What is Freemasonry, and What Do Freemasons Believe?
Freemasonry is one of the most well-known and often misunderstood societies in the world. Originating from medieval stonemason guilds, it evolved into a modern fraternity that emphasizes brotherhood, morality, and secrecy. While many today view Freemasonry as a social or philanthropic organization, its history reveals complex religious, political, and cultural dimensions. This article explores what Freemasonry is, how it developed, what Freemasons believe, and why the church—both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox—has consistently opposed it.
1. Historical Origins of Freemasonry
The roots of Freemasonry trace back to the medieval period. English masons of the eleventh century formed trade and religious fraternities, often under the patronage of John the Baptist, to safeguard their craft secrets. These early guilds combined technical skill with a spiritual framework, linking their craft to sacred duties.
The great fire of London in 1666 and the rebuilding of the city gave a fresh rise to lodges. By 1717, four surviving lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of Freemasons. From this point, Freemasonry shifted away from manual masonry toward what became known as “symbolic freemasonry,” a system devoted to morality, fraternity, and enlightenment.
2. Expansion Across Europe and Beyond
After 1717, Freemasonry spread rapidly. By 1725, lodges were active in Paris; by 1733 in Florence and Boston; and by 1737 in Hamburg. In 1738, Frederick the Great of Prussia was initiated and later became grand master, helping establish its prominence in Germany.
Across Europe, Freemasonry adapted differently:
In Protestant lands, it often functioned as a moral and fraternal society.
In Catholic nations like France, Spain, and Italy, Freemasonry became strongly anti-Catholic and anticlerical, taking on political influence.
In America and England, it emphasized philanthropy and fraternity, with minimal doctrinal requirements.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Freemasonry had become a global phenomenon, shaping social, political, and cultural life.
3. Beliefs and Practices of Freemasons
Freemasonry is not a religion, though it borrows religious language and symbolism. Its central focus is building a “spiritual temple of humanity” in the heart of man. Members are bound by secrecy and use symbols, ceremonies, and degrees of initiation (apprentice, journeyman, and master) to reinforce loyalty.
Key features of Freemason belief and practice include:
Moral law: Freemasons are bound to follow a universal moral code.
Fraternity: Brotherhood and mutual aid are central values.
Deistic belief: Members must believe in a “Supreme Being,” but details are left open.
Tolerance of private opinions: Sectarian doctrines are considered private and cannot be imposed on the lodge.
Symbolism: Tools of masonry, like compasses and squares, become symbols for moral and spiritual lessons.
This non-sectarian and humanistic orientation reflects the influence of English deism and Enlightenment thought.
4. Christian Opposition to Freemasonry
The Roman Catholic Church condemned Freemasonry repeatedly, beginning with Pope Clement XII in 1738 and continuing through several popes, including Leo XIII in his encyclical Humanum Genus (1884). The Catholic concern has been both theological and political:
Freemasonry promotes a relativistic faith, undermining the exclusive claims of Christianity.
In Catholic countries, it became a political rival to the church.
Its secrecy and rituals appeared incompatible with the transparency of Christian life.
Until 1983, Catholics who joined Masonic lodges faced automatic excommunication. Although the penalty was later lifted, the Vatican still prohibits Catholics from membership. The Eastern Orthodox Church likewise forbids participation under penalty of excommunication.
For Protestant churches, opposition has been mixed. Some see Freemasonry as harmless, while others view its secrecy, symbolism, and relativism as incompatible with the Gospel.
5. Freemasonry Today
In the modern world, Freemasonry exists in different forms:
In much of Europe, particularly southern Europe, it retains anticlerical tendencies.
In the United States and England, it is generally seen as a charitable and social society, raising millions annually for relief and education.
In Germany and other regions, Freemasonry remains tied to Enlightenment rationalism and cultural influence.
Despite its diversity, Freemasonry continues to be viewed with suspicion by many Christians, especially given its religious ambiguity and emphasis on secrecy.
Conclusion
Freemasonry is not merely a relic of medieval guilds but a living global fraternity shaped by centuries of history. Freemasons believe in moral law, fraternity, and a general deistic faith, but avoid sectarian doctrine. While some see it as philanthropic, both the Catholic and Orthodox churches reject it as incompatible with Christianity. For Christians, the Gospel provides a far greater vision of truth and community than any secret lodge can offer.
Bible Verses on Secret Societies and False Religion
Ephesians 5:11 — “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 — “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
John 18:20 — “Jesus answered him, ‘I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.’”
Deuteronomy 29:29 — “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Matthew 5:37 — “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
Isaiah 8:12–13 — “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy.”
1 John 1:5–7 — “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
Colossians 2:8 — “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Jeremiah 23:16 — “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.’”
1 Timothy 2:5 — “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
