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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)

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

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

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

Masonic Secrets

The Secret society of Freemasonry employs demands it's members keep secret both the membership of other Freemasons and any information learned about activity by other Freemasons. Masons must obtain the permission of other Masons before revealing membership or other information about other Masons.

Additionally Freemasons are required to prefer other Freemasons in hiring, promotions, and business.

Signs of the three Degrees

1- Entered Apprentice: Cut my throat and tongue.

2- Fellow Craft: Cut open my chest, and put my heart and lungs on my left shoulder.

3- Master Mason: Put my bowels out.

Oaths of the three Degrees

1- In the First Degree, Apprentice

He swears, with his hand on the Bible, "I (name), in the presence of Almighty God, most solemnly promise and swear that I will always hail, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the arts, parts of points of the hidden mysteries of Freemasonry... binding myself under the penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out, and my body buried in the rough sands of the see..."

2- The Second Degree, Fellow Craft

He swears on the Bible, in the presence of Almighty God, "under the penalty than of having my breast open... and my heart and lungs thrown over my left shoulder... so help me God".

3- The Third Degree, Master Mason

He swears "under the penalty than that of having my body severed in two, my bowels taken from thence and burn to ashes... so help me God".

Fourth Degree or Royal Arch Degree

This so-called higher degree of Freemasonry is considered by many Masons to be the completion of the first three degrees of Masonry. In North America it is part of the 'York Rite' of Freemasonry.

The Oath in the Royal Arch goes one beyond that of the Third Degree and does not except murder and treason as is contained in the Master Mason oath; “I will aid and assist a companion Royal Arch Mason, when engaged in any difficulty, and espouse his cause, so far as to extricate him from the same, if in my power, whether he be right or wrong. A companion Royal Arch Mason’s secrets, given me in charge as such, and I knowing him to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable, in my breast as in his own, murder and treason not excepted.”

The Secret Word of the Royal Arch is JAHBULON a triparte word displayed on a triangle or delta. The first part JAH represents Yahwah the God of the Hebrews, the second part BUL represents Baal the God of the Babylonians, the third part ON represents Osirus the God of the Egyptians.

Reports prepared for various Protestant Denominations, including the Church of England, specifically singled this 'secret' word out for attention under the charge of blasphemy, as Baal and Osirus are names sometimes associated with the Devil. The word can be also pronounced Diabolon when including the Greek letter Delta, representing the triangle with the three parts written on each side.

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.
34. The Character, Claims, and Practical Workings of Freemasonry by Rev. C.G. Finney
35. Letters on Freemasonry by President John Quincy Adams
36. The Character, Claims, and Practical Workings of Freemasonry by Rev. C.G. Finney
37. Letters on Freemasonry by President John Quincy Adams
38. Inside the Brotherhood by Martin Short
39. Illustrations of Masonry by William Morgan
40. Inside the Brotherhood by Martin Short
41. Illustrations of Masonry by William Morgan
42. Inside the Brotherhood by Martin Short
43. Illustrations of Masonry by William Morgan
44. Inside the Brotherhood by Martin Short
45. Illustrations of Masonry by William Morgan

See also

• Anti-Masonic Party
• Taxil hoax
• Catholicism and Freemasonry
• Anti-clericalism
• Propaganda Due - The P2 Masonic Lodge Scandal
• Secret society
• Mormonism and Freemasonry

External links

• A Ritual Gone Fatally Wrong Puts Light on Masonic Secrecy (Article from New York Times, requires registration - about masons, but not about a masonic ritual)

Anti-Masonic

• Freemasonry Watch An Anti-Masonic site
• Conspiracy Archive Masons and the Occult article.

Pro-Masonic

• Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry? a look at how anti-Masonic argument functions. While it is a book written by Masons, their research is cited.
• masonicinfo.com
• Anti-masonry Frequently Asked Questions</references>

• Freemasonry