Anti-Masonry: A Historical Examination of Opposition
Exploring the multifaceted criticisms and persecutions directed at Freemasonry throughout history, from religious condemnations to political suppression.
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Defining Anti-Masonry
Core Definition
Anti-Masonry denotes the avowed opposition to Freemasonry. Historically, this opposition has manifested in various forms, including religious condemnation, violent persecution, and state-sponsored suppression across different cultures and organized religions, particularly within Abrahamic faiths.
Diverse Criticisms
It is crucial to understand that Anti-Masonry is not a monolithic movement. It comprises a spectrum of criticisms originating from frequently incompatible political institutions and religious bodies, each holding distinct and often conflicting views hostile to Freemasonry in some capacity.
Early Manifestations
The 1698 Leaflet
The earliest documented instance of anti-Masonic sentiment appears in a leaflet circulated in London in 1698. Attributed to a Presbyterian minister named Winter, the document warned against Freemasons, characterizing their secret meetings and oaths as inherently evil and indicative of an anti-Christian agenda. It cautioned against mingling with this "corrupt people," suggesting their clandestine activities were contrary to divine observation and godly conduct.
Political Dimensions
Allegations of Disloyalty
Critics have historically alleged that Freemasonry hinders members' full commitment to their nation. Unlike the explicit denunciations of treachery found in Operative Masonry, Speculative Masonry (post-1723) is perceived by some as more ambiguous regarding loyalty. Some interpretations suggest that Masonic oaths, particularly concerning secrecy and penalties, could be seen as overriding civic duties, a stance criticized by figures like John Quincy Adams.
Communist and Fascist Regimes
Freemasonry faced systematic persecution in all communist states, being outlawed and considered a subversive element. Similarly, Fascist regimes viewed Freemasonry as a potential source of opposition. Adolf Hitler, in Mein Kampf, accused Freemasonry of being a tool of Jewish conspiracy, contributing to Germany's defeat in World War I and promoting a "pacifistic paralysis." Hermann Göring declared that "in National Socialist Germany, there is no place for Freemasonry," leading to the disbandment of lodges and persecution of members, often marked by the red triangle symbol.
Francoist Spain
Following the military coup of 1936, Freemasons in Nationalist-controlled areas of Spain faced severe repression, including arrests, torture, and executions. The Franco regime officially outlawed Freemasonry in 1940, making membership punishable by lengthy prison terms, with severe penalties, including the death penalty, for higher-ranking members. Franco himself was a fervent opponent, producing numerous anti-Masonic publications.
United Kingdom Context
In the UK, anti-Masonic sentiment intensified following Martin Short's 1989 book, Inside the Brotherhood. This led to proposals for laws requiring members in the police and judiciary to declare their affiliation, amid concerns about favoritism. While the Welsh Assembly implemented a legal requirement, subsequent challenges led to the policy's revocation, though voluntary disclosure is still encouraged in some sectors.
Religious Opposition
Muslim Anti-Masonry
Islamic criticism of Freemasonry dates back to the 18th century, often equating it with atheism and linking it to conspiracy theories, particularly concerning Jews and the figure of the Dajjal (Islamic Antichrist). Influential figures like Muhammad Rashid Rida spread anti-Masonic and anti-Semitic ideas, impacting movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Many Muslim-majority countries have banned Masonic establishments, citing concerns about subversion and foreign influence.
Christian Anti-Masonry
Various Christian denominations express varying degrees of concern regarding Freemasonry. Some Protestants and Eastern Orthodox churches advise against membership due to perceived incompatibility with Christian teachings. More extreme views, drawing from figures like Leo Taxil, accuse the fraternity of Satanic worship. The Roman Catholic Church has prohibited membership since 1738, initially through excommunication and later through interdict, maintaining this stance despite changes in canonical penalties.
Conspiracy Theories
Historical Narratives
Conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry have long alleged its covert control over world politics or its aim for global domination. Early theories, such as the 1786 publication Enthüllungen des Systems der Weltbürger-Politik, accused Freemasons and Jesuits of plotting world revolution. Throughout the 19th century, counter-revolutionaries frequently blamed Freemasons for attacks on established social orders.
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References
References
- As quoted by Morris, S. Brent; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, Alpha Books, 2006, p. 204
- "2nd â You shall be true liegemen to the King of England without any treason or falsehood, and if you know of any that you amend it privily, if you may, or else warn the King and his Council of it by declaring it to his officers."
- Reváuger, Cécile. Black Freemasonry: from Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz. 2019, Inner Traditions International, The Limited.
- "Such language would equally suit every anarchistic movement." Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
- Ridley, Jasper;The Freemasons: A History of the World's Most Powerful Secret Society, pp. 180â181 (Arcade Publishing 1999).
- Finney, Charles Grandison; The Character, Claims, and Practical Workings of Freemasonry.
- William Preston Vaughn, The Anti-Masonic Party in the United States, 1826â1843 (University Press of Kentucky. 1983).
- Adams, John Quincy Letters on the Masonic Institution, pp. 68â71, 1847 Press of T.R. Marvin
- Vermont Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911, Accessed June 26, 2008
- L. J. Niinistö; "Paavo Susitaival 1896â1993. Aktivismi elämänasenteena", 1998.
- Anttikoski, Riitta: Kun talonpojat marssivat. Helsingin Sanomat, 6.7.1980, s. 17. HS Aikakone (vain tilaajille)
- Kirja-arvosteluja. L. J. Niinistö: Paavo Susitaival 1896â1993. Aktivismi elämänasenteena Genos
- 'The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction', Alphonse Cerza, published by the Masonic Service Association, September 1967
- L. Nagy Zsuzsa: SzabadkÅművesség a XX. században, Budapest, 1977, Kossuth Könyvkiadó; L. Nagy Zsuzsa: SzabadkÅművesség, Budapest, 1988, Akadémiai kiadó
- The Enabling Act Accessed February 23, 2006.
- Ruiz, Julius, Franco's justice: repression in Madrid after the Spanish Civil War, p. 25 Oxford Univ. Press
- Pietre Stones The Unlawful Societies Act of 1799, Dr Andrew Prescott, retrieved 13th July 2012
- "New judges must declare masonic membership", BBC, March 5, 1998, retrieved February 26, 2006
- "Freemason policy review due", BBC, December 8, 2001, retrieved February 26, 2006
- "Morgan criticised over job blocking", BBC, March 22, 2004, retrieved February 26, 2006
- Layiktez, Cecil "Freemasonry in the Islamic World", Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry, 1996
- Hamas Covenant of 1988. Wikisource. Accessed 2 October 2007.
- "Saddam to be formally charged", The Washington Times, July 1, 2004. Retrieved 2011-10-09.
- Leyiktez, Celil. "Freemasonry in the Islamic World". Accessed 2 October 2007.
- Matthias Pöhlmann: Verschwiegene Männer, Protestant Centre for Religious and Ideological Issues of the Evangelical Church in Germany
- Dr. Johannes Rogalla von Biberstein, historian and librarian of the University of Bielefeld: Die These von der Verschwörung 1776â1945. Philosophen, Freimaurer, Juden, Liberale und Sozialisten gegen die Sozialordnung, Flensburg 1992
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