What is Freemasonry? A Journey of Self-Improvement

What is Freemasonry?

A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Most Masons would agree with this elegantly concise definition of Freemasonry. To a non-Mason, however, it raises more questions than it answers.

A more concrete definition might be: Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that seeks the self-improvement of its members and, through them, the improvement of society. This self-improvement is carried out by borrowing the narratives and symbols of medieval stonemasons and using them to teach fundamental lessons of truth, morality, brotherly love, and charity.

The Craft and Its Symbols

In their meetings, Masons imitate the gatherings of ancient stonemasons. The cutting and polishing of stones is used, for example, to illustrate the shaping of personality, the construction of King Solomon's Temple to symbolize the building of character, and tools such as squares and compasses to represent virtues such as honesty, prudence, and moderation.

Masonry vs. Freemasonry

None whatsoever. The two terms are interchangeable. To avoid ambiguity, however, Masonry is usually written with an uppercase M to distinguish it from the stonecutter's craft of masonry. Freemasonry is perhaps the more accurate term, but Masonry is shorter and more convenient. Other words commonly used to refer to Freemasonry are The Craft or The Fraternity.

The Role of Grand Lodges

An organization that supervises, regulates, and coordinates the activities of Masonic lodges within its area of jurisdiction. This area of jurisdiction is usually defined geographically. However, some areas encompass two, three or more Grand Lodges with differing historical and ideological backgrounds. Relations between Grand Lodges resemble those between sovereign nations. Some recognize one another and enjoy cordial relations, others do not.

Historical Origins

Masonic scholars have been trying to answer this question for almost three hundred years. National pride and a lack of documentation have spawned many theories, the most popular being the least tenable. Many Masons are convinced that Freemasonry began with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717.

Freemasonry and Religion

Apart from a requirement for a belief in a Supreme Being (a requirement lifted by a small minority of Grand Lodges), Freemasonry respects the religious affiliations of its members and makes no attempt to influence them. That being said, Masonry draws much of its allegory from the Judeo-Christian Bible, a natural consequence of its birth in the cultural environment of pre-17th century Europe. Despite this background, for three centuries followers of all the world's religions have joined the Fraternity and experienced no conflict with their personal beliefs.

Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?

The usual answer to this question is that Freemasonry is not a secret society but a society with secrets. These secrets relate to the modes of recognition used by ancient stonemasons to establish their credentials as trained craftsmen. All of these modes of recognition were made public in the earliest Masonic exposés and, after three hundred years, can hardly be called secret.

Addressing Conspiracy Theories

This misunderstanding probably stems from the 33-degree system of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, a series of degrees created in France not Scotland, and based on allegories of chivalry rather than masonry. Within this system, the highest degree is awarded as an honor to a limited number of outstanding members. Other conspiracy theories are based on proven fabrications such as the notorious Protocols of the Elders of Zion, or the criminal activities of rogue lodges such as Propaganda Due (P2) in Italy. That millions of Freemasons have found no trace of secret cabals within their organization should help to put things in perspective.