Inside the Freemasons

This was a brave move by UGLE and in this age of instant gratification, will most likely illicit the "boring" response. But the more curious seeker may find that there's a philosophical journey to be had there, amidst the mirth and fellowship of a few good men. Hint - avoid the boring ones only interested in rank and title, and seek out the characters such as the Widows Son's bikers and the master of the new Football Lodge.

Anyone can join - but you have to ask first. That is the first stage of your journey. Wake up, do some work! Not everything can be bought or Googled. I think the reason UGLE left out the history and more esoteric side, is because these are personal interpretations that each Mason will discover along the way. Believe it or not, there is no definitive answer on the origins of the Craft.

My own historical version goes something like this.... On the immortality of the soul, Pythagorus and Thales were the first philosophers to move away from mysticism and towards abstract reasoning supported by facts, and sometimes illustrated by number. Masonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being (typically inferring immortality of the soul), but it also demands we learn about the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science. Hence it could be considered an early form of Science & Spirit. Furthermore, it is fiercely supportive of free will and independence. Later on, the Templars were behind Magna Carta, and after their excommunication they supported Robert de Brus in the Declaration of Arboath.

Much later on, the early Scottish Freemasons such as Robert Moray were instrumental in forming the Royal College (of science). Alchemy had become chemistry, conjuring had become mathematics, and astrology had become astronomy. Rosicrucianism ran with the hermetic side and the Illuminati ran with the pure science side. Both died out fairly quickly yet they live on in the minds of many dreamers and conspiracy theorists. Freemasonry chose the middle ground and thrived as the landed gentry, with time on their hands, could combine traditional club atmosphere with philosophical inquiry.

Much later on, American Independence (via the Templar's philosophical successor, the Freemasons) was modelled on the same spirit of egalite, fraternite and liberte. Indeed, Washington, Franklin and later Teddy Roosevelt are all descended from the same Templar ancestors as HM The Queen, Duke of Lancaster.

Unfortunately, like many ancient institutions, Freemasonry has become tired and over-run by those only interested in title and rank, with almost no interesting skid marks in their personal driveways. It still carries a lot of very respected tradition, especially from its early military days as a colonial force. And for those interested in more than the fellowship, social and charitable aspects, one can still discover some secrets, realising that of course the journey is a personal one.

Masonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. As the experience is so personal, showing everything upfront would ruin it completely. Once again, any man (or woman) so interested will wake up and do the work, only realising later the subtle improvements in character and self-confidence. Audi, Vide, Tace.... Hear everything, see everything, and yet remain silent.

I have suspected all manner of things about Freemasonry but never this. It is shockingly and excruciatingly BORING. I have just watched one episode and it is as interesting, say, as having someone explain to you in detail all the symbols on his masonic apron. I would rather watch puppy and baby videos.

It was good learning what the Freemasons are about and watching some of the ceremonies but it was too long with time spent on tedious detail about individuals. Would have been good to hear more from their partners.

I have been a Freemason for several years. So I watched this documentary pure out of curiosity. It's not often you come across an honest depiction of what Freemasonry is all about. This documentary does something none other has ever done right, and it's actually there where they go completely wrong. When finishing this documentary you will have a pretty good feeling what it is to be a Freemason. But you will not know why you would even want to become a Freemason. They lack in providing you with some background history. I get it, this is not what the director was after. But being a Freemason is much more than what you see in this documentary. Sadly enough you cannot explain it by footage. It's something you have to experience. I would recommend conspiracy theorists to watch this documentary. So they finally can get a right picture about it. But for those who take an interest in Freemasonry, remember there is so much more to it.

This documentary looks at Freemasonry as a hobby or sub-culture by examining the often-asked question, "Just what do Freemasons do?" The answers in this case are specific to the United Grand Lodge of England, the oldest and most respected Grand Lodge, but will be recognizable to Masons throughout the world. In the interests of full disclosure, I am an American Freemason, and while there are significant differences in practice, it is not so different that I couldn't find myself nodding my head in agreement with the Freemasons featured in the program.

It's a somewhat idealized look at Freemasonry. Those looking for controversy or conspiracy theories will be disappointed. Enough ritual is shown to give a flavor of the words used, but no secrets are shown. There is practically nothing of the history of Freemasonry spoken of. Instead, we hear from current Freemasons at various levels trying to explain what draws them to the fraternity.

Freemasonry is basically a scheme of self-improvement whereby its members try to live up to a set of ideals regarding morality and charity-- what it takes to be a really good man. They believe by associating together they can support each other in this laudable pursuit. In England, it has come under suspicion for being self-serving-- the idea that Masons will cover up the misdeeds of their brothers is widespread. The secrecy surrounding its rituals are thought to be training for this conspiracy. The documentary attempts to dispel this theory by showing these men to be rather pleasant, ordinary, and genuine, and hardly the type to look for undue advantage in business or the public sphere.

So we see a series of men and their somewhat bemused wives and partners as they transition into various roles in their lodges. There is no great drama involved, but the situations are absolutely real.

After seeing the overly breathless conspiracy documentaries that have come out, claiming to expose the secrets of the order, this film gives a healthy dose of realism to the discussion. If it defers too much to what the United Grand Lodge of England wants to present, it nevertheless gives the viewer the idea of why Freemasonry is so important in some men's lives. Hint: it's not in order to take over the world. It's to improve oneself and hopefully, in some small way, the larger society by doing what a single individual can do. The mysterious effects of Freemasonry, demonstrated by over 300 years of practice, are something to be applauded, not feared.