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WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

(From the book “Royal Art” by Stevan V. Nikolic)

          What is Freemasonry?  Any Freemason could give a straightforward answer without too much doubt as to what it should be, but at the same time he is aware that there are dozens of other Freemasons who would, with equal certainty, give completely different answers.  Most likely all of the answers would be correct.  The reason for this   lies in the very nature of Freemasonry itself.

While for some it is a  “pure essence” of all religions, for some a bit religious, for others it is a set of lectures on morality and philosophy of life that has nothing whatsoever to do with religion.  For some, who believe that Freemasonry is a school of Mysteries, the lodge room is a holy place; reincarnation of the Sanctum Sanctorum or Holy of Holies of King Solomon’s Temple, where one enters upon the path of reunification with the Divine within himself.  For others, it is just a meeting room where members of the group, through the use of symbols during the ritual work, try to comprehend the psychology of our inner being and convey lessons of morality to initiates in a closed private setting.  There are even those who think that Freemasonry should be reduced to a social club or fraternity bound only to charity and community work. Contrary to this, there are those who believe that charity work should be completely eliminated or just limited to fraternal benevolence.  All of these opinions one will find, possibly even within one single Masonic Lodge, among men who practice Freemasonry together in the same room, use the very same Ritual, and govern themselves according to the same Rules and Regulations.  So then, how could one come up with the correct definition of Freemasonry or explain meaning when, by its own nature, it allows so many different interpretations of its character. We often come across the following statement, usually in pamphlets published by Grand Lodges, that Freemasonry is “a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated with symbols”. In England, one would be informed that Freemasonry is “secular, fraternal and charitable organization which teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays.” For some Masonic organizations in continental Europe  “Freemasonry is an initiatory and philanthropic society open to men and women of good will and high ethical standards.  Their methods represent an access to perfectibility and to self-discovery through the use of universal symbols.” In United States “Freemasonry is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God” and it is “oldest philanthropic, community oriented organization in the world.”

Problem with the most of the definitions is that, by trying to express very complex nature of the certain concept in compact form of one sentence, they often miss the point. An additional obstacle in coming up with official definition is in   “political correctness” which most of the Masonic organizations observe in their social settings. Many members of the fraternity like to say that Freemasonry is a way of life, but the closest one could come to short correct definition is to say that: Freemasonry is philosophical concept practiced by the members of the fraternal organization, who are brought together by shared ideals of both ethical and metaphysical nature.

 It is obvious, however, that the general definition of Freemasonry could not be given in one sentence and at the same time covers all of the properties of this phenomenon. Another problem with a general definition is the factor of time.  Can we take the very same subject, unchanged and constant and place it in different time frames and expect it to be understood in the same way and have the same meaning or even expect it to stay unchanged? And the final problem is that the very same Freemasons who were insisting on the “unchanged, constant nature of its teachings and character” constantly changed Freemasonry through its history.

 The only way to understand the meaning of Freemasonry and to successfully define it is to look at it on three different levels: first, outside of space and time- as a philosophical system; second, within the space and time- as an historical phenomenon; and third, within the social context- as an organizational concept with its place in the modern global society.

To define Freemasonry as a philosophical system we first have to remind ourselves about basic ideas behind the term “philosophy”. Many scholars claim that Pythagoras was the first one to use this term, which in Greek means, “love of wisdom”.  It is understood as a study or “methodical work of thought” of the general questions regarding human life and universe.…...Freemasonry could be understood as a practical philosophical system where those involved in, are trying to implement results of the abstract work - to their self-improvement; to the general perfection of their   surroundings; and to the better understanding of many of their realities. Through the symbolic use of the working tools of Masonry they are implementing Logic, norms of Ethics, and principles of Esthetics.  Through the scenography and choreography of their Rites and Rituals, they are entering upon the fields of metaphysics and psychology. Through the scenarios of the various degrees, they are involved into Epistemology.  One could say that a difference between traditional concept of philosophy and Freemasonry is in their position toward the object of research. While traditional philosophy speculates upon existing conditions of our realities, Freemasonry creates scenarios of various conditions in the closed setting of the Lodge room, in an effort to actively change our understanding and our position toward them; all in a belief that this will lead to self-improvement and attainment of absolute knowledge. This work of theirs, Freemasons call “Royal Art”. The term first appeared in reference to Freemasonry in the Constitutions written by Dr. James Anderson in 1723.  He never gave reasons for referring to Masonry as to a Royal Art.

