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Revision as of 05:13, 17 March 2006 edit40 Days of Lent (talk | contribs)90 edits removed Other Conspiracies section to talk page. This section does not belong on this page, it is nothing but a collection of conspiracy website summaries← Previous edit Revision as of 05:16, 17 March 2006 edit undoWegianWarrior (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers5,130 edits Anti-masonic conspirasy theories does belong in an article about anti-masonery. Also restored referenced section on Iraqi Baathist Anti-Masonry.Next edit →
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In 1826, ] disappeared after threatening to expose Freemasonry's secrets, causing some to claim that he had been murdered by Masons. Morgan's disappearance sparked a series of protests against Freemasonry. Under the leadership of ], an anti-Masonic, anti-] (Jackson was a Mason) movement became a ] and ran presidential candidates in ] and ]. By ] the party had disbanded everywhere but ]. In 1826, ] disappeared after threatening to expose Freemasonry's secrets, causing some to claim that he had been murdered by Masons. Morgan's disappearance sparked a series of protests against Freemasonry. Under the leadership of ], an anti-Masonic, anti-] (Jackson was a Mason) movement became a ] and ran presidential candidates in ] and ]. By ] the party had disbanded everywhere but ].

===Iraqi Baathist Anti-Masonry===

In 1980, the Iraqi legal and penal code was changed by ] and the ruling ], thereby making it a felony to "promote or acclaim Zionist principles, including freemasonry, or who associate with Zionist organizations."<ref name="freemasonryinSHIraq">, The Washington Times, 2004, retrieved March 1, 2006</ref>


===British Political Anti-Masonry (1990s-current)=== ===British Political Anti-Masonry (1990s-current)===
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Chapter XIII: German Alliance Policy after the War, 1924, Translated 1943, - "The fight which Fascist Italy waged against Jewry's three principal weapons, the profound reasons for which may not have been consciously understood (though I do not believe this myself) furnishes the best proof that the poison fangs of that Power which transcends all State boundaries are being drawn, even though in an indirect way. The prohibition of Freemasonry and secret societies, the suppression of the supernational Press and the definite abolition of Marxism, together with the steadily increasing consolidation of the Fascist concept of the State – all this will enable the Italian Government, in the course of some years, to advance more and more the interests of the Italian people without paying any attention to the hissing of the Jewish world-hydra. "</ref> The covenant of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas claims that Freemasonry is a "secret society" founded as part of a Zionist plot to control the world<ref name="Hamas">, articles seventeen, twentytwo and twentyeight, 18 Aug 1988. Retrieved 29 October 2005</ref>. Chapter XIII: German Alliance Policy after the War, 1924, Translated 1943, - "The fight which Fascist Italy waged against Jewry's three principal weapons, the profound reasons for which may not have been consciously understood (though I do not believe this myself) furnishes the best proof that the poison fangs of that Power which transcends all State boundaries are being drawn, even though in an indirect way. The prohibition of Freemasonry and secret societies, the suppression of the supernational Press and the definite abolition of Marxism, together with the steadily increasing consolidation of the Fascist concept of the State – all this will enable the Italian Government, in the course of some years, to advance more and more the interests of the Italian people without paying any attention to the hissing of the Jewish world-hydra. "</ref> The covenant of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas claims that Freemasonry is a "secret society" founded as part of a Zionist plot to control the world<ref name="Hamas">, articles seventeen, twentytwo and twentyeight, 18 Aug 1988. Retrieved 29 October 2005</ref>.


====Other conspiracy theories====

*Freemasonry is the ] or ], and secretly controls all aspects of society and government. <ref name="freedomdomain"></ref> This concept was satirized in a '']'' episode, "]", featuring an order called the Stonecutters who '''keep the martians under wraps'' and ''keep Atlantis off the maps''..
*The ] was founded by Freemasons who have interwoven Masonic symbols into American society, particularly in national seals, streets in ], ], and the ]. <ref name="watch pair"></ref> <ref name=forbidden"></ref> <ref name= "seal"></ref> <ref name="secretsocietyindex"> </ref>
*Modern day politicians are or were once Freemasons, particularly ].<ref name="famous freemasons"></ref>
*Various figures in popular culture are Freemasons, including movie producers such as ]. <ref name="cameron"></ref> <ref name="cameron2"></ref>
*] was a Freemason whose murders resembled Masonic initiation rituals. This is the subject of ]'s graphic novel '']'', who references various works by other authors with similar claims.
*The September 11 attacks were astrological in nature, as part of a hidden Masonic war against Islam. <ref name="nineeleven"></ref>
*The JFK assassination was involved with Freemasonry. Some conspiracy theorists say that Freemasons had JFK killed, others that he was killed for being a Mason (he wasn't).<ref name="JFK"></ref>
*The Denver airport contains a Freemason symbol and keypad, of unknown purpose. <ref name="dever"></ref>
*Freemasons intertwine various symbols and ] into modern culture, such as corporate logos. <ref name="forbidden2"></ref>
*Most Freemasons are unaware of hidden or secretive ruling bodies that govern their organization, conduct occult ritual, or control various positions of power. This is an example of a secret society within a secret society.<ref name="conspiracy"></ref>
*The ], <ref name="kkk"></ref>]<ref name="trosch"></ref>, and other organizations<ref name="trosch"> are branches of Freemasonry.

