The Freemasons have been a source of fascination for centuries. The Freemasons are one of the world's most well-known secret societies, and many great leaders have been part of the organization. They are an organization with a rich history that teaches life lessons such as the importance of honor, integrity, and trustworthiness. “With its elaborate secret rituals, its involvement with both ancient wisdom and modern Enlightenment science and reason, and its relatively exclusive membership (applicants must ask to join and are then vetted and voted upon), the Masonic brotherhood has proved almost tailor-made for weavers of conspiracy theories or opportunistic authors eager to make a buck by imaginatively "exposing" the secret ways and even more
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But that history is at least in part the story of the many fanciful interpretations of the brotherhood. Indeed, the Masons' substantial accomplishments--in forming solid citizens, in forging social networks, in mending certain social divisions, in supporting philanthropic causes--are all the more remarkable in the face of past efforts to defame or even dismantle the organization.” (usanews.com). The oldest reference to the Masons is the Regius poem, written in about 1390. (masana.com). The modern Freemasons formed in 1717, four lodges in London combined to form the first Grand Lodge of England, and there are more records from that point on. (howstuffworks.com). “The organization, as we know it today, began in the early 18th century in England when the Masons started to accept members, who were not members of the Mason's craft — these men were referred to as "speculative Masons" or "accepted Masons.” (massfreemasonry.org). Within thirty years, the Masonic ritual had spread throughout Europe, and into America. …show more content…
Freemasonry means something different to each person. For some people it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes and make a contribution to family and society. For most it’s an enjoyable hobby. (ugle.org) “Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion, who believe in a Supreme Being. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.” (indianafreemasons.com) “Though it boasts 5 million members worldwide, the Freemasons are an enigmatic society. Freemasons say they are nothing more than a brotherhood of like-minded individuals who meet regularly for spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. Conspiracy theorists see them as a secretive underground movement bent on world domination” (howstuffworks.com). It is a long process to become a Freemason. Just becoming a Mason takes several months. (askafreemason.org) “To join, a man must fill out a petition and obtain two sponsors within the Lodge. He will then be voted in by secret ballot. Potential new members are asked whether they believe in God, and they must answer "yes" to be admitted. Although they don't have to be wealthy, members must have enough money to pay membership
But that history is at least in part the story of the many fanciful interpretations of the brotherhood. Indeed, the Masons' substantial accomplishments--in forming solid citizens, in forging social networks, in mending certain social divisions, in supporting philanthropic causes--are all the more remarkable in the face of past efforts to defame or even dismantle the organization.” (usanews.com). The oldest reference to the Masons is the Regius poem, written in about 1390. (masana.com). The modern Freemasons formed in 1717, four lodges in London combined to form the first Grand Lodge of England, and there are more records from that point on. (howstuffworks.com). “The organization, as we know it today, began in the early 18th century in England when the Masons started to accept members, who were not members of the Mason's craft — these men were referred to as "speculative Masons" or "accepted Masons.” (massfreemasonry.org). Within thirty years, the Masonic ritual had spread throughout Europe, and into America. …show more content…
Freemasonry means something different to each person. For some people it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes and make a contribution to family and society. For most it’s an enjoyable hobby. (ugle.org) “Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion, who believe in a Supreme Being. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.” (indianafreemasons.com) “Though it boasts 5 million members worldwide, the Freemasons are an enigmatic society. Freemasons say they are nothing more than a brotherhood of like-minded individuals who meet regularly for spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. Conspiracy theorists see them as a secretive underground movement bent on world domination” (howstuffworks.com). It is a long process to become a Freemason. Just becoming a Mason takes several months. (askafreemason.org) “To join, a man must fill out a petition and obtain two sponsors within the Lodge. He will then be voted in by secret ballot. Potential new members are asked whether they believe in God, and they must answer "yes" to be admitted. Although they don't have to be wealthy, members must have enough money to pay membership