Freemasonry – Fact and Fiction

Freemasonry is one of the oldest secular fraternal societies in the world. It is a society that teaches moral and spiritual values ​​through ceremonies and rituals. The permanent principles of the members are brotherly love, relief and truth.

There are many myths, falsehoods, accusations and lies against Freemasons. Some of those charges include:

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

Reality: It is a society open to men of all races, colors, and creeds, and accepts members of all religions. It is not a mutual benefit society and does not offer protection or material benefit or advantage to any member.

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

Reality: Freemasonry is about bringing people together to work for the good of humanity. Racial, political and religious themes are forbidden in discussions at Masonic meetings.

(c) Masons drink from a skull during a candidate’s initiation ritual (first degree).

Fact: Masons do not drink from any skull in any ceremony. This fallacy was started over a hundred years ago by a French anti-Masonic activist who wrote under the pseudonym Leo Taxil to discredit the fraternity.

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

Reality: Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. No sacraments or salvation are offered in Freemasonry. Freemasons are encouraged to follow their own choice of religion and, for this reason, discussion of religious affiliations is not allowed in meetings.

(e) The obligations assumed bind all Masons to their secrets and statutes.

Fact: The so-called ‘secrets’ are ways and means of identifying with each other, and only concern Freemasons. Moral teachings and wisdom are imparted to members during their ceremonies. Nothing taught is or will be inconsistent with a member’s civil, moral, or religious duties toward his or her own religious beliefs, neighbor, or country of birth or adoption.

No other society in history has engendered more criticism and acrimony than Freemasonry. Hopefully the above article has 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.