Many myths about Masonry have taken hold in the imagination of "conspiracy buffs.” This may be because Freemasons, like government intelligence agencies and big business, often allow the uninitiated to argue amongst themselves so that the truth remains private. In recent years, Masonic organizations worldwide have made efforts to address these myths and better address their critics.

Some of the most common Masonic “fictions” are addressed below:
 

fiction: only certain people can be masons
It is commonly held that individuals become Freemasons through invitation, patrimony, or other non-democratic means, but officially any individual may ask freely and without persuasion to become a Freemason in order to join the fraternity.

Freemasonry accepts members from almost any religion, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and so forth. In Lodges following in the Continental (European) tradition, atheists and agnostics are also accepted, without qualification.

To become a Freemason in Georgia, one must:

• Be a man at least 21 years age or older — regardless of race or background
• Believe in a Supreme Being – regardless of religion
• Be of sound mind and body
• Be of good character and reputation.

The "sound body" requirement is today generally taken to mean physically capable of taking part in Lodge rituals, and most Lodges today are quite flexible in accommodating disabled candidates.