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Welcome to John Michell, a best-selling author and world authority on the mysteries of existence. John writes regular weekly articles for my page in the Daily Mirror newspaper. Now those articles can be read on this site. It is a thrill to have John writing for us about unexplained phenomena. I have been an admirer of his work since I was a teenager. I hope you enjoy his thought-provoking work. Jonathan Cainer
Archive for Thursday
20th March 2003 - The 10 World's greatest mysteries...
No. 9 The mystery of the Knights Templar
A great historical mystery
is the fate of the Knights Templar.
Founded in 1118 as a religious and military Order, the Templars’ first
object was to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. Jerusalem was then
in Christian hands, and the Templars made it their headquarters. They
hoped to rebuild the long-lost Temple of Solomon. That, according to
ancient prophecies, would unite all peoples under the rule of God.
The early Templars were scholars and noblemen, living simply, in ‘chastity,
poverty and obedience’. They studied religion and science, not just
from Christian sources, but in collaboration with Jewish and other mystics.
Their dedication attracted great wealth. Rich people left their estates
to the Templars, and they became the greatest landowners in Europe.
With riches came power and privilege. They were an independent Order
under the Pope. Kings and rulers had no authority over them.
Suddenly they were overthrown. In 1307, King Philip of France arrested
every member of the Order within his realm. Many of them were tortured
to death, and their Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, was publicly roasted
over a slow fire. Their possessions were seized and the Order was extinguished.
Fantastic charges were brought against the Templars – witchcraft, devil-worship
and disgusting sex rituals. More serious was the accusation of heresy.
The Templars had sought for truth beyond the Christian tradition, and
that condemned them in the eyes of the Church. I see them as the great
idealists of their time – until they lapsed into a state of wealth.
John Michell
If you have a favourite mystery
subject - from spontaneous human combustion to ancient Celtic ritual
sites, write to John, suggesting a theme. And if you have any answers
or theories about the mysteries John will be highlighting, he would
particularly like to hear from you.
Email jon@bubble.com
with subject heading: John Michell
Please note, we regret that due to time restrictions personal replies
may not be available.
John
Michell is a prolific author. Below are just two of John's books which
might interest you. We have arranged with our friends at The Daily
Mirror for website visitors to order books mentioned on this site.
This service is
for UK orders only.
Unexplained Phenomena,
A Rough Guide Special
(co-author Bob Rickard, rrp £12.99) at the special Mirror Direct price
of £9.99 + p&p.
Who Wrote Shakespeare?
(Thames & Hudson, rrp £8.95) for the Mirror Direct special price
of £6.95 + p&p.
Call 0870 165 8587
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