ANTIMASONRY Meaning and
Definition
-
Antimasonry is a term that refers to a historical movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily in the United States, aimed at opposing or criticizing Freemasonry and its principles. Freemasonry is a fraternal society with secret rituals, symbols, and a hierarchical structure that has its origins in the medieval guilds of stonemasons.
Antimasonry gained momentum due to various reasons, including religious and political concerns. Many detractors of Freemasonry argued that the secrecy and exclusivity of the organization undermined democratic principles and posed a threat to the established social and political order. They feared that the fraternal bonds formed within Freemasonry could influence political decisions and undermine government institutions.
Antimasons viewed Freemasonry as a secretive society with mysterious rituals and ceremonies that allegedly promoted elitism, corruption, and the undermining of moral and social values. Critics believed that Masonic lodges wielded undue influence in politics, legal systems, and business affairs.
The Antimasonry movement organized political parties, published newspapers, and held public meetings to expose what they considered the hidden dangers of Freemasonry. It enjoyed notable success in the United States during the early 19th century, particularly in states such as Vermont and Pennsylvania.
Over time, the significance of the Antimasonry movement waned as society's focus shifted to other issues. Nevertheless, it played a significant role in shaping public opinion about Freemasonry, leaving a lasting impact on the perception and understanding of this fraternal organization.
Common Misspellings for ANTIMASONRY
- zntimasonry
- sntimasonry
- wntimasonry
- qntimasonry
- abtimasonry
- amtimasonry
- ajtimasonry
- ahtimasonry
- anrimasonry
- anfimasonry
- angimasonry
- anyimasonry
- an6imasonry
- an5imasonry
- antumasonry
- antjmasonry
- antkmasonry
- antomasonry
- ant9masonry
Etymology of ANTIMASONRY
The word "Antimasonry" is derived from combining the prefix "anti", meaning against or opposed to, and "masonry", which refers to the secretive fraternity known as Freemasonry. "Masonry" itself is derived from the medieval guilds of stonemasons whose members shared secret knowledge and rituals.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Anti-Masonic Party emerged in the United States as a political movement opposing the influence and secrecy of Freemasonry. The term "Antimasonry" was coined to describe this opposition, and it has since been used to refer to all forms of organized opposition and criticism of Freemasonry.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
