The Freemasons, more formally known as the Free and Accepted Masons, are a fraternal organization that traces its origins back to medieval stonemason guilds. Today, Masonry (as it is also commonly known) exists as a worldwide society that promotes moral and spiritual values and brings together members through participation in rituals and fellowship activities. At its core, Masonry focuses on the universal principles of friendship, charity, and truth. However, over the centuries various myths and misconceptions have emerged about the organization’s practices and beliefs. This article will provide an overview of the central tenets and characteristics that define Freemasonry.
History and Origins
While the exact origins are uncertain, Masonry has its roots in the stonemason guilds that built castles, cathedrals, abbeys, and other major edifices in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. These guilds would accept apprentices to learn the craft of stonemasonry. They developed secret words, handgrips, rituals, and symbols to identify imposters seeking to gain entry to construction sites and obtain wages or contracts meant for guild members. Over time, as the need for stonemasons declined, some lodges began to accept men from other professions who were interested in fellowship and moral enlightenment. By the 1700s, Masonic lodges existed in both Europe and the American colonies that focused less on stonemasonry and more on brotherhood and self-improvement. Several Founding Fathers of America were Masons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. It is estimated there are about 5 million Freemasons worldwide today.
Belief in a Supreme Being
A fundamental requirement to become a Mason is a belief in a Supreme Being. However, Freemasonry is non-denominational and non-sectarian. Members are only asked to hold a belief in a higher divine power, not any one particular definition of God. All religious and political discussions are banned within a Masonic lodge. Masons come from a variety of faiths. No particular religion or interpretation of religion is advanced by the organization. Nevertheless, prayer and references to a divine Creator are included in Masonic traditions and rituals as a shared universal concept.
Moral and Ethical Teachings
Freemasonry seeks to make good men better through its teachings. Masons are expected to exhibit high moral standards defined by the principles of honesty, fairness, integrity, kindness, tolerance, charity, and volunteerism. Masonic rituals impart these ethical lessons through the use of symbols, allegories, and plays. Members contemplate the moral significance behind the symbols, absorbing the lessons they teach about virtues, vices, and the consequences of good and bad behavior. Living an upright and moral life is considered paramount to Masonic teachings.
Secret Rituals and Symbols
Part of what has made Freemasonry mysterious in the popular imagination are its secret rituals, handshakes, words, and symbols. These are meant to establish a bond between members and identify trespassers seeking to gain access to Masonic privileges. The origins of these practices trace back to the stonemason guilds’ desire to protect trade secrets. Today, even as strictly an fraternal organization, Masonry continues these traditions and ceremonies, imparting important moral lessons. Members are solemnly sworn not to reveal the private rituals and behaviors associated with different degrees or levels within Freemasonry. Violators can face expulsion from their Masonic lodge.
Membership and Organization
Freemasonry is open to all faiths, but only to men. Women are not permitted to join Masonic lodges, although there are associated female Masonic organizations. Members come from all class and socioeconomic backgrounds. To be accepted, a candidate must be recommended by current Masons and believe in a higher power. Masonic lodges operate locally, regionally, and nationally in a hierarchical structure. Members can advance through various degrees, or levels of membership, by demonstrating knowledge of rituals and moral teachings. Local lodges are governed democratically by their members. There is no central worldwide Masonic authority.
Common Symbols and Their Meanings
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Square and Compass | Represents direction, rules, and faith |
| Letter “G” | Stands for “Geometry” and reminds Masons to contemplate moral lessons |
| Apron | Symbolizes humility, honesty, and hard work |
| All-Seeing Eye | Represents watchfulness of God over humanity |
Secrecy and Controversy
The secrecy associated with Freemasonry has fueled conspiracy theories that Masons secretly control governments, legal systems, and other centers of power. Such notions are completely unsubstantiated. While Masonic lodges do have private rituals with esoteric symbols whose meanings are revealed as one progresses through the degrees, there is no Masonic plot to subvert or control society and institutions. Masonry promotes universal brotherhood, self-improvement, and personal growth rather than a political agenda. That said, the mysterious aura cultivated by Freemasonry for centuries continues to contribute to sensationalized myths about the organization.
Charity and Philanthropy
A central tenet of Freemasonry is charity. Masonic lodges and individual members are encouraged to give back to their communities through volunteerism, donations, and other philanthropic deeds. Many lodges hold regular charitable events or donate to local non-profits. There are also appendant Masonic organizations and degree societies that emphasize charitable works. Overall, Masonic charities contribute millions of dollars to various causes in North America every year. This reflects Masonry’s goal to make the world a better place through human kindness and selfless giving.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary beliefs and characteristics of Freemasonry revolve around moral uprightness, self-improvement, brotherly love, charity, and belief in a divine Creator. Its rituals, symbols, and ethical teachings aim to impart important life lessons and values to its members while fostering personal growth. While often misrepresented as a secret society with strange occult practices, Masonry is open about its principles and aims to benefit its members and communities through philanthropy and higher morals. The mystique around its fraternal rites and handshake simply reflect a tradition and bonding mechanism that dates back centuries. Fundamentally, Freemasonry promotes universal brotherhood, virtue, and self-discipline across all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life.