Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It is dedicated to promoting improvement in the character of its members. A Mason is taught to be a good citizen. To be of good character. To care for those less fortunate, and to give back to his community. The Masonic fraternity contributes over $1 Billion each year to its philanthropic pursuits. Over $750 Million of that in the United States alone. The Crippled Children's and Burns Hospitals sponsored by Shrine Masons are world famous for their ability to help those most in need.
Freemasonry traces its roots to the Middle Ages. It is from associations of stone masons, who built the magnificent cathedrals, castles, and monasteries of Europe that the fraternity started. These groups, eventually, began to accept members who were not actual working masons. At that time they adopted the term "Accepted" Masons, and Freemasonry was born.
The lessons Freemasonry teaches in its ceremonies, are to do with moral values. Freemasonry's acknowledgement, without crossing the boundaries of religion, is that everything depends on the providence of God. Freemasons feel that these lessons apply as much today as they did when it took its modern form at the turn of the 17th century.
Is Masonry A Religion?
No, it is not a religion. This is not to say that masons do not have
religious beliefs. One of the tenets of the Masonic Fraternity is that its
members are free to express their beliefs in the religion of their choice.
However, it is also a condition of membership that each recognize that the
wonders of the universe are not here as a result of our doing. But rather as a
result of a Supreme Being, who brings order and purpose to our existence.
Freemasons are required to profess and continue in a belief in a Supreme Being. Their ceremonies include prayers, which are not in any way a substitute for religion. It has no theological doctrines, it offers no sacraments, and it does not claim to lead to salvation. By having prayers at its meetings Freemasonry is no more in competition with religion than, say, having a meal where grace is said. Freemasons are not allowed to discuss religion or politics at meetings. Freemasonry's aim is to encourage its members to discover what people from all different backgrounds have in common. As is all too well known, debate about religion and politics can lead to heated discussion rather than enlightenment.
Is Masonry A Secret Society?
This is a widespread misconception, and is completely untrue. The
so-called secrets of Freemasonry have actually been in print for well over a
century. The fraternity does nothing to hide its existence, its purpose or its
membership. The lessons taught in our meetings are meant for the improvement and
education of our members. As such, there are portions of these lessons that are
not discussed with those outside of the fraternity. Freemasonry's so-called secrets are solely used as a
ceremonial way of demonstrating that one is a Freemason. In any case,
Freemasonry have been exposed by the media for almost as long as they have
existed. The real point of a Freemason promising not to reveal their secrets, is
basically a dramatic way of promising to keep one's word in general. It is ironic that Freemasons used to be quiet about their
membership. They were and still are taught never to use it to advance their own
interests. Critics have taken this the wrong way and think that there is
something secretive and nasty because of the silence. Nothing could be further
from the truth.
Grand Lodge - Local Lodges
A Grand Lodge is the governing body for a series of Local Lodges. The
Local Lodge is where individual members belong. It is also where instruction is
given and the actual work of the Fraternity is conducted. The first Grand Lodge
was founded in London, England in 1717. It is from them that other countries
petitioned for their own charters. They formed in groups, establishing their own
Grand Lodges, which in turn gave charters to Local Lodges. Today, there are more
than 150 Grand Lodges worldwide with a collective membership of more than
6,000,000.
What Are The Requirements For Membership?
Membership in the Masonic Fraternity is an act of free will. A man
must ask for the opportunity. The potential member must be at least eighteen
(18) years of age, of sound moral character, and able to express his belief in a
Supreme Being. Two (2) members of the Local Lodge being petitioned must be
willing to sign his petition. His election is by unanimous consent.
Masonic Charity
The Masonic Fraternity believes that its members have an obligation
to give back to their communities, and to benefit others. It is an important
point to emphasize that Masons are taught to go about these tasks in a quiet,
unassuming fashion. This is meant to impress upon our members that it is the
work, and not the individual, that is of importance. It is also to preserve the
dignity of those for whom the work is performed.
What
is Freemasonry, what does it offer & where can I get more information about it?
The Formal Answer
Whenever we are asked What is Freemasonry? the formal answer includes much of the following:-
Freemasonry is one of the
world's oldest secular fraternal societies. The essential qualification for
admission is a belief in a Supreme Being and to be of good repute.
Freemasonry is open to
men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own
faith. Freemasonry is a system of morality, not a system of faith or salvation
and is complimentary to the belief of the individual. Indeed, lodge meetings,
in order to ensure harmony, expressly forbid the discussion of either religion
or politics.
Freemasonry asks that
each of its members shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and
behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man. Its members, in
varying degrees, are involved with numerous local, national and international
charitable works, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works
as individuals.
Freemasonry demands from
its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and
lives. Freemasonry does not override the individuals duty to one’s self, one’s
family ones God or work.
Masonic meetings have a
set structure and consistent content and although their organisation and
ceremonies have been shrouded in secrecy in the past, are now largely open to
public scrutiny one way or another – United Grand Lodge of England even hires
PR consultants these days to help get their message across fairly. Whilst
Masonic lodges are private, their member are happy to talk about any virtually
any aspect of Freemasonry, except their modes of recognition.
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) and then, without detriment to his work or family, to his neighbour (in the broadest sense) through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masonic, but the setting in which they are practiced, the spirit of friendship which is prevalent among its members and the opportunity for a convivial dinner after such meetings surely is.
The More Casual Answer
The more casual answer
would add that Freemasonry is a body of like-minded, responsible men, who in
their own way, wish to progress as individuals and share a journey of personal
development towards self enlightenment ie make good men better.
Freemasons will also enjoy
the customs and theatrics and within the
lodge room
which, in an appropriate context, are used to explain symbolic meaning. There is
also good humor and a spirit of friendship.
In between lodge meetings,
many freemasons will try to find opportunities to put something back into the
community at large. They will also appreciate that humility and the conduct by
which they run their lives outside the lodge room is important. Finally, they do
not regard Freemasonry as a secret society, merely one that is private that
would lose some of its special significance and meaning to newcomers should
every aspect of lodge business become widely known or be taken out of context.
These days, any quick search on the internet will reveal all sorts of signs, signals or so called secrets and secret practices with rolled trouser legs ascribed to Freemasonry. Whilst some might reveal a germ of truth, none of them warrant the wild rantings from the conspiracy theorist or cult lobby in our society. However, if you happen to hold those views, or got carried away with Dan Brown’s fascinating book “The Da Vinci Code”, then email us and we will be happy to separate masonic fact from media fiction. On the other hand, if you still have a question mark about Freemasonry’s compatibility with religion (whether Christian or otherwise) and fitness within society generally, click HERE for a thorough and considered response.
The Masonic Checklist
“Ok. What’s the real attraction?” Well, it can also offer:-
1. Fun, if not idiosyncratic, meetings and dinners amongst friends.
2. An opportunity to give money or time to charities that are well managed.
3. Enjoyment: Masonry wouldn’t survive if it were serious all the time.
4. Mental gymnastics: Yes, there is a bit of learning involved!
5. Trust: Frankly, you have to demonstrate this just to join.
6. Historical Interest: Masonic history can be fascinating life long study.
7. Time to consider and evaluate one’s moral outlook and character.
8. A friendly forum where you can develop confidence in public speaking.