The secular order became a topic on social networks this Tuesday 4; Terra listened to the Masons to understand aspects of this group
The subject of this Tuesday 4, on social media, Freemasonry stopped being secret a long time ago. Today, there are books, series, and even YouTube videos that detail many aspects of this age-old order. But also much more pop compared to when it was created in England in 1717, the order still arouses the curiosity and imagination of many people.
Although this year symbolizes the beginning of Freemasonry as it is known today, the organization emerged in the Middle Ages, a time when grand buildings were made of stone. The name derives from the French Freemasonwhich means “bricklayer”.
Men who knew the trade organized themselves into small groups to teach apprentices how to finish rough stone and create monumental buildings such as castles and cathedrals. After that, other types of workers entered and adapted to the ideals of fraternity and freedom cultivated by the order.
It was these ideals that influenced the course of history in several countries, such as Brazil. There are an estimated 6 million Freemasons around the world today.
The report of Land he went after the masters of Freemasonry to understand what myths and truths are in that order. For example, what is so secret about Freemasonry? Watch!
Is Freemasonry a secret society? – Myth
This is the first point that one of the masters, whom in this report we will call Philip, wants to clarify. “It is a discreet society, not a secret one. Today on the Internet you see a lot of content about Freemasonry and everything is fine. What has to be preserved is preserved,” she says.
According to Philip, what is secret are the ways to find out if a man is a Freemason or not.
“Secret touches, words and signs that help identify if a person is a brother [como se chamam os membros] and so we can help each other, “he adds.
The teacher exemplifies with an everyday situation. He imagines that a Freemason has a problem with the car. The way he is positioned outside the vehicle already indicates that there is a Freemason who needs help.
“I don’t know of a worldwide association that has this kind of support,” he adds.
Is Freemasonry a religion? – Myth
Master Filipe is categorical in stating that no, Freemasonry is not a religion. The Masonic Lodge is the physical place where Freemasons gather to carry out their rituals and meetings, and various religious confessions gather in the Lodge frequented by Philip.
“I live with Catholics, spiritualists, practitioners of Umbanda, pastors, Jews …”, he says.
Not being a religion, or a sect, doesn’t mean that faith itself isn’t important. On the contrary, one of the fundamental requirements for being a Mason is to believe in a superior force, which in Freemasonry is called the “Great Architect of the Universe”, just to add the different names that God has in the different religions.
Another Masonic Master heard by Landwhom we will call André, explains that the Bible is a book of common use in the Lodges, but all religions are respected in the same way.
Despite this, Catholicism is far from orderly. The Code of Conical Law of the Catholic Church is explicit in can. ipso facto in simpliciter excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See “. There is also an encyclical of 1884, written by Pope Leo XIII, which warns the faithful against Freemasonry.
Does Freemasonry influence politics? – True, but no more
Freemasonry is able to influence and dictate trends by bringing together men with some influence in society. General Hamilton Mourão, for example, vice president of the Republic and senator elected for the legislature from 2023 onwards, is a Freemason and has dedicated himself to politics, recalls Mestre Filipe.
But in the course of history other situations show this relationship: the French Revolution made its own the Masonic motto “freedom, equality and fraternity”; in Brazil, Dom Pedro I became Grand Master of the Order, a high post within Freemasonry; Joaquim Gonçalves Ledo and José Bonifácio de Andrada and Silva were also influential Freemasons and fought for the independence of Brazil.
Despite this, Mestre Filipe affirms that, at present, the political question is left outside the walls.
“We have brothers on the right and on the left, but in the Lodge we no longer talk about politics. The brother can have his political preferences outside the wall,” he says.
For André there is a difference: we are talking about politics, but not about partisanship.
“We must discuss public policies, our role for a better society. We cannot get stuck in the party ideology,” says the master Mason, who sees society as a “building that everyone builds”.
Is there no place for women in Freemasonry? – Truth
Traditional Freemasonry does not make room for women. Although there are “para-Masonic” groups that accept women, the essence of the order is still maintained today.
“In the Middle Ages it was not accepted for a man and a woman to live together if they were not married. Freemasonry was founded by men and we keep this tradition,” explains Filipe. “The big buildings were made by men, so it was reserved for men,” adds André.
Outside Brazil, there are women’s and mixed orders, where both genders participate.
Can anyone join Freemasonry? – Myth
In addition to believing in a “Great Architect of the Universe”, being an adult male is also a prerequisite for being a part of Freemasonry. But not an ordinary man can enter the order, which does not accept, for example, people with disabilities.
“There are some positions [corporais] that a person with a disability cannot stay. A person who has no legs cannot stand for an hour, and this is part of the ritual “, exemplifies Filipe.
It is also necessary that the man be appointed by an active member of the order and be subjected to an investigation detailing his entire life. Wives, close relatives and colleagues are also interviewed to confirm the good nature of the candidate.
Filipe recalls that there is no rule that prevents the entry of a homosexual person or who has a homosexual relationship. On the other hand, André cannot say how the candidacy of a trans man would be received. “It hasn’t happened yet,” he says.
Does Freemasonry Make Someone Rich? – Myth but …
The masters listened to Land to affirm that Freemasonry alone does not enrich anyone. However, conviviality can facilitate the connections between the Freemasons brothers, which end up working netalthough this is not the purpose of the ordinance.
“People are there to help each other, I wish everyone [fora da maçonaria] had the same intention “, defends André.
On the other hand, although it does not make anyone rich, the masters admit that there must be a stable financial situation. This, by the way, is the third requirement for a man to be a Freemason. This is because there are charges and payments that are made on the order.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
