The idea of the United States having a spiritual purpose has been explored by various scholars and philosophers. While concepts like “manifest destiny” and “American exceptionalism” are often discussed in more nationalistic or imperialistic terms, some thinkers have delved into the underlying spiritual and philosophical ideals that may have inspired the nation’s founders. Here are a few notable scholars and philosophers who have contributed to this discussion:
1. Dane Rudhyar
Philosophical and Astrological Insights:
Rudhyar was a renowned philosopher and astrologer who emphasized the spiritual evolution and transformation of humanity. In his work, he suggested that the United States has a unique role in pioneering new forms of societal organization and consciousness.
America’s Spiritual Mission:
Rudhyar believed that America’s spiritual mission was to develop a culture that integrates diverse traditions and fosters individual growth and collective harmony. He viewed the founding principles of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness as central to this mission.
2. Manly P. Hall
Esoteric Interpretations:
Manly P. Hall was a prolific author on esoteric and mystical subjects. In his seminal work, The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Hall discussed the influence of Freemasonry and other mystical traditions on the founding of the United States.
Founding Fathers and Mysticism:
Hall argued that many of the Founding Fathers were influenced by esoteric and Masonic principles, which envisioned America as a new Atlantis—a place where enlightened governance and spiritual principles could flourish.
Spiritual Blueprint:
According to Hall, the United States was meant to be a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and moral integrity, promoting principles of justice, freedom, and human dignity.
3. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Transcendental Philosophy:
Emerson, a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasized the spiritual and moral potential of individuals and societies. He believed that America’s purpose was to cultivate an environment where individuals could achieve their highest potential.
Self-Reliance and Individualism:
Emerson’s philosophy of self-reliance promoted the idea that America’s greatness lay in its ability to foster independent thought and self-improvement, contributing to a collective spiritual awakening.
4. Thomas Paine
Revolutionary Vision:
Thomas Paine, though primarily a political activist, imbued his works with a sense of moral and spiritual mission. In Common Sense and The Rights of Man, Paine argued for a society based on equality, justice, and the inherent rights of individuals.
Moral Foundation:
Paine saw the American Revolution as not merely a political upheaval but a moral crusade to establish a just and equitable society, reflecting deeper spiritual values.
5. Gary Lachman
Modern Esoteric Historian:
Gary Lachman, a contemporary writer on esoteric history, has explored the mystical and spiritual influences behind America’s founding. In his book The Secret Teachers of the Western World, he examines how esoteric ideas shaped the vision of America as a land of spiritual potential and renewal.
The Secret Teachers of the Western World
Integration of Esoteric Traditions
Lachman argues that the founding of the United States was not merely a political or economic event but a pivotal moment in the spiritual evolution of humanity. His research highlights how esoteric traditions—including Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, and Freemasonry—played a crucial role in inspiring the vision that the Founding Fathers had for the new nation. These traditions emphasized the development of personal wisdom, moral integrity, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Influence on the Founding Fathers
Many of the Founding Fathers, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, were not only political leaders but also individuals deeply interested in philosophy, science, and mysticism. Lachman points out that their engagement with esoteric thought influenced their approach to governance and their vision for the United States. This influence is evident in the symbolism and ideals embedded in American foundational documents and architecture.
Key Themes Explored by Lachman
1. Esoteric Symbolism in American Foundations
The Great Seal of the United States: Lachman explores the significance of symbols like the all-seeing eye and the unfinished pyramid on the Great Seal, which reflect esoteric themes of divine oversight, enlightenment, and the continuous striving towards perfection.
Architectural Symbolism: The design of important buildings in Washington D.C., such as the Capitol and the Washington Monument, incorporates Masonic and esoteric symbols that align with the vision of America as a land of spiritual ascent and enlightenment.
2. The Role of Freemasonry
Masonic Principles: Freemasonry, with its secret rituals and emphasis on moral development and brotherhood, significantly influenced the Founding Fathers. In his book “Revolutionaries of the Soul: Reflections on Magicians, Philosophers, and Occultists,” Lachman details how Masonic lodges served as centers for discussing progressive ideas about governance, liberty, and human potential.
Brotherhood and Equality: The Masonic ideals of brotherhood and equality resonated with the democratic values that the Founding Fathers sought to embed in the new nation, promoting a vision of a society where individuals could rise based on merit and virtue.
3. Rosicrucian Influence
Mystical Pursuit of Knowledge: Lachman discusses how the Rosicrucian manifestos, with their call for a reformation of society based on esoteric wisdom and scientific inquiry, paralleled the intellectual climate of the Enlightenment that influenced the American Revolution.
Vision of a New Atlantis: The Rosicrucian vision of a utopian society based on spiritual and scientific advancement influenced thinkers like Francis Bacon, whose idea of a “New Atlantis” inspired the conceptualization of America as a new beginning for humanity.
4. Hermetic Philosophy
Unity of Science and Spirit: Hermeticism, with its belief in the unity of all knowledge and the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual worlds, provided a philosophical foundation that encouraged the integration of spiritual principles into the practical realm of governance.
