As published
by the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest
Fraternity in the world. Its members have included
Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals,
Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate
CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your
next door neighbor.
And Masonry is always ready to welcome
good men in the Fraternity.
It's ready to welcome YOU, if in
your heart you can answer "yes" to a few
questions.
Do you believe that there is such
a thing as honor, and that a man has a responsibility
to act with honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that principle. We believe
that a life not founded on honor is hollow and empty
-- that a man who acts without honor is less than
a man.
Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do
not care what your individual faith is -- that is
a question between you and your God -- but we do require
that a that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
Are you willing to allow others the
same right to their own beliefs that you insist on
yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration -- on
the right of each person to think for himself in religious,
social and political matters.
Do your believe that you have a responsibility
to leave the world a better place than you found it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a
duty not only to himself but to others. We must do
what we can to make the world a better place. Whether
that means cleaning up the environment, working on
civic projects, or helping children to work or read
or see -- the world should be a better place because
we have passed through it.
Do your believe that it is not only
more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more
fun?
Masons are involved with the problems
and needs of others because we know it gives each
of us a good feeling -- unlike any other -- to help.
Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after
gratitude, we're more than rewarded by that feeling
which comes from knowing we have helped another person
overcome some adversity, so that their life can go
on.
Are you willing to give help to your
Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help
when you need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial
help (although that's there, too) but help in the
sense of being there when needed, giving support,
lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you feel that there's something
more to life than financial success?
Masons know that self-development is
more precious than money in the bank or social position
or political power. Those things often accompany self-development,
but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at
building their lives and character, just as a carpenter
works a building a house.
Do you believe that a person should
strive to be a good citizen and the we have a moral
duty to be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country is strong
as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity
for human development is afforded to all. A Mason
is true to his government and its ideals. He supports
its laws and authority hen both are just and equitably
applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of
good government, and oppose every influence that would
divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man should show
compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among
the most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence
for living things, a tenderness toward people who
suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and
a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry
teaches that although all men are fallible and capable
of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of
heart, they have found the true essence of virtue.
Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness
and virtue.
Do you believe that men should strive
to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of
wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together --
a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each
other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to
speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should
maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity
and harmony is his relations with one another, his
family, and his community. Masons call this way of
believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means
that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden
rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the
greatest forces for good in the world.
IF YOU ANSWERED
"YES", YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.
Freemasonry offers much to its members
-- the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference,
to build a better world for our children. It offers
the chance to be with and work with men who have the
same values and ideals -- men who have answered "YES"
to these questions.
It's easy to find out more. Just find
a Mason and ask him about Masonry. You probably know
several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and
Compasses like the one on this page or on a pin or
tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the
lodge is in your community, stop by or look up the
number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book
and ask for the secretary of the lodge. He'll be happy
to help you.
Have you ever considered becoming a
Mason? We'd like a chance to talk with you. Please
contact the Membership
Team.
