Freemasonry

The freemasons are a closed and largely clandestine society for men only, present in all culturally Christian parts of the world and with chapterhouses in other parts of the world as well. The freemasons claim to be a hierarchical esoteric order, though not much is actually known of their inner workings. The philosophy of the freemasons claims to be compatible with Christianity, and in some parts of the world Masons are both members of their lodge or local masonic institution and a local church. However, the Catholic church condemned Freemasonry in the mid 18th century (see Pope Clement XII). One reason the Free Methodist Church was founded in the 1860s was that its founders believed the Methodist Church was being influenced by freemasons and members of similar secret societies. The Free Methodist Church continues to prohibit its members from also joining secret societies such as the freemasons. Recently the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest association of Baptists in the United States, also stated that participation in Freemasonry is inconsistent with their beliefs.

The freemasons seem heavily reliant upon the architectural symbolism of their erstwhile medieval namesakes who actually worked in stone. One of their principal symbols is the dividers and set-square, tools of the trade, so arranged as to form a square. An expression often used in masonic circles "to be on the square", meaning a reliable sort of person, has entered common usage. The practice of freemasonry is known by its adherents as "The Craft".

It is believed that freemasons are involved in theurgy? and worship, as well as being a vast [social network]? that is constructed to aid and further member interests.

Many conspiracy theories involve the Freemasons.

Mozart's opera, [The Magic Flute]?, makes extensive use of the symbolism of freemasonry.

History

Freemasonry claims to be an institutional outgrowth of the medieval guilds of stonemason?s.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that their Temple Endowment ceremony, which shares some elements with those of the Freemasons, are similar because the Freemasons' rituals are corrupted forms of the rituals given by God at the Temple of Solomon.