Who are the freemasons, and what is their purpose?

Answer 1

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization whose membership has shared moral and metaphysical ideals and in most of its branches requires a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being.[1]

The fraternity uses the metaphor of operative stonemasons' tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon's Temple, to convey what is most generally defined as "a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."[2]

While it has often been called a "secret society", it is more correct to say that it is an esoteric society, in that certain aspects are private.[3] From many quarters, Freemasons have stated that Freemasonry has, in the 21st century, become less a secret society and more of a "society with secrets."[4][5][6] Most modern Freemasons regard the traditional concern over secrecy as a demonstration of their ability to keep a promise[7] and a concern over the privacy of their own affairs.[8] "Lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members."[9][10] The private aspects of modern Freemasonry are the modes of recognition amongst members and particular elements within the ritual.[11][6]

While there have been many disclosures and exposés dating as far back as the eighteenth century, Freemasons caution that these often lack the proper context for true understanding, may be outdated for various reasons,[12] or could be outright hoaxes on the part of the author.[9] Moreover, many Masonic groups offer spokesmen, briefings for the media, and provide talks to interested groups upon request.

Answer 2

Nowadays they are a just a men's club (like the Elks and the Lions and the Rotary) with initiation rituals based in legends taken from the Bible and other sources and they sponsor hospitals and do philanthropy.

Answer 3

They become Shriners and drive those funny clown cars in parades. They have to wear the upsidedown flower pot hat as a Shriner.

Answer 4

They want to be free to build walls.