CUL:The Rosicrucians  by Richard Wolff

   The claim is made by R. Swinburne Clymer in his book THE SECRET
SCHOOLS that "the founders of the Rosicrucian system, were originally
identical with the Chaldeans" (Page 16). On the other hand, a different
organization with headquarters in San Jose, California, states that the
Rosicrucian order "traces its origin to the mystery schools or secret
schools of learning established during the reign of Thutmose III, about
1500 B.C. in Egypt." According to this second group, Amenhotep IV was
their first traditional Grand Master (WHO AND WHAT ARE THE
ROSICRUCIANS? Page 8).

   As a matter of fact, the earliest mention of the Rosicrucians
occurred in the 17th century. In 1614 a book entitled FAMA
FRATERNITATIS was printed. It related the journeys of the reputed
founder of this sect, whose name was Christian Rosenkreuz. This man was
supposedly born in 1378 and died in 1484. He was said to have been
educated in a monastery and to have traveled to the Holy Land, Egypt
and Spain, finally arriving in Austria in 1413. Five years later he was
supposed to have chosen three companions and to have begun the Order of
the Rosicrucians. Four other brethren were declared to have been added
later on. The story states that when Rosenkreuz died in 1484 he was
embalmed. His grave was supposedly opened in 1604, 120 years after his
death, and some occult books were said to have been discovered in the
grave.

   It is very doubtful; However, that such a person ever existed. The
book FAMA FRATERNITATIS was composed by Johann Valentin Andrea
(1586-1654), who intended the book as satire. The Encyclopedia
Britannica (1971 edition) states: Some regard the story as a statement
of fact and hold Christian Rosenkreuz to have been the founder of the
order. More generally it is held to be a mythical explanation of the
order and Christian Rosenkreuz is not a real person at all, but a
symbolic character.

   This authoritative publication also reports that "the earliest
extant writing which unequivocally mentions a Rosicrucian order
appeared in the early 17th century. But even here the actual existence
of such an order cannot be affirmed absolutely. Indeed, not a few
scholars believe that the order had its rise from the publication of
this document and that it was written with this definite purpose in
mind." The evidence points to the conclusion that there never was a
Christian Rosenkreuz and that the book composed by Andrea was a
mystification intended as satire but accepted by some as genuine
history. One may well conclude that the book fostered the Rosicrucian
organizations, despite their claims to ancient origins.

   The exact time when this order was introduced in the United States
is not known. At present there are different Rosicrucian factions in
the United States fighting each other bitterly and, as has been shown,
disagreeing on the original source of their movement. The Rosicrucian
order known as AMORC (Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis), led by H.
Spencer Lewis, established headquarters in San Jose, California. A
group founded by Max Heindel operates from Oceanside, California.
Another organization is based in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and was
headed by R. Swinburne Clymer. Each of these leaders are prolific
writers.

   GOAL OF ROSICRUCIANISM

   Rosicrucianism is to elucidate the mysteries that encompass us in
life, and reverently to raise the veil from those who await us in the
dreaded dominions of death" (THE SECRET SCHOOLS, page 8).
Rosicrucianism "expounds a system of metaphysical and physical
philosophy intended to awaken the dormant, latent faculties of the
individual whereby he may utilize to a better advantage his talents and
lead a happier and more useful life" (WHO AND WHAT ARE THE
ROSICRUCIANS? page 4).

   Actually, Rosicrucianism is a combination of alchemy, ancient
mysticism, Gnosticism and a variety od occult beliefs. All of their
groups claim to be in possession of certain secret wisdom which has
been transmitted from generation to generation by particular masters.

   TEACHINGS CONCERNING THE HOLY BIBLE

   Rosicrucians declare that they are not a religious sect; in fact,
they say that their membership includes clergyment of various
denominations. However, and examination of official Rosicrucian
publications discloses specific teachings concerning God, Christ, the
Bible, prayer, sin and salvation. "All secret and sacred writings have
truth in them, irrespective of their source, and must be judged by
their inculcations rather than the source" (THE SECRET SCHOOLS, page
19). They use the Bible along with "other occult books" and interpret
it in their own fashion. Genesis 1:1 is re-translated to read: "Out of
the ever-existing essence (of space) the two-fold energy formed the
double heaven." We are told that the "commonly received rendering"
(King James Version) as well as the "usual rendering" of Genesis 1:1
are necessary to an understanding of the subject! The peculiar
interpretation given by Heindel indicates that the heaven and the earth
were created out of the ever-existing essence, not out of nothing: "The
cosmic root-substance is gathered together and set in motion."

