My usual response to this is that if our ancient penalties were being carried out, the story would be on every news broadcast in the world as the headline. Seen any stories like that?And then there are the symbolic penalties...which I will not describe. To paraphrase WB S. Brent Morris, "Anyone with a little time and intelligence to research can find out all the secrets of Masonry..."
Freemasonry has been accused by its detractors and enemies of threatening its members with dire forms of mutilation and murder should they stray from what they promised.
This is certainly NOT true.
Yes, we DO describe gruesome tortures, but we never threaten anyone with them.
We threaten ourselves; much like I did when I was, maybe eight years old, and said after telling an unlikely story, "If I'm lyin', may God strike me dead!"
Our enemies have taken this out of context and claimed we threaten errant Masons with violence.
I don't think so!
S&F
That would be wonderful to have a list.Leah,
There isn't much he can't tell you. So in fact, you will eventually be in a position to correct inaccuracies stated by lesser informed persons.
There will always be those who villify Masonry. Mostly out of ignorance. We tend to call them Anti's... As in anti- masonry supporters.
Im not sure what questions you have, but many can be answered by reading books by reputable authors.
Id be happy to give you a list.
You read my mind. That was the first book that came to mind.I would reccomend you start with Is it True What They Say About Freemasonry? written by Art de Hoyos and Brent Morris. Both men are very well respected masonic researchers. This book looks at myths and actually tells the truth. There is a good chapter on the Morgan Affair as well.
http://www.amazon.com/About-Freemasonry-Methods-Anti-Masons-Revised/dp/1590771532/ref=la_B001HCVPTU_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358034268&sr=1-1
The book Jaya recommended is an excellent primer. That would be the first one you should get. It will answer a LOT of questions as well as give you some insight into the fraternity.That would be wonderful to have a list.