Freemasonry – a brief overview

While Freemasonry is probably the largest and most influential brotherhood in the world, it is the least understood among the public, which in turn serves as a perfect soil to grow numerous misconceptions and myths about it. In reality Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values, which are promoted by assignments and meetings, and taught by a series of rituals that are often allegorical to the initial stonemasons’ customs. In its classic form, Freemasonry is a male society, but there are women’s lodges now too.

The term “freemason” once described a member of a building guild in the Middle Ages who was free to travel the land to work on the grand cathedrals of Europe. Those who practiced freemasonry were much admired for their craftsmanship and the difficulty of their trade. The day that is considered the beginning of organized Freemasonry is June 24, 1717 – this is when the first lodge was formed in England that admitted members who were not actually working masons building cathedrals. These “accepted masons”, as they were called, practiced “speculative masonry” – a system of self-improvement through the practice of moral principles with an emphasis on charity, justice, truth and humanity. (1) 

In 1718, English Freemasonry spread to France and Spain, and after 1729, to India, Italy, Poland, and Sweden. Freemasonry spread to other parts of Europe and eventually made its way to the American colonies. In 1733, the first American lodge was established in Boston, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England. The United States now has grand lodges in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. (2). 

Speculative Masonry pulled much symbolism, teachings and pageantry from the practicing builders of old times, which is evident in many of the allegorical lessons practiced in today’s Masonry and its well-known symbols. The compass represents the circle of fraternity, the square stands for the proper conduct of each member, and the water level stands for the idea that everybody is equal. At the center of every Masonic temple there are three pillars representing beauty, strength and wisdom (sometimes two – wisdom and strength). Freemasons call these the foundation of the temple of humanity, and each lodge is a place to practice and work on one’s personal development. (3) 

Much of the history and the inner system of what is today an international organization remains a secret. In our day, there are an estimated 500 lodges with over 15,000 members. In Freemasonry, a “lodge” has a literal meaning: it is a gathering place for men interested in personal development, says Matthias Pöhlmann, an expert on ideologies and religions (3). In the same interview he says that Freemasons have always valued the principles of freedom, equality, fraternity, humanity, and tolerance. They participate in charity efforts, but those are carried out rather silently. Even though Freemasonry has not been public about its charitable activities, it is well known that from its formation it has been doing a great deal for the care of orphans, the sick, and the aged. 

In the beginning it was only possible to become a member of the brotherhood through a sponsor – a Freemason who approached a candidate, campaigned for him and vouched for his integrity. The system of recruitment has changed in recent decades. In many European lodges one can ask permission to attend an event held by the lodge, and his application is voted on. A requirement is that one should be a free man – free from addictions and dependencies, have a good reputation and a solid financial situation. 

Another important requirement is the belief in God. While men of all religious traditions are accepted, the belief in the Supreme Being is necessary. It is explained that to become part of the brotherhood is to accept the fatherhood of God (1). Freemasonry stands for the freedom of religion and worship, and it is expected of its members that they will continue to follow their own faith. This is one of the characteristics of the Spiritual But Not Religious developed by Fuller in his book of the same title. The very first characteristic of SBNR that he draws is the right of the individual to determine one’s own spiritual path. 

Another characteristic of the SBNR found in the Freemasons’ practice is an ongoing profound interest in what lays beyond the physical world, that is, the “metaphysical” world. For more than 300 years, Masonic teachings and symbolism have attracted those in search of deeper, secret meanings about the natural and even supernatural world. In his book Spiritual But Not Religious, Fuller confirms that while the expressed goal of the Masons was the initiation of members into a process of spiritual growth which on the higher levels of initiation permitted them to study such esoteric matters as cabalistic Judaism, alchemy, Rosicrucianism, and Vedanta metaphysics.(4)

Contrary to the commonly held public opinion, Freemasonry is not a secret society, but it is rather characterized as a “society with secrets”. A secret society usually implies that its members are not disclosing publicly their affiliation. Masons, on the other hand, are very open about being members of this organization, thus the society is not a secret one. Yet, while the rules, aims, principles, and the constitutions of the organization are available to the public, members of this society do not disclose what exactly are they learning there, and how exactly their ceremonies are held. In fact, ceremonies are considered to be the most secret part of the Masonic practice.

Traditionally, the ritual system comprises three levels: apprentice, journeyman and master. Induction into a lodge, for instance, is called “initiation.” Its idea is that “a blind man shall become seeing,”(3) which is how Freemasons distinguish their brothers from non-initiates. Belonging to a lodge means lifetime membership in a society, although it is possible to leave it at any time. Another known set of secrets is linked to the history of the organization. At the time when masons were still working with stone they used passwords and secret handshakes to preserve professional secrecy and prevent betrayal, and these are still used today by the Freemasons.

References:

1. Tejinder Singh Rawal, What Is Freemasonry?: A paper addressed to non-masons. Masons, Retrieved from: http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/rawal.html 
2. Masons of California. History. Retrieved from: https://www.freemason.org/discoverMasonry/history.htm
3. Deutsche Welle. Between secrecy and fame: 300 years of Freemasons (01.09.2017) Retrieved from: https://www.dw.com/en/between-secrecy-and-fame-300-years-of-freemasons/a-40323298 
4. Fuller, R. C.  “Spiritual But Not Religious: Understanding Unchurched America.” (2001) Oxford University Press (pp. 20-22)
5. Masons of California official website. Retrieved from: https://www.freemason.org/index.htm 
6. Pamela McDown-Elaine Phelen. Universal Freemasonry Blog. Retrieved from: https://bloguniversalfreemasonry.wordpress.com/