What Happens if Freemasons Secrets are Revealed?

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What Happens if Freemasons Secrets are Revealed?

by Nick
(Jacksonville, Florida, USA)

I don't really know much of anything about the Freemasons, only of a few conspiracy beliefs that my teacher talked over in class one day. I am in high school at (name of school removed for privacy).

Something that interests me since our class discussion is that my teacher said one conspiracy theory was that if a Freemason were to disclose and reveal the secrets of Freemasonry that he would come to a weird end. Like how one man was trampled to death by ten horses in the same week that he had revealed the secrets of the Freemasons.

I was kind of wondering if this was in any way true, in an altered way or not.

Also, do you have any idea why the Denver airport was painted white?? Only to blend in with the snow?

Thank you!

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What Happens if Freemasons Secrets are Revealed?

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Apr 30, 2010
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No Shortage of Freemason Conspiracy Theories
by: Tim

Dear Nick,

Thank you for your very interesting question.

There is certainly no shortage of conspiracy theories surrounding the Freemasons. This is partly because of our long history, partly because it is nearly impossible to prove a negative, and partly because we actually do have secrets.

The origins of Freemasonry are lost in time. We know that modern day Freemasonry began with the founding of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1717 because records have been kept since that time. There are many clues and indications that an organization of masons existed long before that time, and our traditions reach back to the earliest of days. With such a long and yet uncertain history it follows that conspiracy theories will naturally spring up along the way. Conspiracy theorists have been making a pretty good living telling our secrets for thousands of years. Most of them die of natural causes.

To answer your question regarding a Freemason disclosing Masonic secrets is a little more complicated. As a Freemason I took upon myself certain obligations. One of which was that I would not, in any way, disclose any of the secrets that may be imparted to me. These secrets come in two flavors. There are Masonic secrets and then there are those secrets that my Brother Master Masons may choose to share with me. I promised that I would not disclose either. Naturally, as a man of honor, if a friend and Brother entrusts me with a secret I am going to keep it, provided it does not involve murder or treason. But, let's look at the Masonic secrets.

All the Masonic secrets have been published, publically portrayed, and discussed for centuries. They're all out there and easily found. I could, if I chose to, tell you where to find them. But, I will not tell you what they are because I solemnly promised that I would never do that. And yes, the obligations that I took do involve certain penalties should I break my promises. Some of the penalties are quite gruesome. But, I don't keep my promises out of fear of these penalties; I keep my promises because that's what an honorable man does.

Freemasonry uses allegory and symbols to teach and impress. The penalties of our obligations are designed to impress upon us the sincerity of our obligations, not to instill fear. So no, if a Freemason were to disclose Masonic secrets the fraternity would not conspire to bring about his untimely end. However, a conspiracy theorist might kill him and blame it on the fraternity. Just kidding.

(Continued next comment)

Apr 30, 2010
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No Shortage of Freemason Conspiracy Theories (continued)
by: Tim

Now, I should probably take this explanation one step further. You'll note that I said "the 'fraternity' would not conspire to bring about his untimely end." Every organization has its zealots. No doubt there have been men in the fraternity who believed the penalties were to be taken literally. Were there men in the past who were punished for dishonoring their obligations? Quite possibly. Is it possible that were a modern day Freemason to violate his oaths he might find himself in regrettable circumstances? Perhaps. But in neither case would it be sanctioned by the Masonic fraternity or by Masonic teachings. It would be misguided men behaving badly under the guise of fraternal retribution. Men who wish to do harm can generally find a reason. The Masonic fraternity is made up almost entirely of honorable, trustworthy and gentle men, but we are men and men make mistakes.

In short, there is no definitive proof of any man ever coming to a weird end for divulging the secrets of Freemasonry, and there never will be.

I don't know why the Denver airport was painted white. Let's see, white is the color of light and Freemasonry is all about the search for more Light. You might be on to something there. I'll look into it and let you know if I discover anything interesting. Thanks again for your question.

Fraternally,

Tim

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What Happens if Freemasons Secrets are Revealed?

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What Happens if Freemasons Secrets are Revealed?