What Masonry Is It is a voluntary association of men. It is a system of moral conduct. It is a way of life. It is a fraternal society. It is religious in its character. It teaches the Golden Rule. It seeks to make good men better men. It teaches morality through symbolism. It uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members. It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man and the Immortality of the Soul.
What Masonry IS NOT It does not solicit members. It is not an insurance or benefit society. It is neither a religion nor a cult nor a religious order. It is not a charity organization, but makes charity a duty. It is not organized for profit. It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular. It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics. It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs. It is not a secret society, as it does not conceal its existence or purposes. |