On The "Secrets" of Masonry.

Ask anyone what Masonry is known for, and you'll likely hear outlandish stories of conspiracies and world domination.  Some will mention the Shriners and their parade activies.  Some with family members in the craft will speak of the good done by those in the fraternity.  All, regardless of whether their impressions of the craft are positive or negative will have one thing correct and in common:  Secrecy.

Unless one is a member, they will not know what goes on behind the tyled door of a lodge.  They will not know our rituals, actions, or lessons.  The only way for one to know these things is to be unanimously welcomed into our craft by a lodge of their choosing.  In order to know more about Masons, you must become a Mason.

Freemasonry is harshly critiqued by some for this.  "Why don't you disclose your ritual?" they ask.  "Why do you only allow men to join, and then swear them to secrecy?"  As our Entered Apprentice charge demands, we are simply to smile and not respond in kind.  It is not our job, nor are we even allowed, to argue with those who criticize us.  We are to be peacable citizens, not evangelistic crusaders of the craft.  "It's none of your business!" or "Don't worry about it, if we wanted you to know we'd tell you!" are not appropriate responses.

When I've been asked, I politely state that we aren't hiding anything which we are ashamed of.  Indeed, the very purpose of Masonry is to inculcate attitudes and mannerisms which inhibit embarrassing behavior.  We are no different than one's employer, church, or family.  We have some basic information that we don't wish to be known, and we strive to keep it so.

Consider my line of work, accounting.  I am privy to a wealth of information about my employer and their clients.  Am I participating in no-good, nefarious actions because I will not disclose their customer lists, business strategies, or pricing models?  Am I assisting in a world takeover by not releasing their methods for gaining business and pricing services?  Of course not.  I am simply remaining silent on matters I have no right to disclose.  As it is with Masons and the secrets we are sworn to keep.

Think of your family.  Are you being a dishonest citizen by not revealing all things known about every relative you have when questioned by any stranger on a street?  Are you being secretive by closing your blinds at night so neighbors and passers-by can't see in?  No, you're protecting your children, spouse, siblings, and parents by not making light things they don't want known.  As it is with Masons and the secrets of our Brothers.

Finally, if you are a member of one, consider your church.  Are you a bad church member because you don't make known everything your body of believers does?  Is the Deacon or Trustee committee plotting evil when they hold a members-only, closed-door meeting to discuss an important issue that cannot be disclosed?  Is the pastor up to no good if he closes his office door to take a phone call?  No, the Church is simply protecting itself and remaining private, as it should, for the sake of itself and its members.  As it is with Masons and the Lodge.

Masonry is no different than any other organization.  It has business which is public, and business which is private.  It is free to disclose and conceal the information it wishes and desires.  To accuse Freemasonry of being anything other than that which it professes to be, simply because Freemasonry does not disclose its rituals and practices, is an unfair criticism that any intelligent person should immediately disavow.