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Ever Consider Joining?
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As published by the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. Its member have
included Kings, President, 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.
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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 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 insist on toleration -- on the right
of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political matters.
Do you 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.
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 it is 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 at building a house.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and
that 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 when 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 nity and harmony in 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. |
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IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON. |
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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 aor 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.
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