The Secret History Of The Jesuits

The Secret History of the Jesuits: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Society of Jesus

Introduction:

For centuries, the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits, has captivated imaginations, inspiring both fervent admiration and intense suspicion. Their influence spans continents and centuries, leaving a trail of accomplishments and controversies that continue to fuel debate. This article delves into the often-overlooked and misunderstood aspects of Jesuit history, exploring their origins, their rise to power, their controversial methods, and their enduring legacy. We’ll move beyond simplistic narratives to uncover the complex reality of this influential order, revealing a story far richer and more nuanced than commonly portrayed. Prepare to uncover the secret history of the Jesuits – a story of power, faith, education, and intrigue.

I. The Genesis of a Militant Order: Ignatius of Loyola and the Early Years (1534-1556)

The Jesuits weren't born overnight. Their story begins with Ignatius of Loyola, a Basque nobleman whose life dramatically changed after a near-fatal battle injury. His subsequent spiritual journey led him to found the Society of Jesus in 1534, not as a monastic order, but as a highly disciplined and organized group dedicated to the propagation of the Catholic faith. Unlike other religious orders, the Jesuits embraced a dynamic, adaptable approach, focusing on education, missionary work, and intellectual engagement to counter the spread of Protestantism. Their early years were marked by rigorous training, absolute obedience to the Pope, and a relentless focus on achieving their goals. This foundation laid the groundwork for their future influence.

II. Global Expansion and Intellectual Prowess: The Jesuit Missions and Universities (16th-18th Centuries)

The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed an astonishing expansion of the Jesuit order. Their missionaries ventured across the globe – to the Americas, Asia, Africa – converting millions and establishing a vast network of missions. These missions weren't simply about religious conversion; they often involved significant contributions to cartography, natural sciences, and anthropology, resulting in valuable cultural exchanges and knowledge accumulation. Simultaneously, the Jesuits established a network of prestigious universities across Europe, becoming pivotal in the advancement of scientific thought and education. This emphasis on intellectual prowess provided them with an influential voice in shaping European politics and culture.

III. Controversy and Suppression: The Jesuits' Rise and Fall (17th-18th Centuries)

Despite their accomplishments, the Jesuits faced significant opposition. Their power and influence made them targets of suspicion and accusations, ranging from political intrigue to heresy. Their intense dedication to their mission, coupled with their often uncompromising methods, fueled numerous controversies. The 18th century saw their suppression by several European powers, leading to the order’s temporary dissolution in 1773. This suppression wasn't solely due to religious conflict; it was also a product of political maneuvering and anxieties about their considerable power and influence within various court systems.

IV. Resurrection and Modern Influence: The Jesuits in the 20th and 21st Centuries

The Jesuits' story didn't end with their suppression. Reinstated in 1814, they quickly regained their footing, adapting to the changing social and political landscape. They continued to be influential in education, establishing renowned universities worldwide and promoting social justice initiatives. Their modern engagement with social and political issues, including advocacy for human rights and environmental protection, demonstrates a continued evolution of their approach within the changing global context. This modern era has seen a renewed interest in their history, prompting further research and scholarly analysis.

V. The Enduring Legacy: A Complex and Contested Narrative

The legacy of the Jesuits is complex and multifaceted. Their history is not one of unblemished glory, but rather a narrative filled with remarkable achievements, internal struggles, and considerable controversies. Understanding the full scope of their influence requires acknowledging both their positive contributions – in education, missionary work, and intellectual pursuits – and their problematic aspects, including the controversies surrounding their methods and their complex relationship with power structures. Their story is a testament to the enduring human capacity for both extraordinary good and significant harm.


Book Outline: "The Secret History of the Jesuits: A Comprehensive Study"

I. Introduction:
Brief overview of the Jesuit order and its historical significance.
Outline of the book's structure and approach.
Overview of primary and secondary sources used.

II. The Founding and Early Years:
Ignatius of Loyola’s life and spiritual journey.
The formation of the Society of Jesus and its initial goals.
Early missions and the establishment of Jesuit colleges.

III. Global Expansion and Missionary Activities:
Jesuit missions in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
The cultural exchanges and scientific contributions of the missions.
Challenges and controversies encountered by Jesuit missionaries.

IV. Political Influence and Power Struggles:
The Jesuits' involvement in European politics and court systems.
Accusations of intrigue and heresy.
The factors leading to the suppression of the Jesuits in 1773.