Personal and Collective Transformation: Hermetic teachings emphasized the transformation of the individual through knowledge and virtue, paralleling the transformative aspirations of the American Revolution.
America’s Spiritual Mission According to Lachman
Vision of a New Society
Lachman suggests that the United States was envisioned as a new kind of society—one that could lead humanity toward greater spiritual understanding and unity. This vision was rooted in the belief that America could serve as a model of enlightened governance, where freedom of thought, religious tolerance, and the pursuit of happiness were paramount.
Spiritual Potential and Renewal
Cultural Melting Pot: The United States was seen as a place where different cultures, religions, and philosophies could coexist and enrich one another, fostering a dynamic environment for spiritual renewal and growth.
Pioneering Spirit: The pioneering spirit of America, both in terms of physical expansion and intellectual exploration, was believed to be a manifestation of the country’s deeper spiritual mission to explore and expand human potential.
Unity and Harmony
E Pluribus Unum: The motto “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of many, one) reflects the esoteric ideal of unity in diversity, suggesting that the United States was meant to harmonize various elements into a cohesive whole, promoting peace and understanding among its people.
Global Influence: Lachman posits that the spiritual ideals underlying America’s founding could have a global impact, inspiring other nations to pursue similar paths of enlightenment and harmonious coexistence.
Gary Lachman argues that America was conceived not just as a political entity but as a land with a profound spiritual mission—to foster human potential, promote enlightenment, and serve as a beacon of unity and renewal. This perspective offers a nuanced understanding of America’s origins, emphasizing the spiritual aspirations that inspired its creation and continue to hold relevance in its ongoing development.
The Temple and the Lodge
Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh’s book The Temple and the Lodge explores the historical connections between the Knights Templar and Freemasonry, and how these connections may have influenced significant events in history, including the founding of the United States. Here are the main arguments and themes presented in their work:
Main Arguments in The Temple and the Lodge
1. Historical Continuity Between the Knights Templar and Freemasonry
Survival of Templar Traditions:
Baigent and Leigh argue that despite the official dissolution of the Knights Templar in the early 14th century, many Templars survived and continued their traditions clandestinely.
They suggest that the Templars’ esoteric knowledge and rituals were preserved and later resurfaced in the form of Freemasonry.
Influence on Freemasonry:
The authors propose that Freemasonry inherited much of its symbolism, rituals, and organizational structure from the Knights Templar.
They explore the similarities between Templar and Masonic symbols and suggest a line of transmission of esoteric knowledge.
2. Role in Historical Events
Migration to Scotland:
Baigent and Leigh suggest that some Templars fled to Scotland after the suppression of their order, finding refuge under the protection of the Scottish nobility.
They argue that the Templars played a significant role in the Scottish fight for independence, particularly in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Scottish Freemasonry:
Scotland is posited as a key location where Templar traditions were maintained and eventually evolved into Scottish Freemasonry.
The authors trace the development of early Masonic lodges in Scotland and their eventual spread to England and beyond.
3. Influence on the American Revolution
Masonic Involvement:
While Baigent and Leigh do not claim a coordinated Masonic conspiracy, they acknowledge that Freemasonry was a significant cultural and intellectual force during the 18th century.
They note the presence of Freemasons among the Founding Fathers and their influence on the values and symbols of the new nation.
Rosicrucian Influence:
The authors suggest that Rosicrucian ideas, which often overlapped with Masonic thought, may have reached America early on and contributed to the philosophical foundations of the United States.
Themes Explored
Esoteric Knowledge and Symbolism
Symbolic Legacy:
Baigent and Leigh delve into the rich symbolism shared by the Templars and Freemasons, exploring how these symbols represent deeper esoteric truths and philosophies.
Myth and Reality:
The book navigates the line between historical fact and myth, acknowledging that much of what is known about the Templars and early Freemasonry is shrouded in legend.
Influence on Modern Institutions
Transmission of Wisdom:
The authors explore how the transmission of esoteric wisdom through secret societies has influenced modern institutions and ideologies.
Cultural Impact:
They examine the impact of Masonic principles on political and cultural developments, suggesting that the ideals of liberty, fraternity, and equality have roots in esoteric traditions.
The Temple and the Lodge presents a compelling narrative that connects the Knights Templar with the origins and development of Freemasonry, arguing for a historical continuity of esoteric traditions. Baigent and Leigh suggest that these traditions have significantly influenced key historical events and cultural movements, including the founding of the United States.
Their work provides insight into how the values and symbols associated with the Templars and Freemasons may have permeated through history, shaping the philosophical and cultural landscape of the Western world. While they caution against overestimating the role of Masonic conspiracies, they highlight the importance of understanding the esoteric dimensions that have contributed to historical developments.
The spiritual purpose of the United States
The spiritual purpose of the United States, as envisioned by these scholars and philosophers, encompasses a broad range of ideals, including the promotion of individual liberty, moral integrity, and the creation of a society based on justice and enlightenment. They argue that America was meant to serve as a model for human potential and collective progress, striving to integrate various cultural and spiritual traditions into a harmonious whole.
