I agree with Jason, The "secret society" thing I believe is what sparks a lot of the conspiracy theories. As you seem to be educated in the origins of freemasonry, you have obviously derived an opinion about them. Things also contributing to the conspiracy is that women are not permitted into the fraternity, therefore appendant bodies were created such as the "Order of Eastern Star", and "Amaranth" for female relatives of freemasons. Masons were involved in many aspects of the known world, including as you mentioned the crusades. Although masons were not the defenders initially of christianity, The Knights Templar were the defenders of christianity. When they were disbanded after the crusades by the Marq of France, many were imprisoned, some were tortured and executed. It has been said that many of the Knights Templar hid and took up stone masonry as an occupation, this bond with Templars and Masonry then was established.
Another large thing that fuels the fire of conspiracy theorists is that Free Masons do not engage in arguing/fighting the allegations, mainly due to the fact, if we fought every fight about who we are, our charity and contributions would suffer to the deserving because of money spent fighting a fight which can't be won. A belief is something that is hard to fight and win against. As with this and any other thing in life, take it with a "grain of salt" until you experience it first hand.
PM #232
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