Conspiracy Theories: The Illuminati

 Part of my series on conspiracy theories.

One of the more interesting theories is that this group exists....the Illuminati.

This story revolves around this suggestion that a top-secret Bavarian community has existed since 1776 (yeah, just an odd year to start the group).

What they are involved in?  Well....first off....they oppose all superstition.  Because of this central core....they can always suggest that they are enlightened.  Right off the bat, this gives you a leg up on being intellectual and super-smart (at least pretending this).

The Illuminati also practice obscurantism.  I know...it's not a normal term that you probably have hear of....but it typically means that it's best to hide facts in a deliberate way.  If you knew the facts, you'd probably stand against anything they support.  You probably are sitting there and thinking Republicans/Democrats of the US are both practicing obscurantism as well, but it doesn't make either Illuminati-types.  

So the Illuminati were supposedly dedicated to getting rid of religious influence on the lives of people.  Since this was in Bavaria....it kinda meant they were working against the Catholic Church.  

Finally, the Illuminati were always against governments harming the public....which made them look 'good'....at least as long as you believed the government was anti-public. 

The significance of the conspiracy theory here?  There's this suggestion that the Illuminati were responsible for the French Revolution (1789-1799).  There's also the suggestion they were heavily involved in American affairs over the past two-hundred-odd years.  

Truth to the matter?  None....but the conspiracy chatter always makes them an interesting group.