The mission of the Illuminati—as understood historically and within the framework of modern conspiracy theories—has different interpretations depending on context. Let’s explore both the original purpose of the Bavarian Illuminati and the way it’s viewed in popular culture and conspiracy theories.

The Historical Illuminati (Bavarian Illuminati):

The Bavarian Illuminati was a secret society founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of law at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria (which is now part of Germany). The mission of the Bavarian Illuminati, as outlined by Weishaupt, was focused on the promotion of Enlightenment ideals and the opposition to religious and political authoritarianism.

Core Goals:

1. Promote Reason and Enlightenment: The Illuminati aimed to spread Enlightenment ideals, which emphasized reason, rationality, and science over tradition, superstition, and religious dogma. Members were encouraged to think independently and critically about societal norms, especially the power of the church and monarchies.

2. Oppose Religious Influence: One of the central goals of the Illuminati was to challenge the power of the Catholic Church, which had significant influence over European politics and culture at the time. The Illuminati promoted secularism and humanism, arguing that society should be governed by reason rather than religious doctrine.

3. Fight Tyranny and Political Corruption: The Illuminati sought to undermine the authority of oppressive monarchies and aristocracies. They believed that rulers should be held accountable and that governments should be based on reason and the welfare of the people rather than the interests of a few elite individuals.

4. Encourage Social Reform: The Illuminati was a proponent of progressive social change. Members advocated for education, equality, and individual freedoms. Their vision was one of a more egalitarian society, free from the shackles of traditional power structures.