Freemasonry is a structured organization that has been around since at least the 1700?s. They claim to be a Fraternity dedicated to the masonry trade of years ago. There are many Lodges all around the world. These lodges go under a variety of names, but they all have the basics in common.
They explain themselves as being comprised of a membership of men only emphasizing moral and spiritual values. Members are taught meanings to these values through what they call rituals. These rituals are somewhat like play acting but utilizing the stonemason?s customs and tools of year ago.
They believe in using allegory as a teaching aid. Allegory is a method used to explain things that are difficult to put into words. It is a way of using everyday terminology to explain a spiritual meaning. To become a member of the Freemasonry you do not have to be a tradesperson. You do have to believe in a ?supreme being?. They indicate a prospective member can be of any race or religion as long as they believe in a ?supreme being?. In addition, they must have a good reputation. It is claimed that the Freemasonry will not allow religion to be discussed at their meetings and being as they claim it is non-political means politics may not be discussed either.
It would appear that the concept of the Freemasons is to be able to live a higher quality of life that what many would consider the norm. Their whole foundation according to them is based on three major principles.
1. They are expected to respect others in true brotherly love. They must portray a tolerance for other people?s opinions. (Almost a live and let live concept)
2. Caring for those that have less or are in need is a priority to the Freemasons. They are very dedicated to their community and feel it is their responsibility to serve them by way of charity events for example.
3. They believe in living by example. By striving for the truth and maintaining high moral standards. As we pointed out charity is of crucial importance to the Freemasons. They believe they have a responsibility to looking after children that have been abandoned, individuals who are ill, and the seniors. They work hard to be able to donate large sums of money in support of local charities as well as national. The Freemasons society puts several expectations on their membership such as?
(a) All members must adhere and respect the laws of the country they reside in.
(b) Being a member of the Freemasons does not affect the private lives of its members in regards to the social expectations as citizens. It is believed that being a Freemason means to have those expectations strengthened.
Freemasons are strictly forbidden to use any influence they may have as a Freemason for personal gain.
d) His citizen duties must always take priority over any type of relations with fellow members. They are not allowed to protect fellow members who have not acted according to the foundations practices or rules.
There has been much speculation of the secrecy of the Freemasons. They themselves deny any type of secrecy. They state that all members are free to acknowledge themselves as members of the Freemasonry. All of the constitutions and rules are open to the public. It does however regard its internal affairs for members only.
Over the years there have been many independent Grand Lodges surfacing. According to the United Grand Lodge of England, some Lodges do not meet the true standards of the Freemasons. Therefore, they are not recognized by the Leaders. It would seem that some of these lodges do not require a belief in a ?Supreme being? and they can discuss Politics. These are two areas that go against what the Freemasons stand for. According to the Freemason, members must put God first (although members can use whatever they perceive him as being. Then he is to serve his community but not at the expense of his family.