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The Rosicrucian Manifestos were two documents of unknown authorship written in the early 17th century in Europe. They purported to announce the existence of a hitherto unknown esoteric order, the Brotherhood of the Rose Cross, to the world. The ''Fama Fraternitatis'' and the ''Confessio Fraternitatis'' as they were known, caused an immense furor across Europe with their esoteric imagery and call for a universal spiritual and cultural reformation across the continent. To this day controversy continues whether they were a hoax, whether the Order of the Rose Cross really existed as described in the Manifestos, or whether the whole thing was a metaphor or ludibrium disguising a movement that really existed, but in a different form. Since their publication and translation into several different languages, the idea of the Rosicrucian movement and the image of the Rose Cross itself have never gone away. Many modern Rosicrucian organizations, such as the Rosicrucian Fellowship and the Lectorium Rosicrucianum, claim spiritual filiation with the original Order; others, such as AMORC (Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis), claim an historical heritage.〔Lewis, H.Spencer 1981, ''Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Rosicrucian Order'', 15th edn, The Rosicrucian Press Ltd, San Jose, Calif. USA.〕 ==Appearance and content of the Manifestos== The ''Fama Fraternitatis'' and ''Confessio Fraternitatis'' appeared in Kassel, Germany in 1614 and 1615 respectively. To this day no-one knows who was behind them, although Lutheran theologian and mystic Johannes Valentinus Andreae is thought to be Brother I A in the ''Fama''. Even if Andreae was the prime mover in their publication (we know, for instance, that he was responsible for ''The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz'' and his autobiography suggests he had a hand in the ''Fama'') this does not rule out the possibility of a group authorship. The Manifestos purport to announce the existence of a two-hundred-year-old secret order founded by the mysterious figure of Christian Rosenkreutz (Christian RosyCross in English). Both are filled with references to the Kabbalah, Hermeticism and Alchemy as well as the more familiar imagery of Christianity. As with everything else to do with the Manifestos, there is much discussion whether Rosenkreutz really existed as described, whether he is intended to be an allegorical figure or whether Christian Rosenkreutz was a pseudonym or spiritual name adopted by a real person after his Initiation into whatever Mysteries he encountered. The ''Fama'' goes into detail about the founding of the order and the history of Rosenkreutz himself. He is described as a man of great learning, esoteric understanding and healing power who traveled in the Middle East in search of knowledge. He is said to have visited the Arab city of Damcar (possibly Damascus) where he was met by Muslim sages and mystics (possibly Sufis) 'as a friend'. There he is meant to have learned a great deal of esoteric wisdom and knowledge before returning to Europe where, having been rejected by the academic and religious authorities of the day he founded the secret Brotherhood or Order of the Rose Cross, now known as the Rosicrucians. This order is described as consisting of a group of learned men dedicated to the wellbeing of mankind who would travel the world healing and teaching and meeting annually in a specially appointed place. A brief outline of the history of the early Brethren along with the initials of their names is given. The ''Fama Fraternitatis'' also describes the present Brothers of the Rose Cross who have continued the work of the original Order and gives an account of their discovery of the hidden tomb of Rosenkreutz. This consists of a secret vault of seven sides and three levels filled with miraculous objects and books of wisdom and learning. In the centre of the vault lies Rosenkreutz himself, his body perfectly preserved even after the passing of over a century. The ''Confessio Fraternitatis'' continues the themes of the ''Fama'', describing in more detail the vision of the Rose Cross of a 'general Reformation' of Europe and the creation of the invisible 'Spiritus Sancti', a community of the Spirit where the Rose Cross may flourish unseen. Like the ''Fama'', the ''Confessio'' invites the curious and the worthy to contact the Rosicrucian Brotherhood but warns to stay away if the motivation to do so is merely riches and personal advancement. The ''Confessio'' also insists upon the firm Christian foundation of the Rose Cross movement, perhaps in response to accusations of necromancy and black magic among its detractors. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Rosicrucian Manifestos」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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