The first two things to understand when beginning to learn about Freemasonry is that it is not one worldwide organization and that no one person's opinions or interpretations about it are authoritative, in the sense that all Freemasons have to accept them.
Another thing that is important to remember is that books like Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, favorable as it is to the fraternity, still are works of fiction.
Likewise, his highly popular novel The Da Vinci Code as well as Angels and Demons give the impression that the fraternity is an organization with an agenda of world domination.
Another misconception that needs to be corrected in the public mind is that Freemasonry is a "secret society."
If it were a secret society, I would not be able to tell you it existed or that I am a member of it. It is an organization with secrets. Just think how many organizations, businesses and corporations have "closed meetings" and propietary information.
Freemasonry is the descendant of an ancient guild -- and its secrets were a matter of protecting the trade. Nowadays, these secrets are still kept as a matter of tradition.
Finally, let's address the question of religion. Freemasonry is not a religion, but requires its members to believe in a Supreme Being. There is no requirement that he state what he believes this Supreme Being to be like or what this Being thinks or requires of us, if anything. Those matters are between the man and his conscience and he is encouraged to work them out according to his own religious tradition.
I invite my readers to post questions and comments -- and promise that all respectful ones will be answered. Future posts about Freemasonry will address history, symbolism, art, pop culture and will include links to books of interest. Look for my book reviews here as well!
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