Is Freemasonry A Service Organization?

There is a lot of discussion around what Freemasons "do" as an organization and this is a good question. The usual quick answer is "make good men better" and while this is true, it is a complex process, a lifelong journey. It's also important to undersand what Freemasonry isn't.

Freemasonry is not a "service organization" like Rotary Club, Lions or Kinsmen. These organizations were designed to raise funds to implement vital community projects, and their work is impressive, necessary and without reproach.

Freemasonry is a "way of life" a set of moral codes and guidelines for living honestly and giving back to society. As we apply the teachings of Freemasonry, we learn what it means to work hard, to appreciate our world, democracy and society.

Freemasons give back by joining community service organizations (like Rotary Clubs and Lions), by working hard at their work, participating in projects that benefit society and community. Many Masons are active in politics because the basic tenets of Freemasonry are democratic. In fact democratic process is a key area where Freemasonry has shown significant activity in the past. For good reason. Democracy works.

This about this: Most of the men who created the American Constitution were Freemasons. It was their desire for civil liberties and human rights that formed the underpinnings of the greatest democracy on earth today - the U.S.A. Because of the work of the founding fathers of America, an African American was able to win the Presidency of the United States.

Freemasonry is an organization that builds men of character, men who help their community, province, region and nation. Because of this, many bright, intelligent and charismatic men have been and are, Freemasons. 

The Masonic Conspiracy? A Sober Thought

Are Freemasons out to take over the world? Is there a Masonic Conspiracy that has been playing out for hundreds or a thousand years? While it makes great fodder for novels and movies, the truth is rather mundane.

A quick search on the Web and you can find many views on this. Most who are convinced there is a Masonic Conspiracy are usually not well educated or are part of a fundamentalist or fringe group. They are often the disenfranchised. So let's take a look at what it would take for such a conspiracy...

First, it's important to know that Freemasonry did not go "secret" until the 1930's when Hitler banned Freemasonry alongside Judaism. Hitler, a truly paranoid man, was right with a Jewish connection - many Masons helped Jews to escape Germany. As the world hurtled towards war, Freemasons went underground, fearing repercussions. That is when Freemasons became secretive.

To create and then execute on a global Masonic conspiracy would take a tremendous amount of energy, and require many hundreds and thousands of men and women to keep a secret. For many many years. We all know how likely that would be.

It would also require an incredible amount of coordination. Such coordination might be easier today with email and the Web, but prior to that? Simply not doable.

While there are similarities in Freemasonry, there are also many different ways of operating. From Scottish versions to English Emulation and others. Within a single jurisdiction there may be three of four different methods practiced. This too would create difficulties. 

From a government perspective, can you just imagine how many people in government would have to work together? Then the different forms of democratic process across so many countries and it becomes even more daunting.

While it might be nice to muse on such a "conspiracy" the sheer logistics and complexity simple wouldn't allow it. It would just be far too difficult.