Do Masons have to swear terrible oaths? Are people killed when they break them?
Yes, and no. Masons swear an oath of secrecy concerning Masonic secrets, which are things such as the modes of recognition, the rituals, etc. These oaths, which are very old, are phrased in colorful and symbolic language designed to impress upon the candidate the seriousness of this oath. The oath itself is very real– it is sworn with the candidate’s hand on the holy book of his faith (e.g., the Bible, the Koran, etc.) and is meant to be morally binding on the candidate. However, the *penalties* involved in these oaths are symbolic. No Mason ever need fear harm from the hand of a Brother. Even if he were to break ties with Masonry and publish the secrets of Masonry, he would not be harmed.
