Alumbrados
Also called the "Illuminati," these Christian mystics practiced orgies and other taboo sex acts, believing it was impossible to sin after being united with God
1511 - 17th century
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The Alumbrados are often called the Illuminati, and have been associated with various conspiracy theories. However, they are just one of many groups with that name, and are not the main group that is associated with the Illuminati.
The Alumbrados were a mystic sect that believe it was possible to reach a state of perfection in which nothing was sinful. Their goal was to become so perfected that they lost their individuality and united with God. Once they reach this state, God controls all their actions, meaning everything they do is holy. This belief resulted in various antinomian practices, such as sexual orgies and refusing to pray or do good works. The inquisition targeted this group in the 16th century but was repeatedly revived through the next couple of centuries.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Mysticism
Founder: Isabel de la Cruz
Founded: Around 1511, but as early as 1492
Ended: Mid-17th century (one group existed in the 18th century)
Location: Spain
Also called: Illuminati; Illuminism; Aluminados; Alumbrados; Alumbradismo
Believed that people who reached a state of perfection were free to commit any sin (source)
Wished that they sinned more so that they could be forgiven more, believing "the greater the sinner, the more God lives him" (source p. 84)
Denounced acts of charity (source p. 90)
Believed it was possible to reach perfection, which made sin impossible (source)
Believed the world would end in 1537 (source p. 91)
One leader, Fernando Méndez, had "taught his disciples to invoke his intercession, as though he were already a saint in heaven; [and] fragments of his garments were treasured as relics" (source)
Believed that perfected Christians could indulge in any sexual desire (see "Antinomian" tag above) (source)
Followers of Fernando Méndez of Seville danced in the nude as an act of worship, would expose themselves to him as an act of penance, and participated in orgies (source p. 188)
Certain members despised the state of virginity and used sex as an act of worship, believing that it brings a person closer to God than any prayer could, and provides more wisdom than studies could (source, source p. 87)
Leader Eugenia de la Torre was accused of participating in orgies with her male followers (source p. 189)
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Believed all worship was superfluous (source)
Refused sacraments, prayer, and good works (source)
Claimed to lack a will, believing that God controls their actions (source p. 88)
Believed it was a sin to read a book to "console the soul" (source p. 66)
Believed that "a man sinned mortally every time he loved a son, daughter, or other person, and did not love that person through God" (source p. 89)
Claimed that a little girl crossing the street was sinning because she was acting under her own will (source p. 90)
Rather than the traditional practice of focusing on the suffering of Christ at his crucifixion, they praised the crucifixion as a triumphal event (source p. 25)
Many members were Jewish or Muslim converts (source p. 25)
Denied the existence of Hell, comparing it to the "Bogeyman" (source p. 83)
Believed they did not have to work and doing so would impede the will of God (source p. 85)
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