V. Resurrection and Modern Engagements:
The reinstatement of the Jesuit order in 1814.
The Jesuits’ adaptation to modern society and their continuing influence.
Current Jesuit initiatives in education, social justice, and ecumenism.

VI. Conclusion:
Summary of the key themes explored throughout the book.
Assessment of the Jesuits' lasting legacy and enduring influence.
Suggestions for further research and study.


(Detailed explanation of each point in the outline would constitute a full-length book. The following expands on a few key points to demonstrate the depth of potential content.)

For instance, the section on "Jesuit Missions in the Americas" could explore specific examples like the work of José de Acosta in Peru, detailing his contributions to natural history and his interactions with indigenous populations, while also acknowledging the complexities of the colonial context and the ethical challenges posed by missionary activities during that period. Similarly, the section on "Political Influence and Power Struggles" could examine the Jesuits' role in the French court, analyzing their influence on Louis XIV and the broader political landscape, and exploring the accusations leveled against them that ultimately led to their suppression.


FAQs:

1. Were the Jesuits always powerful? No, their influence fluctuated throughout history. Periods of immense power were followed by periods of suppression.

2. What were the Jesuits' primary goals? Primarily, the propagation of the Catholic faith through education, missionary work, and intellectual engagement.

3. Why were the Jesuits suppressed? A combination of political maneuvering, accusations of heresy and undue influence, and anxieties about their power.

4. Did the Jesuits engage in questionable practices? Historical accounts reveal instances of controversial methods, especially in their missionary activities and political dealings.

5. What is the Jesuit order's current role? They remain heavily involved in education, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.

6. Are the Jesuits still a secret society? No, they are a publicly known and active religious order. However, certain aspects of their internal workings may not be widely known.

7. What is the significance of Jesuit education? Jesuit universities and schools have consistently been at the forefront of academic excellence.

8. How did the Jesuits contribute to science? Jesuit missionaries and scholars made significant contributions to various scientific fields, especially during their missions.

9. Are there any prominent figures associated with the Jesuits? Numerous prominent figures, including scientists, writers, and theologians, were either Jesuits or heavily influenced by the order.


Related Articles:

1. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: An exploration of the foundational text that shaped Jesuit spirituality.

2. Jesuit Missions in the Americas: A Critical Analysis: A deeper examination of the complexities of Jesuit missionary work in the New World.

3. The Jesuit Role in the Scientific Revolution: A look at their significant contributions to scientific advancements.

4. The Suppression of the Jesuits: Causes and Consequences: A detailed analysis of the events leading to and following the suppression.

