Masonic Questions and Answers by Bessel Paul M

Author:Bessel, Paul M. [Bessel, Paul M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2009-10-18T16:00:00+00:00

Appendixes

Appendix A

“Definitions” of Freemasonry

There is no single, “official” definition of Freemasonry. In fact, there is no single or “official” leader or ruling body of Freemasonry. In the United States, in each state there are one or more Grand Lodges, each of which can define Freemasonry any way it wishes, and the same is true in most countries in the world. Many Grand Lodges do not even define Freemasonry, but allow each of their members to define Freemasonry any way they wish.

Here is a definition of Freemasonry that I think is appropriate:

Freemasonry is an organization whose goals include:

1. Helping its members improve themselves through education and improved knowledge of themselves and others.

2. Brotherhood of all people and tolerance of differences among people.

3. Support of democracy, freedom, individual rights, and the dignity of all people.

4. Mutual assistance, including helping fellow members’ families.

5. Charity and assistance to the community, especially those in need.

Some Masonic writers and researchers have written their own definitions of Freemasonry.

William Preston said Freemasonry’s role is spreading knowledge. Masons should study and learn more about all subjects. Another idea is that Freemasonry’s purpose is the perfection of humanity by organizing the moral sentiments of mankind, improving law and government. George Oliver felt Freemasonry is best understood in relation to the philosophy of religion, as a means for us to know God and his works, by handing down tradition. Albert Pike said that Freemasonry is a method of studying basic principles and its goal is to reveal and give us possession of the universal principle by which we may master the universe, the Absolute. We should study the allegories and symbols of Freemasonry until they reveal the light to each of us individually.

Roscoe Pound and others in the early 1900’s talked about a modern approach, that Freemasonry’s goal is to preserve, develop, and transmit to posterity the civilization passed on to us, by insisting on the universality of mankind and the transmission of an immemorial tradition of human solidarity. William E. Hammond talked of moral discipline, where Masonry produces the finest type of character and culture through fellowship and mutual helpfulness. Joseph Fort Newton said Freemasonry is a form of public service and public mindedness. We have a social duty to help our neighbors by work in our communities, to promote the freedoms of the mind unhampered by dictation by anyone, with education for all to maintain democracy, and to unite people in common service for mankind.

Allen E. Roberts and Albert Mackey said Masonry is a system of ethics and brotherhood, making men better not just to themselves but to each other. It teaches the meaning of life and death, with the search for the lost word, the attempt to find God’s truth in our lives. We should act towards others as we want them to act towards us, with faith in the social, eternal, and intellectual progress of mankind.

Arthur E. Waite and W.L. Wilmshurst wrote about Masonry as essentially a spiritual activity. Waite described it as the mysticism of a first-hand experience with God, with symbols for those who are not yet capable of understanding.

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