Those who subscribe to anti-Americanism are likely to jump to the hasty conclusion that American soldiers are deployed in Iraq solely because of America`s interest in the Middle East`s oil. Although such an assumption may not be too far from the truth, it would be a grave mistake to dismiss other, more fundamental reasons for the United States` interference in conflicts around the world.

An American studies expert would immediately point to the famous sermon, "A Model of Christian Charity" by John Winthrop, which inspired the Founding Fathers of America, as the reason behind America`s involvement in the international arena. Sailing from Europe to the New Continent, Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, preached: "For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us." In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had preached: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." Likewise, Winthrop proposed to build a "city upon a hill," a new Jerusalem on the New Continent to be watched by the world. Winthrop`s sermon invoked the spirit of the Crusades, calling his people to spread light around the world.



It is no wonder that American presidents are invariably haunted by a strong sense of duty to not only establish a model country, but to also enlighten other countries. This duty is an inherited legacy from the Founding Fathers that undoubtedly prompts the United States to interfere in regions of conflict like Korea, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Panama, Bosnia, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the name of war against communism, dictatorship and terror. And it is no wonder that American politicians cannot comprehend widespread anti-American sentiment. "We are the good guys," they complain. "Why do they hate us?" they ask, puzzled.

Other American studies scholars would perhaps point to the influence of Freemason ideology as a driving force behind America`s worldwide "crusades." It is well known that many Freemasons sailed to America with the hopes of building an enlightened nation with religious freedom. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were both Freemasons, while Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were sympathizers. Out of the 40 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, 28 were known to be Freemasons. One of the central doctrines of the Freemasons is the brotherhood of humankind, that is, universal fraternity and cosmopolitanism. Enlightening the world and liberating people from oppression were also important issues Freemasons advocated.

In his recent book, "Freemasons," professor Jin Hyung-jun writes that the deep influence of Freemason ideology is especially evident in Washington, D.C. According to his intriguing book, a third of past American presidents were Freemasons, including Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan. In his recent novel, "The Lost Symbol," Dan Brown also points out that Washington, D.C. has numerous Freemason symbols including the Washington Monument. Considering America was founded by Protestants, it is quite odd that an obelisk was erected as the symbol of the capital city. In "The Da Vinci Code," Dan Brown also argues that the pyramid on the back of the dollar bill reflects the legacy of Freemasonry in the United States, for the pyramid is a Freemason symbol of enlightenment. Indeed, it is interesting that the paper money of a Christian country bears a pyramid, not a Christian symbol.

Of course, we need to take into account the fact that both "The Lost Symbol" and "The Da Vinci Code" are fiction. But professor Jin`s book is not. Professor Jin argues that the Pentagon is a Freemason symbol as the pentagram, together with squares and compasses, traditionally represents the Freemasons. According to professor Jin, John D. Rockefeller was a Freemason and so was the FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The roster of prominent Freemasons also includes a former secretary of state, a former U.S. chief justice, many congressmen and a host of military generals. In Dan Brown`s fiction, "The Lost Symbol," even the secretary of defense and the director of the CIA turn out to be Freemasons.

Indeed, one can be fascinated by the striking similarities between Freemason doctrine and U.S. foreign policy. Out of the 5 million Freemasons around the world, approximately 2 million are from the United States. Who knows if they are secretly communicating using their clandestine symbols, dreaming of a better world where people can live in liberty, equality and fraternity? Professor Jin contends that even the French Revolution was inspired by Freemason principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth."

Both Winthrop`s Christian sermon and the Founding Fathers` Freemason ideals are helpful in understanding America. It would be wrong to condemn America simply as an oil-greedy, meddlesome, expansionist nation. When trying to comprehend the actions of the United States, it may be useful to remember that America is a nation built upon the fabulous dreams of the Puritans and Freemasons. Let us hope America upholds these dreams and does not stray from the original spirit of its Founding Fathers.





Kim Seong-kon is a professor of English at Seoul National University and director of the Seoul National University Press. - Ed.