Frequently Asked
Questions
about
FREEMASONRY |
|
1) What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal order in the
world. It is a universal brotherhood of men dedicated to
serving God, family, fellowman, and country. It is often
described as a beautiful system of morality, veiled in
allegory and illustrated with symbols.
Though its exact origins
are uncertain, it is generally believed that the organization
descended from the guilds of stone or "operative" masons who
were "free" to travel from city to city to employ their skills
in the building of Gothic churches and cathedrals in Medieval
Europe. These craftsmen were known for the architectural
skills and commitment to high standards and ethical values,
and their guilds or operating lodges served as learning
centers and protectors of competitive trade secrets, to be
revealed only to trusted, capable companions. Gradually, as
the cathedrals and churches were completed and the need for
building skills declined, the lodges began to accept men of
prominence who were not stonemasons, but who nevertheless
desired to associate with the operative craftsmen. This new
class of members, known as "speculative" masons, were given
the status of "accepted"; that is, accepted into the lodges as
members having something to offer, but to be distinguished
from the operative masons. As time went on, these speculative
masons outnumbered the operative masons, and the lodges
accordingly shifted their focus from the discussion of
technical and operative building arts to the teaching and
practice of moral philosophy. It was from these groups of
accepted masons that Freemasonry as we know it today had
emerged.
2) How is Freemasonry
organized?
The
fraternity is organized into what are known as Symbolic or
"Blue" Lodges. Each Blue Lodge is comprised of a group of
Masons who meet on a regular basis. Blue Lodges are organized
under a Grand Lodge, which serves as the authority for and
dictates the practices of all lodges within its jurisdiction.
No regularly constituted lodge can come into being without the
consent of a Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge is the highest
Masonic authority within the jurisdiction in which it resides;
its word on any Masonic subject is Masonic law within its own
borders. In the
United States
, Masonic jurisdictions
are coincident with state lines. The first Grand Lodge was
established in
England
in 1717.
The fraternity grew rapidly soon after. Today, there are an
estimated 5 million Masons throughout the world, with the
United States
claiming about 3.5
million of the total membership.
3) What are the Masonic
"degrees"?
A man who enters Masonry does so by
progressing through three ritualistic ceremonies or degrees,
each of which is designed to inculcate important principles
and practices of the fraternity. The three degrees are Entered
Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. The significance of
the lessons presented within each degree ceremony become more
apparent to the candidate as he proceeds through them. The
ceremonies are of a serious and solemn nature, and the
candidate should have no apprehensions whatsoever in
participating in the ceremonies or of the manner of his
reception into each
degree.
4)
Is Freemasonry a
religion?
No. While the moral
philosophy of Freemasonry is based upon religious principles,
it is not in itself a religion, nor is it a substitute for
religion. To state it another way, the Fraternity does not
regard itself as an instrument of God for the purpose of
reconciling men to Him, but it does teach that men do need
such reconciliation and should seek it through the religious
faith of their preference. Candidates for Masonry are thus
required to profess a belief in God and be of good moral
character, though they are not required to be of any
particular religious affiliation. Consequently, the fraternity
is comprised of and welcomes men of all religious beliefs and
persuasions. How and where a Mason chooses to practice his
faith is entirely his own business.
More information on this
topic can be obtained at the following link: Freemasonry and Religion .
5) Is Freemasonry a
political
organization?
No. Masonic organizations and Freemasonry
in general are non-political. Lodge memberships consist of men
of diverse political and social views. As Masons, they
recognize one another as friends and brothers without regard
to political party or allegiance. Indeed, partisan (as well as
religious) discussions are forbidden within lodge meetings, as
such topics can often result in divisiveness and
disharmony.
It is
also important to remember that Masonry never requires its
members to do or say anything that might conflict with their
duty to God, their country, their neighbors, or themselves. A
man's obligations as a Mason in no way conflict with his
obligations as a member of society. On the contrary, the
Masonic Fraternity reiterates, reinforces, and reemphasizes
them.
6) Is Freemasonry a
charity?
Freemasonry is
not a charity organization per se, although charity is a basic
teaching and important element of the fraternity. Masons
assist distressed brother Masons and their needy families
through charity funds, maintained by most lodges.
But Masonic charity also
reaches well beyond the Fraternity. Indeed, Masonry spends
over $2,000,000 per day to support charitable causes. The
best-known examples of such charities are the Shriners' Hospitals for
Children. Known as the "World's Greatest Philanthropy",
this renowned pediatric healthcare system provides outstanding
treatment for children with orthopedic problems and serious
burn injuries. A remarkable aspect of these hospitals is that
they do not have a patient billing department - all services
are provided totally
without charge to the patient and family, and without
regard to the family's Masonic affiliation.
Other
examples of Masonic charity include treatment, rehabilitation,
and research services for learning and speech disorders,
cancer, mental illness, vision problems, and those in need of
special dental restoration.
7) Is Freemasonry a "secret"
society?
No. Freemasonry
is a well-known organization that has been in existence for
centuries. Its members freely identify themselves and are
proud to be known as Masons. Masonic Lodges are familiar
sights in communities all over the world. Their constitutions,
rules, and regulations are open for inspection by anyone who
cares to view them, and there are literally thousands of
written works available in public libraries and bookstores on
the subject of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry does have
certain modes of recognition, rites, and ceremonies that are
kept secret. These "secrets" are viewed by the Fraternity as
private affairs, similar to the secrets kept by private
businesses and other organizations who choose not to publicize
certain information. Strictly speaking, therefore, Freemasonry
is not a secret society, but rather a society with a few
secrets.
The
secrecy of Freemasonry is an honorable secrecy. Any man may
ask for her secrets, and those who are worthy will receive
them. To give any such secrets to those who do not seek or who
are not worthy of them would trivialize their importance and
impoverish their meaning. See also the following paper:
What Can I Tell My Non-Masonic
Friends?
.
8) How can I become a
Mason?
An important
characteristic of the Masonic Fraternity is that it never
solicits members. Our code of conduct prevents it. Thus, no
faithful Mason will ever invite you to join the Fraternity.
Instead, a man must ask to be admitted
by contacting a lodge and requesting a petition for
membership. Applicants for
admission must be at least 21 years of age, be mentally
competent, be of good moral character, and must believe in the
existence of a Supreme Being. Upon submission of a petition, a
candidate must provide three character references, and will be
investigated by a committee of inquiry. The Lodge must approve
his candidacy by a unanimous ballot. The candidate is then
eligible to receive the three Degrees of Symbolic
Freemasonry. For more information on
filing a petition, click on the following link: How Can I Become
a Mason?/Download a Petition Form
.
