Criticisms of Freemasons
From About Freemasons
There are many common criticisms made of Freemasonry. Whether religious groups, conspiracy theorists or political groups make them, these common criticisms often are used as a justification for anti-Masonic sentiment:
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Titles
Many anti-Masonic groups object to the use of titles such as “Worshipful Master” or “Master of the Lodge.” Some groups see these titles as offensive because they seem sacrilegious (as in the case of the term “Worshipful”) while others object to the use of the term “master,” arguing that it implies subservience or even that it has negative connotations given the US’s history. Advocates of Freemasonry argue that such terms stem not from any intended disrespect but from guilds during Middle Ages. In these guilds, a skilled professional was called a Master. Worshipful is a term, used throughout history, to mean “honorable.”
Oaths
Some anti-Masonic groups object to the use of bloody oaths, which outline the punishments that Masons face in the event that they break their oath. Some people argue that such oaths are archaic. Advocates of Freemasonry argue that the oaths stem from ancient traditions, where punishments were meted out on those who opposed religious or political tyranny. Today, these oaths among the Masons are symbolic. In fact, the worst punishment inflicted by Freemasons on a member is their banishment from Freemasonry.
Paganism
Some anti-Masonic groups claim that the degrees of Freemasonry and the readings for these degrees are pagan. Advocates of Freemasonry note that these readings are merely pre-Christian – in the way that famous philosophers such as Hippocrates and Aristotle are. They note that Freemasonry does not suggest what religion Masons believe in.
The use of the Bible in lodges
Many anti-Masonic groups oppose to the fact that lodges use the Bible as an open Volume of Sacred Law and officially refer to it as “furniture.” Advocates of Freemasonry point out that that "furniture" in the lodge is used in the traditional sense – in ancient times, furniture meant essential equipment. They note that the Bible is given an essential and respected place in most lodges. They also point out that the Bible plays a big role in oaths and pledges. Some anti-Masonic groups oppose the fact that the Bible plays too little a role in Freemasonry and note that the Bible seems to be interchangeable with other books – Masons can select which book they will make oaths on, for example. Advocates of Freemasonry point out that they are not a religious organization and therefore offer each member religious freedom.
Light
Some anti-Masonic groups oppose the idea of “light” as it is used in Freemasonry. They argue that Freemasons speak of light to mean salvation, proving that Masons are a religious group. Advocates of Freemasonry point out that the “light” in Freemasonry refers to knowledge and does not have religious meanings.
Racism
Some anti-Masonic groups claim that Freemasonry is a whites-only and racist fraternity. They claim that there is a separate group of lodges – ones belonging to the "Prince Hall" Masons – just for African-Americans. Advocates of Freemasonry point out that in the US there are Masons of every race and ethnic background. They also note that the "Prince Hall" Masons declared themselves independent members about two centuries ago, creating a schism in Freemasonry that Masons today are still trying to repair.
