>

Setting the Record Straight: Ethiopia’s Arts TV World’s Tall Tales vs. The Freemasons

Posted by | May 15, 2024 | 0

Setting the Record Straight: Ethiopia’s Arts TV World’s Tall Tales vs. The Freemasons

By LJDemissie
Introduction
I hold the Obelisk of Axum and the monuments of Axum in high regard¹²³. These ancient Ethiopian structures, particularly the Obelisk that was taken by Mussolini’s troops over 60 years ago, are estimated to be up to 3,000 years old¹²³. Their religious significance and interpretations add to their profound value¹². However, I express reservations about certain assertions made by Ethiopia’s Arts TV World documentary. It contradicts established scientific consensus by suggesting a square (flat) Earth, as represented in obelisk of Axum, the Lalibela church structures, and church-related paintings¹⁵ across Ethiopia.
Furthermore, it casts the Knights Templar, the Freemasons, and Masonic Orders in a negative light, accusing them of unscrupulous building related intellectual theft and conspiracy for the benefit of European nations, especially the British Empire¹⁵. The documentary asserts that they have exploited every possible avenue to appropriate from across the world, particularly from Ethiopia knowledge related to the integration of culture, philosophy, religion, and vision of a nation into obelisks and buildings. And they applied this knowledge in European architecture¹⁵ for educational purposes as well as the historical narratives they passed down to subsequent generations. These claims necessitate further substantiation.
In the annals of history, few organizations have sparked as much intrigue and speculation as the Knights Templar, the Freemasons, and Masonic Orders⁵⁶⁷⁸. These groups, shrouded in mystery and often misunderstood, have left indelible marks on society⁵⁶⁷⁸. This article aims to shed light on their origins, their evolution, and their present-day activities, while also addressing the rumors and misinformation that often surround them⁵⁶⁷⁸.

Addressing the Rumors and Misinformation

Like any organizations with a long history and a degree of secrecy, the Knights Templar, Freemasons, and Masonic Orders have been the subject of numerous rumors and misinformation⁵⁶⁷⁸. One such claim, propagated by sources like Ethiopia’s Arts TV World, suggests that Freemasons stole building techniques to construct buildings around Europe¹⁵. However, historical evidence suggests that Freemasons, many of whom were skilled craftsmen and architects, learned from the best practices of their time and incorporated them into their own constructions¹¹³⁶³⁷.
 
The Knights Templar: Protectors of Pilgrims the Knights Templar, officially known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, was a Christian military order founded around 1119⁵. The Knights Templar was a medieval Christian military order. They were headquartered on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem⁵. Their primary mission was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the tumultuous times of the Crusades⁵. The Knights Templar was disbanded in the 14th century. Today, the Templars’ legacy continues in various forms, including charitable works and advocacy for peace in the Middle East⁵.
 
Freemasons: Fraternity of Free Thinkers Freemasonry, on the other hand, is a fraternal organization that traces its roots back to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the 14th century¹¹³⁶³⁷. The first Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was established in 1717 in London¹¹³⁶³⁷. Freemasons are known for their elaborate rituals, moral philosophy, and the promotion of brotherly love, relief, and truth³⁶. Today, Freemasonry is a global fraternity with more than 6 million members worldwide, known for donating millions to charity³⁶.
 
Masonic Orders: The Wider Family of Freemasonry Masonic Orders refer to the collective groups that are part of Freemasonry¹¹¹²¹³. They include various degrees and rites that a Freemason can attain beyond the basic three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason¹¹¹²¹³. These orders continue to play a significant role in Freemasonry, enriching the Masonic journey with additional layers of symbolism and fellowship¹¹¹²¹³.

 Conclusion

 