5. The Jesuits and the Enlightenment: An exploration of the order's interaction with Enlightenment ideals.

6. Modern Jesuit Social Justice Initiatives: A review of current Jesuit involvement in social justice causes.

7. Famous Jesuits Throughout History: Profiles of notable figures associated with the order.

8. The Jesuit Educational Model: A Comparative Study: A comparison of Jesuit education with other educational systems.

9. The Jesuits and Interfaith Dialogue: A discussion of the order's role in promoting interfaith understanding.


  the secret history of the jesuits: The Secret History of the Jesuits Edmond Paris, 2011 Secrets the Jesuits don't want Christians to know Out of Europe, a voice is heard from the secular world that documents historically the same information told by ex-priests. The author exposes the Vatican's involvement in world politics, intrigues, and the fomenting of wars throughout history. It appears, beyond any doubt, that the Roman Catholic institution is not a Christian church and never was. The poor Roman Catholic people have been betrayed by her and are facing spiritual disaster. Paris shows that Rome is responsible for the two great world wars. Author Edmond Paris explains why he wrote this book... The public is practically unaware of the overwhelming responsibility carried by the Vatican and its Jesuits in the start of the two world wars -- a situation which may be explained in part by the gigantic finances at the disposition of the Vatican and its Jesuits, giving them power in so many spheres, especially since the last conflict. In fact, the part they took in those tragic events has hardly been mentioned until the present time, except by apologists eager to disguise it. It is with the aim of rectifying this and establishing the true facts that we present in this and other books the political activity of the Vatican during the contemporary -- activity which mutually concerns the Jesuits. This study is based on irrefutable archive documents, publications from well-known political personalities, diplomats, ambassadors and eminent writers, most of whom are Catholics, even attested by the imprimatur.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Secret History of the Jesuits Edmond Paris, 1982 Dotyczy m. in. Polski.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Secret History of the Jesuits Edmond Paris, 1975
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuit Conspiracy Leone (Abate.), 1848
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuits John W. O'Malley, SJ, 2014-10-08 As Pope Francis continues to make his mark on the church, there is increased interest in his Jesuit background—what is the Society of Jesus, how is it different from other religious orders, and how has it shaped the world? In The Jesuits, acclaimed historian John W. O’Malley, SJ, provides essential historical background from the founder Ignatius of Loyola through the present. The book tells the story of the Jesuits’ great successes as missionaries, educators, scientists, cartographers, polemicists, theologians, poets, patrons of the arts, and confessors to kings. It tells the story of their failures and of the calamity that struck them in 1773 when Pope Clement XIV suppressed them worldwide. It tells how a subsequent pope restored them to life and how they have fared to this day in virtually every country in the world. Along the way it introduces readers to key figures in Jesuit history, such as Matteo Ricci and Pedro Arrupe, and important Jesuit writings, such as the Spiritual Exercises. Concise and compelling, The Jesuits is an accessible introduction for anyone interested in world or church history. In addition to the narrative, the book provides a timeline, a list of significant figures, photos of important figures and locations, recommendations for additional reading, and more.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Jesuits Malachi Martin, 2013-05-28 In The Jesuits, Malachi Martin reveals for the first time the harrowing behind-the-scenes story of the new worldwide Society of Jesus. The leaders and the dupes; the blood and the pathos; the politics, the betrayals and the humiliations; the unheard-of alliances and compromises. The Jesuits tells a true story of today that is already changing the face of all our tomorrows.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Black Pope M F Cusack, 2014-03-30 This Is A New Release Of The Original 1896 Edition.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Power and Secret of the Jesuits Rene Fulop-Miller, Gerald E. Greene, 2014-01-07 Even though this book was written in 1929, it remains a credible voice regarding the history of the Roman Catholic order of the “Society of Jesus” (Jesuits). Learn how the use of Mystical Ecstasy contributes to the recruitment of talented young men, who dedicate their lives to the church. This book is difficult to put down after reading the opening pages, and will be an excellent addition to any personal collection.The book has been retyped using a modern font for easier reading. This is NOT a scanned copy of an old book.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuits Theodor Griesinger, 1885
