Hello, My name is Lindsey Hester. I am doing a research paper on Freemasonry. I have always been interested in the Freemasons so I knew that I wanted to do my paper on this. My grandfather, several uncles, and many family friends are Freemasons.If it is possible, could you please tell me about some of the conspiracy theories that people have about the Freemasons, how they originated, and the truth. Thank you so much for any information you can give me.
Lindsey

Lindsey,

I admire your curiosity.  However, I do not want to be in a position to “do the paper for you”.  Instead, I would like to offer you some guidance for your research:

Books:
Freemasonry for Dummies S. Brent Morris
The Everything Freemasons Book ???
A Pilgrim’s Path James Robinson

The first two are good generic books for explaining the fraternity.  One is by a Mason and one is a non-Mason.  The Robinson book is a great reference for a response to religious controversies about Freemasonry.  They should all be available at your local library.

Search Terms for the Internet:
Leo Taxil

This is a man who is almost single-handedly responsible for the bulk of the conspiracy theories about Masonry.  He also admitted after the fact, in a full press conference, that it was all a hoax—but the people who want to believe the conspiracy theories don’t hear that. 

William Morgan

A man who was supposedly murdered in a Masonic Conspriacy.  This event had profound repercussions on the American political system with the formation of the Anti-Masonic Party (I think the first significant 3rd party in American history)

I would also suggest interviewing local Masons if possible (just leave a message at the lodge—they are all listed in the phone book)  This would give your paper some local credibility as well as a more personal perspective.

As for the truth?  All I can say is the world is not always as interesting as we would like.  The conspiracies make for great stories but that is all they really are.

SKH
I agree with almost everything you posted but I do have to make one correction Bro Chris Hodapp wrote “Freemasons for Dummies” and S. Brent Morris Ph D wrote “The Complete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry”. Both books are great sources of information for both the raised Brother and someone looking for info.

Thank you SKH32^. Your information was very helpful. I am going to interview a 33 degree Mason tomorrow. Thank you for anymore information you can give me.
Lindsey

So how did the paper :vampire:  go? Any chance we can get a copy?:coolsmile:
[edit]hmm apparently using the premade smilies does not work.

The paper went very well. I made a 98 (the highest she would give was a 99). I did not get to intervew the 33 degree mason, he was out of town, but I did get to talk to him afterwards. And yes I would love to let people read it. I guess it would be best to send it in a message because it is very long. And thank you so much for all the information. :D
Lindsey

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

I read your paper. Very well done. But then I’m also Biased >:)

Haha well thank you very much. :D