The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 8 - Categorization of Rituals 649
8. Categorization of Fraternal Rituals in Social
Context
The following classification of fraternities will show that they have evolved
around a special purpose, such as charity, insurance, sociability, etc. Sometimes,
their activities comprise more than one of these categories. The outcome will
prove that the Masonic institution differs from the worldly aims of the imitative
orders, because it is rather ritual-oriented. Insofar, it is astonishing that "profane"
dictionaries do not seem to see this difference and often equate Freemasonry
with other, more issue-oriented "secret societies." At least this was the case in
the past. But even some of the modern ordinary dictionaries apparently do not
provide much information on the "real" aims of the Craft.
The great American Lexicographer, Noah Webster, gives us this
definition in his unrivalled Dictionary: 'FREEMASON, - One of an
ancient and secret association or fraternity, said to have been at first
composed of masons or builders in stone, but now consisting of
persons who are united for social enjoyment and mutual
assistance.' 1601
The differentiation of Freemasonry from the competitive fraternities will
show its distinction due to its high moral aims. However, in the following
analysis also the dark side of Masonry shall be inspected, the infiltration of
marketing strategies and the abuse as entertainment or cheap provider of benefit
and insurance. The Debunker of 1929 expresses a rather pessimistic point of
view when commenting on the reasons why people want to join a fraternity:
[W]e find that the majority of members join an order through curiosity,
with which is combined the self satisfaction of being able to wear the
insignia and, after this has worn off, gradually develop into sustaining
members who pay their dues and do not take any active interest in the
affairs of the order. The new members who [...] have developed the
"fraternal complex" become members of the uniformed bodies or
regular lodge attendants with a view to getting into line for the offices
or, as it is called, "going through the chairs." I venture to say that not
one percent of the membership of fraternal orders attend meetings or
work for the order in any way without some ulterior personal motive,
whether it be vanity, ostentation, politics, personal gain or anything
else. 1602
1601 Quoted from The Masonic Review, vol. XXXI, from 1866, p. 303. The Merriam Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary, 10 th edition, from 1996, p. 465, has not more to say on the subject than "a
member of a major fraternal organization called Free and Accepted Masons or Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons that has certain secret rituals."
1602 Haldeman-Julius (ed.), p. 60.