Masons as
a rule are very circumspect when it comes to discussing the
Craft with non-Masons. Some members are so careful that they
are afraid to even mention the things that everyone knows
about the organization. This is probably because they believe
that Freemasonry is a "secret society" and that members are
forbidden to talk about the association with non-members. This
is a mistaken idea and there are many things that Masons can
tell their non-Masonic friends. Let us consider a few of
these.
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The first question
that is usually asked by a non-Mason is "What is Freemasonry?"
There are many definitions of the word but none are complete
because the organization embraces a wide scope of activity.
But a short definition is: Freemasonry is a fraternal
organization, religious in character, based on the principle
of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man, which
does charitable work in the community and among its members,
and through its teachings and ceremonials seeks to make good
men better and thereby make the world a better place to live
in.
Freemasonry is a
"voluntary" association in that no one is invited to become a
member. You can tell your non-Masonic friends that unlike
college fraternities and other social organizations, Masonry
never has membership drives and never solicits anyone to
become a member. As a matter of fact, you should make it clear
that it is a violation of Masonic law for any member to invite
anyone to join the Craft. You should emphasize that the
prospective member must truly come of his own freewill and
accord, and that he usually seeks membership because of the
high opinion he has of the Craft as a result of the upright
conduct of Masons.
You can make it
clear that Freemasonry is not a religion. Sometimes outsiders
claim that the Craft is a religion. You can explain to your
non-Masonic friends that Masons do not look upon their
organization as a religion or as a church, and that most
Masons belong to an established church. Masons do not go to
lodge to worship God; they do this on Sunday when each Mason
goes to his own church. It is religious in that one cannot
become a Mason unless he believes in God, but there is no
religious test applied to the prospective member nor is he
required or asked to subscribe to any religious tenet or
dogma. You can explain that it is forbidden to discuss
religion or politics in lodge.
You can explain
that Freemasonry is not a "secret society". A secret society
is one that keeps its existence a secret and whose members do
not make known their affiliation with the group. Freemasonry
is not a secret society because it does not hide its
existence. Members do not hide their membership, but on the
contrary, the organization meets in buildings located on
public streets, announces its meetings in newspapers and
magazines, engraves the words "Masonic Temple" on many of its
buildings, publishes periodicals, and has homes for orphans
and the aged. Like most organizations, it has some "secrets"
but it is not a "secret society."
You cannot, of
course, discuss the ritual, the passwords, and other matters
of a confidential nature. You can tell them that the
three degrees of Masonry consist of a ceremony of a strictly
serious nature, without horseplay, which teaches basic moral
truths in an impressive and solemn manner. You
can tell them that the ritual contains a
philosophy of life which provides the new member with
something on which to build a hope that is
eternal.
Sometimes a non-Mason wants to know
about the ceremony of initiation. He may ask specific
questions. You can tell him, in general terms, that each
candidate takes part in a ceremony of initiation, is then
advanced to the second degree, and later promoted to the third
degree. You can tell him that promotion from one degree to the
other depends on his proficiency in learning certain things
relating to Freemasonry, its ethics, and its philosophy.
Certainly you can tell him that no man ever took the degrees
without becoming a better man. You can tell him that the basic
ethical principles exemplified in the ceremonies of the
degrees are such as are accepted by all good men; they are
lessons based on the golden rule, tolerance towards all men,
respect for one's family, charity towards all, and being true
to God for His manifold blessings. We should be proud to
proclaim to the world that we are a serious organization of
mature men -- an organization that instills a love of God,
teaches charity in its broadest sense, and shows each member
how to live a better life. You can tell him that Masons take
the simple tools of an operative Mason and use them in symbols
to teach basic moral truths.
Non-Masons
sometimes wonder at the close bond that exists between Masons.
There is a simple explanation: Masons are bound together by
the deep and abiding knowledge that each of them, during the
ceremonies of the degrees, has accepted certain high ethical
standards of conduct. These standards ensure a bond of faith
and confidence between Masons.
You need not be
afraid to discuss Freemasonry with the non-Mason. Thousands of
books have been published on the subject. The matters
discussed in this paper are just a few of the things that you
can tell your non-Masonic friends, but they are enough to show
him that Freemasonry is one of the great organizations of the
world and a steadying influence in a faltering
world.
