7 Things You May Not Know About Freemasons

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization known as the “Fraternity of the Free and Accepted Masons”. It traces its origins to local fraternities of stonemasons from the end of the 14th century. These fraternities regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interactions with authorities and clients.

The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. These are the degrees offered by Craft (or Blue Lodge) Freemasonry. There are additional degrees, which vary with locality and jurisdiction, and are usually administered by different bodies than the craft degrees.

Freemasonry has a dark and mysterious history

Freemasonry has a long and storied history that is steeped in mystery and shrouded in secrecy. The origins of the organization can be traced back to the Middle Ages when stonemasons and other craftsmen formed secret societies to protect their trade secrets and guard against outside competition.

Throughout the centuries, Freemasonry has been shrouded in secrecy, and many of its practices and rituals have been the subject of much speculation and rumor. Some people believe that the organization is involved in nefarious activities, such as satanic worship and political manipulation.

Freemasonry is not a religion

While Freemasonry has been associated with many different religious beliefs over the years, it is not a religion itself. The fraternity is open to men of all faiths and beliefs, and members are encouraged to practice their own religion and live according to their own moral code.

Freemasonry does, however, have a strong spiritual component, and many of its rituals and symbols are steeped in spiritual and mystical meaning. But it is not a substitute for religion and members are expected to retain their own faith and attend to their own religious duties.

Freemasonry is not a secret society

Contrary to popular belief, Freemasonry is not a secret society. The organization is often associated with secret handshakes, secret passwords, and other covert practices, but in reality, much of what the fraternity does is conducted in the open and is well-documented.

Freemasonry’s principles are said to be brotherhood, charity and truth. They conduct many charitable activities like blood donation camp, education support, disaster relief etc.

Freemasonry is a fraternity, not a club

Freemasonry is often referred to as a club or an organization, but it is actually a fraternity. A fraternity is a brotherhood of men bound together by a common set of values and beliefs.

The fraternity is built on the principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth, and members are encouraged to live their lives according to these principles. Freemasonry is not just about socializing and networking, it is about building strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood between men from all walks of life.

Freemasonry is not just for the wealthy and powerful

While it is true that many wealthy and powerful men have been members of Freemasonry over the years, the fraternity is open to men from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Freemasonry does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or social status, and members are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity regardless of their background or status in life.

Freemasonry is not a political organization

Freemasonry is not a political organization and does not take positions on political issues. The fraternity is a non-political and non-sectarian organization, and members are encouraged to refrain from engaging in political activity while representing the fraternity. This is in line with the fraternity’s principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth, which are based on the idea that all men are equal and should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their political beliefs.

Additionally, Freemasonry does not support or endorse any specific political party or candidate, and members are encouraged to make their own informed decisions about political matters. This allows for a diverse membership and promotes peaceful coexistence among members with different political beliefs.

It is worth mentioning that many famous figures throughout history have been Freemasons including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Winston Churchill. However, their membership in the fraternity should not be considered an endorsement of their political views by the fraternity.

Freemasonry has faced much persecution and controversy throughout history

Despite the fraternity’s principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth, Freemasonry has faced much persecution and controversy throughout history. Many governments and religious groups have accused the organization of being involved in nefarious activities and have banned or suppressed it.

In the early 18th century, Freemasonry faced strong opposition from the Catholic Church, which saw it as a threat to the Church’s authority. In the late 18th and early 19th century, Freemasonry faced strong opposition from the governments of several European countries, including France, Germany, and Russia, which saw it as a threat to their authority.

In the 20th century, Freemasonry faced strong opposition from the governments of several countries, including Spain, Italy, and Mexico, which saw it as a threat to their authority. Freemasonry also faced strong opposition from the Nazi regime in Germany, which saw it as a threat to their ideology and banned it.

Despite these challenges, Freemasonry has managed to survive and continue to attract members from all walks of life. While the organization may be shrouded in mystery and surrounded by controversy, it remains a powerful symbol of brotherhood, charity, and truth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Freemasonry is a fraternity that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons. It is not a secret society, nor is it a religion or political organization. Freemasonry is a fraternity built on the principles of brotherhood, charity and truth, and members are encouraged to live their lives according to these principles.

Despite the many controversies and persecution that it has faced throughout history, Freemasonry continues to attract members from all walks of life. You can share this article using hashtags: #Freemasonry #Fraternity #FreeMasons #secretsociety #brotherhood #controversy