarian (viz. . Catholic) objects,
"Art. 5. The Section of Propaganda will— (a) defend and disseminate by means of the Press the true ideals of Freemasonry; (b) labour for the introduction into the public institutions of the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, and above all, for the separation between Church and State; the establishment of civil marriage; the secularisation of works of beneficence; the support of the victims of religious intolerance; and in general, for whatever may help to unite all mankind into a single family, etc."
Its Fatal Results.
By means of continued action of the type here indicated which, besides helping to secure prestige for the sect, propagates Masonic principles and ideas, the Christian body politic is inoculated silently with the virus of the modern spirit. Soon, principles of Liberalism begin to be introduced into the laws and customs of the nation, which gradually loses its Christian character. We are only too familiar with the ultimate results such as are to be seen to-day in France, Portugal, Mexico, and several other States of Spanish America.
As it is outside our present scope to attempt a comprehensive or detailed treatment of Masonic methods and means, we shall confine ourselves to a brief survey of what may be at present described as the Master Weapons of Masonry. These are financial control, the Press and Cinema, and the Revolutionary Movements.
Masonic Action through Financial Control.
One of the worst features of the present day Liberal system of social organization is the tyranny of the moneyed interest. The ring of great capitalists and international bankers dominating high finance, exercise through their control of credit such influence in every phase of the nation's life that they may be not inaptly described as a kind of irresponsible super-government. Manufacture, transport, international commerce are very largely under the control of this small clique.
The same half-hidden anonymous power exercises the deepest influence on State policy. It controls the Press, the international news-agencies, the theatre, the cinema, the book market. It dominates fashions and dress, and almost decides what the ordinary multitude eat and wear and read. It practically determines what particular industry is to succeed, and what is to be crushed out. For by means of the control of credit, it controls the amount of money available and its purchasing power. This control reacts on commerce, manufacture, trade, and even agriculture.
Now it is certain that the members of this financial ring are identified in large part with the Jewish Masonic leaders. Financial control is to-day the great master weapon of Freemasonry, and the one by which all the other engines of destruction are kept in motion. The spread of Rationalism and Hermeticism, the anti-Christian Press propaganda, the numberless other agencies of Masonic activity, even the Socialist and revolutionary movements are all fostered and promoted in a most efficacious way, by the power and influence which financial control confers.
Masonic Action through the Press and the Cinema.
Of the several subsidiary means which Freemasonry employs, Press and Cinema propaganda and the revolutionary movements are, perhaps, to-day the most tangible and evident. From several Masonic documents, some of which we have quoted, it appears that the leaders of the anti-Christian movement rely very much on the public Press as one of their most effective instruments. The great capitalistic Press of the United States, England, Germany, and France is now almost entirely controlled by the great Jewish International Financiers. The most influential organs are owned by them or by syndicates over which they exercise practical control. Even among the journalistic writers themselves the Jewish element is predominant. Of the papers not directly owned by Jew's, Jewish influence usually predominates in the management. In such cases the editor or art critics or principal foreign correspondents or all of these usually are Jews.
Apart from the direct control or ownership of the Press, exercised by Jewish syndicates or individuals; and apart also from the Jews that take a leading part in the actual work of journalism, it is a recognized fact that practically the whole secular Press of Britain and America is effectually dominated through the medium of the advertising pages by the great financial and trading interests which Jews largely control, and the displeasure of which no editor will run the risk of incurring.
Not only what is called the Capitalistic Press, but even the Socialistic Press of the world is owned and controlled by Jewish financiers. Thus, "the editor of the great Socialistic paper of New York, Vorwarts, is the Jew, A. Cohan." "The foundation of the principal French Socialistic paper, Humanite, was the work of the Jewish members of the high financial ring—Rothschild, Dreyfus, etc." The same is true of the other two chief French Socialist reviews, L'Aurore and Le Bound Rouge.
Again, the great news-agencies of the world, such as those of Reuter and of Wolff, which are the leading British and German news agencies, as well as that of Havas, the principal French agency (which latter supplies many newspapers with loans as well as with news), are owned or controlled by Jews. Besides these news agencies, the recently founded J.T.A. (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) supplies news items gratis to most of the big dailies. Even Catholic journalists or editors or those not in sympathy with Masonic or Jewish ideals tend to accept uncritically the news circulated by these agencies; although such news is often misleading and too frequently insidiously hostile to Christianity.
We do not say that all the Jewish newspaper owners or journalists are Masonic, or are active agents in the Masonic movement against Christianity; but, judging from the generally recognized connection between Freemasonry and modern Judaism, which we have already treated of, and the repeated testimonies in authentic Masonic documents of the reliance of the Masonic powers upon Press control for the furthering of their designs and, above all, in view of the consistent and insidious propaganda against Christian ideals and Catholic interests which characterizes the Jew-controlled Press of the world, one is forced to the conclusion that this Jewish control is, broadly speaking, exercised in the interests of naturalism, and, on the whole, is definitely anti-Catholic.
