This has been a very interesting discussion, although some Brother's comments less brotherly than others.
I think people need to understand early Freemasonry from a European perspective and not from an American one. In the 18th and 19th century, fraternal organizations and occult societies were popping up all over continental Europe. The easiest way for these organizations to try and sound legitimate were to attach themselves to Freemasony as it was, at the time well known and respected (except by the Catholic Church). A lot of the members of these organizations became Freemasons to try and steal Freemasonry's secrets, rituals and to try and recruit membership. One of these organizations was the short lived Bavarian Illuminati. Whose founder and members were eventually expelled by the Grand Lodge of Bavaria. Another example was the Antient Order of Gardeners who existed for a short time in Scotland in the 19th Century. Yes, their working tools were in fact, gardening tools!
Now roll it all forward to the 21st century, every yo-yo with a computer can throw up websites and YouTube videos about the illuminati and its connections to Freemasonry. All the tinfoil hat wearing conspiracy theorists lap it up as fact. The worst offender of this is a website called Freemasonry watch which also has a Facebook page.
Good, bad, and often misrepresented Freemasonry has one of the most unique and fascinating histories of any organization in the history of the world. I for one, am proud to be a part of it. Thanks for the tip I'll add this book to my collection.
In case anybody wants to know. I'm a third generation Freemason and my oldest son just went through his EA Degree.
