I know the title to this topic may just be the answer to my question but I’ll ask anyway. With all the conspiracies there are in the world, why do people still continue to believe that the Masons are connected to a bunch of them? I have seen shows on Discovery Channel, History Channel, etc that talk about them (I do know the discovery channel disproves them at the end of the program). I just don’t get why people still believe the Masons are involved with these things when there are plenty of mediums they can research that show they aren’t. Just as easy as it is to point the finger at you guys, you can find answers saying that you have no involvement. What is the reason for people believing in Masonic conspiracies? Could it just be as simple as ignorance?

Two words that run up the “red flag” in people’s minds, are “cult” and “conspiracy”. The weirder the conspiracy, the more people want to believe it. Personally, I find it hysterical, that a group of men, who cannot even decide whether to serve tuna fish sandwiches, or ham sandwiches after the lodge meeting, are capable of taking over the world.

Masonry has a tradition of “turning the other cheek”, and not responding to attacks, no matter how “off the wall” they are.

Masonry holds its meetings in private. Masonic lodges operate “under the radar”, and traditionally we do not seek publicity for our activities. Masonic (and masonically affiliated) charities, donate about $2.6 million dollars per day in North America. This does not include “sweat equity”, and the millions of man-hours of community service donated by Masons, to improve the quality of life in the USA.

Masonry is like the “ink-blot test” you take in the psychologist’s office. You see what you want to see. People see conspirancies, demon worship, etc. in Masonry because they choose to see these things.

Ignorance is bliss. People are very blissful, when it comes to Masonry

That’s exactly what I was thinking and probably could have figured that out on my own but I just figured I’d ask anyway. I heard that exact line about the tuna and ham sandwiches on a show I literally just finished watching on the history channel called “Secrets of the Freemasons.” I mean you hit it word for word! Haha thanks for the answer though, I appreciate it.

AlexA411 - 02 July 2008 01:32 PM

That’s exactly what I was thinking and probably could have figured that out on my own but I just figured I’d ask anyway. I heard that exact line about the tuna and ham sandwiches on a show I literally just finished watching on the history channel called “Secrets of the Freemasons.” I mean you hit it word for word! Haha thanks for the answer though, I appreciate it.

I ordered a 2-DVD set of a program called “Freemasonry Revealed” last month. This show was broadcast on TV a couple of years ago on the Discovery Channel or one similar. It gives a very fair look at Freemasonry and pokes fun at the conspiracy theories.

Alex.

You bring up an interesting topic.

I think that the fact that Masonry still has a bit of mystery to it actually makes it more appealing in some ways. In this time of the Internet, when you can find out everything about anything with a few clicks, the origins of Freemasonry still remain somewhat shrouded. I know I take a little secret pride in being part of something that has such a long and storied history, but I do laugh sometimes when otherwise bright people look at me squarely in the face when I’m explaining some charitable aspect of the Fraternity and say “I know all that, but what about the secret treasure?”

It is interesting that so many of these powerful perceptions still exist – even in places where they shouldn’t. Our Grand Lodge building in Massachusetts sits on a historic, busy intersection in downtown Boston that’s basically in the middle of the campus of Emerson College. The university radio station is attached to the building, and students “hang out” in front listening to music right in front of us. But ask these bright kids what’s behind the doors? The usual answer is “I don’t know, some kind of cult, I think.”

All this is slowly changing, however. Many of those students (and professors as well) are now hearing some of our public service announcements on the radio and walking in the door. And once just a little of that mystery is gone, by just taking that first step and meeting some real Masons, they often end up petitioning to join.

As far as conspiracy theories go, I think because so many powerful and influential people have been Masons it’s just human nature to think that there must be something large and “conspiratorial” that allowed so many people with this single connection to have such influence. Perhaps it’s just too easy to think that “greatness” is something everyone has inside them – it just needs a place to thrive and grow.

Good luck.

Bob,

Thanks for the answer. I think I was just looking too far into why people have those negative beliefs about the brotherhood. Your answer was simple yet it explained so much. You say your lodge is located in Boston around Emerson? I have a very good friend who goes there and I also go to school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI so perhaps once I’m back at school I can take a trip up there and tour your lodge. Thanks again for the answer.

Alex

Alex, Excellent thoughts about a visit and a tour of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts. As the First Masonic District Ambassador, located in Boston, I welcome your of take an informal historic and informational tour of the beautiful structure, explore one of the largest librarys in the world on these subjects and ask question of the guides. A call or visit during business hours will get you started. 617 426 6040. Ronald Doucette - Moderator

Mr. Doucette,

Thank you for your invitation to tour the Grand Lodge of Masons in Mass. I will surely take up your offer once I get back up to school in September!

"Only a fruitful tree is thrown with rocks...”

Actually I for one, find it laughable how easy it is to come up with a conspiracy theory.

“The symbol from Stargate SG-1 looks like the square&compass.Therefore Freemasons are an evil conspiracy to allow lizards from Nibiru to take over the Earth.If you buy my tapes I will show you how to walk in zig-zag and protect yourself, just 19.95 $.”

There. It took me 10 minutes to come up with that, and i bet you at least 100 people surfing the web will believe it.Most are a cash scam, the others are just made up by people who can’t accept blame and forward it on organizations.
I find Freemasonry a respectable organization and see no reason to unnecessarily criticize it.But some people have nothing better to do.
So be it, the wise will always respect you.

The reality with all these conspiracies is the fact that people generally fear what they do not understand. I find it surprising how Americans really believe where in on this big conspiracy for control yet, they fail to remember our impact on the American revolution. I love debunking the secret society myth becuase, where not a secret. The truth of the matter is we will always have people who will look at us with a negative eye.

I personally get entertainment out of some of these out landish consipracy videos that are online. I enjoy even more debating these topics with people who actually believe it. Whats even more interesting are the number of people out there who “claim” to understand masonry and they are not even Masons. Its not really ignorance but more a fundamental lack of not understanding and mis-information. People hear and see what they want to hear and see.

Dear JPatsFan:
Thank you for some great encouragement based on your journey.  Often one is confronted in futile debates over subjects.  This has been a subject that has and will continue to draw controversy from a majority of “Lack of Knowledge” participants.  Massachusetts Masonry also encourages education to all via the Massachusetts Grand Master’s Square & Compasses Day Opens Houses, where all State Lodges will have Open Houses to share interest and knowledge in Masonry.  The next date is Saturday, October 18, 2008.  I suggest each Master Mason invite one non-mason guest for that day.  Ronald Doucette - Moderator

It seems to me that Grand Lodge of Massachusetts understands how to confront these issue and alleged conspiracies. You face them head on. I like Square and Compass day because we invite the public in to see our lodge and truly see what Freemasonry is about. Does anyone know if other states participate in similar programs that we do? All these new programs have got to be paying off.