What are masons?

Question

Is it a religion? A fraternal organization? What do they do or stand for or believe in?

Answer 1

Freemasonry is a large and diverse group of human beings. I cannot not speak for all or even most of them. I will speak only for what I have experienced.

Freemasonry is not a religion. In our Order, we say it is a kind of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.

We stress the Golden Rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you). There are many other rules of conduct that we find work in the betterment of oneself and the world. Some of those expressions have come into wide use in English: someone who "levels" with you, treats you "square," etc.

We speak about moral lessons in story form. I am sure you know things like "the little boy who cried wolf" (that is an example of allegory, a story with a moral).

We use the tools of operative masons (those who build real buildings) as symbols, as objects for contemplation and study. When we teach by symbols, we learn much about the inside of the person asking about them as well as those hearing the response.

For some Freemasons, the organization is strictly fraternal and devoted to good works. That in itself is a wonderful thing. The Shriners (an offshoot of the Freemasons) have hospitals that treat children with burns and disabilities free of charge.

For some Freemasons, Freemasonry is the heir to the Ancient Mystery schools. It is a way of achieving what some have termed enlightenment. As far as I know, Freemasonry works to make good people better.

We do, at least in my Order of Freemasonry (American Co-Masonry) insist that the candidate for admission must believe in a Supreme Being. We do not press them further about that belief. We thus admit Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. We insist also that the person is of good character already, not an anarchist, and is of age (usually 21).

Where American Co-Masonry differs from those others calling themselves Freemasons (or "real" Freemasons) is that we admit women to full membership, rights, and privileges. We admit all races, also.

If you wish more information, feel free to write to me and click on the link below to read more on our history.

Answer 2

Wow, that answer right before mine is absolute nonsense. Sorry, rebecca, you are way off. NeoArt's answer is pretty good, except the part about women and "co-masonry". They are not considered real Freemasons by most of us, and would not be accepted in any Masonic meetings. If you want real answers about Freemasonry, feel free to contact me. I am a Freemason and would be happy to answer your questions about our fraternity.

Answer 3

masons are the left overs of a group of people called the free masons. In the "olden days" when you couldn't make a phone call to check references, the free masons were a way that you could prove you were a knowledgable mason. They even had secret codes and everything. it was pretty wierd.

Answer 4

The Free Masons? Only know about them from Angels & Demons but it seem like an elite club

Answer 5

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization whose members are joined together by shared moral and metaphysical ideals and—in most of its branches—by a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being.

The fraternity uses the metaphor of operative stone masonry, and the tools and implements of that craft, to convey these ideals.

Freemasonic Ritual uses the architectural symbolism of the medieval operative Masons who actually worked in stone. Freemasons, as Speculative Masons, use this symbolism to teach moral and ethical lessons of the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth"—or as related, in France: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".[13] Two of the principal symbols always found in a lodge are the square and compasses. However, as Freemasonry is non-dogmatic, there is no general interpretation for any of these symbols.[20]

These moral lessons are communicated in performance of allegorical ritual, based on solid foundations of Biblical sources. A candidate progresses through degrees[17] gaining knowledge and understanding of himself, his relationship with others and his relationship with the Supreme Being, (as he interprets this for himself). After taking each degree, he will attend the same ritual many times, taking part in it from different points of view, of each office, until he knows it by heart—and so is in the best possible position to moralize about it—up to, and within the bounds, his own competence.

The balance between ritual, philosophical and spiritual, charitable service and social interchange—varies between Grand Lodges—governing Freemasonry worldwide. Nevertheless, philosophy and esoteric knowledge remains a deep interest to many individuals. The philosophical aspects of the Craft tend to be discussed in Lodges of Instruction or Research, and sometimes informal groups. Freemasons, and others, frequently publish—to a variable degree of competence—studies that are available to the public. It is well noted, however, that no one person "speaks" for the whole of Freemasonry.

The square and compasses are symbols always displayed in an open Lodge. However, as Freemasonry is non-dogmatic, there is no general interpretation for of these, or other, symbols, for Freemasonry as a whole.[21]

Also always displayed in an open Lodge is the open Volume of the Sacred Law. In English-speaking countries, this is frequently the King James Version of the Bible or another standard translation (there is no such thing as an exclusive "Masonic Bible").[22] It is otherwise whatever book a particular jurisdiction authorizes. In many French Lodges, the Masonic Constitutions are used.

A candidate for a degree will normally be given his choice of religious text for his Obligation, according to his beliefs. UGLE alludes to similarities to legal practice in the UK, and to a common source with other oath taking.[23][24][25][26] Christian candidates will typically use the Lodge's Bible while those of other religions may choose another book that is holy to them, to be displayed alongside the Lodges' usual VSL. In lodges with a mixed religious membership it is common to find more than one sacred text displayed representing the beliefs of the individuals present.

In keeping with the geometrical and architectural theme of Freemasonry, the Supreme Being is referred to in Masonic ritual by the attributes of the Great Architect of the Universe, Grand Geometer or similar forms of words to make clear that their reference is generic, not about any one religion's particular God or God-like concept.


There are two wings to Free Masonry the Scottish Rite, and the York Rite you can google both.

Answer 6

you don't want to know! they are "travling men"...

Answer 7

JARS