i do not know if this topic is given equal validity in all parts of the world.
i do, however, realize how important it is in the u.s.a. and uk.
i also realize how hermeticism has produced/created \!! a pyramid-shaped societal model, appearing to contradict the egalitarian worldview of a "round" universe.
i would certainly like an honest and trustful conversation, or peaceful discussion, on this subject, as it might shed some light on intercultural differences in politics, policies pertaining to education and upbringing (traditions!), technical and economic advancement, and general views on religious and regional / (inter-) national development(s).
http://hermetic-golden-dawn.blogspot.com/2009/05/questions-about-initiatic-and-hermetic.html
http://utopianrace.blogspot.com/2010/02/hermetism-and-christianity.html
http://www.d.umn.edu/~schilton/Articles/Hermetic.html