===Persecution under Totalitarian Regimes===

{{main|Freemasonry under Totalitarian Regimes}}

Many twentieth century ] regimes, both ] and ] have treated Freemasonry as a potential source of opposition due to its secret nature and international connections. It has been alleged by Masonic scholars that the language used by the totalitarian regimes is similar to that used by some modern critics of Freemasonry.<ref name="bessel.tolalitarian">Bigotry and the Murder of Freemasonry
, Paul M. Bessel, 1994, - "These people who attack Masonry with exaggerated language, and without accepting reasonable explanations of what Freemasonry really is, would probably say that their use of language about Masonry that is strikingly similar to that which was used by the Nazis and other vicious attackers of Freemasonry in the past does not mean that they are following in the footsteps of the Nazis."</ref>


==Social Anti-Masonry== ==Social Anti-Masonry==

Revision as of 05:16, 17 March 2006

Template:Totallydisputed Anti-Masonry (alternatively called Anti-Freemasonry) is defined as "Avowed opposition to Freemasonry". However, there is no homogeneous anti-Masonic movement. Anti-Masonry consists of radically differing criticisms from sometimes incompatible groups who are hostile to Freemasonry in some form.

Political Anti-Masonry

American Political Anti-Masonry (1830s-1850s)

Main article: William Morgan (anti-Mason) Main article: Anti-Masonic Party

In 1826, William Morgan disappeared after threatening to expose Freemasonry's secrets, causing some to claim that he had been murdered by Masons. Morgan's disappearance sparked a series of protests against Freemasonry. Under the leadership of Thurlow Weed, an anti-Masonic, anti-Andrew Jackson (Jackson was a Mason) movement became a political party and ran presidential candidates in 1828 and 1832. By 1835 the party had disbanded everywhere but Pennsylvania.

Iraqi Baathist Anti-Masonry

In 1980, the Iraqi legal and penal code was changed by Saddam Hussein and the ruling Ba'ath Party, thereby making it a felony to "promote or acclaim Zionist principles, including freemasonry, or who associate with Zionist organizations."

British Political Anti-Masonry (1990s-current)

Since 1997, several members of the British Government have attempted to pass laws requiring Freemasons who join the police or judiciary. to declare their membership publicly to the government amid accusations of Freemasons performing acts of mutual advancement and favor-swapping. This movement was initially lead by Jack Straw, Home Secretary from 1997 until 2001. In 1999, the Welsh Assembly became the only body in the United Kingdom to place a legal requirement on membership declaration for Freemasons. Currently, existing members of the police and judiciary in England are asked to voluntarily admit to being Freemasons. However, all first time successful judiciary candidates "must declare their freemasonry status" before appointment. Conversely, new members of the police are not required to declare their status.

In 2004, Rhodri Morgan, the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly, blocked Gerard Elias' appointment to counsel general because of links to hunting and freemasonry.

Freemasonry and Patriotism

Freemasonry is often alleged to hold back its members from fully committing to their nation. Critics claim that compared to Operative Masonry's clear denunciations of treachery Masonry after 1723 (Speculative masonry) was far more ambiguous. It is alleged that Masonic disapproval of treachery is not on moral grounds but on the grounds of inconvenience to other Masons. The adage "Loyalty to freedom overrides all other considerations" is said to justify treason, in the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Freemasons are consistent advocates of the US Constitution in separation of church and state "Freemasonry Does Not Support any particular political position. It has long stood for seperation of Church and State, and has been a champion of Free Public Education." From a speech given by Bill Jones Grand Master of Arkansas, 1996, which was seen especially by the Catholic church as a veiled attack on the Church's place in public life. Pope Leo XIII ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy).

Modern conspiracy theories

Due to its secretive nature Freemasonry has long been a target of conspiracy theories and either bent on world domination or already secretly in control of world politics.

