wow, the people on the paradox forums know their history. and im sure most are "amatuer" history buffs like myself. i think we all should have become archiologists

(sry for spelling) anyway, as far as religious discoveries that are considered extrordinary, (i mean like relics, not visions and such), reported discoveries of relics or attempts to discover relics, always seem to be pushed aside. i wouldnt say covered up, but discounted maybe? i saw a show on history channel or discovery where this team wanted to dig for the Arc of the Covenant where they thought it was buried according to their extensive research, and they really convinced me that it might be where they belived it was. however, even w/ their compelling research, the gov't (i think it was isreal, maybe turkey) would not let them dig. and it was a location in the desert, no people or animals would have been bothered.
also, there is a big thing about noah's ark being on mt. ararat in turkey, but the turkish gov't doesnt let any more teams search for it there now i heard. and the peice of the "true" cross the crusaders lost to Saladin disappeared, but was not recored as being destroyed by the muslims, who kept it as a bargaining chip. a few other examples i cant think of right now, but the gist is, holy relic searches and discoveries seem to be brushed under the carpet. maybe its because if they are found to be genuine they would cause more strife than good? at least at this time in our history?
oops, got very long winded, sry. anywho, a little more on the templars and the Masonic lodge, the symbol on the american dollar w/ the pyramid and the eye is a masonic symbol. they are kinda seen as old school now w/ most members being seniors in the states at least. not sure how popular they are in UK now. but they, and their ideas have a lot to do w/ the creation and ideals of the US gov't. many take their secrecy to be hiding something evil or being distrustfull, but i can assure you, they are all exellent men.
i saw someone post they didnt like the Free Mason's attitude to minorities, but i can tell you all the masons i know dont disrespect minorities or or prejudice. it is a "brotherhood" for men only, but the Easter Star is the Free Mason's for women. sry so long winded, got carried away