An exploration of Freemasonry and its history, philosophy, symbols and practices.

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most widespread voluntary organisations in the world. Over the course of three centuries men (and women) have organized themselves socially and voluntarily under its name. With a strong sense of liberation, moral enlightenment, cosmopolitan openness and forward-looking philanthropy, freemasonry has attracted some of the sharpest minds in history and has created a strong platform for nascent civil societies across the globe. With the secrecy of internally communicated knowledge, the clandestine character of organization, and the enactment of rituals and the elaborate use of symbols, freemasonry has also opened up feelings of distrust, as well as allegations of secretiveness and conspiracy. This Very Short Introduction introduces the inner activities of freemasonry, and the rituals, symbols and practices. Looking at the development of the organizational structure of masonry from the local to the global level, Andreas Önnerfors considers perceptions of freemasonry from the outside world, and navigates through the prevalent fictions and conspiracy theories. He also discusses how freemasonry has from its outset struggled with issues of exclusion based upon gender, race and religion, despite promoting tolerant openness and inclusion. Finally Önnerfors shines a light on the rarely discussed but highly compelling history of female agency in masonic and para-masonic orders. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Following the appointment of its first aristocratic Grand Masters in the 1720s and in the wake of its connections to the scientific Enlightenment, 'Free and Accepted' Masonry became part of Britain's national profile and the largest and most influential of Britain's extensive clubs and societies. The organisation did not evolve naturally from the mediaeval guilds and religious orders that pre-dated it but was reconfigured radically by a largely self-appointed inner core at London's most influential lodge, the Horn Tavern. Freemasonry became a vehicle for the expression of their philosophical and political views, and the 'Craft' attracted an aspirational membership across the upper middling and gentry. Through an examination of previously unexplored primary documentation, Foundations contributes to an understanding of contemporary English political and social culture and explores how Freemasonry became a mechanism that promoted the interests of the Hanoverian establishment and connected the metropolitan and provincial elites. The book explores social networks centred on the aristocracy, parliament, the learned and professional societies, and the magistracy, and provides pen portraits of the key individuals who spread the Masonic message. Foundations and Schism (Sussex Academic, 2013), have been described as 'the most important books on English Freemasonry published in recent times', providing 'a precise, social context for the invention of English Freemasonry'. Berman's analysis throws a new and original light on the formation and development of what rapidly became a national and international phenomenon.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1866.

The Catholic Catechism on Freemasonry: A Theological and Historical Treatment on the Catholic Church’s Prohibition Against Freemasonry and its Appendant Masonic Bodies contextualizes the history and provides a theological analysis and commentary on the nine Papal documents, two Canon Laws, and two documents issued by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, which relate specifically to the Catholic Church’s dogmatic prohibition against Freemasonry. This book departs from the traditional apologetic approach to explain the Catholic Church’s prohibition against Freemasonry to better examine it in a thorough, comprehensive, theological, and historical context. This book is well researched and referenced, and written only how a person with an extensive and high-level experience with Freemasonry and an academic background in history and Catholic theology could have written it. In addition to this rare look behind the theological and political arguments that the Catholic Church has made against Freemasonry and its appendant Masonic Bodies since Pope Clement’s Papal Bull In Eminenti in 1738, this catechism also answers such questions as: What are the Catholic Roots of Freemasonry? What is the Structure of Freemasonry? Is Freemasonry a Religion? What are the Core Principals of Freemasonry? What is the Masonic Legend of Hiram Abiff? Which Popes were Freemasons? Why were Haydn and Mozart Freemasons? What Role did Freemasons Play during the European and American Revolutions? What is the Relationship between Protestantism, Freemasonry, Communism, and Homosexualism? To what Degree did Freemasonry Influence the Creation of the Novus Ordo Rite? How did the Freemasons and their Ideological Allies in the Catholic Church (i.e. the Masonic lobby) work to remove the word ‘Masonic’ from the 1983 Code of Canon Law? Are Catholics who belong to the Masonic Order Excommunicated?

Dive into the enigmatic world of Freemasonry with The Hidden Path of Freemasonry, a comprehensive exploration of one of the most influential and secretive fraternal orders in history. Authored by renowned scholar George B. Bannister, this book decodes the intricate rites, structures, and philosophies that have shaped Freemasonry from its medieval origins to its modern-day relevance. In this meticulously researched volume, Bannister unveils the historical development of Freemasonry, tracing its roots back to the guilds of medieval stonemasons and examining its evolution into a speculative philosophical society. Through detailed analysis, he illuminates the symbolic language and esoteric traditions that form the core of Masonic teachings, offering readers an unprecedented understanding of the fraternity's inner workings. The Hidden Path of Freemasonry delves into the profound impact of Freemasonry on Enlightenment thought and its role in the formation of modern democratic ideals. Bannister explores the lives of key Masonic figures, the establishment of influential lodges, and the spread of Freemasonry across continents, revealing the order's enduring legacy and global influence. Whether you are a Freemason seeking deeper insight into your own tradition, a historian fascinated by the societal contributions of secret societies, or a curious reader eager to uncover the mysteries of Freemasonry, this book provides a captivating and enlightening journey into the heart of an ancient and enduring brotherhood. Discover the secrets. Understand the symbols. Unravel the mysteries. The Hidden Path of Freemasonry awaits.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1859.

"Freemasonry in the Aquarian Age" tells us the story of the origin of Freemasonry, its purpose and its work through history and of how Masters of the Hierarchy on The Inner Planes work together with humans with the purpose of promoting the coming of God's Kingdom on Earth. In the Aquarian Age Freemasonry will get help to restore the original mysteries. In spite of distortions, oblivion and misunderstandings Freemasonry has been capable of preserving the core of the great esoteric truths. In the coming age Freemasons will be able to educate and form themselves to become true and real servers, who have built a channel into Kingdom of God. Thus they will be able to become true Master Builders transmitting to Earth the Light, Love and Power of God's Kingdom, and the true Brotherhood of Humanity will be recognized. Master D.K. emphasizes that education, education and education again is what can make it possible to restore the mysteries. Esoteric knowledge and meditation must be taught. That which is taught must move from symbols to meaning to significance and must support the individual person to move from the dark into the light or from unreality into reality. The author manifests a vision of the future of Freemasonry and inspires the reader as to how the individual lodge and freemason can begin to prepare the restoration of the mysteries through education.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1874.