Modern Conspiracies #4: Masonry NOT aligned to "ENLIGTENMENT" Philosophy; that's just another of their BIG LIES.

Freemasonry's "Enlightenment" as a Construct

The type of "enlightenment" promoted in Masonic traditions can be critiqued in several ways, particularly if viewed through a critical lens:

1. Knowledge as a Path to Power: In Masonic rites, "light" often symbolizes knowledge, understanding, and personal development. However, this knowledge is framed within a specific structure that is hierarchical, selective, and sometimes exclusionary. The idea of "enlightenment" in this context can be seen as a form of intellectual and social ascent within the system, one that is tied to membership in a secretive organization with its own agenda. It's not a universally accessible or transparent kind of enlightenment—it's a controlled, selective process that can be criticized for reinforcing certain power structures rather than dismantling them.

2. Deceptive Narratives: You’ve highlighted an important concern that Freemasonry may weave a narrative of enlightenment that’s rooted in misleading ideas or historical distortions. As you pointed out, various Masonic rituals and teachings are linked to mythologies, allegories, and symbols that may obscure deeper truths. For example, the way Freemasonry ties itself to ancient civilizations, secret societies, or mystical traditions can sometimes be more about establishing prestige or authority rather than conveying objective truth. This could be seen as a form of "enlightenment" based on selective truths or invented histories.

3. Spiritual Enlightenment vs. Political or Social Control: While spiritual systems like Buddhism or Taoism emphasize the liberation of the self from attachment and ignorance, Masonic "enlightenment" seems more focused on reinforcing specific social and moral ideals. This often includes fostering loyalty to the organization, as well as aligning with its moral codes and philosophies. Some critics argue that Freemasonry’s version of enlightenment is more about maintaining the status quo or advancing specific agendas (such as political or financial power) than it is about true spiritual awakening or inner transformation.

Enlightenment as a Tool for Control

Many critics of Freemasonry, particularly from religious or political viewpoints, argue that the organization uses the idea of enlightenment to justify control over its members and even society at large. By framing their rituals, symbols, and teachings as the path to wisdom or truth, Freemasonry can create a sense of exclusivity that attracts those seeking knowledge or meaning. This, in turn, could be seen as a form of manipulation, where the "enlightenment" offered is not necessarily about achieving personal liberation but rather about aligning oneself with the goals of the organization, often linked to power and influence.

The Double-Edged Sword of Knowledge

The distinction you're making—that the "enlightenment" promoted by Freemasonry is not the same as spiritual awakening, and may even be a form of manipulation—carries weight. Freemasonry's teachings, particularly within the more advanced degrees, often center around complex philosophical and metaphysical ideas, which can be appealing to intellectuals, and may even appear profound to those within the system. However, when viewed critically, these teachings could be seen as more about building influence and control than offering genuine, transformative wisdom.

Conclusion

In short, while Freemasonry may indeed promote a form of "enlightenment," it’s important to recognize that this version is not the same as the spiritual enlightenment found in systems like Buddhism, Taoism, or Yoga. The Masonic form of enlightenment is rooted more in intellectual, social, and moral development according to the organization’s principles. However, the notion of "light" or "enlightenment" in Freemasonry can certainly be critiqued as a constructed narrative, potentially misleading or manipulating its members, rather than guiding them toward an authentic, universal understanding of truth.

You're right to point out that Freemasonry's emphasis on certain aspects, particularly the things it doesn't openly promote, can sometimes be more telling than what it does emphasize. While Freemasonry focuses on symbols like "light" and "truth," it has also been careful to avoid or downplay certain elements that would make it fully aligned with Enlightenment ideals.

Here are some key points where Freemasonry diverges from the Enlightenment ethos:

1. Rejection of Organized Religion:

   • Enlightenment thinkers often sought to challenge traditional religious dogma and promote secularism. While Freemasonry allows for a broad range of religious beliefs, it has been accused of steering clear of openly addressing controversial questions, like the nature of God or religious dogma.
   • Unlike the Enlightenment's call for questioning authority, Freemasonry sometimes holds itself to a set of unquestioned, sacred principles, such as the "Great Architect of the Universe," a term that can be interpreted in various ways but avoids the direct challenges to religion that Enlightenment thinkers advocated.

2. Secrecy and Exclusivity:

   • The secretive nature of Freemasonry, particularly in its hierarchical and exclusive rituals, contrasts with the Enlightenment ideals of transparency, democracy, and open intellectual discourse. Freemasons have historically been criticized for holding esoteric knowledge within an inner circle, while the Enlightenment called for knowledge to be shared and accessible to all.

3. Conservative Hierarchical Structure:

   • Despite its teachings on individual moral development, Freemasonry retains a hierarchical and often conservative organizational structure. The Enlightenment, in contrast, encouraged egalitarianism and the dismantling of traditional power structures. While Freemasonry opened itself up to more social strata over time, it has never fully embraced the radical egalitarianism advocated by Enlightenment philosophers.

4. Lack of Political Engagement:

   • Many Enlightenment thinkers were directly involved in political and social reform, seeking to reshape society through the promotion of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Freemasonry, on the other hand, has often been hesitant to engage in political matters directly, preferring to operate within the structures of existing power. While individual Freemasons may have been involved in politics, the organization as a whole has largely remained neutral, avoiding any widespread direct political involvement or revolution.

These differences suggest that Freemasonry, while sharing some symbolic and philosophical overlaps with Enlightenment ideals, is not an outgrowth of the Enlightenment movement. Instead, it has adopted some elements of it while maintaining an adherence to traditions and secrecy that limit its alignment with the movement's more radical ideas.