Who are Freemasons?

Freemasons or Masonry is a fraternal organization that began at the end of the 13th century with a brotherhood of stonemasons. Nationally organized Freemasonry began in 1717 with the establishment of the Grand Lodge, a Masonic lodge in England. However, Freemason societies had existed long before this. The most popular theory is that Freemasons are descendants of the builders of the Temple of Solomon. Working stonemasons had lodges where they discussed their trade. Some of these operative lodges became “speculative” lodges, giving rise to symbolic Freemasonry. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these lodges adopted the symbols of their ancient religious orders. Freemasons have developed a history for their society, tracing their lineage back to the period of King Solomon. There are many rumors related to Freemasonry, with many claiming that Freemasons are an offshoot of the Knights Templars or a branch of the Illuminati. Today, we will look at some of the most famous conspiracies surrounding the Freemasons.

• Conspiracy – Freemasons are related to Knight Templars?

Fact: No

• • One of the most controversial questions is the possible connection between the Knights Templars and the Freemasons. Freemasons were highly skilled men famous for building cathedrals and landmarks. They had lodges near the building sites for accommodation. Over the centuries, as the era of stonemasons started to decline, the brotherhood began to assimilate distinguished people who were not stonecutters or builders. These members were known as “Speculative Masons.” This began in 1717 when a group of London lodges gathered in a tavern to create the first “Grand Lodge.”
  • But where do the Templars come in? The fall of the Templars began with the mass execution of French Templars on October 13, 1307, an infamous date that inspired the superstition of ‘Friday the 13th.’ The knights were accused of blasphemous rituals and sexual deviance, leading to their arrests and executions, including the Grand Master of the Templars, who was burned alive. The order was eventually extinguished in 1312, which was many generations before the Freemasons emerged as a secret society of thinkers and influencers.

  • However, there are allegations that some of the Templars survived the mass arrests and sought refuge in Scotland, creating another brotherhood. Some believe that members of the Templars managed to escape and bring in a few Scottish people to pass on their treasure from the Holy Land, secrets, and ancient symbols.

  •  Did Templars in Scotland create operative masons to pass on their esoteric wisdom, secrets, and traditions to the earliest speculative Freemasons? This remains one of the great mysteries of the past, and any connection, if it exists, may never be proven.

• Conspiracy – Freemasonry is a cult or a religion?

Fact: No

Freemasons are an organization that has no unique theology and does not represent a path for believers. Freemasonry will select a person if he believes in God (any god). Many people from various religions, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others, are associated with Masonic circles. Some religious leaders believe that Masonic rituals and beliefs constitute a different faith, but the Masons deny such claims. Masons do not ban Catholics from joining if they wish to do so, and they do not discuss religion or politics.

However, some lodges have been accused of prejudice against Jews, Catholics, and nonwhites. In Latin countries, Freemasonry has attracted those who question religious dogmas, while in Anglo-Saxon countries, the members are mostly white Protestants. Some have claimed that the Freemasons are an offshoot of The Shriners, a charity organization known for running 22 children’s hospitals, where patients do not have to pay a cent.

• Conspiracy – Famous personalities are members of Freemasons?

Fact: Yes

Many eminent personalities have been members of the Freemasons. Here are a few well-known figures who were Freemasons:

• • • George Washington
    • Irving Berlin
    • Theodore Roosevelt
    • Louis Armstrong
    • Franklin D. Roosevelt
    • Ludwig van Beethoven
    • Harry S. Truman
    • Harry Houdini
    • Andrew Jackson
    • Mark Twain
    • Benjamin Franklin
    • Oscar Wilde
    • Norman Vincent Peale
    • Sir Alexander Fleming
    • Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin Jr.
    • Winston Churchill
    • John Jacob Astor
    • Edward VII, King of England
    • President of France John Wayne and
    • Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia
    • India’s first President Rajendra Prasad
    • First Vice-President S Radhakrishnan
    • Sir Phirozeshah Mehta
    • Rajagopalachari
    • Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and
    • The Nawab Of Pataudi Mansur Ali Khan

• Conspiracy – Does Freemasonry still exist today?

Fact: Yes

• • Freemasonry remains the most popular organization in the British Isles and in countries that were once part of the British Empire. The worldwide membership of Freemasonry in the early 21st century was estimated to be between two million and six million. Affirmation of a belief in a higher being is still a requirement to join Masonic lodges, although they have been criticized over the years for being an anti-religion organization that brainwashes and creates elitist men’s clubs. In reality, Freemasonry is largely a secular institution that has served social purposes and charitable organizations.

    Today, there are separate Freemason lodges in Britain for women as well. Unfortunately, there are groups in the United States with no interest in supporting Freemasonry but instead seek to draw members from it.

    Freemasonry has evolved from the guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders of the Middle Ages into a fraternity of eminent and influential people. With the decline of cathedral building, some lodges of operative masons began accepting honorary members to bolster their declining brotherhood.