   The same writer also asserts that the Genesis description of the
fifth day of creation actually speaks of an Atlantis-like Lemurian
epoch, in which the differentiation of the sexes took place. Before
that man had been Hermaphrodite (both male and female),and previous to
that he had been without sex (THE ROSICRUCIAN COSMO-CONCEPTION, pages
321-333). Similar explanations of other Scripture text could be cited.

   TEACHINGS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST

   Jesus Christ is regarded as merely "one of the earth's greatest
thinkers" (THE CONFEDERATION OF INITIATES, page 16). He is associated
with Plato, Muhammad and other great historical characters (page 17).
On the same page we read that Jesus was Essene, and He is also
associated with Brahma, Buddah, Lao-Tse, Zoroaster and others. "The Son
(Christ) is the highest initiate of the sun period. The ordinary
humanity of that period are now archangels" (THE ROSICRUCIAN
COSMO-CONCEPTION, PAGE 376). Jesus Christ "took the dense and vital
bodies of Jesus that he might function directly in the physical world
and appear as a man among men" (page 383).

   To Rosicrucians, Christ acted in the body of Jesus. (This
differentiation between the Christ and Jesus is an old gnostic belief
which appeared in the first century of church history.) They also claim
that at the time of the crucifixion the great sun spirit, Christ, was
liberated from the physical vehicle of Jesus.

   TEACHINGS CONCERNING SALVATION

   Rosicrucians do not believe that the blood of Christ cleanses us
from sin but that we are saved by our own efforts. Over and over again
in their writings we read that we must win freedom by purging ourselves
from everything that may react undisirably or destructively on
ourselves.

   The substitutionary atonement of Christ is denied and treated as an
invention of the Council of Nicaea (THE SECRET SCHOOLS, page 18). "Man,
through his own efforts, must attain spiritual enlightenment and
ultimate immortality" (page 19).

   The motto of the Rosicrucians is TRY. To them, one is not saved "by
another's intervention or substitution but by overcoming all evil
within himself through the feelings of love, mercy, kindness,
graciousness, adoration, reverence and helpfulness" (THE LIVING CHRIST,
page 13). In this book we are also told that every man possesses an
incorruptible seed, a divine spark, a "Christos." This "Christos" must
be awakened and brought into conciousness; it is the Christ, the
immortal part of man (page 40).

   TEACHINGS ON SIN, PRAYER, and REINCARNATION

   The Rosicrucian definition of sin is rather unusual. Sin is defined
as "whatever is harmful either to body or mind," and it is to be
avoided (THE SECRET SCHOOLS, page 21). The same book teaches that
celestial spirits may be invoked. It claims that these spirits are
hierarchies of the invisible brotherhood of the fraternity (page 10).
The doctrine of reincarnation is taught by all Rosicrucians. They
insist that, because of man's foolishness and the necessity to gain
experience, it is necessary to be reincarnated several times before we
are able to come into our own heritage (THE PRIESTHOOD OF AETH, page
8). It is also stated that it is possible to develop to the point where
the soul will emit a peculiar light, discernable across the gulfs of
space by intellectual powers (page 10).

   Rosicrucians also tell us that the "New Order" began in the latter
part of the past century and will continue for approximately 2000
years. This new age is to be known as the "Manistic Age" (THE LIVING
CHRIST, page 56). The doctrine of reincarnation is advocated in many
false cults. The soul is supposed to enter into a different body after
death and to have as many successive incarnations as are necessary to
purge it from sin. Needless to state, no appeal to the Holy Bible is
made. Indeed, the Bible teaches that forgiveness is obtained through
the blood of Jesus Christ, not through self-purification by means of
repeated incarnations. "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after
this the judgement" (Hebrews 9:27). The doctrine of the transmigration
of souls is opposed to the Bible and to reason. "That which is born of
the flesh is flesh" (John 3:6). It is necessary to be born of the Holy
Spirit in order to be saved.

   THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST

   The Rosicrucian does not accept the Bible as the final authority for
faith and practice. Thus, he considers himself free to teach whatever
the imagination of his heart may dictate. It is not surprising that
heretical concepts are held regarding the person of Jesus Christ.

   The Holy Bible states: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every
spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of
God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in
the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof
ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the
world" (I John 4:2,3). The Rosicrucian denies the plain statement of
Scripture that "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John
1:14). The deity of Jesus Christ is also denied by Rosicrucianism;
consequently, this group teaches that salvation is not bestowed by
Jesus Christ. This flatly contradicts the Word of God: "By grace ye are
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, lest any man should
boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). Rosicrucianism further teaches that we must
purge ourselves and become our own savior.

   Those who believe the Holy Bible should not find it difficult to
refute the teachings of Rosicrucianism, since they are diametrically
opposed to the Living Word of God.

   RICHARD WOLFF