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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What is
Freemasonry?
This one of the most difficult questions to answer and even Freemasons
themselves give differing definitions. This is probably due to the fact that
Freemasonry does not impose any particular Dogma, has no Theology but simply
attempts to guide members to a more moral way of life. 'Attempting to make
good men better' is one definition.
Is
Freemasonry a Secret Society?
Hardly! You are reading this are you not? The perception that Freemasonry is
in some way secret has arisen relatively recently simply because Freemasons
value their privacy. This is no different from many other organisations that
keep their affairs private from people who are not members. If you asked a
golf club, of which you are not a member, for details of the membership,
committee minutes, etc. then you can safely assume the reply - should the
club concerned be courteous enough even to answer. This basic right to
privacy applies equally to Trades Unions, Private Clubs, Political Parties,
Churches, etc. as well as to individuals.
Why do
Freemasons have a Funny Handshake?
Freemasonry is a very old society that pre-dates many present day
institutions. The earliest Masonic records are to be found in Scotland and
date from a time when members of Lodges were mainly illiterate. As stone
masons had to travel all over the country, and occasionally overseas, some
simple method of recognition had to be devised in order to secure employment
appropriate to the degree of skill of each individual. Modern day Freemasonry
continues that practice. Other organisations use different methods to
identify between those who are members and those who are not. A membership
card is the most common form and instantly shows that one is a member of a
particular society etc. A membership card, or anything in writing, would have
been useless to an illiterate stone mason. Freemasonry is a very traditional
institution, proud of its history and what it stands for. It simply continues
to use practices established centuries ago.
How does
one become a Freemason?
Usually by asking another Freemason. It is a general rule, in Scotland, that
a Freemason will not solicit men for membership. There are occasions when a
member of the family, a close personal friend, will be asked but this is a
matter for the individual Freemason concerned. If you do not know a freemason
or are unaware if you know one then contact the Provincial Grand Secretary of Stirlingshire.
What are
the Qualifications for Membership?
There are several. An applicant must believe in a Supreme Being but
Freemasonry will not provide any further definition and the nature of that
Being must be determined by the applicant himself. The applicant must be an
upright man of good moral character and be at least twenty-one years old. He
must not have a criminal record. He must be able to meet his financial
commitments to his family before those to Freemasonry.
Once a
Member is it not Difficult to Leave?
Freemasonry is a voluntary organisation and once a member there is no
pressure to continue to participate. Indeed men join and subsequently find it
is not to their taste or is not what they had envisaged and so cease to be
active members. Whilst it is sad that Freemasonry is unable to meet the
applicant's aspirations, in such cases, it will not stand in the way of
anyone's decision to leave.
Why are
some Churches so Antagonistic Towards Freemasonry?
Quite simply that question should be directed elsewhere. Freemasonry will not
make any comment regarding any particular belief system, religious, political
or otherwise. It will certainly make no comment on another organisation's
internal affairs as that is their own business.
Why is Freemasonry
a Unique Institution?
In many ways it is not. There are other organisations in existence that also
value their privacy. It may be because Freemasonry is so popular that it
attracts a greater degree of attention than these other organisations. Historically
Freemasonry was but one institution among many. For instance there were the
Free Gardeners, Free Shepherds, Free Carpenters, Free Colliers, etc. which
were organised along similar lines to Freemasonry and taught morality by way
of their own ritual plays and symbolism. Most of these organisations no
longer exist leaving Freemasonry as the only example of this once common form
of society or association.
This page has been reproduced from the pages of the website of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland. www.grandlodgescotland.com
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