Freemasonry

Freemasonry (Hebrew: המשתמעים, HaMashte'emim; French: Franc-maçonnerie; German: Freimaurerei) is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, particularly in the operation of the operative guilds of the Middle Ages that built the cathedrals and castles of Europe. The earliest masonic documents and regulations for stonemasons were set forth in the Regius Manuscript (c. 1390–1425), the Cooke Manuscript (c. 1410) and the Matthew Cooke Manuscript (c. 1450). The basic tenets of Freemasonry revolve around the belief in a Supreme Being, the importance of moral and ethical values, and the promotion of brotherly love, relief, and truth among its members. Freemasonry spread throughout Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and was introduced to North America in the early 18th century. The organization is known for its elaborate rituals, symbolic teachings, and degrees of membership, which are structured in a hierarchical manner. Freemasonry has been both influential and controversial, with its members including many prominent figures in history, such as scientists, politicians, and philosophers. However, it has also faced criticism and suspicion due to its secretive nature and alleged influence on world events.