The Knights Templar, Freemasons, and Masonic Orders have each left a significant impact on history and society⁵⁶⁷⁸. Despite the rumors and misinformation that often surround them, these organizations, except for the Knights Templar, was disbanded in the 14th century, continue to thrive and adapt in the modern world⁵⁶⁷⁸.
It’s crucial to understand that perceptions of these organizations can be influenced by historical and socio-political contexts³¹³²³³³⁴³⁵. For instance, the legacy of colonialism in Africa has left a profound mistrust towards Western institutions, which could contribute to the spread of disinformation against these organizations³¹³²³³³⁴³⁵. This mistrust can also influence the actions of African leaders, potentially hindering dialogue and development³¹³²³³³⁴³⁵.
Moreover, the significant and influential role of the Western financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank²⁷²⁸²⁹ and the UN Security Council²²²³²⁴²⁵²⁶ permanent members’ veto power, including on African countries over one billion population have significant impacts on African countries, sometimes exacerbating existing challenges²²²³²⁴²⁵²⁶. In the context of Western political agendas and their portrayal in the Western mainstream media, it is proofed that there is a bias in the coverage of African people and governments, such as that of Ethiopians and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the conflict with the TPLF. This has negatively influenced the perceptions of ordinary Ethiopians towards Western governments and the Western mainstream media.
While geopolitics is complex and I lack data to substantiate these claims, it is my contention that many Ethiopians feel that U.S. political leadership merely pays lip service to development, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
For instance, Ethiopia has faced challenges in securing funding for dam projects on the Nile River since the 1960s. The World Bank and other international entities have been involved in these issues because the US government, against Ethiopian interests, favored the Egyptian government for geopolitical reasons. The TPLF’s brutal regime, which mongered hate, instigated wars, and forcefully implemented language-based ethnic division in the Ethiopian constitution, enjoyed overwhelming support, including over $40 billion in assistance from the US government during its twenty-seven years in power. Reports from credible sources have indicated that the TPLF regime has been involved in laundering an estimated $40 billion.
As we continue to explore the rich histories and contributions of the Knights Templar, Freemasons, and Masonic Orders, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and appreciate these organizations for their true worth⁵⁶⁷⁸. At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge and address the broader socio-political factors that shape our understanding of these organizations³¹³²³³³⁴³⁵.
This article is my personal endeavor to help mend the trust that, based on my observations and interactions, appears to have been eroded among many Ethiopians towards Western governments, particularly those led by the U.S.
I dedicate this piece to the staff of the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, who I’ve noticed are making commendable efforts to change perceptions and foster a positive relationship. A notable example is the recent launch of the photo exhibition, “A Visual Journey of 120 Years of Bilateral Relations,” at the National Museum in Addis Ababa. While it’s too early to gauge its impact, this initiative is a promising start.
While my focus is on the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, this message is also intended for Western countries led by the U.S., in the hope that it encourages further efforts to build trust and mutual understanding.

Sources:

  1. Obelisk of Axum – Wikipedia
  2. Aksum – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
  3. History and Significance of the Obelisk of Axum | ETHIOPIANS TODAY
  4. The Axum Stelae: Multi-Story Buildings of Antiquity?
  5. History of the Knights Templar – Wikipedia
  6. Knights Templar – Symbols, Definition & Sword | HISTORY
  7. Knights Templar – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  8. Knights Templar – World History Encyclopedia
  9. History of Freemasonry – Wikipedia
  10. 7 Things You May Not Know About Freemasons | HISTORY
  11. History of Freemasonry – The Square Magazine
  12. Masonic Orders Chart – Esoteric Freemasons
  13. Masonic bodies – Wikipedia
  14. Legacies of colonialism in Africa | International Socialist Review
  15. Colonial Rule and Its Political Legacies in Africa
  16. The colonial legacy (Chapter 21) – A History of Sub-Saharan Africa
  17. How Africa’s colonial history affects its development
  18. Colonialism, Coloniality, and Colonial Rule in Africa
  19. The Role of International Financial Institutions in Africa
  20. The role of International Financial Institutions in conflict, recovery
  21. World Bank, IMF, and WTO as Agents
  22. The UN Security Council and the Politics of International Authority
  23. The Role of the UN Security Council in Unleashing an Unjust War Against Iraq
  24. The UN Security Council: Its Veto Power and Its Reform
  25. The UN Security Council – Reform or Perish!
  26. The UN Security Council and the Rule of Law
  27. The Role of Western Financial Institutions in Africa
  28. The role of International Financial Institutions in conflict, recovery
  29. World Bank, IMF, and WTO as Agents
  30. The UN Security Council and the Politics of International Authority
  31. The Role of the UN Security Council in Unleashing an Unjust War Against Iraq
  32. The UN Security Council: Its Veto Power and Its Reform
  33. The UN Security Council – Reform or Perish!
  34. The UN Security Council and the Rule of Law
  35. The UN Security Council and the Politics of International Authority

 

The writer, LJDemissie, who received assistance from AI technology developed by OpenAI, can be reached at LJDemissie@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @LJDemissie.

Filed in: Articles & Opinions