For centuries, people have feared members of the elite who meet each other socially. For the same reason, some people are terrified of G8 conferences and the United Nations. Are these heads of state conspiring to reshape the world to their megalomaniac views? Secret societies inspire the same qualms because they are, well, secret. Freemasonry is often the topic of choice for conspiracy theorists. After all, it is a dream come true for them. But is Freemasonry different from other famous secret societies like the Illuminati, the Ordo Templi Orientis, or the Skulls & Bones, of which both Presidents Bush are members? Let's see if there's really basis for concern.
First of all, Freemasonry, whose official name is Order of Free and Accepted Masons, is not a religion. It's a fraternal organization where the members get together to share their high moral standards. …
