Free mason = anti-church?

[git-r-done]

The way I just saw it from both sides is that free masons are either a cult or an organization. However, if we go back in years, it was created by mathematical/scientific minded people, and the church (catholic) would suppress these people. The church has always suppressed any ideas that contradict their beliefs. They had no choice but to hide and share knowledge in secret, out of fear of death.

Here is the question: Are free masons of old a cult, or were they refuting the church? My opinion is obvious but what is yours?

 

[Katzpur]

My opinion is that people are quick to label any organization that keeps any secrets from the general public as a "cult." The Masons do a great deal of good within the societies in which they exist and are entirely legitimate in my book. People who are so quick to judge seldom know what they're talking about anyway.