While the practical realities of American history have often diverged from these lofty ideals, these thinkers provide a framework for understanding the deeper, original aspirations that may have inspired the nation’s founding. Their works encourage reflection on how contemporary society can realign with these spiritual purposes to fulfill the promise of a more enlightened and just nation.
The Make America Great Again (MAGA) ideology
The Make America Great Again (MAGA) ideology, as articulated by Steve Bannon and other proponents, presents a stark contrast to the spiritual views of the founding of the United States as explored by thinkers like Dane Rudhyar, Manly P. Hall, Gary Lachman, and Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh. Below is a detailed contrast highlighting key differences in their perspectives on immigrants, corporate interests, cultural values, and overall vision for America.
MAGA Ideology
Views on Immigrants
Nationalistic and Exclusionary:
The MAGA ideology often frames immigrants as a threat to the “purity” of American culture and society, suggesting that they “poison the blood” of the nation. This perspective tends to focus on restricting immigration and preserving a homogeneous cultural identity.
Economic Priorities
Corporate Interests Over Basic Needs:
MAGA policies frequently prioritize corporate profits and economic nationalism. This includes deregulation, tax cuts for businesses, and other measures aimed at boosting economic growth, often at the expense of addressing basic needs such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Cultural Values
Divisive Culture Wars:
The MAGA movement is characterized by engaging in culture wars that promote divisive issues, emphasizing traditional conservative values and opposing progressive social changes. This often results in heightened polarization within American society.
Overall Vision
Restoration of a Past Ideal:
The overarching goal of MAGA is to restore a perceived golden age of American greatness, focusing on reclaiming lost power and prestige rather than advancing towards new forms of societal organization.
Spiritual Views of America’s Founding
Views on Immigrants
Integration and Harmony:
Thinkers like Dane Rudhyar and Manly P. Hall envisioned America as a melting pot where diverse cultural and spiritual traditions are integrated to create a harmonious and enlightened society. The presence of immigrants is seen as enriching the collective spiritual and cultural landscape.
Economic Priorities
Human Potential and Collective Well-being:
These spiritual perspectives emphasize the importance of fostering individual and collective well-being over corporate profits. The focus is on creating an equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to the common good.
Cultural Values
Unity and Enlightenment:
The spiritual view of America’s founding promotes unity and collective enlightenment. It encourages transcending cultural and ideological divisions to achieve a higher level of societal harmony and moral integrity.
Overall Vision
Progressive Transformation:
The vision for America is forward-looking, aiming to pioneer new forms of societal organization and consciousness. It seeks to lead humanity towards greater spiritual understanding, integration, and renewal, evolving beyond past limitations.
Key Contrasts
Inclusion vs. Exclusion
Inclusivity vs. Exclusion:
The spiritual view advocates for inclusivity, seeing diversity as a strength that can lead to spiritual and cultural enrichment. In contrast, MAGA’s exclusionary stance on immigration aims to preserve a homogeneous identity, viewing diversity as a threat.
Human Welfare vs. Corporate Profits
Collective Well-being vs. Corporate Interests:
The spiritual perspectives prioritize human welfare and the collective good, promoting policies that ensure basic needs and opportunities for all. MAGA policies often prioritize corporate interests and economic growth, sometimes at the expense of social equity.
Unity vs. Division
Unity vs. Divisiveness:
The spiritual view emphasizes unity, seeking to transcend cultural and ideological differences to build a harmonious society. MAGA’s emphasis on culture wars tends to deepen divisions and polarize the population.
Forward-Looking vs. Restoration
Progressive Vision vs. Nostalgic Restoration:
The spiritual view is progressive, focused on evolving towards new and enlightened forms of societal organization. MAGA’s vision is nostalgic, aiming to restore a perceived past greatness rather than embracing progressive transformation.
Conclusion
The MAGA ideology and the spiritual views of America’s founding represent fundamentally different interpretations of the nation’s purpose and role. While MAGA focuses on nationalism, economic growth favoring corporate interests, and divisive cultural battles, the spiritual perspectives emphasize inclusivity, collective well-being, unity, and progressive transformation. These contrasting visions highlight divergent paths for America’s future, reflecting deep philosophical and ideological differences in understanding the essence of the nation’s mission.
True, there are very good people, smart people, loving people, kind people all over the country supporting the MAGA ideology. They see the problems and solutions from a conservative perspective. There is a role to play by a two-party system in the future of America, as envisioned by the Founders. However, these conservative forces — and the country — would need a conservative party freed from the MAGA corruption and realigned with the founding principles of this nation.
Suffice it to say that the sixth ray people are the reactionaries, the conservatives, the die-hards and the fanatics, who hold on to all that is of the past and whose influence is potent to hinder the progress of humanity into the new age. Their name is legion. They provide, however, a needed balance and are responsible for a steadying process which is much needed in the world at this time.
Resistance against radical evil is an act of faith; it is the belief that the good draws to it the good, it is what Auden called that ironic point of light that flashes out wherever the just exchanged their messages, that our job, even however lonely it may be at that moment, is to keep that narrative alive, and if we can keep that narrative alive then we can use the word hope. – Chris Hedges
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