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuits Markus Friedrich, 2022-03-01 The most comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of one of the most important religious orders in the modern world Since its founding by Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, the Society of Jesus—more commonly known as the Jesuits—has played a critical role in the events of modern history. From the Counter-Reformation to the ascent of Francis I as the first Jesuit pope, The Jesuits presents an intimate look at one of the most important religious orders not only in the Catholic Church, but also the world. Markus Friedrich describes an organization that has deftly walked a tightrope between sacred and secular involvement and experienced difficulties during changing times, all while shaping cultural developments from pastoral care and spirituality to art, education, and science. Examining the Jesuits in the context of social, cultural, and world history, Friedrich sheds light on how the order shaped the culture of the Counter-Reformation and participated in the establishment of European empires, including missionary activity throughout Asia and in many parts of Africa in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. He also explores the place of Jesuits in the New World and addresses the issue of Jesuit slaveholders. The Jesuits often tangled with the Roman Curia and the pope, resulting in their suppression in 1773, but the order returned in 1814 to rise again to a powerful position of influence. Friedrich demonstrates that the Jesuit fathers were not a monolithic group and he considers the distinctive spiritual legacy inherited by Pope Francis. With its global scope and meticulous attention to archival sources and previous scholarship, The Jesuits illustrates the heterogeneous, varied, and contradictory perspectives of this famed religious organization.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Sparrow Mary Doria Russell, 2008-05-27 A visionary work that combines speculative fiction with deep philosophical inquiry, The Sparrow tells the story of a charismatic Jesuit priest and linguist, Emilio Sandoz, who leads a scientific mission entrusted with a profound task: to make first contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. The mission begins in faith, hope, and beauty, but a series of small misunderstandings brings it to a catastrophic end. Praise for The Sparrow “A startling, engrossing, and moral work of fiction.”—The New York Times Book Review “Important novels leave deep cracks in our beliefs, our prejudices, and our blinders. The Sparrow is one of them.”—Entertainment Weekly “Powerful . . . The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.”—San Francisco Chronicle “Provocative, challenging . . . recalls both Arthur C. Clarke and H. G. Wells, with a dash of Ray Bradbury for good measure.”—The Dallas Morning News “[Mary Doria] Russell shows herself to be a skillful storyteller who subtly and expertly builds suspense.”—USA Today
  the secret history of the jesuits: Jesuits Jack T. Chick, 2011 The Jesuits... like so many things in this world, they are not what they appear to be. In 1540, Pope Paul III officially accepted The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) into the Roman Catholic system. Today, the Jesuit General is respected and feared by every Jesuit as God Himself. Who knows more about the Jesuits than the Jesuits themselves? This book shows, from their own writings, that the Jesuits' real goal is to destroy true Christians and make the world submit to the Pope. That's why Jesus commanded His people to, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues in Revelation 18:4. Here is the story of a family arrested because of the impatient actions of one Jesuit, whose indiscretion nearly unraveled the plot to destroy freedom and bring everyone under the control of the pope. Read the fascinating history of the Jesuits, learned from their own writings. Learn: How they formed, and why The true purpose of Jesuit schools and colleges Their blind obedience to their superiors. Read why we are surrounded with Jesuit-trained operatives who don't wear a priest's collar, and are thus invisible. See how they manipulate governments and foment wars, all for the greater glory of God. By the end of the story, you will understand that we cannot put our complete trust in any church, religious leader, or anyone else for our eternity, because nothing is what it appears to be. We must place our faith in Jesus alone.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Pope and Mussolini David I. Kertzer, 2014 The compelling story of Pope Pius XI's secret relations with Benito Mussolini. A ground-breaking work, based on seven years of research in the Vatican and Fascist archives by US National Book Award-finalist David Kertzer, it will forever change our understanding of the Vatican's role in the rise of Fascism in Europe.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Footprints Of The Jesuits Richard W. Thompson, 2023-09-24 Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Night Journey From Rome Clark Butterfield, 2020-12-03 In 1978 the Lord called a priest, Clark Butterfield, out of the Roman Catholic system. God gave him a mission to write this autobiography before he went home to be with his Saviour. Butterfield graciously reveals to both Roman Catholics and Christians the teachings of the Vatican and how they differ from God's holy word. NIGHT JOURNEY FROM ROME is tactful, compassionate, and candid. Any honest reader will be touched and enlightened by its contents. This is a beautifully written book for your library, and one you could put into the hands of Roman Catholics or Christians. The contrast between scripture and the teachings of Rome is very clearly explained. - Jack T. Chick
  the secret history of the jesuits: Smokescreens Jack T. Chick, 2011 Learn the hidden purpose of the ecumenical movement Many Christians believe the current call for Christian unity is biblical and reflects the heart of God. But in this important book, Jack Chick shows why nothing could be further from the truth. Before you agree to this unity, you need to know who you are uniting with . . . and what they believe. Here, you will learn that today'unity' is a clever smokescreen, devised by the Vatican to bring all Christians under Rome's control. And to be in unity with Rome, you must be willing to compromise your beliefs . . . and accept hers. Discover why this unity is so dangerous, and how far down the road of compromise the church has already traveled. See how major Christian leaders have been leading their followers into compromise with Rome for years. Learn how to spot this dangerous false unity so you can take a stand. Learn the high price you will eventually pay for this unity.