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Some Christian critics of Freemasonry, often evangelical Christians, and all the Orthodox Christian Churches claim that Freemasonry involves the worship of Satan. [87] Such claims are often supported by quoting, misquoting, or quoting out of context various individuals, both Masonic and non-Masonic, but not Masonic ritual itself.
A Rite, within the context of Freemasonry, refers to a comprehensive system of degrees that hold the capability to initiate and advance a newcomer through various stages of Masonic knowledge and experience. In some cases, a Master Mason can be invited to join a different rite after having reached Mastery to further his knowledge.
Common to all of Freemasonry is the three grade system of Craft or Blue Lodge freemasonry, whose allegory is centred on the building of the Temple of Solomon, and the story of the chief architect, Hiram Abiff. [3] Further degrees have different underlying allegories, often linked to the transmission of the story of Hiram.
The form of Freemasonry most common in Scandinavia (known as the Swedish Rite), for example, accepts only Christians. [29] At the other end of the spectrum, "Liberal" or Continental Freemasonry , exemplified by the Grand Orient de France , does not require a declaration of belief in any deity and accepts atheists (the cause of the distinction ...
There are many organisations and orders which form part of the widespread fraternity of Freemasonry, each having its own structure and terminology. Collectively these may be referred to as Masonic bodies, Masonic orders, Concordant bodies or appendant bodies of Freemasonry. [1]
For example, in many jurisdictions Cryptic Masonry can be skipped allowing the person to be a member of just the Royal Arch and Knights Templar. It is also common for non-Christians to join only the Royal Arch and Council of Royal & Select Masters, as the Knights Templar require members to be willing to defend the Christian faith, if needed.
List of Masonic buildings identifies notable buildings around the world associated with Freemasonry. Often these are significant landmarks in their towns or cities, and reflect the influence of Masons at one time. Most are buildings built for exclusive or shared use by Masonic lodges, Grand Lodges or other Masonic bodies. Many include original ...
The Freemasons and Odd Fellows emerged in the eighteenth century in the United Kingdom and the United States.Other examples, which emerged later, include the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, E Clampus Vitus, the Independent Order of Rechabites, the Templars of Honor and Temperance, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus, and the Loyal ...