-Caveat Lector- Hi ! The following are excerpts from : CULT AND RITUAL ABUSE - Its History, Anthropology, and Recent Discovery in Contemporary America by James R. Noblitt and Pamela Sue Perskin. Greenwood Publishing Company ISBN 0-275-95281-9, August, 1995. Sincerely, Neil Brick From: http://members.aol.com/SMARTNEWS/Sample-Issue-9.htm The following article discusses the book CULT AND RITUAL ABUSE - Its History, Anthropology, and Recent Discovery in Contemporary America by James R. Noblitt and Pamela Sue Perskin. Please use caution while reading this article, it may be triggering. All accusations are alleged. This book is an excellent source of information for those interested in learning more about ritual abuse. It includes 5 pages (pgs. 100 - 104) on the possible connections between the Masons and ritual abuse. There are also excellent chapters on The Media, Multiple Personalities, Investigating Western Occultism and Cult and Ritual Trauma Disorder. This article will focus on the possible Masonic connection to ritual abuse. In the chapter on Cult and Ritual Trauma Disorder, page 167, it says, "Fraternal organizations which meet the criteria for destructive cults. These groups are often secret and may espouse particular philosophic, religious, or sociopolitical ideals (e.g., ...and various subgroups within Masonry and other quasi-Masonic groups may meet this criteria)." On Page 166, "The concept of mind control is an important feature of many destructive cults. But where does one draw the line between abusive mind control and normal persuasion? A distinction may be made where normal persuasion is defined as the use of logic or reason in an atmosphere often governed by compromise, negotiation, and mutual respect for the needs of the various parties involved. Coercive persuasion may be construed as the use of harm, threats of harm, or manipulation in order to motivate a person to do the bidding of another....Groups that use methods based on coercive persuasion with dissociation or trauma-induced dissociation with programming should always be classified as destructive cults in the sense that they are using abusive mind control techniques." In the chapter on Investigating Western Occultism, the authors discuss the mystery cults and Gnoticism ("various sects...based on a dualistic concept of good and evil as relatively independent forces in the material and spiritual universe..." pg. 96) Some Gnostics were accused of "...ritual cannibalism and communal sex acts. Some of these acts would clearly be considered ritual abuse." (pg 97) The Gnostics also had a ritual handshake, identical or very similar to a modern Masonic grip "which some modern survivors of ritual abuse often respond to with an altered state of consciousness frequently without awareness of why they are doing so." (pg 97) The chapter also discusses that Alchemists may have known how to create alter personalities. The illusion of immortality was created by "handing down" alter personalities. Today, some ritual abuse survivors' cults and families believe in this idea. "The question of Masonic involvement in dark elements of occultism has been a long standing controversy. Masons have argued they are unfairly attacked...On the other hand, critics continue to accuse them of blatant acts of impropriety and abuse." (pg 100) The concept of a god that is capable of good and evil, like Lucifer is considered Gnostic thinking. "Satan is sometimes considered a myth or metaphor, but one that must be "experienced" through abusive rituals to create sufficient suffering to achieve "enlightenment". (pg 101) Survivors are also encouraged to go to church to develop a "light side" of their personalities. "(Margaret) Smith and many survivors...have described elements of Gnostic thinking in this kind of cult. Many patients...have explicitly reported abuse where Masonic regalia, ceremonies, or members were present." (pg 101) The authors do not want to single out Freemasonry as responsible for ritual acts of violence, but believe it may be true. They also believe it may be possible for cultists to operate in Freemasonry without the knowledge or consent of many of its members. And some cultists may imitate Masonic rituals during abusive ceremonies. The authors, however, are very perplexed by some things in the organization. The inverted pentagram of the Eastern Star is an example. Masonry has clearly helped promote and preserve Gnostic thinking. It is alleged that the Hell Fire Club and Illuminati were both founded by Masons. The Hell Fire Club of St. Francis sometimes had orgies and Black Masses. The Illuminati have been referred to by patients as destructive cultists. The KKK can be traced to a group of Masons and had many Masonic style initiation rites, symbols and handshakes. Survivors of ritual abuse allege traumatic experiences connected to KKK activities and describe the KKK as a cult. Aleister Crowley was also a high ranking Mason that allegedly engaged in ritual human sacrifice. The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) which Crowley eventually was the head of, was also started by two high ranking Masons. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! 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