To throw away the research of people like Michael Baigent, Henry Lincoln and Richard Leigh is foolish. History should have to account for the 'facts' of what happened. Of course, as so many people have alluded to or stated, history is also open to various interpretations.
I spent over ten years of my life (at three or four hours a day) doing secondary research--that is, researching the words and work of the people who themselves had done both primary and secondary research--and the conclusion I arrived at is that most of us don't know what the hell we're talking about when it comes to Masons, Christ, Merovingians, etc. It is clear to me that the Catholic Church has played an important role in various obfuscations to do with the life and death of he who is called Christ. The selections of literature, art, archaeological evidence to support certain positions which by themselves support dogmas is key to the real story, but how it is key may never be understood because the Church controls most of the evidence.
I have lost the need to argue because I've found most people who engage in the argument do so not because they want truth but rather because they want argument to keep or firm up their presently-held beliefs.
That there were many Presidents who were Masons is fact. The degree to which their Masonic beliefs influenced decisions as Chief Executives is the rub.
I noticed that someone above mentioned the Illuminati in a way that suggested they are a non-existent organization and if you think they are real you are some sort of tinfoil hat kinda guy. Well, they DO exist. The term New World Order has been used for over one hundred years, or at least so says the research of Harvard University professor. A few Presidents have mentioned 'a power so pervasive that even the naming of it is not a good idea'. Eisenhower was kind enough to warn of the military/industrial complex in his farewell speech to the American people (and the rest of the world).
The Priory of Sion exists. It is real.
Evil walks this planet. It is real.
I see so many smart and clever, intelligent and bright people who fall into the trap of thinking it's all bullshit. So, to them I leave the following thought. It is generally accepted that humans use 10% of their brain. What the hell is the other 90% of the brain doing? Indeed there are more things in heaven and earth . . . .
As to the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS), they are little different than any other Church. Look at the two-fold function of religion and the way it works regardless of which religion or where in the world: it provides for its members a method of gaining, keeping and maintaining belief. It also provides a mechanism for social control. They are no better or worse than any other group.