What is Freemasonry?
In the many years that I have been a member, I have always found it fascinating how people perceive the institution of Freemasonry. Some say it’s a club, others see it as philanthropy, but very few seem to understand the concept of fraternity. Also, when we research applicants for membership, we typically ask them what they’re looking for, but rarely do people understand precisely what they’re joining. This is a compelling argument, one that I have debated on more than one occasion.
Some of our members view Freemasonry as nothing more than a club, such as a garden club, sports club, country club, etc., an institution we join with some common activity or goal. Clubs are often run by a set of officers who participate in order to receive some notoriety for their position. This, of course, leads to policies that involve back-scratching, cheating, betraying, and getting over a man. It is not uncommon to find people in these positions who have done nothing important in their professional life and now enjoy the opportunity to control others. In Freemasonry, we are taught that members are all equal in terms of position and opinion. Officers in a Lodge represent a web of duties and responsibilities designed to be implemented by many people, not just one, thus encouraging teamwork and removing the need for autocratic rule.
There are those who view Freemasonry as a corporation. The problem here is that a corporation is designed to be profitable by nature, Freemasonry is not. True, there are advantages to running any institution like a business, particularly by the state, which requires all organizations to function as such, but Freemasonry certainly has no other mercenary goals than the betterment of its members.
Despite the warnings of conspiracy theorists, Freemasonry does not preach dogmas or practice religion. A person must believe in a Supreme Being to become a Freemason, but his choice of religion is his business, not the Masons’. As such, it is not uncommon to sit in a Masonic Lodge with men of different faiths, thus promoting religious tolerance.
Freemasonry is not a Political Action Committee (PAC). To maintain harmony in the Lodge, politics and religion are two forbidden topics of discussion. Like religion, men of different political beliefs sit together in Lodge in harmony. In any case, Freemasonry promotes the concept of citizenship to the community and patriotism to the country. Those who break the law and believe in the overthrow of the government by force are not allowed to become Masons. Freemasons are law abiding citizens who are taught to use peaceful means to change the government if necessary. As such, Freemasons hope to become role models for the community.
Perhaps the biggest mistake is that Freemasonry is philanthropy. It is true that Freemasons give generously to help others in need, but this is a peripheral goal. He does not intend to spend countless hours fundraising or extort the Brothers for every penny available. Freemasons help others if it is within their ability to do so. Otherwise, there is no mandate in Freemasonry to do philanthropic work. If Freemasons devote more time to philanthropy than to fraternity, then they are subverting the intent of the institution.
Instead, Freemasonry is a fraternity; the original fraternity and the model for others that came much later, such as college fraternities. The term “fraternity” comes from the Latin word “frater”, which means “brother”. The fraternity, therefore, is a fraternity, a fellowship environment dedicated to the social development of its members. The basic principles of Freemasonry are “Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love”. As such, it is designed to develop character, devotion and encourage its members to lead an honorable life. Attending a Masonic Lodge meeting is intended to act as a fortress of solitude for its members, both local and visiting Masons, where they can come together and find solace away from the vermin and problems of the world. It is a place where men seek understanding, compassion, and to be treated fairly and honestly.
Education is of great importance in a Masonic Lodge, where Brethren reflect on past, present and future issues of morality, responsibility, compassion and civility. We refer to this as seeking “more light.”
Freemasonry, therefore, is not a club, a philanthropy, a religion or a PAC. Using symbols of ancient operative Freemasonry, Freemasonry is a place where men meet “on the level” (to promote equality), act “by the plumb line” (righteousness of conduct), and part in “square” (to practice morality). For many centuries, Freemasonry is the fraternity to which men of character have naturally gravitated, simply because they crave such easy treatment.
Those who think or practice Freemasonry otherwise are missing the boat.
Keep faith!
Note: All trademarks, both marked and unmarked, belong to their respective companies.
Copyright © 2014 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.