Misconceptions About Masons
The Internet
We’re going to start by acknowledging the irony of using a website to talk about misinformation on the internet. There is a lot of both true and false information out there about Freemasonry. So if you want to skip all that and talk to an actual Mason, get in touch and ask us whatever you want.
Are We a Secret Society?
According to the dictionary, yes. But we’ll ask you these questions: Do we hide our Lodges or the Grand Lodge of Florida? Is Ionic No. 101’s location a secret? Do we hide our individual memberships from the public? Do we hide when and where our events are?
We are a very public organization involved in our community. But we do have secrets.
What Are the Secrets?
The secrets are our ceremonies and the lessons we teach about improvement, tolerance, and charity. We keep these lessons secret to honor the original masons who kept their tradecraft a secret to protect their proprietary methods in stone work. Our lessons are based on that tradecraft.
Politics
Presidents
It’s true that many prominent men in business and politics were/are Freemasons. Including George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt (pictured here on Mt. Rushmore).
But being a Mason is not what got them there. We don’t make men successful. The type of man that makes himself successful is also likely to be interested in Masonry. And as a Freemason, the sky is the limit.
Political Alignment
As an organization we don’t get involved in politics. Masons as individuals can have any personal political beliefs they choose. As long as you love your country we don’t care who you vote for. In fact, we don’t want to know. Talking about politics is strictly forbidden here at Ionic No. 101. We prefer harmony over political debate.
Religion
We want to say this first:
We support any and all religions that are acting for the greater good.
Freemasonry is not a religion or a cult, nor does our organization worship anything. Individuals can have any religious beliefs they choose, except atheism. It’s a requirement that our members believe in a higher power. And that’s it. We don’t tell our members who or what to worship. We just ask that they have their own religious beliefs and respect those who’s beliefs may differ from their own.
Unfortunately there is a ton of disinformation on the internet about this subject. As you know, anyone can make a website, social media account, or YouTube video with zero accountability or even forged accountability. It’s also common to take our own words out of context and use them to prove a point that otherwise would not stand on its own. We ask that you don’t believe everything you see online. Think critically, even reading this. If you want real information ask real people.
The Symbols
The Eye
The “all seeing eye” is actually the Eye of Providence. It is one of our symbols but it’s also used by others, including Christian art going back to the 1500’s. In the case of the dollar bill it’s meant to be the eye of God watching over America. The roman numerals and the Latin text are 1776, “He (God) has approved our undertakings,” and “A new order of the ages.” The pyramid is a symbol of strength, it’s 13 layers represent the 13 colonies.
This is all about America, not the Freemasons.
The Square and Compasses
This is our main symbol. It may appear in a number of variations but they all mean the same thing. They represent the tools the original masons would use to design buildings and we use their meaning to design ourselves as better men. If it were associated with some kind of conspiracy, why would we advertise it? That just wouldn’t make sense.
Terminology
Worshipful Master
This is the title we use for the person in charge of the lodge. It doesn’t mean we worship him. A lot of our terminology comes from hundreds of years ago, or in linguistics referred to as archaic. The title of Worshipful Master in modern times would be more like “respected leader.”
Cowan
In many places, including some dictionaries, this is said to mean a non-Mason. This is only partially true, a Cowan is someone trying to pretend to be a Mason or force their way into the Lodge.
Profane
This is another word which brings up some controversy. From its Latin roots: pro = before, fanum = temple, profanus = outside the temple or not sacred. Freemasonry uses a technical and non-literal adaptation of this word to mean ‘outsider.’ You may find this word in some Masonic writings. But because of the more modern definition of the word “profanity” we don’t use it nor consider anyone as profane in that sense.
So what do we call people who aren’t Masons?
People.
A Dose of Common Sense
Especially online, you’ll see a lot of people spreading disinformation and attacking the Freemasons. And yet, you wont see us doing that to anyone.
Think about that for a moment.