WHAT IS A FREEMASON – Part 1

WHAT IS A FREEMASON – Part 1

WHAT IS A FREEMASON

Source: www.mastermason.com

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal organizations. The lessons Freemasonry teaches in its ceremonies, are to do with moral values. Freemasonry’s acknowledgement, without crossing the boundaries of religion, is that everything depends on the providence of God. Freemasons feel that these lessons apply 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. In any case, Freemasonry has been exposed by the media for almost as long as they have existed. The real point of a Freemason promising not to reveal their secrets is basically a dramatic way of promising to keep one’s word in general.

Other reasons why Freemasonry cannot be called a secret society are that Freemasons do not promise to keep their membership a secret. Where and when Freemasons meet are matters of public record.

It is ironic that Freemasons used to be quiet about their membership. They were and still are taught never to use it to advance their own interests. Critics have taken this the wrong way and think that there is something secretive and nasty because of the silence. 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. 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. The same way you would not tell someone the ending of a good book or a film, you would not tell someone about the ceremony.

Freemasons are required to profess and continue in a belief in a Supreme Being. Their ceremonies include prayers, which are not in any way a substitute for religion. It has 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 where grace is said.

Freemasons are not allowed to discuss religion or politics at meetings. Freemasonry’s aim is 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 can lead to heated discussion rather than enlightenment.

A Freemason is thus basically encouraged to do his duty first to his God, and then to his family and those who dependent on him. He is to help his neighbors 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.

Read: What is a Freemason – Part 2

Additional Masonic Resources:

About The Author

Carmel Lodge #421

Carmel Masonic Lodge #421 has a reputation as an open, welcoming Masonic lodge. We continue to attract both new members and transfers. Many lodge members, who haven’t been regularly attending lodge, find the friendly and active atmosphere at “421” results in a desire to attend more often, get more involved in degree work, or simply come out and join us at the next fun social.

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Michael Langdon
Michael Langdon
22:29 10 Sep 22
Very good food for breakfast, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 7-10:30
David L Bowers
David L Bowers
15:51 27 Mar 24
I love their monthly pancake breakfast! Food is great, the facility is nice & clean & the people are great! Value is outstanding too,
Pat Gleason
Pat Gleason
02:59 05 Jun 24
A great lodge and overall group of men.They welcomed me in when I transfered from another lodge and I have nothing but great things to say about the brotherhood they've shown me.
Brian Ross
Brian Ross
23:44 05 May 18
Fun group of people to hang out with.
Matt Lackner
Matt Lackner
12:52 02 Oct 20
Nice building and warmly welcomed by my brothers there. Happy that I could help our brothers welcome some friends into our fraternity.
Cesar Garcia Gamarra
Cesar Garcia Gamarra
21:46 18 Mar 24
An amazing brotherhood. A lot of solidarity and good vibes. In addition to a delicious breakfast on the second Saturday of each month.
Guilherme Salomé
Guilherme Salomé
23:28 14 Mar 24
Great Masonic Lodge to be a part of. Lots of great people and community activities. Highly recommend the pancake breakfast, a favorite activity for my kids.
John Crow Dog
John Crow Dog
12:50 08 Aug 18
Wonderful Brotherhood the camaraderie is top-tier
Nathan Weaver
Nathan Weaver
17:10 08 Jul 17
How do I join
Jeff Conrad
Jeff Conrad
18:18 11 Apr 22
An excellent group of people! Welcoming, fun and civic-minded.
Ron de Leon
Ron de Leon
01:56 15 Feb 24
Their pancake breakfast is top-notch and well worth the price. Lots of good men in the lodge.
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