On the Founding of America
In a continuation of a theme from the other day regarding the influences on the "Founding Fathers" (see On the American Capital), we turn again to the wise words of Manly P. Hall, 33rd degree. His incredibly detailed research also reveals the same point - hermeticism was a major influence, to the exclusion of most any other.
From his masterpiece, The Secret Teachings of All Ages:
The Fraternity of R.C. is an august and sovereign body, arbitrarily manipulating the symbols of alchemy, Qabbalism, astrology, and magic to the attainment of its own peculiar purposes, but entirely independent of the cults whose terminology it employs.
[One of the major objectives of the Fraternity is:] The abolition all monarchical forms of government and the substitution therefor of the rulership of the philosophic elect. The present democracies are the direct outgrowth of Rosicrucian efforts to liberate the masses from the domination of despotism. In the early part of the eighteenth century the Rosicrucians turned their attention to the new American Colonies, then forming the nucleus of a great nation in the New World. The American War of Independence represents their first great political experiment and resulted in the establishment of a national government founded upon the fundamental principles of divine and natural law. As an imperishable reminder of their sub rosa activities, the Rosicrucians left the Great Seal of the United States. The Rosicrucians were also the instigators of the French Revolution, but in this instance were not wholly successful, owing to the fact that the fanaticism of the revolutionists could not be controlled and the Reign of Terror ensued.
This is reminiscent of the discussions of the Promethean faith - "Fire In the Minds of Men" - with both Terry Melanson and the Collins brothers.
With Rosicrucianism, it is certainly conceivable that those ignorant of the secret society might confuse their signature symbols for those of Christianity, which they most certainly are not. How much a factor is this confusion in the mistaken notion that "religious" beliefs influenced the founders?
You've heard of the Rose Garden?
Comments
In terms of defining Rosicrucianism, I'd refer you to http://altreligion.about.com/od/rosicrucianism/Rosicrucianism.htm
I'd need some more time and space to provide an equivalent to this material. Although that is something that I'd like to do.
As to why is it secret? That question goes to the crux of the mystery school / secret society tradition. The information that these groups maintain is held closely so that only the most high initiates have all the knowledge. All hierarchical societies function in this manner, whether Masonic, Rosicrucian, magickal, and even political and religious.