Secret Societies and Symbols

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies.  The essential qualification for admission is a belief in a Supreme Being and to be of good repute.

Freemasonry is open to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. Freemasonry is a system of morality, not a system of faith or salvation and is complimentary to the belief of the individual. Indeed, lodge meetings, in order to ensure harmony, expressly forbid the discussion of either religion or politics.
Freemasonry asks that each of its members shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man. Its members, in varying degrees, are involved with numerous local, national and international charitable works, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Freemasonry does not override the individuals duty to one’s self, one’s family ones God or work.

Masonic meetings have a set structure and consistent content and although their organisation and ceremonies have been shrouded in secrecy in the past, are now largely open to public scrutiny one way or another – United Grand Lodge of England even hires PR consultants these days to help get their message across fairly. Whilst Masonic lodges are private, their member are happy to talk about any virtually any aspect of Freemasonry, except their modes of recognition.

Master Masons ApronA Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) and then, without detriment to his work or family, to his neighbour (in the broadest sense) through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masonic, but the setting in which they are practiced, the spirit of friendship which is prevalent among its members and the opportunity for a convivial dinner after such meetings surely is.

Related posts

• Masonic symbols (1)
• Is Freemasonry a religion ? (1)
• Freemasonry about: God, Jesus and implications for Christians (2)
• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 3 (0)
• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 2 (0)

Tags: ApronA, fraternal, Freemasonry, lodge, morality, societies

This entry was posted on Monday, January 28th, 2008 at 11:45 am and is filed under Freemasonry. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.