Fact Check: Freemasonry is an occult secret society and many masons aren't even aware of the overarching goals of freemasonry because that is only revealed to the highest degree members, ie. 33rd degree masons.... thus lower level masons are quite ignorant to the real intent and purposes

Fact-Check Article: The Claim About Freemasonry

What We Know

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins back to medieval stonemason guilds, with a history that includes various degrees and rites. The basic structure includes three primary degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, which all members must progress through before potentially joining additional bodies that confer higher degrees, such as the 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite (Wikipedia on Freemasonry).

The 33rd degree is often viewed as an honorary title, recognizing significant contributions to the fraternity rather than a rank that conveys secret knowledge or control over the organization (33rd Degree Mason: The Pinnacle Of Freemasonry). While it is true that higher degrees may involve more esoteric teachings and rituals, many of these teachings are not entirely secret and can be found in public sources (33rd Degree Secrets).

Critics of Freemasonry often label it as a secret society, suggesting that its members, especially those at lower degrees, are unaware of the overarching goals and intentions of the organization. However, the organization itself maintains that it is not a secret society but rather a society with secrets, emphasizing moral and ethical teachings (33rd degree knowledge).

Analysis

The claim that many Masons are unaware of the overarching goals of Freemasonry because such information is only revealed to the highest degree members contains elements of truth but is also misleading.

1. Degree Structure: It is accurate that Freemasonry has a hierarchical structure where knowledge and teachings become more complex and esoteric as one progresses through the degrees. Lower-level Masons may not have access to the same information as those who have achieved the 33rd degree. However, this does not imply that they are entirely ignorant of the organization's fundamental principles, which are often discussed openly in lodges (Wikipedia on Freemasonry).

2. Public Knowledge: Many of the symbols, teachings, and even some rituals of Freemasonry are publicly available and discussed in various publications. This contradicts the notion that lower-level Masons are completely in the dark about the organization's intents and purposes (33rd Degree Secrets).

3. Source Reliability: The sources that support the claim often come from anecdotal evidence or interpretations by critics of Freemasonry, which may introduce bias. For instance, videos and articles that sensationalize the secrecy of the 33rd degree may not provide a balanced view of the organization's teachings and values (33rd degree knowledge, 33rd Degree Secrets). Conversely, more scholarly sources like Wikipedia provide a more neutral perspective on the structure and philosophy of Freemasonry (Wikipedia on Freemasonry).

4. Masonic Philosophy: Freemasonry emphasizes moral development and brotherhood, which is a core tenet accessible to all members, regardless of their degree. This suggests that while higher degrees may delve into more complex teachings, the foundational goals of Freemasonry are not hidden from lower-level members (33rd Degree Mason: The Pinnacle Of Freemasonry).

Conclusion

The claim that "Freemasonry is an occult secret society and many masons aren't even aware of the overarching goals of freemasonry because that is only revealed to the highest degree members" is Partially True. While it is true that higher degrees may involve more esoteric knowledge and that some members may not fully grasp the broader implications of the organization's teachings, it is misleading to suggest that lower-level Masons are entirely ignorant of Freemasonry's core values and principles. The organization is not a secret society in the traditional sense, as many of its teachings and symbols are publicly accessible.

Sources

1. Freemasonry
2. Secret Ritual Of The 33 Degree Mason
3. 33rd Degree Mason: The Pinnacle Of Freemasonry
4. 33rd Degree Secrets
5. 33rd degree knowledge: This was taught ONLY The secret ...
6. 33Rd Freemason - Esoteric Freemasons
7. Climbing the Ladder: Understanding Freemasonry Degrees
8. What Is A 33 Degree Freemason - Esoteric Masons