What is a Mason?
That's not a surprising question. Even though Masons (Freemasons) are members of the largest and oldest fraternity in the world, many people aren't quite certain just what a Mason is.
Where is that fine line that determines when a man becomes a Mason? Would it be an easier journey if you had something to guide you? Would it be an easier journey if you knew what Masonry teaches?
What does the Philosophy of Masonry teach?
Philosophy of Masonry. This expression opens an immense field for the intelligent Mason to explore, and one so rich in material that it can never be exhausted. The Philosophy of Freemasonry involves the history of its origin, an inquiry into ideas that lie at its base, an investigation of its peculiar form, an analytical study of its several degrees, and a development of the ideas which are illustrated by its ritualistic emblems; myths and allegories, and which speak through its sublime system of symbols.
Freemasonry has now arrived at a period in its history when the prosperity of the Order imperatively demands a deeper insight into its character and teachings. In this country, for nearly half a century, Masons have occupied themselves merely with the outward and material forms of the institution. Not knowing in what ideas the system had its birth, what truths were symbolized by the rites, what notions were intended to be illustrated by its symbols, they have not been able to rise to a true appreciation of its sublime spirit and profound significance.
The superior intelligence and culture of the present age require more than this. The questioning spirit of the times demands a reason for this and for that; it cannot rest in a dead
form, an outward sign. Masons should acquaint themselves with the philosophy of Masonry, seek and find the sense of its rites, study its symbols until they see them all aglow with infinite and eternal truths. "Symbols are the speech of God, " and through them Eternity looks into Time, and the Infinite holds communion with the finite, the divine with the human-through them the mysterious currents of life form the over-world stream into our human world of prosaic reality, and light it up with a living glory.
There is that latent in Freemasonry which makes it exactly the institution most needed in this age. But to be an effective agent in elevating and advancing man to a more perfect condition, the sense of its mysteries must be better understood by Masons, its philosophy must be studied, and its grand and ancient emblems and symbols must be made to speak their immortal meanings as of old. In other words, Freemasonry must be idealized.
From: Masonry Defined January 11, 1930
What does Masonry teach?
Masonry teaches some important principals. Masonry teaches that:
Since God is the Creator, all men and women are the children of God. Because of that, all men and women are brothers and sisters, entitled to dignity, respect for their opinions, and consideration of their feelings.
Each person must take responsibility for his/her own life and actions. Neither wealth nor poverty, education nor ignorance, health nor sickness, excuses any person from doing the best he or she can do or being the best person possible under the circumstances.
No one has the right to tell another person what he or she must think or believe. Each man and woman has an absolute right to intellectual, spiritual, economic and political freedom. This is a right given by God, not by man. All tyranny, in every form, is illegitimate.
Each person must learn and practice self -control. Each person must make sure his spiritual nature triumphs over his animal nature. Another way to say the same thing is that even when we are tempted to anger, we must not be violent. Even when we are tempted to selfishness, we must be charitable. Even when we want to "write someone off," we must remember that he or she is a human and entitled to our respect. Even when we want to give up, we must go on. Even when we are hated, we must return love, or, at a minimum, we must not hate back.
Faith must be in the center of our lives. We find that faith in our house of worship, nit in Freemasonry, but Masonry constantly teaches that a person's faith, whatever it may be, is central to a good life.
It is important to work to make this world better for all who live in it. Masonry teaches the importance of doing good, not because it assures a person entrance into heaven-that's a question for a religion, not a fraternity-but because we have a duty to all men and women to make their lives as fulfilling as they can be.
Honor and integrity are essential to life. Life without honor and integrity is without meaning.
From: What's A Mason
So, What is a Mason?
A Mason is a man who has decided that he likes to feel good about himself and others. He cares about the future as well as the past, and does what he can, both alone and with others, to make the future good for everyone.
Many men over many generations have answered the question, "What is a Mason?" One of the most eloquent was written by the Reverend Joseph Fort Newton, and internationally honored minister of the first half of the 20th Century and Grand Chaplain, Grand Lodge of Iowa, 1911 - 1913.
"When is a man a Mason?
When he can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope, and courage-which is the root of every virtue.
When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow man.
When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their, sins knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.
When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends with himself.
When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old
Forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child.
When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life.
When star-crossed trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters subdue him like the thoughts of one much loved and long dead.
When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response.
When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and sees majestic meaning in life, whatever the name of that faith may be.
When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin.
When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope.
When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellow man, and with his God, in his hand a Sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song-glad to live, but not afraid to die.
Such a man has found the only real secret of masonry, and the one which it is try to give to all the world.
From: What's A Mason?
Prepared by:
Brent Lee
Senior Warden
Shoshone Lodge #21