Alain BAUER - Masonic Secrets

Pouvoirs n°97 - Transparence et secret - avril 2001 - p.91-97

Masons take an oath promising to keep the « Masonic Secret » strictly, although such a secret is not mentioned in their founding document, the Anderson Constition of 1723. Originally a sort of code word, of oral degree for the ancient professional guilds, secrecy became a system of symbols and rituals for the speculative masonry of the 18th century, which was often described and even published. It has become a discipline aiming to determine the qualities of the applicant, a rule (not always respected) ensuring discretion and solidarity. Through its theatrical procedure, it also creates a certain conditioning of the new member at the time of application and of initiation. Thus the Masonic Secret is a multiple and changing concept, difficult to define, and it is often misunderstood by the very people who defend it as a principle. But it is freely accepted by men and women who know that this obligation is first and foremost a selfimposed contract. Résumé

Référence électonique : Alain BAUER, "Masonic Secrets", Pouvoirs, revue française d’études constitutionnelles et politiques, n°97, 2001, p.91-97. Consulté le 02-06-2012. URL : http://www.revue-pouvoirs.fr/Masonic-Secrets.html