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Years of Jesuit Suppression, 1773–1814: Survival, Setbacks, and Transformation Paul Shore, 2019-12-30 The forty-one years between the Society of Jesus’s papal suppression in 1773 and its eventual restoration in 1814 remain controversial, with new research and interpretations continually appearing. Shore’s narrative approaches these years, and the period preceding the suppression, from a new perspective that covers individuals not usually discussed in works dealing with this topic. As well as examining the contributions of former Jesuits to fields as diverse as ethnology—a term and concept pioneered by an ex-Jesuit—and library science, where Jesuits and ex-Jesuits laid the groundwork for the great advances of the nineteenth century, the essay also explores the period the exiled Society spent in the Russian Empire. It concludes with a discussion of the Society’s restoration in the broader context of world history.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Secret Instructions of the Jesuits W.C. Brownlee, 2023-06-08 Reprint of the original, first published in 1857. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Heroic Leadership Chris Lowney, 2009-04-30 Leadership Principles for Lasting Success Leadership makes great companies, but few of us truly understand how to turn ourselves and others into great leaders. One company—the Jesuits—pioneered a unique formula for molding leaders and in the process built one of history’s most successful companies.In this groundbreaking book, Chris Lowney reveals the leadership principles that have guided the Jesuits for more than 450 years: self-awareness, ingenuity, love, and heroism. Lowney shows how these same principles can make each of us a dynamic leader in the twenty-first century.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Rulers of Evil F. Tupper Saussy, 2001 Provides links connecting secret societies such as the Iluminati and the Freemasons to the American Revolution and subsequent events.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Vatican Assassins Eric Jon Phelps, 2001
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Secret Terrorists Bill Hughes, 2020-11-27
  the secret history of the jesuits: For God's Greater Glory Louis Lallemant, Jean Pierre de Caussade, 2006 Focusing on key writings by three of the most important representatives of the Jesuit order, Louis Lallement, Jean Pierre Caussade and Claude de la Columbiere, this work takes the reader to the heart of one of the most influential spiritual traditions within the Catholic Church.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuits Manfred Barthel, 1987
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuits in North America in the Seventeenth Century Francis Parkman, 1897
  the secret history of the jesuits: God's Secret Agents Alice Hogge, 2006-06-13 One evening in 1588, just weeks after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, two young men landed in secret on a beach in Norfolk, England. They were Jesuit priests, Englishmen, and their aim was to achieve by force of argument what the Armada had failed to do by force of arms: return England to the Catholic Church. Eighteen years later their mission would be shattered by the actions of the Gunpowder Plotters -- a small group of terrorists who famously tried to destroy the Houses of Parliament -- for the Jesuits were accused of having designed that most horrid and hellish conspiracy. Alice Hogge follows God's secret agents from their schooling on the Continent, through their perilous return journeys and lonely lives in hiding, to, ultimately, the gallows. She offers a remarkable true account of faith, duty, intolerance, and martyrdom -- the unforgettable story of men who would die for a cause undone by men who would kill for it.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuit Order As a Synagogue of Jews Robert A. Maryks, 2010 In The Jesuit Order as a Synagogue of Jews the author explains how Christians with Jewish family backgrounds went within less than forty years from having a leading role in the foundation of the Society of Jesus to being prohibited from membership in it. The author works at the intersection to two important historical topics, each of which attracts considerable scholarly attention but that have never received sustained and careful attention together, namely, the early modern histories of the Jesuit order and of Iberian purity of blood concerns. An analysis of the pro- and anti-converso texts in this book (both in terms of what they are claiming and what their limits are) advance our understanding of early modern, institutional Catholicism at the intersection of early modern religious reform and the new racism developing in Spain and spreading outwards.
  the secret history of the jesuits: God's Traitors Jessie Childs, 2014 Explores the Catholic predicament in Elizabethan England through the eyes of one remarkable family: the Vauxes of Harrowden Hall.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest John Gerard, 2012-01-01 Truth is stranger than fiction. And nowhere in literature is it so apparent as in this classic work, The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest. This autobiography of a Jesuit priest in Elizabethan England is a most remarkable document and John Gerard, its author, a most remarkable priest in a time when to be a Catholic in England courted imprisonment and torture; to be a priest was treason by act of Parliament. Smuggled into England after his ordination and dumped on a Norfolk beach at night, Fr. Gerard disguised himself as a country gentleman and traveled about the country saying Mass, preaching and ministering to the faithful in secret always in constant danger. The houses in which he found shelter were frequently raided by priest hunters; priest-holes, hide-outs and hair-breadth escapes were part of his daily life. He was finally caught and imprisoned, and later removed to the infamous Tower of London where he was brutally tortured. The stirring account of his escape, by means of a rope thrown across the moat, is a daring and magnificent climax to a true story which, for sheer narrative power and interest, far exceeds any fiction. Here is an accurate and compelling picture of England when Catholics were denied their freedom to worship and endured vicious persecution and often martyrdom. But more than the story of a single priest, The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest epitomizes the constant struggle of all human beings through the ages to maintain their freedom. It is a book of courage and of conviction whose message is most timely for our age.