About Me
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, existing in various forms worldwide, whose membership has shared moral and metaphysical ideals and in most of its branches requires a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being.The fraternity uses the metaphor of operative stonemasons' tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon's Temple, to convey what is most generally defined as "a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."While it has often been called a "secret society", it is more correct to say that it is an esoteric society, in that certain aspects are private. In the 21st century, Freemasonry has become less a secret society and more of a "society with secrets."Most modern Freemasons regard the traditional concern over secrecy as a demonstration of their ability to keep a promise and a concern over the privacy of their own affairs. "Lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members. "The private aspects of modern Freemasonry are the modes of recognition amongst members and particular elements within the ritual.Freemasonry teaches the universal principle of unselfish friendship and promotes those moral precepts which are in keeping with all great faiths. In persuing this doctrine, the following, though not exclusive, is considred to be basic:Mankind was created by one God, and this one God is the author of all life.God's existence is revealed to man through faith and the Book of Holy Scriptures.The Book of Holy Scriptures is the Ultimate Authority or Great Light of Freemasonry.The Soul of man is immortal.Man's commitment to Divine Providence determines his destiny.Man's reverence for God is best exemplified by his actions toward his fellow man.Considering the universality of Freemasonry, its teachings cannot be defined in any single statement or established profile. The following is considred to be representative of the fraternities fundamental precepts and constitutes basic Masonic teachings:Man's first duty is to love and revere God, implore His aid in all laudable undertakings, and seek His guidance through prayer, embrace and practice the tenets of religion, extend charity and sympathy to all mankind, sheild and support the widow and orphan, defend virtue, respect the aged, honor the bonds of friendship, protect the helpless, lift up the opressed, comfort the downcast, restore dignity to the rejected, respect the laws of government, promote morality, and contribute to the common stock of all knowledge and understanding. Visit our friends page to learn more about each branch of Freemasonry. To access our friend list click the link near the bottom left of this profile. The basic and fundamental principles of Masonry are found in what is ordinarily known as "Blue Lodge Masonry." Blue Lodge Masonry consists of three degrees: The Apprentice; The Fellowcraft; and the Master. For more information about the first three degrees of Freemasonry, visit our blog. You can access the blog by clicking the link also located near the bottom left of this profile.
