The Craft: History and Influence of the Freemasons

[A longer and more in-depth version of this article is available on request]

The term “the Craft” is often used to refer to the practices and teachings of the Freemasons in order to emphasize the idea that the organization is a fraternity of skilled and learned craftsmen.
The book we are reviewing today is The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World by John Dickie is a comprehensive and engaging history of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization that has been influential in various aspects of modern society. The book traces the origins and development of the Freemasons, from their beginnings as a fraternity of stonemasons in the Middle Ages, to their expansion and evolution into a global organization that has played a significant role in the development of modern society.

The Evolution of Freemason Rituals, Symbols, and Teachings

Throughout the book, Dickie explores the rituals, symbols, and teachings of the Freemasons, and the ways in which these have evolved over time. Here are some examples of how the rituals, symbols, and teachings of the Freemasons have evolved over time:
Initiation ceremonies: In the early days of the Freemasons, initiation ceremonies were relatively simple and straightforward, and typically involved the new member being given a series of lectures on the history and principles of the organization. Over time, however, these ceremonies have become more elaborate, and may now include a variety of symbolic rituals and symbols. For example, some lodges use a “tracing board” during the initiation ceremony, which is a diagram that illustrates the history and teachings of the organization.
Symbols: The symbols used by the Freemasons have also evolved over time. For example, the square and compass, which are two of the most well-known symbols of the organization, were originally used as tools by stonemasons. As the organization expanded and began to attract members from a wider range of professions, these symbols came to represent broader ideals, such as the pursuit of knowledge and the principles of brotherhood.
Teachings: The teachings of the Freemasons have also evolved over the centuries. In the early days of the organization, the emphasis was on practical skills and the promotion of brotherhood among craftsmen. As the organization grew and changed, however, the teachings came to focus more on moral and spiritual values, such as charity, self-improvement, and the pursuit of knowledge.

The Strengths of The Craft

One of the key strengths of The Craft is its balanced and nuanced approach to the history and influence of the Freemasons. The book does not shy away from exploring the controversies that have surrounded the organization throughout its history, but it also presents a fair and objective perspective on the arguments made by both the Freemasons and their critics. For example, the book acknowledges that the Freemasons have been accused of being a secret society that operates in the shadows and is only open to a select few, but it also points out that the organization has made efforts in recent years to be more transparent and to engage more openly with the public.
Another strength of the book is its thorough and well-researched approach to the history of the Freemasons. Dickie draws on a wide range of primary and secondary sources to provide a detailed and nuanced account of the organization’s development over the centuries. He also includes a number of interesting and insightful quotes from members of the organization, which help to bring the history of the Freemasons to life.

The Influence of the Freemasons on Modern Society

One of the most interesting aspects of The Craft is the way in which it explores the role of the Freemasons in shaping modern society. The book looks at the ways in which the organization has been influential in various fields, including the arts, science, politics, and business, and provides a thought-provoking analysis of the ways in which the Freemasons have contributed to the development of modern culture and society.
For example, the book discusses the ways in which the Freemasons have supported and promoted the arts, including music, literature, and the visual arts. Many famous artists, writers, and musicians have been members of the organization, and the Freemasons have played a significant role in supporting and promoting their work. In the realm of science, the Freemasons have been at the forefront of many important scientific discoveries and innovations and have played a key role in the development of modern scientific thought. Many famous scientists, including Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, were members of the organization, and the Freemasons have supported and promoted scientific research and exploration throughout their history.
In politics, the Freemasons have been influential in shaping the course of history and have played a significant role in the development of modern political systems and ideologies. Many famous political figures, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were members of the organization, and the Freemasons have supported and promoted political reform and progress throughout their history. In the realm of business, the Freemasons have been influential in shaping the modern economy and have played a key role in the development of modern business practices and models. Many famous business leaders and entrepreneurs, including John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford, were members of the organization, and the Freemasons have supported and promoted business innovation and growth throughout their history.

Conclusion

The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and influence of the Freemasons. It is a well-written and engaging book that provides a comprehensive and balanced exploration of the organization’s history, rituals, symbols, and teachings, and offers a nuanced and nuanced perspective on the controversies that have surrounded it throughout its history.

Reference:
Dickie, J. (2021). The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World, Lodon, Hodde & Stoughton