is the freemasonry of satanic origin

Claims that Freemasonry is of satanic origin derive from anti-Masonic polemics, fictional sensationalism, and deliberate fabrications rather than the actual teachings or requirements of the fraternity 12. Allegations linking the fraternity to devil worship, Antichrist figures, or subversion of religion gained currency through nineteenth- and twentieth-century anti-Masonic campaigns in Europe, including the Leo Taxil affair and papal writings such as Humanum Genus 12. These attacks ignored that regular Freemasonry requires candidates to hold a belief in God and incorporates prayer into lodge business 2.

Critics and novelists constructed elaborate accusations that the Order promoted non-theistic rituals, harbored anti-religious agendas in its higher degrees, or served as a vehicle for spiritual corruption 1. Arthur Edward Waite noted that such claims were fantastic inventions born of ecclesiastic hostility rather than historical fact 1. Likewise, charges of materialism or naturalism disregarded the monotheistic foundation and moral character of Masonic teaching 2.

Detractors over the years have viewed Freemasonry as a sinister or satanic force, whereas its advocates describe it as a benevolent brotherhood, as an article on the United Grand Lodge of England website points out. Faith in God is the first requisite for admission into the Order, ceremonies make constant reference to God, and there is absolutely no truth to notions that Freemasons raise the devil or practice witchcraft, as an article on the Grand Lodge of India website records.