Researching Freemasonry

in the 21st Century:

Opportunities and Challenges



by Prof. Pierre-Yves Beaurepaire

Professeur d'Histoire Moderne

Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis

Masonic academic research today has reached a turning point. Carried on for decades by academics belonging to the Masonic order or philosophically near to it, Masonic scholarship continually sought out legitimacy from university and scholarly authorities.



The research centres, chairs, seminars, and applications for high level international projects have multiplied, often with the support of Masonic Grand Lodges.



In parallel, these obediences created, welcomed or financed their own research institutes or conference centres. They understand the importance of their heritage: archival materials, pictures and artefacts represented a powerful support for the organization, illustrated by the often remarkable public artistic exhibitions.



However, the assessment remains mixed. Masonic studies remain isolated and still suffers from a recognition problem. It is therefore collectively that we need to think of the question of the bonds which still link Masonic research to the patronage of Grand Lodges and to all kind of Masonic institutions.



There also exists an equally difficult second challenge: the ritual invocations to Georg Simmel or Jürgen Habermas aside, how can we integrate Masonic studies into research on public space, social networks and networking, history of ideas, studies of individual trajectories or of the birth of a political culture for Latin Masonry (what do you mean by "Latin"? Latin America? Not clear for English-speaking audience), without making lodges and their members a simple pretext, but by considering them as such and for themselves?



The positivist, factual, chronological history of Freemasonry has undoubtedly its own interest. It constituted even a necessary stage. But from now on Masonic research must not only integrate the academic and professional rules of a researcher in the humanities and social sciences, but...



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Geometric Properties of Masonic Symbols - Sacred Geometry

The synchronicity of the universe is determined by certain mathematical constants which express themselves in the form of 'patterns' and 'cycles' in nature. Mathematical and geometric constants are confirmation that certain proportions are woven into the very fabric of nature. Recognising the significance of this simple fact offers us the means to understand how and why such matters were considered sacred. They and everything around us, are the product of the delicate balance between chaos and order.



A collection of research papers by Bro. William Steve Burkle KT, 32°, Scioto Lodge No. 6, Chillicothe, G.L. of F.&A.M. of Ohio.



Read papers



Special Project 2012



GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF TURKEY

GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF TURKEY





First International Masonology Simposium



Freemasonry and Brotherhood

Researching Freemasonry by Scientific Methods First International Masonology SimposiumResearching Freemasonry by Scientific Methods

Read Selected Papers



King Solomon's Temple - A Landmark Symbol for the Freemasons

Collection of papers exploring the Masonic symbolism of King Solomon's Temple. References to the construction of King Solomon's temple at Jerusalem have been included in the rituals of the operative Freemasons since ancient times. In each of the several degrees of Freemasonry, the candidate Freemason progressively represents the various types of stone used in the building.

King Solomon's Temple

A Seeker After the

Inner Meaning of Freemasonry

Essays and Short Papers by W. Bro. Julian Rees, Masonic Author, PJGD of the UGLE.

"Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge. Here Masons take their stand. From this point, we as Freemasons start our journey, our quest for self-knowledge, a path leading us to the inmost parts of ourselves, our own psyche and soul".



Julian Rees - Masonic Papers The Influence of Plato's Republic

on Freemasonry and Masonic Ritual

a book by V.W. Bro. Stephen Michalak

D,G. Lecturer, G.L. of South Australia&N.T.

Plato’s philosophy is at the core of modern Freemasonry. The Author provides evidence of the correspondences between Plato’s writings and our Emulation Ritual. A researched interpretation of Emulation Ritual Freemasonry from the perspective of Greek philosophy and mythology.



Plato's Republic and the Masonic Ritual