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Jesuit Schools and Universities in Europe, 1548–1773 Paul F. Grendler, 2018-11-26 A survey of Jesuit schools and universities across Europe from 1548 to 1773 by Paul F. Grendler. The article discusses organization, curriculum, pedagogy, enrollments, and relations with civil authorities with examples from France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and eastern Europe.
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Great Falling Away Today Milton Green, 1986 A probing look at the spiritual condition of the body of Christ, examining the fortresses of Satan in believers' own lives (greed, pride, selfishness and lust of the flesh) and shows the scriptural path to rejuvenation through repentance and holiness.
  the secret history of the jesuits: History of the Jesuits Giovanni Battista Nicolini, 1854
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Black Pope Oliver E. Murray, 1892
  the secret history of the jesuits: Jesuits in the North American Colonies and the United States Catherine O'Donnell, 2020 From Eusebio Kino to Daniel Berrigan, and from colonial New England to contemporary Seattle, Jesuits have built and disrupted institutions in ways that have fundamentally shaped the Catholic Church and American society. As Catherine O'Donnell demonstrates, Jesuits in French, Spanish, and British colonies were both evangelists and agents of empire. John Carroll envisioned an American church integrated with Protestant neighbors during the early years of the republic; nineteenth-century Jesuits, many of them immigrants, rejected Carroll's ethos and created a distinct Catholic infrastructure of schools, colleges, and allegiances. The twentieth century involved Jesuits first in American war efforts and papal critiques of modernity, and then (in accord with the leadership of John Courtney Murray and Pedro Arrupe) in a rethinking of their relationship to modernity, to other faiths, and to earthly injustice. O'Donnell's narrative concludes with a brief discussion of Jesuits' declining numbers, as well as their response to their slaveholding past and involvement in clerical sexual abuse.00Also available in Open Access.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Archangels Janet Tavakoli, 2018-05-10 The brutal murder of a young Jesuit priest and church financier thrusts investigator Michael Visconte into a web of Vatican conspiracy and intrigue -- with deadly consequences. A whodunit that keeps you guessing until the end..
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Immortality Key Brian C. Muraresku, 2020-09-29 THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER As seen on The Joe Rogan Experience! A groundbreaking dive into the role psychedelics have played in the origins of Western civilization, and the real-life quest for the Holy Grail that could shake the Church to its foundations. The most influential religious historian of the 20th century, Huston Smith, once referred to it as the best-kept secret in history. Did the Ancient Greeks use drugs to find God? And did the earliest Christians inherit the same, secret tradition? A profound knowledge of visionary plants, herbs and fungi passed from one generation to the next, ever since the Stone Age? There is zero archaeological evidence for the original Eucharist – the sacred wine said to guarantee life after death for those who drink the blood of Jesus. The Holy Grail and its miraculous contents have never been found. In the absence of any hard data, whatever happened at the Last Supper remains an article of faith for today’s 2.5 billion Christians. In an unprecedented search for answers, The Immortality Key examines the archaic roots of the ritual that is performed every Sunday for nearly one third of the planet. Religion and science converge to paint a radical picture of Christianity’s founding event. And after centuries of debate, to solve history’s greatest puzzle. Before the birth of Jesus, the Ancient Greeks found salvation in their own sacraments. Sacred beverages were routinely consumed as part of the so-called Ancient Mysteries – elaborate rites that led initiates to the brink of death. The best and brightest from Athens and Rome flocked to the spiritual capital of Eleusis, where a holy beer unleashed heavenly visions for two thousand years. Others drank the holy wine of Dionysus to become one with the god. In the 1970s, renegade scholars claimed this beer and wine – the original sacraments of Western civilization – were spiked with mind-altering drugs. In recent years, vindication for the disgraced theory has been quietly mounting in the laboratory. The constantly advancing fields of archaeobotany and archaeochemistry have hinted at the enduring use of hallucinogenic drinks in antiquity. And with a single dose of psilocybin, the psychopharmacologists at Johns Hopkins and NYU are now turning self-proclaimed atheists into instant believers. But the smoking gun remains elusive. If these sacraments survived for thousands of years in our remote prehistory, from the Stone Age to the Ancient Greeks, did they also survive into the age of Jesus? Was the Eucharist of the earliest Christians, in fact, a psychedelic