When most people think of Freemasonry - if they think of it at all - one or more contradictory images likely spring to mind. Freemasonry is (take your pick)- a harmless bunch of aging men enacting strange rituals in odd costumes;
- a secretive cabal of elite power brokers at the highest levels of society;
- a group of conservative, patriotic, pious businessmen and civic do-gooders;
- a covert network of occultists, pagans, and New Agers intent on creating a "New World Order";
- a centuries-old tradition perpetuating ancient wisdom and esoteric teachings.
It is hard to think of any other social organization that has spawned such a wide-ranging and conflicting set of descriptions. People are fairly unanimous in their 'views of the Girl Scouts or the Mafia, but mention the Masons and confusion ensues.
When all is said and done, like many human institutions, Freemasonry is neither as perfect as it would like to make itself out to be, nor as terrible as its detractors would like to believe. While the criticisms of the anti-Masons are mostly spurious charges based on mistaken notions, hoaxes, faulty interpretations, and urban legends, the critics occasionally had a point.
The ideals of human brotherhood and of dealing "squarely" with everyone "on the level" may seem quaint in an era in which hardball tactics, cutthroat competition, and unfettered greed have been enthroned as the norm. But until the final door has been slammed shut on the last remaining Masonic temple, we can derive some satisfaction from knowing that a few decent men are still trying to swim against the tide.
[The Masonic Myth, Jay Kinny - available form SCRL]
Fraternally,
Norm Leeper, PM, HA
Secretary, SCRL