As an historical phenomenon Freemasonry is “an oath-bound fraternal order”, inspired, among many other things, with the teachings and organization of the medieval fraternity of stonemasons. Freemasons like to refer to themselves as to  “speculative Masons” in order to distinguish the nature of their work and association from the activities of those members of the Masonic guilds involved in the actual building trade, whom they called “operative Masons”. There are two important characteristics of the connection between speculative Freemasons and operative stonemasons: first- requirement of an oath from a member; and second- fact that structure and traditions of the medieval guilds of stonemasons were used as a setting for philosophical speculations and not of some other group of medieval craftsmen, artisans or tradesmen……..
              As an organizational concept Freemasonry is a complex network of Lodges subordinate to the Grand Lodges, spread throughout the world.  Over the period of some three hundred years Grand Lodges became Sovereign institutions with their Constitutions governing Lodges and their members and with Rules and Regulations regarding every imaginable eventuality: from official teachings and ritual to the mutual recognition and definition of Freemasonry.  The majority of Grand Lodges prescribe through their Constitutions as a requirement for somebody to become a Freemason that he has to be a free man and  “believe in One God and in the immortality of the soul”.  Belief in “One God” is closely connected with the acceptance of the “Holy Bible” as the “Greatest Light in Freemasonry” and with the requirement that the open Bible or some other  “Book of Sacred Law” be present in the Lodge room during the time that the Lodge is open.  Grand Lodges that subscribe to these principles consider themselves “regular”.  There are also Grand Lodges that do not subscribe to all of these principles.  In these Grand Lodges requirement of belief in God was, as a part of religious dogma, substituted with   “absolute Liberty of conscience and the solidarity of Humanity” and the belief in the immortality of the soul is not required. Use of the Bible or other “Book of Sacred Law” during the ritual was left to the discretion of the individual Lodges to decide.

All Freemasons, regardless of their strain of Freemasonry, agree that Freemasonry is non-dogmatic.  It is not a religion, sect, social club, business network or political party.  This gentle concept values freedom of thought among all human beings, regardless of their station in life. The language of symbols is used to search and lead one on the path to inner development.  Freemasons of different ethnic origins, religious beliefs, and political opinions are all united in the fact that they are seekers after universal truths and self-perfection. While they are building their “inner Temple”, they hope that “as living stones” they will fit themselves into that Temple of a more enlightened world, “not built by hands”, but through practice of great principles of   Love, Truth, and Benevolence for all human kind.

 

 

 

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

INDEPENDENT
VIEWS

▼

 

M. WINTER (in Holbourn in 1698) ▼

 

Having thought it needful to warn you of the Mischiefs and Evils practiced in the Sight of  God by those called Freed Masons, I say take Care lest their Ceremonies and secret Swearings take hold of you; and be wary that none cause you to err from Godliness. For this devilish Sect of Men are Meeters in secret which swear against all without their Following. They are the Anti Christ which was to come leading men from Fear of God. For how should Men meet in secret Places and with secret Signs taking care that none observe them to do the work of God; are not these the Ways of Evil-doers?

 

 

REGULAR GRAND LODGE DEFINITION ▼

 

“Freemasonry is the oldest and largest world wide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It urges its members, however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.”
(from the Website of the Grand Lodge A.F & M of Canada in the Province of Ontario)
www.grandlodge.on.ca

 

 

ALBERT PIKE’S UNDERSTANDING ▼

 

"Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion, and its teachings are instructions in ... the universal, eternal, immutable religion...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, pp. 213, 219.

 

"[Masonry is] ... the custodian and depository (since Enoch) of the great philosophical and religious truths, unknown to the world at large...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, p. 210.

 

"Masonry, like all the religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled; to conceal the Truth, which it calls light, from them.... Truth is not for those that are unworthy...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, p 104-105.

 

 

 

ALBERT MACKEY’s COMMENT ▼

 

"Freemasonry is not Christianity ... it admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom...."An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, by Albert G. Mackey, 1921, pp. 618-619.

