Answers to some questions about Masonry
Few things are sadder in human affairs than unnecessary conflict, caused by misunderstanding or the unwillingness of men and women to discuss, calmly and factually, the differences they perceive to separate them. In recent years, Freemasons have felt especially victimised by this problem. Some people make themselves adversaries of Masonry without first finding out if a conflict really exist. Often, rather than asking a knowledgeable Mason for clarification or information, they simply read books written by other anti-Masons and find their answers there.
Each man seeks in Masonry for himself, and each man finds for himself. Each man has an absolute right to interpret Masonry for himself as he sees fit. If you put 10 Masons in a line and asked them what their definition of Masonry, you would more than likely get 10 different answers, all of which are true for those individuals. The interesting point is that all 10 would passionately believe and practice the Craft in their different ways, but always view their differences with brotherly love and friendship.
With our long tradition of prizing intellectual liberty and individual thought, it could not be otherwise. But if no interpretation of Masonry is officially “right,” there are some which are clearly wrong. When someone ascribes words to a person which that person never wrote, or when someone insists that Masons believe something which has never been a part of the lessons of Masonry, it is the sacred duty of every thinking Mason to say, “That is not what Masonry teaches!”
It is my conviction, that we should be exploring other topics at our meetings. In this way, we can open up our minds and consider worldly conditions which affects society, and how we can adapt too this ever changing world.
Is Masonry a religion?
No, not by the definitions most people use. Religion, as the term is commonly used, implies several things: a plan for salvation or path of enlightenment by which one reaches the after-life; a theology which attempts to describe the nature of God; and the description of ways or practices by which a man or woman may seek to communicate with God.
Masonry is not a religion, because it does none of those things.
“Freemasonry is far from indifferent to religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith, and to place above all other duties his duty to God by whatever name He is known.” Masonry itself makes only a simple religious demand on a man–he must believe that he has an immortal soul and he must believe in God. No atheist can be a Mason.
Why are Masonic buildings called “Temples”, doesn’t that suggest a religious building
Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary provides a definition for the word “temple” which is as good an explanation as any: “a building, usually of imposing size, serving the public or an organisation in some special way; as, a temple of art, law or other as well as a Masonic temple”
Is Masonry Anti-Christian?
No, Masonry is not anti ANY benevolent religion. Masons encourage their members in their individual faiths, we do not oppose or encourage any faith.
Does Masonry have a hidden religious agenda or practice, known only to “higher” Masons?
No, the religious position of Freemasonry is stated often and openly, and it’s been mentioned a number of times. A Mason must believe in God, and he is actively encouraged to practice his individual faith. Masonry has no “god” of its own. Some anti-Masons have said that we are not allowed to mention the name of God in Lodge. That isn’t true– in fact that is one of the two meanings of the “G” in the square and compasses logo (the other meaning is “geometry”). It is true that we generally use some other term, “Grand Architect of the Universe” is most common, to refer to God. That is done only to avoid giving religious offence to anyone whose faith refers to God by another name. But the God to whom most Masons pray in this country is the same God common to the three great religions.
Why is it so hard to find an official statement of Masonic dogma?
Because there isn’t such a thing. We’ve already mentioned everything Masonry has to say officially on the topic. To go further, as an official position would deny a man his right to think for himself and his right to follow the dictates of his own faith. Each Mason has a right to seek Masonry for what he wants to find. It is his right to believe as he wishes; BUT is not his right to force that belief on others.
Which Masonic writer does Masonry consider authoritative?
None, if you mean “authoritative” in the sense that they speak for the fraternity or that what they say is “binding” upon Masons. Each Mason must think for himself, and each is entitled to write whatever he wishes, as long as it is within the constitution.
Is there such a thing as a Masonic Bible?
No. The Bibles sometimes called “Masonic Bibles” are just Bibles (usually the King James Version) to which a concordance, giving the Biblical citations on which the Masonic Ritual is based, has been added. Sometimes reference material on Masonic history is included. Anyone is welcome to read one.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Firstly. Masonry is not a secret society. The stock answer to the question of secrecy by Masons has always been that we are not a secret society, but rather a society with secrets. That has become a very hackneyed reply. It is better to be more specific: there are no secrets except the signs of recognition. This is in accordance with the origin if Masonry, when many centuries ago, being found out to be a Mason would have cost you your life! Dictators and despots such as Stalin, Hitler and Franco also practised the same penalty. Therefore, we would rather keep that secret to ourselves should in the future other people of zero tolerance should decide to vent anger on their ignorance.
Is Masonry “guilty” of teaching toleration?
And proud of it! It seems a strange accusation, but anti-Masonic writers often charge that we accept people with many different religious viewpoints as Brothers. They are correct. And is there a more essential or dire time for any organisation to be at the forefront of teaching tolerance?
Does freemasonry teach that man can be saved by good works?
The short answer is a resounding NO! Once again, we are to remind our critics that we in no way offer salvation by any means at all!
Is a Masonic service a worship service?
Emphatically NO! Having said that, we always open and close our meeting s with a prayer
Can one learn more about Freemasonry without joining the Fraternity?
Yes. The District Grand Lodge library can provide information and lists of books which explain Freemasonry in detail. They are the same books that Freemasons read and study to learn more about the fraternity. And I hope that this short discussion may help resolve some doubts. We have neither horns and tails nor halos. Masons are simply your neighbours, joined together in a fraternity which tries to help men become better people as it tries to help the world become a better place through its charities. It is, so to speak, a “support group” for men who are trying to practice ethics and morality in a world which does not always encourage those ideals.
