During the times of the Middle Ages architects and stonemasons were an elite class, who were able to travel between countries, unlike the everyday commoner or serf, who was restricted on travel. The masons referred to themselves as “free” because they could travel. During the Middle Ages the Masons erected and designed many of the great cathedrals and other beautiful structures throughout Europe. The Masons, as simple craftsmen learned the operative arts of masonry and design in guilds and unions into the sixteenth century (Mackley and McClennachan, 774-750).

The beginning of the seventeenth century marked a huge change

There are many controversies surrounding the histories of the Freemasons, as well as surrounding their present day influences. Most of this controversy is due to the secretive nature of the Masons. Many prominent figures in the United States have been Masons, including former President Andrew Jackson. There have been many incidences of Masons being accused of giving other Masons unfair advantages in hiring for jobs and promotion. Often today many people join the Masons to gain promotion in their professional lives (Dumenil, 23). Masons have also been accused of controlling decisions in government by being a underground government themselves. There are also writings linking the Freemasons to President Lincoln’s assassination, beliefs on Nazi Germany, the Murder of Pope John Paul I, establishing the Klu Klux Klan, the Jack the Ripper Murders in England, and the JFK assassination, as well as many others.

Today the Bible is considered the most sacred of texts of the Masons in most Western Lodges. The Bible serves as one of the three pieces comprising “The Three Great Lights,” the most common and important Masonic symbol. The other two pieces of the “three Great Lights” are the compass and the square, the Bible itself is not necessary, any text held sacred by that lodge can be used (Hamil, 151).

To become a Freemason one must befriend a member of a lodge and ask for a recommendation. The potential member must sign a petition stating his name, age, occupation, and place of residence, and all members must vote unanimously on the acceptance. The requirement for membership is the belief in one non-specific Supreme Being.

There has also been much controversy surrounding the blood in many Masonic Oaths. There is penalty for telling Masonic secrets, from death, to tearing the tongue out from its roots. These penalties have given rise to much anti-Masonic sentiment.

Masons must go through three levels. That is accomplished by memorizing small am

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