It was during the discussion of Falk’s May Laws (Maigesetze) [1] that the term Kulturkampf was first used by Prussian Liberal and anthropologist Rudolf Virchow.[2] Despite strongly disagreeing with Bismarck on most other issues, Virchow approved of the Kulturkampf,[3] claiming that the anti-clerical laws bore "the character of a great struggle in the interest of humanity".[4] The general ideological enthusiasm among the liberals for the Kulturkampf[5] was in contrast to Bismarck's pragmatic attitude towards the measures[6] and growing disquiet from the Conservatives.[7]. Virchow is reported as a Mason by Masonic sources[8].
- ^ 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia: Kulturkampf
- ^ A leading German anthropologist, Rudolf Virchow, characterized Bismarck's struggle with the Catholic Church as a Kulturkampf - a fight for culture - by which Virchow meant a fight for liberal, rational principles against the dead weight of medieval traditionalism, obscurantism, and authoritarianism." from The Triumph of Civilization by Norman D. Livergood and "Kulturkampf \Kul*tur"kampf`\, n. [G., fr. kultur, cultur, culture + kampf fight.] (Ger. Hist.) Lit., culture war; - a name, originating with Virchow (1821 - 1902), given to a struggle between the Roman Catholic Church and the German government" Kulturkampf in freedict.co.uk
- ^ "This anti-Catholic crusade was also taken up by the Progressives, especially Rudolf Virchow, though Richter himself was tepid in his occasional support." Authentic German Liberalism of the 19th Century by Ralph Raico
- ^ "The term came into use in 1873, when the scientist and Prussian liberal statesman Rudolf Virchow declared that the battle with the Roman Catholics was assuming “the character of a great struggle in the interest of humanity.”" from Kulturkampf. (2006). Britannica Concise Encyclopedia . Retrieved March 25, 2006, from Encyclopædia Britannica
- ^ "Liberals were the most enthusiastic champions of the general policy, because it satisfied a tradition of passionate anti-clericalism. It was, in fact, a Progressive party deputy in the Prussian legislature - the distinguished medical scientist and pioneer of public health methods, Rudolf Virchow - who coined the term Kulturkampf to describe the stakes. Virchow meant it as a term of praise, signifying the liberation of public life from sectarian impositions (though the term was later taken up by Catholic leaders in a spirit of bitter derision)." From A Supreme Court in the culture wars by Jeremy Rabkin in the Fall edition of the Public Interest
- ^ "Even Bismarck - who initially saw a variety of tactical political advantages in these measures - took pains to distance himself from the rigors of their enforcement." From A Supreme Court in the culture wars by Jeremy Rabkin in the Fall edition of the Public Interest
- ^ "Conservative political forces, centering on the old Prussian aristocracy, became increasingly critical of these measures, fearing that they would jeopardize the status of their own Protestant Evangelical Church."From A Supreme Court in the culture wars by Jeremy Rabkin in the Fall edition of the Public Interest
- ^ Austin Craig, who served as the Master of the Scottish Rite’s Lodge of Perfection in the Philippines, wrote (without citing sources): “Rizal's Berlin... "patrons"... were men as esteemed in Masonry as they were eminent in the scientific world – Virchow, for example.” “Rizal was in the Lodge Acacia of the Gran Oriente de Espana.” “He is honoured for having prepared the way for the new Philippines dedicated to the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity." Reported by Charles S. Lobinger “JOSE RIZAL AS A MASON” The Builder August, 1916