Arcadia Discussion Zone

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One could make no better start, in my view, than Jonathan Sumption's "The Albigensian Crusade", first published in 1978, and still in print in Faber & Faber paperback. Amazon link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Albigensian-Cru ... 166&sr=8-3

There will have been many other books, published before and since, that others might be able to recommend, but I found the Sumption book excellent, both in terms of its explanation of the Cathar "heresy" and its recounting of the detail of the crusades. And not a hint of esotericism anywhere to be found! Just good history writing. Well worth reading.

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Very much recommended as it dispels much of the modern mythos about the Cathars and is a thoughful and thorough analysis.

TCP

Fine, I'll accept that. I didn't know that English isn't your first language, so there certainly is room for misassumption on my part. My apologies.



I've used it in debates with Margaret Starbird. She didn't find it funny at all. I'm glad you have a good sense of humor.



There may be, but how can anyone speculate rationally on the contents of such documents without actaully knowing (a) if they exist and (b) what they might reveal? Rhetorical question, not one that I would expect an answer to, just putting it out on the table.



The books that have been recommended thus far are all very good, but tend to be somewhat weighty and academic, not necessarily the best introduction for someone who might be new to the topic. I've always like Zoe Oldenbourg's books as a general history of the Cathars.

TCP

Whoop_john - I recommend the works of Fernand NIEL and Renne NELLI, (in French only probably).

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DISrecommend - a new word to me? En France these are considered the authors of authority. What about 'The Yellow Cross' - it's in English, can't remember the author.

Incredibly fragmented. The frontiers of the Kingdom of France were not what they are today. Provence belonged at times to Aragon and Naples, Gascony was English, Toulouse and Béarn were quasi-independent; and of course allegiances changed with the winds.

TCP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priory_of_Sion

As someone who has been following the RleC story for over 35 years and has known or met quite a few players in the game I can find no fault in this excellent Wikipedia page.

It seems the best summary of the facts that I have seen. I don't think there's much more to be said!

The mason that I personally knew showed me his masonic bible...the FIRST page showed the path that he was on, in the shape of a pyramid, and it included several different orders. He was a top level mason in at least 3 different orders...(hhmmm, do I see a trinity there?). Evidence that there really is a kapstone....

There is a concentrated power level at the top...it's just natural law.

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You would have to ask a Mason who will have 3 doves released at his funeral. Otherwise you will be speaking to men who have no answer.

The book that was loaned to me was the Bible, Kings James Version I do believe. I did not check the verses word for word, although I wish I had once I gave the book back. The verse that was pointed out to me had something to do with the leaders of the church laying hands on a person in order to heal them...that was familiar.

The main differences was that this bible contained the construction management documents for the first temple. Who brought what supplies and the workers they had with them. There was even drawings of the first temple and blue prints, if I'm not mistaken. I believe that is what he wanted me to see, seeing as he loaned me the book after seeing me reading "The Hiram Key."

This man is now deceased, he had 3 doves released at his funeral. I would love to ask his wife about the bible but I don't know her well enough.

Edit to add: You do realize that the Scottish Rite used to have their lodge meetings in churches?

Correct. And the reason for the ban on the discussion of politics and/or religion is to 'maintain the harmony of the lodge'.

It's actually referred to as the "VSL".
And there's nothing wrong with a couple of hours free of politics and religion every month or so let me tell you.

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Maybe in some places in the UK it is VOSL, I have visited a fair bit there but cannot recall any reference to same. It's a King James Version, and may have a list of biblical references in the front or back which could relate to Freemasonry. A small personal VSL is presented to each Master Mason on attaining that rank, it usually has a frontispiece with the dates of his progress through the various degrees, and those in office at those times.
The VSL used in the lodge room is often very old, and large, and likewise has a frontispiece listing all the original members when the lodge was consecrated and another page in the front with all the Worshipful Masters and their years in office.
If an initiate is non-christian, we obligate him on the book of his particular faith, which lies next to the VSL.