The distinctive feature of Freemasonry, which differs from many charity organizations, is its secret actions which are hidden from strangers look. It has created justly mysticism around the Freemasonry. In fact, a lot of literature is available in English, German, Russian and other languages to people who are interested in Freemasonry. Many books describe more or less the activities of Freemasonry. And yet, what kind of mysteries of Freemasonry we can discuss about. Let’s say, one of the secrets is the Masonic ritual. The Freemason’s silence obligation implies the principles of credibility and loyalty. The ritual and the essence of the doctrine of Freemasonry gradually open to the Freemason through members personality. Although Freemasonry is the art of living, there can be hidden many new secrets.
Throughout history, the secret rituals have given rise to all kinds of prejudice and misconceptions. By now, Freemasonry has gone the way of greater openness. The secrets only relate to the lodges’ working order.
Freemasonry societies are actually not so secret at all, because the lodges are officially registered. Everyone can reach the information. Freemasons are honest, loyal and law-abiding citizens in their country. Freemasons are humble, so they do not advertise their charitable activities.
The closure of an organization does not mean that some of the mystical, occult or other things are practiced in the lodges meetings. Unfortunately, in history, there have been cases where all kinds of charlatans, occult enthusiasts and others have acted under the masonic label. Major meetings are now being held in the United States of America, Australia, etc. openly.
The question arises: how can Freemasonry fulfill its noble social functions when it acts behind closed doors? There is no guarantee that the Freemasonry’s lodges will not discuss political issues, become conspirators or state power harassers. For example in the history, we can found reference to the execution of the Great French Revolution, which was carried out by Freemasonry. Also, the Italian Masonic lodge named P2 was swearish.
The P2 lodge was founded in 1966 and its master was Licio Gelli – Toscana Textile Industry manager. The P2 lodge members were important politicians and military personnel, including former Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. Gelli’s goal was to seize the power. But it got traced by other members and Gelli escaped to Argentina. The P2 lodge was liquidated and the great lodges of other countries cut off their connections with the P2 lodge of Italy.
Of course, an organization with millions of men cannot avoid some deviations. But in these cases, there is basically nothing in common with the doctrine of Freemasonry: breaking the law, undermining the foundations of the state and society are the antipodes of Freemasonry.