"The Jew [writes Lazare] is not content to dechristianize—he Judaizes; he destroys the Catholic and Protestant belief; he provokes to religious indifference; but he also imposes on those whose faith he destroys his own conceptions of the world, of morality and of human life; he labours at his age-long task—the destruction of the religion of Christ.
What is said here of the Press applies with equal or still greater force to the Cinema; practically all of which over the two Continents of Europe and America is in the hands of the Jews. Hence the substantial accuracy of Dr. Eberle's own summary of the case can scarcely be called in question:—
"Jews are in control of the leading organs of public opinion of the world. The intellectual outlook and the special interests of the Jewish nation are always the deciding factors in selecting topics and news items, and in determining the manner of treatment. . . . The main editorial staffs are employed to serve the interests and promote the ideals and hopes of Jewry."
That the ideals and hopes of Jewry or at least of the Jewish leaders are antagonistic to Christianity, and more or less in harmony with the objects of Freemasonry does not admit of denial or doubt.
We are familiar with the methods employed by the Press and the Cinema of permeating the body politic with unchristian or anti-Christian principles and ideals. The dose administered on each occasion is usually tempered to suit the actual dispositions of the readers or the audience, while insensibly preparing the mind and character for something stronger. Little by little the public mind gets accustomed to scenes and views of life, which a few years previously would shock and produce reaction. Thus the public opinion is gradually demoralized and weaned from the old Christian tradition and outlook; and after a certain time public life becomes practically dechristianized.
Freemasonry and the Revolutionary Movements.
Another formidable force has appeared in the modem world, apparently antagonistic to capitalism and international finance, but no less opposed than they to Christian civilization and Christian ideals. This force is Socialism, especially in the shape of revolutionary Communism or Bolshevism, as it is now commonly termed. The intimate connection of Socialism with Freemasonry is strongly emphasized by Leo XIII in several of his great Encyclicals. The fundamental aims and ideals of the two are closely akin. Both are international, anti-patriotic, disruptive, and materialistic. The predominating influence of the Masonic Jews in Russian Communism and, indeed, in the whole modern socialistic movement is now commonly admitted. The whole Socialist movement is largely a Jewish creation. The founders of Socialism—Marx, Engels and Lasalle—were Jews and Freemasons. Ricardo, from whom some of the principles of Socialism such as Marx's Theory of Value and Lasalle's Iron Law of of ages are borrowed, was also a Jew.
Even before the Great War, the Socialist movement over the whole world was almost entirely controlled by Jews. This was especially true of Russia, which contains a very large proportion of the whole Jewish population of the world, and where for the past century the Jews have been almost invariably the centre of the subversive movements. The rise of Bolshevism in modern times, in which Masonic Jews have had a predominant part, represents the ripened fruit of the revolutionary and anarchical movements which have kept portions of Europe and America in spasmodic turmoil during the past century and a half.
Masonic Revolutionary Methods.
The following extracts from one of the works of M. Eckert, a very able and well-informed student of Freemasonry, will help to throw much light upon this aspect of our subject. Eckert wrote about the middle of the last century. He was a native of Saxony and a Protestant, and was a scholar of very remarkable erudition. He devoted his life to the work of unravelling the mysteries of the Masonic societies, and published several valuable treatises on the subject. Our extracts, which are taken from Gyr's translation of Eckert's works, contain a brief summary of some of the results of his investigations:—
"Masonry, being a universal association, is governed by a single chief called the Patriarch. The title of Grand Master of the Order is not the exclusive privilege of any one family or nation, Scotland, England, France, and Germany have had in turn the honour of giving to the Order its supreme ruler. It would seem that at present [1857] Lord Palmerston enjoys that dignity. Associated with the Patriarch are two committees composed of delegates of the Grand Orient, one legislative and the other executive. It is only the members of these committees that know the Patriarch, and they alone are in communication with him.
"All modern Masonic revolutions prove that the Order is divided into two distinct parts: one pacific or constitutional and the other warlike or revolutionary. The former employs only peaceful means, viz,, the platform and the Press. Its role is to lead the authorities or persons whose ruin it wishes to bring about towards self-destruction or mutual war. It subdues into the service of the Order all the important positions in the State, in the Church, in the Universities, and in all spheres of influence and power. It seduces the masses of the people, dominates public opinion, by means of the Press and the inter-penetration of different Masonic or quasi-Masonic associations, etc. . . . Its directory calls itself the Grand Orient. It closes its lodges (I will shortly say why) as soon as the other division, viz., the warlike or revolutionary section, marshals into the street the populace whom it has won over to the designs of the Order. . . ,
"When the pacific section has pushed its activities to the point that a violent attack may seem to have soon a chance of success; when passions are inflamed, the ruling authority sufficiently undermined and enfeebled, and the pivotal positions in Church and State occupied by traitors, the division of war is ordered to commence its active operations.
