Freemasonry, a fraternity steeped in symbolism, ritual, and historical intrigue, often finds itself at the centre of conspiracy theories and misconceptions. From accusations of secrecy to claims of wielding hidden knowledge, perceptions of Freemasonry reflect broader societal anxieties about elitism, access to information, and the evolution of education. By examining Freemasonry through the lens of historical context and the dynamics of knowledge dissemination, we can gain a deeper understanding of its role in society.
Challenging Perceptions: Myth vs. Reality
Limited Coercive Control
Contrary to being a destructive cult, Freemasonry operates on principles of mutual respect, moral teachings, and community service. Members join voluntarily and are not subject to the coercive tactics typical of cults. Instead, Freemasonry fosters personal growth, fellowship, and charitable contributions to society.
Selective Membership and Tradition
Freemasonry maintains a tradition of selective membership, historically restricted to men who meet specific criteria such as belief in a Supreme Being and adherence to moral principles. This tradition, while old-fashioned by contemporary standards, reflects a commitment to maintaining the fraternity's values and rituals over time.
Embracing Diversity
While Freemasonry remains gender-exclusive, there is a growing recognition that gendered groups can serve valuable purposes in society, fostering camaraderie, mutual support, and personal development among members. In a diverse society, the existence of gender-specific organisations can contribute positively to community building and cultural enrichment, so long as they uphold principles of inclusivity that refrain from other discriminatory practices.
Brief History of Freemasonry and Education in Western Cultures
Guilds and Medieval Eduction
During the medieval guilds were established by craftsmen and artisans who regulated their trades. These covered speciality areas such as the Masons, Bakers, Weavers, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, and Tailors. These associations ensured high standards of craftsmanship and protected trade secrets, contributing to both vocational training and the development of early educational practices.
The Stonemason Guild
Freemasonry originated as a guild of stonemasons in medieval Europe, specifically in the late 16th to early 17th centuries. It is believed to have evolved from the practices and traditions of masons who constructed cathedrals and other monumental buildings. Over time, Freemasonry expanded beyond its original trade roots to become a fraternal organisation that emphasised moral and philosophical teachings, attracting members from diverse professions and social backgrounds.
The Decline of Guilds
The decline of guilds began in the late Middle Ages and accelerated during the Industrial Revolution as centralised manufacturing and technological advancements rendered their traditional roles in trade regulation and apprenticeship training increasingly obsolete.
Modern education evolved significantly in the 1800s, marked by the establishment of universal public schooling systems in many countries. This era saw the emergence of compulsory education laws, the development of standardised curricula, and the rise of professional teaching methods aimed at providing widespread access to education for children and adolescents.
Universities and Freemasonry: Parallels in Access to Knowledge
Selective Admission and Learning
Universities, like Freemasonry, operate on principles of selectivity where admission is based on merit and suitability. Just as Freemasons must meet certain criteria to join, university students must demonstrate academic aptitude to earn degrees and access specialised knowledge. This exclusivity does not imply oppression but rather a structured approach to knowledge acquisition and intellectual development.
Normalisation of Information Access
As societies evolve, the boundaries between specialised knowledge and common understanding blur. Freemasonry's historical emphasis on education and intellectual exchange aligns with broader societal trends towards transparency, inclusivity, and the democratisation of information.
Evolution of Knowledge
Subjects that were once exclusive to Freemasons, such as an understanding of geometry, have evolved into common knowledge taught in high schools and universities worldwide. This democratisation of knowledge reflects societal progress in education and the dissemination of once-specialised information to a broader audience.
From Elite Circles to Broader Society
The pattern of information moving from elite circles like Freemasonry into mainstream education mirrors the natural evolution of knowledge within societies. What was once considered esoteric or specialised gradually becomes integrated into educational curricula and accessible to all, contributing to societal advancement and collective learning.
Transparency and Modern Values:
In contemporary contexts, Freemasonry promotes transparency and ethical conduct among its members, emphasising principles of charity, fraternity, and personal growth. While the fraternity retains aspects of tradition, it adapts to modern values by embracing diversity in its membership practices and promoting mutual respect across societal boundaries.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination
Respecting Boundaries
The existence of gender-specific organisations like Freemasonry underscores the importance of respecting diverse cultural and social boundaries within society. As long as such organisations uphold principles of non-discrimination and inclusivity, they can contribute positively to community cohesion and individual enrichment.
Promoting Mutual Understanding:
By fostering dialogue and understanding, societies can navigate the complexities of gendered organisations like Freemasonry, appreciating their historical significance while promoting broader ideals of equality and respect for all individuals.
Freemasons and Conspiracy Theories
Renée's Cult Ranking of Freemasons
According to Renée's Cult Ranking System, Freemasonry does not meet the criteria for being a harmful or destructive cult. Nonetheless, they are sometimes referred to as such. A common reason Freemasons are subjected to this type of speculation is due to the use of so-called esoteric symbols in the design of buildings and cities, a phenomena that can be traced back to their historical beginnings, as masons; moreover, masons of Christian Cathedrals.
The term "Freemason" initially referred to skilled craftsmen who built cathedrals, castles, and other important structures during the Middle Ages. Over time, the organisation transformed into a fraternal society that includes members from various professions, not limited to stonemasonry. Nonetheless, the symbolic language and tools of stonemasonry remain central to Freemasonry's rituals and traditions.
