Mockery, condemnation, and intolerance: The Correo Nacional 1925-1934 and its media coverage of theosophy and freemasonry in Costa Rica

Abstract

The media attack by the newspaper Correo Nacional between 1925 and 1934 sought to discredit theosophy and freemasonry, to exalt catholicism as the only true system of belief, which should guide and direct thought and action in matters of religion and society. This was intended to prevent the catholic church from being challenged regarding its privileged position in the social and mental control of Costa Ricans by maintaining culture within traditional canons. To sustain this situation, the church created and disseminated hate speech and intolerance, negatively impacting the mental imagery of the catholic faithful. This led catholics to demonize and reject other types of teachings that defined reality from both philosophical and scientific perspectives.