"From the time that the revolutionary attack commences and the division of war has taken up the reins, the lodges of the other division close down, . . . One effect and purpose of these tactics is to prevent the possibility of the Order being convicted of co-operating in the revolution. . . . Besides, in actual fact, while the high dignitaries of the Order form portion of the war party as well as of the pacific section, the great majority of the members of these two parties do not know of the connection between them.
"Hence, in case of the failure of the revolution the pacific party (whose policy is directed by the high chiefs) are enabled to come to the protection of the others . . . representing them as patriots of excessive ardour, misled beyond the limits of good order and prudence."
If, on the other hand the revolutionary movement succeeds, the members of the pacific party are ready to seize on the important administrative positions in the State. The method of action here outlined has been exemplified again and again in the European and American revolution ary outbreaks during the past century and a half. The Irish reader will also probably recognize a certain family likeness between it and the methods followed in recent years by the Masonic and Orange Societies in Ireland.
Central Control of the Anti-Christian Movement.
Claudio Janet, writing some thirty years later (1880) in his able and comprehensive Introduction to Pere Deschamps' Soceites Secretes, while admitting the reality of a unified centre of control in Freemasonry (whose existence is asserted or implied by Eckert, Gougenot-Demousseaux, and Deschamps as well as by some of the best-informed present-day writers on Freemasonry such as Mgr. Jouin and his collaborateurs), adds his conviction that the authority of the controlling body is not 'always or everywhere recognized; that opposing currents of different kinds (such as personal rivalries, racial or national jealousies, opposing financial interests, etc.) frequently arise to mar the efficiency of this instrument of evil:—
"These intestine discords are oftentimes the means which Divine Providence employs to check the successful advance of the forces of destruction. . . . But it cannot be denied that these forces are tending more and more towards unification. . . . On the day that such an unification is realized, the time will be ripe for anti-Christ."
How far these great forces of evil have at present secured unity of control and action, it is difficult to judge with certainty. Leo XIII in the extracts quoted above implies, as practically certain, that there existed even a quarter of a century ago a single centre of control, directing Masonic activities all over the world.
The indications of such a unified control seem to be much clearer to-day than they were then. Probably the war against Christianity was never prosecuted (at least since the early centuries) with such vigour and universality or with so much apparent unity of plan in almost every country as it has been during the last ten years. One explanation of this may be that since the emancipation of the Jews the direction of Freemasonry has fallen more and more under the control of the Jewish Masonic leaders. The break up of Protestantism in England and Germany has facilitated this process, so that it seems probable that at present a small oligarchy predominantly Jewish exercises practical control of the whole Masonic movement.
One result of this development seems to have been that the policy and aims of Freemasonry have become more clearly defined. Thus, it is onlv during the last half-century that the definite objective of "a worldstate controlled by a Masonic ring, and the utilization of gold and international finance as the principal instruments for its realization (both Jewish conceptions) appear prominently and with clear definition. The present Masonic control of world-finance; the Russian revolution (aided, apparently, bv the international financiers) with its aspirations towards a universal Masonic State; and the present multiplication of International associations of various kinds linked up directly or indirectly with the Masonic or Bolshevist organization; each marks a certain stage of advance towards the desired objective.
How the further developments are to work out, God alone can foresee. The Church, doubtless, will repel the assaults of Freemasonry as she has repelled every assault of the agents of Satan for the past two thousand years. But in the meantime religion and morals may suffer heavily in the contest; and no country, much less our own, is immune; and the danger must be measured by the fact that Freemasonry is probably the most deadly enemy that God's kingdom on earth has ever had to face.
Means of Combating Freemasonry.
It is outside our present scope to discuss the means and methods of countering the Masonic movement. This much, however, we may say before concluding; Freemasonry is very powerful and very highly organized. It has enlisted the human passions on its side; and has subdued to its service an immense proportion of the material and intellectual resources of the whole European race. The one power that can successfully cope with it is that of real Christianity. The one foe that Freemasonry fears is the Catholic Church.
Again, the Masonic movement is essentially materialistic, naturalistic and selfish. A counter movement to be successful must be inspired by supernatural and religious motives, and must aim at noble and unselfish ideals. If its motives and driving force are selfish and material like those of Freemasonry it is doomed to failure, for Freemasonry will easily overreach it.
Finally, presupposing the presence of a vigorous Catholic faith and practice such as still exist in Ireland, the weapons most urgently needed to combat the Masonic peril are a widespread knowledge of Catholic social principles, Catholic organization, and a vigorous and firmly established Catholic Press.