The fact that Freemasons opened their doors to people who were not masons reflects an inclusive moral standing.
Designs Inspired by Greek Mathematicians
Euclid and other Greek mathematicians are celebrated for their contributions to geometry. Much of their knowledge was lost to the general public during the Medieval. Institutions like guilds were a place where intellectual knowledge was maintained and passed onto others, mostly by word of mouth.
After the invention of the printing press, information - especially knowledge of Greek mathematicians - spread from the elite (who owned handwritten copies of ancient texts) to the working class. Outside of masonry guilds, Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer are prime examples of individuals who had access to such information. These artists in particular, focused on perfecting the concept of beauty through mathematical principles. (We can all thank Dürer for the harmonious design of the Times New Roman font.)
A disseminated of knowledge that could not be contained (even though the Catholic Church tried) is the hallmark of the Renaissance period. Tracing the interconnections of intellect and skill between guilds, such as the masons and painters, is a dense topic that goes beyond the scope of this blog (suffice to say, Michelangelo epitomises the union).
The Question of Esoteric or Occult knowledge
The bottomline is that, the philosophical, intellectual, and educational landscape in which Freemasonry evolved needs to be recognised. In my humble opinion, any esoteric or occult associations with Freemasonry needs to viewed within the framework of education and an understanding of design principles: certain lines, colours, textures, shapes and proportions, such as the rule of thirds and the golden ratio, are more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than others.
It is logical that skilled stonemasons would want to incorporate the very best ideas into their constructions. It also stands to reason that they would want to keep their trade secrets as secret as much possible, kind of like how construction companies still operate today (we call it intellectual copyright).
Occult Means Hidden
In Latin, occult means hidden, nothing more, nothing less. So yes, the Freemasons have a link to occultism. An objective of the guild was to guard design secrets so as wealthy patrons (primarily the Church and Monarchy) would chose them to build their beautiful Cathedrals, Castles, and municipal buildings.
Keeping the elements and principles of design hidden is not longer a valid trade secret. In fact, they are taught to every high school student.
Sacred Geometry
Sacred geometry explores geometric shapes and patterns believed to hold spiritual and symbolic significance. It encompasses specific ratios and forms, like the golden ratio and geometric figures, thought to reflect universal order and divine principles. These concepts are often used in architecture, art, and spiritual practices to evoke harmony and, philosophically, a deeper understanding of the cosmos. While these theories are utterly fascinating, I am of the opinion that geometry is simply geometry; the only thing sacred about it is the meaning people apply to a given symbol. A simple example being the swastika, which is a sign of peace to Eurasian cultures and a sign of horror to most westerners.
Geometric Symbolism was a Standard Practice for Stonemasons
It may be true that Freemasons associated esoteric meanings with their designs, but this is not unusual. For example, ancient Egyptians infused their pyramids and hieroglyphics with symbolic meanings, and Islamic architecture incorporates geometric patterns that carry spiritual significance, and Chinese gardens are designed according to principles of Feng Shui to reflect harmony and balance. Gothic cathedrals being rich with Christian iconography and numerological significance is not a conspiracy theory.
Freemason and the Design of Canberra, Australia
Freemasons held several positions of power in Australia during the time when Canberra was being built. Prominent figures, including politicians and architects involved in the city's planning and construction, were members of the Freemason fraternity. Their influence is reflected in some of the design choices and symbolic elements incorporated into the architecture and layout of Canberra.
Occam's Razor: the Simplest Explanation is Usually Correct
While it is somewhat exciting to consider that these Freemasons were engaging in a conspiracy theory whereby they were secretly inserting esoteric symbols into Canberra's design, I think it appropriate to view the situation through the lens of Occam's Razor: the simple answer being that some geometric more appealing than others. I suspect there was more motivation to make the city functional and beautiful, than to ensure its design had mystical, esoteric significance.
The architects who designed Canberra used the knowledge of design elements that they knew best, which just happened to be Freemasonry. If Canberra was designed by Raëlians people would probably assert that it has secret alien symbology woven into the layout. Similarly, if a group of sporting fanatics had free reign over the design every block may have had a footy oval.
Embracing Tradition and Diversity
In conclusion, Freemasonry's historical legacy and role in knowledge dissemination offer valuable insights into the evolution of societal values and educational practices. While the fraternity maintains traditions such as gender exclusivity, it also reflects broader trends towards inclusivity and ethical conduct in contemporary contexts. Embracing diversity in organisational structures can enrich societal discourse and foster mutual respect among individuals of diverse backgrounds. By honouring traditions while promoting modern values, Freemasonry and similar organisations contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious society where all individuals can thrive.
Modern Freemasonry may still have secret handshakes and odd ceremonial uniforms, but I suspect it's best to look at these as being a bit like a cosplay reenactment of the group's rich history. Every Sunday Catholic priests dress up as ancient Romans and perform traditional Latin ceremonies and no one butts an eyelid, because that is the Church's tradition. I don't think Freemasonry is any different. The real issue at stake is whether or not a group abuses people, in particular through the use of coercive control. In my research, I have not come across any indication that Freemasons fit the bill.
Endnote
This blog post is proudly brought to you by Times New Roman, in recognition of Dürer's meticulous calculations, as reported in "OF THE JUST SHAPING OF LETTER FROM THE APPLIED GEOMETRY" by ALBRECHT DÜRER, 1525AD.
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