by Al Harven Sr

Created on: February 26, 2010   Last Updated: February 27, 2010

This article is written to provide some understanding of Freemasonry, and to answer the question is Freemasonry a cult? 

Cult from the latin Cultus - to care, cultivate, religious worship, or devotion to a person or thing.

Freemasonry does not qualify as a cult under this definition or any other definition.  Freemasonry is a fraternal order whose main goal is to help the widowed child.  That is to help and assist all mankind that are in need of aid. 

Freemasonry has historically been misunderstood throughout the ages by outsiders, because the craft is found within the Traditions of ancient Egypt, the mysteries of ancient alchemist and holy mystics, the symbolism and secrets of world wisdom and knowledge. 

Short of giving away it's secrets, Freemasonry is simply the spiritual awaking and development of those who seek more light (knowledge). It is the alchemical process of man's transformation from a life of darkness to the perfect light of all wisdom.  The freemasonry transformation begins with three(3) degrees of mastery and during the lifelong steps to perfection the Freemason shall become as pure gold, or the pure substance of true knowledge, wisdom and light.     

It may be appropriate to pause and give a brief history of Freemasonry to those who do not know of its orgin.  Most historians believe that  develop over time from the guilds of medieval operative stonemasons who built the Gothic Cathedrals of Europe.  Centuries earlier, the Angles and Saxons settled in ancient Britain and established a form of the organization.  A civil system of social order developed (guilds) alongside it, initially founded on blood ties in Scotland and later on community ties.  The first of these guilds was organized in Italy ,and then France and Scandinavia as a means of suppressing piracy at that time.  Their scope grew so by the 13th century guilds had become the outstanding feature of the social and economic life in Europe.  Men and women, rich and poor all could belong to this new order.  At the head of each guild were two or more wardens medieval Foreman's who supervised the work performed by the craft and oversaw standards.  The general membership was divided into three tiers: Masters, Fellow crafts, and Apprentices.  The same three are used today to distinguish the differences between the three degrees of Freemasonry. 

The members of Freemasonry are not religious in practice or belief.  They did not follow the rules of a cult belief system, nor do they bow to any man.  They worship God, believe in and serve their Country, and give aid to those in need. 

Famous Historical figures who were Freemason's: President George Washington, Benjamin Franklin,President Gerald Ford, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt, Mozart, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Harry Houdini, and the list goes on.  So, if Freemasonry was a cult then America is built upon cult ideas because most our founding fathers were Freemasons, and believed and practiced Freemasonry.   

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