Hi guys, this is Rugrunner's wife. I can give you a few answers to your questions. First of all, the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons is just that - an International fraternal organization that supports various charities and scholarship programs. It is hundreds of years old, and while no one is certain as to its origins, some believe that it began with the Guilds of stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe.
You may be familiar with the Shriners . . . you know, the guys with the go-carts and the crazy fez's? You always hear off color jokes about Shriner's conventions in Las Vegas. The Shrine is an affiliate organization of the Masons.
Masons maintain some secrecy about their rituals, so they are the subject of suspicion and conjecture. They are a perennial favorite with conspiracy theorists, due to the inordinately large number of powerful Historical figures who were/are Masons. There are rumors linking them to, among others, the Illuminati, the Golden Dawn, and the Skull and Bones Society.
The traditions of Freemasonry are founded on the building of King Solomon's Temple. Is Masonry a religious organization? Most assuredly not, although there have been a great many religious leader who have been Masons. Their rituals are based on Biblical principles, but Masonry is not intended to be a replacement for ones own faith. Religious tolerance is highly prized among Masons, and because of that there are members from a variety of religious backgrounds.
Now, it may sound to you like I am blowing a lot of cigar smoke up your wazoo in order to paint a rosy picture of these guys. The truth is, if you run a search on Freemasonry, you will find as many sights that shoot them down as build them up. My only experiences with them have been positive, as my dear Great Uncle was a Master Mason and I grew up around them. Just as in Religion and Politics, evil people can perform evil deeds and cast a grim light upon those whom are otherwise upright and virtuous. Sometimes mans' desire for knowledge and power can outstrip his ability to deal with the consequences of his actions.
And yes, it is true, they are the secret puppet masters of the home canning industry.
Mrs. Rugrunner
