Masonic lodges began to exist several centuries ago and reached their peak in the late 18th century. Due to the fact that among their members were prominent political figures, Masons had a significant impact on society. Today the Masonic Order is popular in many countries, but for many people the question remains - what do Masons do?
In the Middle Ages, Masons actively fought with religion and the monarchical government. Despite the fact that officially Masons preach religious tolerance and can support any religion, it was important for them to free humanity from the prejudices associated with it. Masons secretly or openly supported freethinkers and various sects, thus introducing a split into the Christian church. The idea of separating the church from the state at the time of the activation of the liberal and socialist parties belonged precisely to the Masons.
Another goal of Masonic lodges was the destruction of monarchical power, as well as the national identity of peoples. In their opinion, these shortcomings of society significantly impede the achievement of the ultimate ideal of society - a superstate without nationalities, religions, monarchs, where all people are brothers. Masons supported the ideas of democracy, liberalism, helped revolutionaries. To achieve their goal, they tried to seize political influence and power in their own hands and redraw all spheres of life in their own way. This applies not only to religion and the state, but also to families, schools, army, science, art, industry, etc.
Today, many of the goals of Freemasons are somehow achieved. Religion no longer plays an important role in government, the monarchy has almost become obsolete, democracy, freedom of conscience, assembly, and religion have reigned in most countries. However, society still did not reach the ultimate ideal, so the actions of the Masons are now directed in a different direction.
In civilized countries, including Europe, Freemasonry was faced with problems such as a decline in the general population culture, and people's indifference to each other. Meanwhile, the brotherhood and equality of all people is an integral part of an ideal society in the teachings of Masons. Therefore, today Freemasonry considers itself to some extent a club for the creation of the intelligentsia - the currently dying layer of society. Relations between people should be based on the principles of friendship, relationship to each other, self-sacrifice.
In fact, it looks like funding for schools, universities, hospitals, medical research centers, and other charitable activities. For example, in the United States, Masonic charitable organizations spend about half a billion dollars a year on these goals. In Russia, this activity is hardly noticeable, since Masonic lodges are practically not developed.