Historically, complaints have been made that the Masons have secretly plotted to create a society based on the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity, seperation of church and state and (in Nazi Germany) a Jewish plot for Religious tolerance. However, in post-Enlightenment societies, many people have by now accepted these core Masonic values as a set of overall social values bereft of any Masonic connection.

Claims that Freemasonry is a Zionist conspiracy

Some Anti-Masons have been known to claim that Freemasonry is a Jewish front for world domination, or is at least controlled by Jews for this goal. Hitler outlawed Freemasonry partially for this reason The covenant of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas claims that Freemasonry is a "secret society" founded as part of a Zionist plot to control the world.

Other conspiracy theories

  • Freemasonry is the Illuminati or New World Order, and secretly controls all aspects of society and government. This concept was satirized in a Simpsons episode, "Homer the Great", featuring an order called the Stonecutters who 'keep the martians under wraps and keep Atlantis off the maps..
  • The United States was founded by Freemasons who have interwoven Masonic symbols into American society, particularly in national seals, streets in Washington DC, architecture, and the Dollar Bill.
  • Modern day politicians are or were once Freemasons, particularly George W. Bush.
  • Various figures in popular culture are Freemasons, including movie producers such as James Cameron.
  • Jack the Ripper was a Freemason whose murders resembled Masonic initiation rituals. This is the subject of Alan Moore's graphic novel From Hell, who references various works by other authors with similar claims.
  • The September 11 attacks were astrological in nature, as part of a hidden Masonic war against Islam.
  • The JFK assassination was involved with Freemasonry. Some conspiracy theorists say that Freemasons had JFK killed, others that he was killed for being a Mason (he wasn't).
  • The Denver airport contains a Freemason symbol and keypad, of unknown purpose.
  • Freemasons intertwine various symbols and numerology into modern culture, such as corporate logos.
  • Most Freemasons are unaware of hidden or secretive ruling bodies that govern their organization, conduct occult ritual, or control various positions of power. This is an example of a secret society within a secret society.
  • The KKK, Skull and Bones, and other organizationsCite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Social Anti-Masonry

Allegations of cronyism

A criticism is that Freemasons practice cronyism, granting favors to fellow members. For example, many people have the impression that one increases chances for employment or improves one's business by joining the Masons. This allegation, however, is not particular to Masonry; it has been applied to many types of organizations or secret society.

Criticisms based on the moral faults of known Masons

Masonry, like any institution with moral overtones , has been criticized for the moral faults of some of their members. Though Masons are generally more hospitable to other Masons, this does not mean that they are above helping unrelated individuals. Some critics also argue that the Freemasons are primarily a social club. Masons respond to these criticisms by pointing out that there are many programs and initiatives sponsored by lodges that do give back to the community at large.

Religious Anti-Masonry

Christian Anti-Masonry

Main article: Christianity and Freemasonry

Many Christian denominations argue that Freemasonry in some way compromises church membership. There are varying reasons, but one of the more common reasons is the argument that Freemasonry is contrary to the claim that salvation comes exclusively through Jesus Christ, encouraging religious indifferentism. Some evangelical Christians claim that Freemasonry involves Satan worship.

Catholic criticism of Freemasonry

Main article: Catholicism and Freemasonry

The Roman Catholic Church has consistently opposed Freemasonry, arguing that it encourages anti-clericalism.

