Freemasonry – Frequently asked questions Q: What is Freemasonry? A: This is perhaps one of the most difficult questions to answer with any firm meaning, since it mans different things to different people. From the United Grand Lodge of England website, this reason is offered; For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisation. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. The following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practiced under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas - a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge - which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. In America, a common theme runs along the lines of: Brotherly love. We value respect, freedom, kindness, tolerance, and our differences - religious, ethnic, cultural, social, generational, and educational - and strive for harmony in our individual lives, in our lodges, and in the global community. Relief. We take responsibility for the well being of our brothers, our families, and the community as a whole. We provide relief through philanthropy, community involvement, and delivery of excellent care. Truth. We stay true to our personal code of conduct and ethics - honor, integrity, personal responsibility, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. In South Africa, the explanation is again slightly different; There are many reasons why men choose to be Freemasons. It promotes brotherly love, self-development, family and community values. Freemasonry provides members with an opportunity for public service and hands-on involvement in charitable and community issues, as well as a chance for them to socialise with men from all walks of life without religious, political or social barriers. These are all different, yet similar answers, and as such represent the diversity of Freemasonry. Q: Is Freemasonry a religion? A: No. Freemasonry does not have its own Theology, and has no separate God or Deity. Q: Is a belief in a God a necessity? A: 100% absolutely. It is a non-negotiable aspect of anyone wishing to join. Some fake (called irregular or clandestine) Lodges do admit atheists, but regular Freemasonry does not. Q: Which God do I need to believe in? A: This does not really matter, you will be asked if you believe in a Supreme Being, and possibly on which Sacred Volume relevant to your faith you would prefer. God, Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah, Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, etc are too many names within the various worldwide faiths and to name each one individually (it could extend a meeting by several hours, or even cause offence), we as Freemasons use a collective term for these Gods that causes no offence, only the utmost respect and awe of their individual greatness. When this name is used, each Freemason regards it as referring to his own God, without causing offence to anyone else. You do not need to give up this faith, and in fact to do so would prevent you from continuing to be a Freemason. Q: Surely a Devil Worshipper classes the Devil as a Supreme being? A: He might very well do, however, as all the other religions preach goodness and virtue, and Devil Worship preaches the opposite, a devil Worshipper would not find anything of value within the allegorical lessons of Freemasonry. In addition a Sponsor who is already a Freemason would need to be found to propose and second a candidate. I have yet to meet a Freemason who would propose such a person. Q: A Proposer and a seconder? A: These are Freemasons who are willing to put their own good reputation on the line in vouching for you to join a Lodge. If you turn out to be a bit of a dick after joining, they will likely think twice about doing the same again, or they will be much more guarded in whom they propose. Q: I have seen the phrase; “2B1ASK1” is it as simple as that? A: Too many seem to think so. It is slightly more complex than that, and a wise brother once re-wrote it to; 2START THE PROCESS WHEREBY YOU MIGHT BECOME 1ASK1. The process can vary slightly from Country to Country, but is generally a case of YOU have to ask to join. It is a common misconception that you have to be asked. This is untrue. You might be given an application form called a petition. If nobody from the Lodge knows you, they would assign an investigative committee to enquire about your background, family life and reasons for wanting to join. They would also arrange a meeting where by they could meet you and usually your family as well. This gives not only you, but also your wife/partner the opportunity to ask questions. If all goes well at this stage, your application is placed before a committee, who decide if you should go to a ballot in open Lodge. Here, all members of the Lodge secretly vote on whether they wish you to join their Lodge. It is normally done by placing white or black coloured cubes or balls into a ballot box. If you receive a certain number of black balls, you cannot join. You may have heard the term “being black balled”? This is where it comes from. If the ballot is in your favour, you would be invited into the Lodge to be initiated AFTER paying your required Lodge fees. Q: Lodge Fees? A: Every Freemason is required to pay Lodge fees, which are used for Regalia, upkeep of the building, and Charity. You would also need fees to pay for your meal, known as a Festive Board, held after the meetings, or in North America, sometimes before the meeting. These fees are due annually. Q: I have heard that you need to be rich to join Freemasonry? A: Not at all. Fees vary from Lodge to Lodge, County to County, Country to Country. We have had Kings and Princes in our Craft, but we have equally had Labourers, Soldiers, Plumbers, Bricklayers and Bus Drivers. You do not have to be rich to join. Q: Will I become Rich if I join? A: You might if you get good at your day job, or pick the right numbers for the Lottery, but it won’t have anything to do with being a Freemason. Q: I have read on these page about you having something to do with Dajjal. Is that true? A: No it is not. It is derived from the one eye symbol used in Freemasonry. It is actually representative of The all seeing eye of God. Some Muslims interpret a passage in The Holy Quran that is similar to Revelations in The Holy Bible, whereby the return of The Anti Christ is described as having one eye. They put two and two together and get five. The eye is as much the eye of Allah, as it is God, as it is Krishna. Observing our actions and words in this life, so that we may give an account of ourselves before being allowed to go to
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:58:10 +0000
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