Eucharist? With an unquenchable thirst for evidence, Muraresku takes the reader on his twelve-year global hunt for proof. He tours the ruins of Greece with its government archaeologists. He gains access to the hidden collections of the Louvre to show the continuity from pagan to Christian wine. He unravels the Ancient Greek of the New Testament with the world’s most controversial priest. He spelunks into the catacombs under the streets of Rome to decipher the lost symbols of Christianity’s oldest monuments. He breaches the secret archives of the Vatican to unearth manuscripts never before translated into English. And with leads from the archaeological chemists at UPenn and MIT, he unveils the first scientific data for the ritual use of psychedelic drugs in classical antiquity. The Immortality Key reconstructs the suppressed history of women consecrating a forbidden, drugged Eucharist that was later banned by the Church Fathers. Women who were then targeted as witches during the Inquisition, when Europe’s sacred pharmacology largely disappeared. If the scientists of today have resurrected this technology, then Christianity is in crisis. Unless it returns to its roots. Featuring a Foreword by Graham Hancock, the NYT bestselling author of America Before.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Rome's Responsibility for the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln T. M. (Thomas Mealey) Harris, 2017-08-23
  the secret history of the jesuits: The Jesuit and the Incas Sabine Hyland, 2003 A refreshingly lucid account of an important but poorly known figure in colonial Latin American history.-Richard L. Burger, Yale University This is a beautifully written, deeply informed and highly informative work. . . . Hyland has cast a bright light into a corner of early colonial Latin American scholarship that we had all but abandoned hope of ever seeing into very clearly.-Gary Urton, Harvard University In the spirit of justice Blas Valera broke all the rules-and paid with his life. Hundreds of years later, his ghost has returned to haunt the official story. But is it the truth, and will it set the record straight? This is the tale of Father Blas Valera, the child of a native Incan woman and Spanish father, caught between the ancient world of the Incas and the conquistadors of Spain. Valera, a Jesuit in sixteenth-century Peru, believed in what to his superiors was pure heresy: that the Incan culture, religion, and language were equal to their Christian counterparts. As punishment for his beliefs he was imprisoned, beaten, and, finally, exiled to Spain, where he died at the hands of English pirates in 1597. Four centuries later, this Incan chronicler had been all but forgotten, until an Italian anthropologist discovered some startling documents in a private Neapolitan collection. The documents claimed, among other things, that Valera's death had been faked by the Jesuits; that he had returned to Peru; and, intriguingly,
  the secret history of the jesuits: Philosophy in the Modern World Anthony Kenny, 2008 Here is the concluding volume of Sir Anthony Kenny's monumental four-volume history of philosophy, the first major single-author narrative history to appear for several decades.Here Kenny tells the fascinating story of the development of philosophy in the modern world, from the early nineteenth century to the end of the millennium. Alongside extraordinary scientific advances, cultural changes, and political upheavals, the last two centuries have seen some of the mostintriguing and original developments in philosophical thinking, which have transformed our understanding of ourselves and our world. In the first part of the book, Kenny offers a lively narrative introducing the major thinkers in their historical context. Among those we meet are the great figures ofcontinental European philosophy, from Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche to Heidegger, Sartre, and Derrida; the Pragmatists such as C.S. Pierce and William James; Marx, Darwin, and Freud, the non-philosophers; and Wittgenstein and Russell, friends and colleagues who set the agenda for analyticphilosophy in the twentieth century. Kenny then proceeds to guide the reader lucidly through the nine main areas of philosophical work in the period, offering a serious engagement with ideas and arguments about logic, language, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, politics, and theexistence of God.
  the secret history of the jesuits: Radicals in Exile Freddy Cristóbal Domínguez, 2020-02-13 Facing persecution in early modern England, some Catholics chose exile over conformity. Some even cast their lot with foreign monarchs rather than wait for their own rulers to have a change of heart. This book studies the relationship forged by English exiles and Philip II of Spain. It shows how these expatriates, known as the “Spanish Elizabethans,” used the most powerful tools at their disposal—paper, pens, and presses—to incite war against England during the “messianic” phase of Philip’s reign, from the years leading up to the Grand Armada until the king’s death in 1598. Freddy Cristóbal Domínguez looks at English Catholic propaganda within its international and transnational contexts. He examines a range of long-neglected polemical texts, demonstrating their prominence during an important moment of early modern politico-religious strife and exploring the transnational dynamic of early modern polemics and the flexible rhetorical approaches required by exile. He concludes that while these exiles may have lived on the margins, their books were central to early modern Spanish politics and are key to understanding the broader narrative of the Counter-Reformation. Deeply researched and highly original, Radicals in Exile makes an important contribution to the study of religious exile in early modern Europe. It will be welcomed by historians of early modern Iberian and English politics and religion as well as scholars of book history.