Are the Freemasons a good or a bad organization?

Answer 1

They still exist and are far much more than a gang. They are a Huge, secret society. In general they are a good group but any detailled study into their past reveals some characters that were not very good people at all and bring about questions as to their true intent, but alas - they are a "secret" society so good solid details are hard to find.

Asking a Mason is the very best way to learn more about Free Masonry.

Answer 2

It is a good organization, in so far as it is an organization, since Freemasonry is extremely loosely organized and what applies to Masons in one place might not apply to those in another or even to different groups in the same place. But generally, its purposes are good and not bad, as follows:

1. Freemasonry encourages religion. Not any particular religion, but Freemasonry encourages people to practice whatever religious principles they adopt.
2. Freemasonry encourages moral behaviour. People these days don't often think of virtue as a worthwhile objective in life, but Masons do.
3. Freemasonry encourages charity, both in individuals and as a group.
4. Freemasonry encourages thinking and learning. This is perhaps at the root of the opposition of some religious groups, who fear that if people start thinking and learning they may come to disagree with the people controlling their religion.
5. Freemasonry encourages loyalty and service to one's country. That is why so many leaders have been Masons.
6. Freemasonry encourages civility and courtesy. These are values the world desperately needs right about now.
7. Freemasonry encourages tolerance. This is also desperately needed. Again, this might be a reason why certain extremely intolerant religious groups do not like the Masons.