| Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal societies. The lessons Freemasonry teaches in its ceremonies are to do with moral values (governing relations between people) and its acknowledgement, without in any way crossing the boundaries of religion, that everything depends on the providence of God. Freemasons feel that these lessons apply just as much today as they did when it took its modern form at the turn of the 17th century. Despite what many people claim, Freemasonry is not in any way a secret society. Freemasonry's so-called secrets are solely used as a ceremonial way of demonstrating that one is a Freemason when in Lodge meetings. In any case, they have been exposed by the media for almost as long as Freemasonry has existed and are not important information anyway. The real point of a Freemason promising not to reveal them is basically a dramatic way of promising to keep one's promises in general. Other reasons why Freemasonry cannot be called a secret society are that Freemasons do not promise to keep their membership secret (they can tell anyone they wish), where and when Freemasons meet are matters of public record (you can look up Masonic centres in telephone directories) and our rule book, the Book of Constitutions and our aims are readily available to anyone. It is ironic that because Freemasons used to be reticent about their membership (because they were and still are taught never to use it to advance their own interests), critics have taken this the wrong way round and think that there is something secretive and nasty going on. Nothing could be further from the truth. Masonic ceremonies are secular morality plays which are learned by heart by members of the lodge for the benefit of the person who is becoming a Freemason or who wishes to explore Freemasonry further. Each ceremony has a message for the candidate. A further reason why Freemasons do not go around broadcasting their contents is simply because it would spoil it for the candidate - exactly as in the same way you would not tell someone the ending of a book or a film. Under the English Constitution, basic Freemasonry is divided into two parts, called the Craft and the Royal Arch [o Royal Arch]. For Freemasons who really want to explore the subject in more depth there is a host of other ceremonies, which, for historical reasons, are not administered by the United Grand Lodge of England. All English Freemasons experience the three Craft (or basic) ceremonies unless they drop out from Freemasonry very early on. These three ceremonies (or degrees as we call them) look at the relations between people, man's natural equality and his dependence on others, the importance of education and the rewards of labour, fidelity to a promise, contemplation of inevitable death, and one's duty to others. A fourth ceremony - the Royal Arch emphasises man's dependence on God. Although all Freemasons are required to profess and continue in a belief in a Supreme Being, and their ceremonies include prayers, Freemasonry is not in any way a substitute for religion. It has and can have 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 at which grace is said. Furthermore, Freemasons are not allowed to discuss religion at meetings. English Freemasonry is also strictly non-political and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is expressly forbidden. These rules both stem from Freemasonry's aims 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 has all too often led, when allowed to run riot, to discrimination, persecution and war. A Freemason is thus basically encouraged to do his duty first to his God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice, and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service. None of these ideas is exclusive to Freemasonry, but all should be universally acceptable and Freemasons are expected to follow them. United Grand Lodge of England.
What is Freemasonry? Text adapted in part from "On the Threshold," a pamphlet compiled by the Committee on Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of the State of Missouri.
What Freemasonry is not. . .Before providing any definition of Freemasonry, I believe it is necessary to point out some things that Freemasonry is not and has never claimed to be: Freemasonry is not a charitable institution, as such. One of the fundamental principles of the institution is the practice of charity, and a Mason necessarily ministers to widows and to the fatherless in their affliction; however, these and similar modes of conduct must proceed from that purity of life and conduct that is one of the great objectives of all Masonic teachings. Freemasonry does not insure its members against the difficulties of old age, provides no sick benefits as such, issues no policies on the lives of its members, and pays no death benefits of any kind. The matter of individual relief is confined to those cases where it is necessary, in spite of all the efforts of a brother or of his family to maintain economic independence. A Mason's part in this procedure is far more likely to be that of a contributor rather than a beneficiary. Freemasonry is not a religion. It has a philosophy of its own that is in harmony with the church, the school, and all other worthy institutions. The teachings of the fraternity transcend all denominational and sectional divisions. Its sympathies are as broad as humanity. Freemasonry does not lend itself as a means of promoting selfish interests. Any underlying purpose of such a nature will eventually become apparent to fellow Masons, and the individual will inevitably suffer the loss of his brothers' respect.
What, then, is Freemasonry?There have been a number of definitions of Freemasonry. Perhaps the most direct is this: "Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols." The system of morality referred to undoubtedly includes principles with which a candidate is more or less familiar before his entrance into Masonry. He will, nevertheless, find these presented in new ways and under forms different from those he has known in the past. The essence of morality is to be found in the utter simplicity (though not the ease) of its requirements. Symbolism reaches a high degree of development in Freemasonry and is largely responsible for its universality. Men of different tongues often may find it difficult to reach a common understanding. Through symbols, all men are able to comprehend one another without the necessity of any spoken word. The symbolism of Freemasonry deals with the intellectual, moral, and spiritual values of life. The elemental principles of Freemasonry are exemplified in the three degrees of the Symbolic (or Blue) Lodge. When one speaks of a "Masonic Lodge," it is ordinarily the Blue Lodge that he has in mind. There is one or more Blue Lodge in nearly every community of any size in the United States and the same is true in many other parts of the world. One's progress through the degrees will require some months. One is "initiated" an Entered Apprentice, "passed" to the degree of Fellow Craft, and "raised" to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. There is a ritual appropriate to each degree. Its significance becomes apparent as one proceeds. One should approach Masonry with a receptive mind. Whatever one finds difficult or obscure should challenge him to search out its meaning. There is nothing of a light or trifling character in Masonry. Any intimation one may have had to the contrary is false. As one crosses the threshold of the Masonic Lodge, it should become for him a sacred place wherein he should be content to love and serve his brethren, honor his Lord, and learn the many lessons that Masonry seeks to teach.
How does one become a Mason?"To be a Mason, you must ask a Mason." Many men live a lifetime and never know that they must ask for admission to the world's oldest, most purposeful, and greatest fraternity. They do not realize that they will not be invited. They must come of their own free will and accord, without persuasion. However, in asking Masonry to share with you its past, present, and future, and all the privileges of its brotherhood, you must bear in mind that certain things are expected of you. The privileges of Freemasonry are no greater than the responsibilities of its members. Remember: The calling of a Freemason is eminently honorable. Never suffer yourself to derrogate from it. Loyalty to home, country, and to the fraternity is expected at all times. Patriotism is a bounden duty, and you should not countenance disloyalty or rebellion. Masonry stands for liberty, equality, and fraternity--not only for Masons, but for ALL MANKIND. Freedom of thought, speech, and action is the watchword of Freemasonry, so far as it is not incompatible with the same rights on the part of others. That, in a like manner, every Freemason is the enemy of ignorance, bigotry, oppression, superstition, and all mental and spiritual darkness. Freemasonry champions the cause of the widow, the fatherless, the weak, and the oppressed. Freemasonry challenges the arbitrary assumption by anyone of the power to dictate the actions, beliefs, and destinies of any group or individual. The time honored virtues so cherished by our forefathers are still the accepted practice and foundation of confident relationships among Masons, and humility, peace, charity, and gentleness are among the hallmarks of purity and integrity of character. If you wish to be a Mason, ask a Mason.
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