Albert Pike is a person that is both loved and hated. Those that like him see him as brilliant and progressive. Those that don't like him have called him a devil-worshipper. He was not too popular with certain religious fundamentalist types who alleged that Pike was behind all manner of Luciferian conspiracies. Perhaps it is because Pike believed that at root, all religions are the same. Everyone has some of the truth, but none have a copyright on truth. This does not wear well with those who think only their religion is the only right one. In a way, Pike believed in THE FORCE. He even uses that word in his writings.