Notes and references

  1. Oxford English Dictionary (1979 ed., p. 369).
  2. "Saddam to be formally charged", The Washington Times, 2004, retrieved March 1, 2006
  3. ^ "New judges must declare masonic membership", BBC, March 5, 1998, retrieved Feb 26, 2006
  4. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/1699189.stm "Freemason policy review due "], BBC, Dec 8, 2001, retrieved Feb 26, 2006
  5. ^ "House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 21 Jul 2005 (pt 69) ", UK House of Commons, July 21, 2005, retrieved Feb 27, 2006
  6. "Morgan criticised over job blocking", BBC, March 22, 2004, retrieved Feb 26, 2006
  7. "Another characteristic of Masonic law is that "treason" and "rebellion" against civil authority are declared only political crimes, which affect the good standing of a Brother no more than heresy, and furnish no ground for a Masonic trial." Masonry (Freemasonry) from the Catholic Encyclopedia, quoting Mackey, "Jurisprudence", 509.
  8. "2nd -- You shall be true liegemen to the King of England without any treason or falsehood, and if you know of any that you amend it privily, if you may, or else warn the King and his Council of it by declaring it to his officers."
  9. II. Of the CIVIL MAGISTRATES supreme and subordinate "A Mason is a peaceable Subject to the Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concern'd in Plots and Conspiracies against the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior Magistrates; for as Masonry hath been always injured by War, Bloodshed, and Confusion, so ancient Kings and Princes have been much dispos'd to encourage the Craftsmen, because of their Peaceableness and Loyalty, whereby they practically answer'd the Cavils of their Adversaries, and promoted the Honour of the Fraternity, who ever flourish'd in Times of Peace. So that if a Brother should be a Rebel against the State he is not to be countenanc'd in his Rebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy Man; and, if convicted of no other Crime though the loyal Brotherhood must and ought to disown his Rebellion, and give no Umbrage or Ground of political Jealousy to the Government for the time being; they cannot expel him from the Lodge, and his Relation to it remains indefeasible."
  10. "The brotherhood ought to disown the rebellion, but only in order to preserve the fraternity from annoyance by the civil authorities." from the article Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
  11. "Freemason's Chronicle" 1875, I, 81, quoted as footnote in Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
  12. Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, Volume One - A Reckoning Chapter XI: Nation and Race , 1924, Translated 1943, 'Mein Kampf' - "Finally, the Jewish influence on economic affairs grows with terrifying speed through the stock exchange. He becomes the owner, or at least the controller, of the national labor force. To strengthen his political position he tries to tear down the racial and civil barriers which for a time continue to restrain him at every step. To this end he fights with all the tenacity innate in him for religious tolerance-and in Freemasonry, which has succumbed to him completely, he has an excellent instrument with which to fight for his aims and put them across. The governing circles and the higher strata of the political and economic bourgeoisie are brought into his nets by the strings of Freemasonry, and never need to suspect what is happening."
  13. Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, Volume Two - The National Socialist Movement Chapter XIII: German Alliance Policy after the War, 1924, Translated 1943, 'Mein Kampf' - "The fight which Fascist Italy waged against Jewry's three principal weapons, the profound reasons for which may not have been consciously understood (though I do not believe this myself) furnishes the best proof that the poison fangs of that Power which transcends all State boundaries are being drawn, even though in an indirect way. The prohibition of Freemasonry and secret societies, the suppression of the supernational Press and the definite abolition of Marxism, together with the steadily increasing consolidation of the Fascist concept of the State – all this will enable the Italian Government, in the course of some years, to advance more and more the interests of the Italian people without paying any attention to the hissing of the Jewish world-hydra. "
  14. 'The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS)-Palestine', articles seventeen, twentytwo and twentyeight, 18 Aug 1988. Retrieved 29 October 2005
  15. Freedomdomain.com
  16. watch pair.com
  17. Masonic Symbols in Washington
  18. The Seal
  19. Secret Society Index
  20. endtimedeception
  21. James Cameron Conspiracy
  22. The James Cameron Conspiracy Theory
  23. enterprisemission.com/tower2
  24. JFK
  25. Google Search for Denver Airport Conspiracy
  26. Corporate Logos
  27. Freemasonry -Conspiracy Within
  28. Freedomdomain.com
  29. Trosch - Masonry exposed
  30. Masonry (Freemasonry) Catholic Encyclopedia
  31. This alluded to in the movie Gypsy.
  32. Examples include blood drives, child identification programs, and other charitable funds. Neither the Shriners Hospitals for Children nor the Scottish Rite Learning Centers are restricted to Masons, and they provide their services free of charge to those who need them. Also, though their numbers a dwindling, there are Masonic Children's Homes throughout the United States. For instance, the Grand Lodge of Georgia directly supports the Masonic Children's Home of Georgia, which offers its services to children free of charge.
  33. "An overwhelming number of Christian denominations have condemned Freemasonry, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church of England, the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Synod Anglican Church of England, the Assemblies of God, the Church of the Nazarene, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Christian Reformed Church in America, the Evangelical Mennonite Church, the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, Grace Brethren, Independent Fundamentalist Churches of America, The Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Baptist Union of Scotland, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and the Presbyterian Church in America. " FREEMASONRY AND THE CHRISTIAN, Eddy D. Field II and Eddy D. Field III, The Master's Seminary Journal, Fall 1994, pp. 141-157. Also see [[http://en.wikipedia.org/Christianity_and_Freemasonry#Non-Catholic_discouragement_of_FreemasonryNon-Catholic discouragement of Freemasonry section in the Christianity_and_Freemasonry article for a more complete list with citations for individual denominations.

See also

External links

Anti-Masonic

Pro-Masonic

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