What is a Freemason? A Guide to Understanding Freemasonry
What is a Freemason? A Guide to Understanding Freemasonry
The Freemasons are the largest secret society in the world. It is a society focused on brotherly fellowship, the brotherhood of humanity. The Masonic community today is estimated at approximately 6 million members worldwide.
The origins of Freemasonry date back to the Middle Ages and the British Empire. Since then the movement has spread worldwide and the Society now welcomes all walks of life from around the world.
If you’ve ever wondered “what is a Freemason?” this blog highlights everything you need to know.
Beginning of Freemasonry
The true origins of Masonic society have indeed been lost through the portal of time and unrecorded history. The first Masonic society was founded in London in the 18th century. The first major Lodge or Masonic meeting was held at a local pub called the Goose and Gridiron.
However, there are mixed reports of historical origin. There is evidence that the first Masonic lodge existed as early as 1599 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Kingdom of the British Empire spread Freemasonry around the world when it colonized important parts of the world in the 19th century.
Freemasonry society today is largely concentrated in the British Isles and the United States. Approximately 1.1 million Freemasons live in the United States, 75,000 of whom reside in the state of Ohio.
What is a Freemason?
The Masonic Society is an all-male organization cantered on belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind. The company should unite people with good character. Even if they have different religious beliefs, social status, political beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.
Masons use specific symbols and other paraphernalia to represent their Brotherhood, including Masonic Challenge Coins.
Medieval Freemasonry defines the model of Freemasonry. Hundreds of years ago, stonemasons used secret codes and symbols to identify each person’s work. They also used these symbols to protect themselves from strangers.
From these beginnings, Freemasonry developed into a close-knit community. Their goal is to support each other in business and in many other areas of life.
Freemasons are considered secret because they use it to protect the Brotherhood. This is because of the persecutions Freemasons have endured throughout history. The community has gone underground to survive and avoid suspicion.
This mystery abounds even today, but for different reasons. This sense of secrecy is meant to protect friendship in business and the workplace.
Freemasonry is not a religion
Contrary to what many think, Freemasonry is not defined by religious principles. It’s a secular organization. However, it is imperative that all Freemasons believe in a supreme being known as Grant, the Architect of the Universe.
Society members may believe in other gods or deities. The Brotherhood accepts all religious affiliations. This includes Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs and others. Religion and politics are usually never really discussed in Masonic lodges.
Freemasonry is condemned by the Catholic Church, although it is not a religion or a sect. It dates back to the 18th century when a decree was issued against the Freemasons. Since then, the Catholic Church has issued more than 20 decrees against the Brotherhood.
Even today, Masonic society is viewed with great skepticism. Many people assume that it is based on a political or religious conspiracy. However, Freemasons generally do not discuss any of these subjects in depth.
Not all Freemasons are secretive
It is not a requirement for all members of Masonic society to conceal their faith. As an individual, you can openly declare yourself a Freemason if you wish.
Some of society’s most prominent figures have openly declared their Masonic status. These include Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent, who is also the Grand Master of Society. As well as the famous astronaut Edwin Aldrin, Reverend Jesse Jackson and others.
Some of the Founding Fathers and Presidents of the United States were also open Masons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Monroe, and Paul Revere.
