Why all the current mystery about Freemasonry? Media hype has recently generated an aura of mystery, bordering on malignancy, surrounding an organization that has existed in the United States before the Revolution, many members of which were Founding Fathers of our nation. Recent history has seen a surge of attention being paid to Freemasonry, most likely due to books and movies portraying a fictional and totally inaccurate picture of Freemasonry. According to many of these media “researchers”, appealing to the national paranoia, Freemasonry has been linked to every conspiracy from the takeover of governments, world rule, world economies.
Here is the undramatic truth. The goal of Freemasonry is: “Making good men better.” Although membership is recognized worldwide, and there is a common tradition among all Freemasons, there is no central, national or international body governing Freemasons despite some conspiracy theorist claims. In the United States, each State has its own Grand Lodge operating independently. Each state comes from the same common tradition and rituals but may differ slightly. It is an international brotherhood so any member in good standing is welcomed as a Brother in any other Lodge in the world. There are some external organizations extended, like the Scottish and York Rites, and and the Shrine who require that their members be Masons. These are organizations have evolved from and operate independently with their own set of rules and regulations and may be centrally governed and national or even international in scope. These organizations have been accepted as extensions of the three degrees of Freemasonry and are referred to as “appendant bodies”.
Freemasonry is essentially a social, philanthropic organization, which focuses on the education and character building of its members. Masons are a group of men bound together by a mutual feeling of brotherhood and mutual respect, despite any differences. We shed our political, religious, racial and other differences at the door and spend time focusing in harmony and unity. We are also an organization built on a long tradition of learning. We follow the tradition of learning through allegory and symbols that have been passed down as the methods of ancient stone masons teaching each other. These are far from myterious or mystical in their meaning but harken back to the middle ages when learning was through pictures and acting in morality plays. The internet has long since revealed the so-called “secrets of Freemasonry”. Perhaps years ago the secrecy had an appeal of exclusivity, but such times are long gone and the appeal now is more internal and personal for each member: closer friendships; activities; community service; a friend is a member; etc.
IS FREEMASONRY A RELIGION? The definition of religion is “an organized system of worship, or a belief in a single concept of a Supreme Being”, therefore the simple answer is NO! So does religion play any part in Freemasonry? Participation in a religious faith as a way of building character is definitely supported, but not required or considered for membership. However, no atheist may become a Mason. Masonry requires that every member believe in the concept of a Supreme Being but does not name that Supreme Being. Freemasonry is international and multicultural. There are Brethren who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim. There are some who profess no religion. By Masonic code, we are NOT permitted to advocate or discuss religion, politics, or any potentially divisive subjects which would interfere with harmony within the Lodge.
“YOU HAVE SECRETS SO IT MUST BE EVIL!” Sadly we now live in an increasingly paranoid society where the word “secret” means “subversive”. Does your family expose everything about itself, or does it keep certain things confidential. Secrets are not inherently bad things. “Secrets” or confidences are special bonds that bring fraternal group members together in a special way as close friends share only close confidences. Few people ever questioned that there was a Masonic Lodge down the street prior to 2003 when a series of novels was published. Due to the success of these novels and subsequent films, a new genre of documentaries developed about fraternal societies’ subversive motives. Our ancient fraternity was grossly sensationalized for dramatic effect. The truth is rather uninteresting. We remain committed to development of individual character and community service and charity.
A major accusation of has been that Freemasonry considers all religions as equal, thus making it in essence a “natural” religion. Nothing could be further than the truth. We do not discriminate against a man based upon his religious beliefs, just as we do not discriminate on race. Our purpose is not worship but character development through service and education using history from various sources, which includes some Judeo-Christian Biblical references in most United States Lodges.
“I don’t understand calling somebody ‘Worshipful’ . I cannot worship any man. I can only worship God! ” Since modern Freemasonry was founded in England, it is tradition to still use some old English words and phrases that sound odd. The term “Your Worship” or “Worshipful” in England is used the same way Americans use the term, “Your Honor” or “Honorable” when referring to officials. This title is only used within the formality of our meetings as a term of respect for the office of Master of the Lodge.
Some of the furnishings and symbols may resemble religious objects. During meetings there is a stand which is referred to as the “altar”, upon which sits the book or symbol on which the members of that Lodge took their oath to adhere to their principles. That book may be a Holy Bible, Quran, or scroll, or symbol representing the common culture of the Lodge. Some Lodges place copies of all on that altar at one time so as not to discriminate should there be diverse cultures represented in the Lodge. This centrally placed stand, a place of respect, in full view of the Master and all members symbolizes the seriousness with which we conduct our business. Candle sticks are used to represent the “light” of knowledge to which Masons aspire.
WHY “FREE” MASONRY? The original “free” masons were the builders who were highly skilled architects and mathematicians who used mathematics, especially geometry in their work. The word “Freemason”, now shortened to “Mason” comes from the fact that, in medieval times, their skills were so valued and in demand. master masons were the only craftsmen permitted to freely travel from one kingdom to another to work on the great building projects such as the great castles, cathedrals, and bridges. These craftsmen were among the most highly educated men except for the clergy at that time. As teachers, they used symbols and allegories and story telling to educate others. Today modern Freemasons hold to this tradition in their symbolic rituals.
If you have read this far, we can assume that you are an open minded, reasonable person. One can never try to defend Freemasonry against dedicated conspiracy theorists because they have first reached a conclusion and then gather “evidence” to prove their point. Our goal, as Masons, is to become better men regardless of our social or economic status in the community. When a Brother enters his Lodge he is an equal to every other member. President, king, or peasant are all the same. By being Masons, we hope to be better fathers and grandfathers, sons, husbands, and partners, and citizens. Simply, just better men.