 

 

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA ▼

“The modern signification of Freemasonry in which, since about 1750, the word has been universally and exclusively understood, dates only from the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England, 1717. In this acceptation Freemasonry, according to the official English, Scottish, American, etc., craft rituals, is most generally defined: "A peculiar [some say "particular" or "beautiful"] system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." Mackey [10] declares the best definition of Freemasonry to be: "A science which is engaged in the search after the divine truth." The German encyclopedia of Freemasonry, "Handbuch" [11] defines Freemasonry as "the activity of closely united men who, employing symbolical forms borrowed principally from the mason's trade and from architecture, work for the welfare of mankind, striving morally to ennoble themselves and others and thereby to bring about a universal league of mankind [Menschheitsbund], which they aspire to exhibit even now on a small scale".
(From the Catholic Encyclopedia, - www.newadvent.org )

 

MANLY P. HALL’S  VIEW ▼

 

FREEMASONRY is a fraternity within a fraternity — an outer organization concealing an inner brotherhood of the elect. Before it is possible to intelligently discuss the origin of the Craft, it is necessary, therefore, to establish the existence of these two separate yet interdependent orders, the one visible and the other invisible. The visible society is a splendid camaraderie of 'free and accepted' men enjoined to devote themselves to ethical, educational, fraternal, patriotic, and humanitarian concerns. The invisible society is a secret and most august fraternity whose members are dedicated to the service of a mysterious arcanum arcanorum. Those Brethren who have essayed to write the history of their Craft have not included in their disquisitions the story of that truly secret inner society which is to the body Freemasonic what the heart is to the body human.” Manly P. Hall 33°, Lectures on Ancient Philosophy and Introduction to the Study and Application of Rational Procedure, p. 397 [Chapter 19 - Rosicrucian and Masonic Origins]

 

CONSTITUTION OF

THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE  ▼

 

“Freemasonry, which is essentially a philanthropic, philosophical and progressive institution, aims to search for the truth, study ethics and practice mutual support.

It works for the material and moral improvement of humanity, towards intellectual and social perfection.”

First Article of the Constitution of the Grand Orient of France

 

 

 

ROYAL ART ▼

 

What is Freemasonry? After sixty thousand books written on the subject, we are still asking the very same question….

“….. After centuries of Masonic scholarship, the feeling that the last Chapter is yet to be written is as present as ever. We are still “in search of that which is lost”. In the old Greek story, Aesop told his sons, before his death, that he had buried a great treasure in his vineyard. They didn’t find gold, but because they dug and stirred the ground around the roots of their vines, they had a rich vintage the following year. The story of Freemasonry is somewhat parallel to Aesop’s Fable. Thousands of books are written and numerous Lectures are given, all in hope of finding that which has been lost. It is yet to be found, but because of the search for it, much knowledge in all branches of learning has been uncovered and accumulated.   

          Some Freemasons believe that our Royal Art appeared with the birth of the first man and that it will be around till the end of human kind. To be born a human being means having unalienable right to be “Human”- to act and to be treated as such. To practice Masonry means to constantly strive towards the highest ideals of humanity. Freemasons often disagree among themselves what the end result of their quest “for that which is lost” represents. For some it is return from the fall to the original Divine state of the First Man. For others, it is the achievement of the inner perfection and happiness and improvement on all fields of human existence. Whatever it is, the quest is still one and the same: to enlighten our hearts and minds, search for absolute truth, believe in the inherited goodness of man, and maintain human dignity, practice virtues, and always, always endeavor   to be in harmony with the whole of Creation.

           It is not an easy task. It requires wisdom and strength of the Master Builders of ancient pyramids and Gothic cathedrals. It requires love for harmony and beauty. It requires measuring and weighing our thoughts and actions and being on the square with others and ourselves. It requires use of the best stone. The hardest stone to cut and carve is one within us. It is heavy with passions and prejudice, it is rough with bad habits, and it is brittle with fears and confusions and often is invisible. Most of the people go through life without ever realizing their ability and right to create and improve. But those who dare to take the mallet and the chisel and strike that stone are rewarded with nourishment of learning, refreshment of achieving and joy of discovery. To make a perfect stone is the ultimate ideal of all the Master Builders. The responsibility is serious and consequences far-reaching. Stones cut centuries ago by Great Initiates like Socrates, Plato, Moses, Pythagoras, Jesus, Confucius, and Mohamed are still standing as the foundation stones of edifices they started. But each individual’s life starts with a new rough stone waiting to be discovered by a willing Apprentice. Every Apprentice has a chance to be better than his Master and every Master is obligated to contribute his part to that edifice called Humanity.

           The sounds of each Builder’s working tools are like Symphony of Creation that brings us closer to the Great Architect of the Universe. This Divinely inspired music lifts our bodies, expands our souls, touches our spirits, and…”

(From the book “Royal Art” by Stevan V. Nikolic)

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