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What is Freemasonry? This is a question that many Masons have struggled to answer. The reason being is that it can’t really be explained with a one line answer. The ‘official’ definition is: A system of morality, veiled in allegory (or stories) and illustrated by symbols. Whilst the above is true, Freemasonry is much more than that and therefore can’t be explained fully as such.
Freemasonry is a fraternal order whose basic tenants are brotherly love, relief (philanthropy), and truth. There is an old adage that Masonry "takes good men and makes them better". It has often been observed that men are the products of everything they come into contact with during their lifetime. Masonry offers a man an opportunity to come into regular, enjoyable contact with men of good character, thus reinforcing his own personal moral development. Freemasonry practices a framework of moral instruction which uses stories and symbols to teach lessons to its members. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the personal development of its members, particularly in relation to moral and ethical virtues and the building of character.
Freemasonry takes the actual "operative" work of Medieval Masons and uses it as an allegory (story) for moral development. Thus, the symbols of Masonry are the common tools that were used by medieval stonemasons: the gavel, the rule, the compass, the square, the level, etc. Each of these has a symbolic meaning in Masonry. For example, Masons are said to meet "on the level", meaning that all Masons are brothers, regardless of social status, personal wealth, of office within the Lodge or in the world at large. Similar symbolism exists for other tools.
Freemasonry is also a great way to meet new people and the social benefit of developing lasting friendships is of immense value, particularly in today’s busy World, where all too often the importance of life outside work can be overlooked.
Freemasonry is not a charity, but it strongly promotes the virtue of charity in its members and a great deal of discussion at meetings is centered around fundraising events. Whilst no official consolidated figures exist, it is estimated worldwide that over $5 million is donated to charity, every day from Masonic sources.
To maintain the fraternity and harmony of a lodge and contrary to the conspiracy theorists and sensational novelists, Freemasonry disallows any discussion about religion or politics within it meetings, although it does encourage its members to be active in civic concerns and their chosen faith. The prohibition on discussing politics or religion allows members of all political backgrounds and religious beliefs to gather outside the bounds of usual separation.
In essence: Freemasonry promotes the practice of improving the virtues of moral, ethical and spiritual responsibility, actively participating in charity fundraising and the broadening of mental horizons through the symbolic moral plays taught in its lodge meetings.
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