What is Freemasonry?
by Jeff Stokes on 24/03/10 at 6:50 pm
Without any doubt included in the list of Masons have been people who changed the course of history. However, the organisation they all belonged to remains the least understood organisation among public. It has always perplexed outsiders, and has always been an organisation shrouded in mystery. People lack even the rudimentary knowledge about Masonry, and ignorance results in confused ideas and spread of misinformation. It has a fair share of critics, and detractors, and baseless allegations have often levelled against it. Freemasonry has a long history of not answering to the critics, and this has been the reason why so many misconceptions exist about Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is an ancient society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values, truth, philosophy and rhetoric. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides. The fundamental ritual consists of a drama of building of King Solomon’s Temple, and the fate of its master architect.
Besides a profession in the belief of Diety there are no particular beliefs of Freemasons, as the fraternity is no more a religious organization than the Boy Scouts, perhaps less so even. Freemasons believe essentially the same things that teachers, bus drivers, Rotarians, or anyone else believes. There is no ‘requirement’ that all Masons believe certain things except insofar as good behavior dictates. Using this allegory, moral lessons are taught.
Freemasonry’s singular purpose is to make good men better and its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place of worship. It is not a religion as Freemasonry does not teach religious dogma nor does it teach a religious philosophy. For countless centuries back into the shrouded mists of time it has attracted men of high moral character who support the tenets of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.
Masonic lodges are organized much as any other organization. The primary officers (three or five in most lodges) are
elected by the membership and serve during the term for which they were elected (nearly always one year – although some may be reelected to the same position in a succeeding year). The primary officer (the Master of the Lodge, referred to by the title of “Worshipful Master” as a mark of respect) is similar in many ways to the President or presiding officer of any organization. He appoints other officers to carry out the work of the lodge as well as committees etc.
People become Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about. Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment.
Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society.
Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of a lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.
Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation. It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women.
Discussion: