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This is rather like asking the question "What is a Church?" or, "What is
Faith?" People who are asked such a question will give different
answers, in their own words, based on their own perceptions, experience
and education. The most common answer is "A peculiar system of morality,
based on allegory and illustrated with symbols". It is, therefore, a
moral society which attempts to encourage men to be upright in family,
in business and in public life. All Freemasons are taught that any
duties which they have as a Freemason come only after their duties to
family, work, and faith. In no circumstances should their membership
interfere with these aspects of their lives.
The basic 'unit' of Freemasonry is the Lodge. This was the basic unit of
stonemasons, references to which are found in Scottish records as early
as 1491. Over time men who were not stonemasons became members of these
Lodges until many Lodges had few or no stonemasons left. It is clear
from existing records that stonemasons taught new members morality
without infringing on matters that were the concern of the church. In
educating their members they performed ritual 'plays' based on legends
of the origins of the craft of stone masonry. These plays were common
during the medieval period as the majority of people were illiterate and
a dramatic representation was a popular teaching method. It is not
surprising to learn that the 'props' used in these plays were the
working tools of the stonemasons, something with which they were
intimately familiar and to which they ascribed certain meanings. This
form of teaching is no longer common but perhaps the Passion Plays at
Oberammergau (Germany) are the nearest, albeit religious, equivalent
today.
Another way of explaining what Freemasonry is, is to detail what it is
not. It is not a religion, it has no theology, and it offers no answers
on matters of salvation etc., as these are the preserve of churches. All
Freemasons are encouraged to find answers to such questions through
their own faith, religion and church. Freemasonry is not a substitute
for religion and members are urged to respect the teaching of their own
faith and not to allow Freemasonry to infringe, in any way, on the
member's duty to their mosque, church, synagogue, etc. For this reason
Lodges in Christian countries do not meet on Sundays. Lodges within
Jewish communities do not meet on Saturdays and Lodges with a
predominately Muslin membership will respect the Holy Days of that
faith.
Freemasonry is not a political organization. It will not comment on, nor
offer, opinions as to competing forms of Government.
The essential qualification for admission, and continuing membership, is
a belief in the Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or
religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good
repute.
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its
essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects
them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion
to be discussed at its meetings.
For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:
- Brotherly Love -- Every true
Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others
and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
- Relief -- Freemasons are taught to
practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for
the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by
voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
- Truth -- Freemasons strive for
truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in
their own lives.
Freemasons believe that these
principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care
of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In
addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the
country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any
way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should
strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public
responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of his membership to
promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal
interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which
he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must
always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any
attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or
unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes
of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are
free to acknowledge their membership. Its constitutions and rules
are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its
aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of
its internal affairs as private matters for its members.
Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at
Masonic meetings is forbidden.
Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with
standards similar to those set by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. There
are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies which do
not meet these standards, e.g. which do not require a belief in the
Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to
participate in political matters. These Grand Lodges and bodies are
not recognized by the Grand Lodge of Scotland as being Masonically
regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden.
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to 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
exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable.
Freemasons are expected to follow them.
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