EP 89 Why Don’t Masons Know the 12 Origin Theories? Nesta Webster and Squats

Why don’t more Masons know the 12 theories of the origins of Freemasonry?In this episode of Masonic Muscle, I dig into the origin problem again and ask why so many Masons do not know — or do not seem to care — where the Craft came from.I also read from Bill Hinbern’s material at Super Strength Training on “The Exercise You Love to Hate.”Because every Mason knows this truth:The thing you avoid is often the thing you need most.That applies to squats.And it applies to Masonic history.This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:How can Masons strengthen the Craft if they do not study the competing origin theories, the weak points in the accepted narrative, and the history they claim to inherit?We discuss:the 12 theories of the origins of Freemasonrywhy Masons are divided on the origins of the Craftwhy many Masons do not care about Masonic historythe Transition Theorythe claim that Freemasonry evolved from medieval stonemason guildswhy “widely accepted” does not automatically mean provenNesta H. Webster and Secret Societies and Subversive MovementsAlbert Mackey and Masonic origin debateswhether Grand Lodges and lodges repeat one origin theory too confidentlyBill Hinbern and “The Exercise You Love to Hate”squats, deadlifts, kettlebells, trap bar work, and abbreviated trainingwhy physical discomfort and intellectual discomfort both build strengthNesta Webster wrote that no official theory on the origin of Freemasonry existed, that Masonic authorities were divided, and that many Freemasons did not know or care to know the history of their Order.That should bother us.Not because Webster must be accepted uncritically.But because the question still hits:Why would a Mason not care where Freemasonry came from?If we are going to claim to be seekers of light, then we cannot be allergic to history.We cannot be afraid of hard questions.We cannot keep repeating one theory as if repetition equals proof.The truth is out there — but you still have to do the work.And sometimes the work looks like reading old books.Sometimes it looks like doing the exercise you hate.Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or research lead?Write to me at:[email protected] Masonic Muscle on Instagram:@masonicmuscleFollow Masonic Muscle on Facebook.Subscribe and follow Masonic Muscle on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.Share this episode with one Brother who needs to stop avoiding the hard questions — and the hard exercises.