Some Frequently Asked Questions about Freemasonry
Can anyone become a Freemason?
Yes – Freemasonry is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic position in society.
To become a member under a 'regular' Grand Lodge, such as the Grand Lodge of Scotland, an applicant must however be male, and express a belief in a Supreme Being.
To become a member under a 'regular' Grand Lodge, such as the Grand Lodge of Scotland, an applicant must however be male, and express a belief in a Supreme Being.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No, Freemasonry is not a religion. Masons who treat it as such are mistaken. Freemasonry strongly encourages its members to belong to an established religion, although that is not a requirement for membership (only that a candidate profess a belief in a Supreme Being). Masonry is a fraternal organization that encourages morality and charity and studies philosophy. It has no clergy, no sacraments, and does not promise salvation to its members.
But what about terms like 'Temple', 'Worshipful', and so on?
A museum may be called the Temple of Fine Arts. This does not mean that they are religious institutions. The same is true of Freemasonry. (Masonic buildings are also called Lodge Halls and Masonic Centres as well as Masonic Temples.)
The term 'worshipful' stems from 18th century usage, when Freemasonry in its present form was being organized. The term has nothing to do with religious worship but is an old synonym for 'honourable' or 'respected'.
Similarly, Freemasons engage in group prayer and have a chaplain, just as do the armed services; that does not make Masonry into a religion.
But what about terms like 'Temple', 'Worshipful', and so on?
A museum may be called the Temple of Fine Arts. This does not mean that they are religious institutions. The same is true of Freemasonry. (Masonic buildings are also called Lodge Halls and Masonic Centres as well as Masonic Temples.)
The term 'worshipful' stems from 18th century usage, when Freemasonry in its present form was being organized. The term has nothing to do with religious worship but is an old synonym for 'honourable' or 'respected'.
Similarly, Freemasons engage in group prayer and have a chaplain, just as do the armed services; that does not make Masonry into a religion.
What charities do Freemasons support?
Whilst there are Masonic charities that cater specifically, but not exclusively, for Masons or their dependants, Freemason lodges also make significant donations to non-Masonic organizations.
What is Freemasonry’s relationship with politics?
Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics by members, in their capacity as a freemason, has always been prohibited.
What is Freemasonry’s relationship with religion?
All Freemasons are expected to have a belief in a Supreme Being, Freemasonry does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion or provide a substitute for it.
It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man - not in a man’s relationship with his God.
It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man - not in a man’s relationship with his God.
If Masonry is so above-board, why is it 'secret'?
There are fewer secrets to Freemasonry than most non-members imagine; even many Masons are not entirely clear on what is and is not secret in Masonry. The moral principles of Masonry are the same as those taught you at your mother’s knee; it is only the exact procedures and words by which those principles are taught in Masonry that are secret, for it is the knowledge of those that distinguishes a Mason from those who are not members. To be entitled to the fellowship peculiar to the Lodge, a Mason must be able to identify himself, and these secrets provide the means for doing so.
A better term than secrecy would be privacy. Masonry is not a public organization like a town council. It is an association of private citizens, just like a golf club or a church. No-one except members has a right to know about the internal workings of any of these things. They are private to the group, not 'secret'
A better term than secrecy would be privacy. Masonry is not a public organization like a town council. It is an association of private citizens, just like a golf club or a church. No-one except members has a right to know about the internal workings of any of these things. They are private to the group, not 'secret'
Why do Freemasons take Obligations / Oaths?
New members make solemn promises concerning their behaviour both in the Lodge and in society. Members also promise to keep confidential the way they recognize each other when visiting another Lodge. Freemasons also commit to support others in time of need but only so far as it does not conflict with their family and public obligations
Why do you wear regalia?
Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organization.
What happens at Masonic Meetings?
Meetings, which like those of other groups, are open only to members, is normally in two parts. First, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
- Minute of the previous meeting
- Proposing and balloting for new members
- Discussing and voting on the annual accounts
- Masonic news and correspondence
- News about charitable work
- Admitting and advancing new members
- The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his office-bearers
How many Degrees are there in Freemasonry?
Scottish Craft Freemasonry practises the following:
- Entered Apprentice
- Fellow Craft (including the Mark Degree)
- Master Mason
- and the Ceremony of Installed Master
Contact the Provincial Grand Secretary
Hopefully this has answered some of your questions, however if you want to know more, you can contact the Provincial Grand Secretary:
Provincial Grand Secretary Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh c/o 230 Leith Walk EDINBURGH EH6 5EQ |
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