Freemasonry - Fact & Fiction

Freemasonry is among one of the world's oldest secular fraternal society. It is a society that teaches moral and spiritual values through ceremonies and rituals. The abiding principles of the membership are brotherly love, relief, and truth.

There are many myths, falsities, accusations, and lies against the Freemasons. Among some of those accusations are:

(a) It is an elitist society for men in position of power, authority, and wealth.

Fact: It is a society open to men of all races, colors, and creeds, and accepts members from all faiths. It is not a mutual benefit society and offers no protection or material gain or advantage to any member.

(b) The members hold secret meetings behind closed doors to manipulate and overthrow governments, or create chaos.

Fact: Freemasonry is about bringing people together to work for the good of humanity. Racial, political, and religious issues are banned from discussions at Masonic meetings.

(c) Freemasons drink out of a skull during the initiation (First Degree) ritual for a candidate.

Fact: The Freemasons do not drink out of any skulls in any ceremony. This fallacy was started more than a hundred years ago by a French anti-Masonic campaigner who wrote under the pseudonym of Leo Taxil to discredit the fraternity.

(d) Freemasonry is a religion and they pray to a different God.

Fact: Freemasonry is not a religion and not a substitute for religion. There are no sacraments or salvation offered in Freemasonry. Freemasons are encouraged to follow their own choice of religions, and for this reason the discussion of religious affiliations are not permitted at meetings.

(e) The obligations taken bind all Freemasons to their secrets and by-laws.

Fact: The so called 'secrets' are ways and means of identifying one another, and concern Freemasons only. Moral teachings and wisdom are imparted to members during their ceremonies. Nothing taught is or will be incompatible with the civil, moral, or religious duties of a member to his own religious beliefs, neighbour, or country of birth or adoption.

No other society in history has engendered more criticism and acrimony than Freemasonry. The above article has hopefully dispelled some fallacies and shed light on this fraternal society established for the good of humanity. Freemasonry is a society that teaches charity and tolerance towards all.

Andy Khong

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4403331