THE PHILOSOPHY
OF FREEMASONRY
by William R. Punt, PGM
"In
preparing for these brief comments on the Philosophy of Freemasonry, I asked
myself, 'Just how does a person go about telling someone else what Masonry is
and is not?' I came to the conclusion that perhaps a starting point would be
with a definition of Freemasonry. Actually, there were two that I ran across
recently. The first said: 'Masonry is more than social good fellowship, more
than ritual, more than organized charity. It is a way of living; a philosophy of
life.' Another definition said: 'Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolent,
educational, and religious society.' For the next few minutes, let's take these
definitions apart and see what they really mean.
"First of all, many will say that Freemasonry is a secret organization.
Actually, its only secrets are in its methods of recognition and of symbolic
instruction. We maintain secrecy but purely as a means of mutual identification.
We take an oath but only after assurance that it 'will not improperly affect any
duty we owe to God, our country, our neighbor, or ourselves.' We have forms and
ceremonies and symbols but these are all external.
"Actually, the entire ritual is a symbolic representation of the course of a man
through his life, leading him step by step from birth, through manhood, to old
age, and leaving him with the hope of immortality. The first Degree, called the
Entered Apprentice, represents man as he comes into life; helpless, ignorant and
dependent, and carries his education through the period of his youth. The
second, or Fellowcraft Degree, represents man in his middle age; and the third
or Master Mason Degree takes him through old age and ends with a beautiful
lesson in the unconquerable hope of immortality. Through the three degrees, the
candidate is taught increasing wisdom in the art of upright living.
"Now let's look at that part of our definition dealing with religion. Although
in remote antiquity Freemasonry was affiliated with various religions, it has
long since ceased to be a religion. It is the friend of every religious faith
but is not itself a religion. Essentially, it is the practical applications of a
philosophy of life or way of living.
"Not being the product of any one race or system of government, or economics, or
philosophy, or religion, Freemasonry welcomes men of every race and creed if
they have sufficient integrity of character to become good Masons and if they
believe in Deity. Instead of trying to be a religion, Freemasonry deliberately
seeks to provide a common meeting place where men of every religion can remain
true to their own religions and yet, submerging their differences, can work
together in harmony to manifest the finest fruits of all religions.
"While the emphasis of religion is often of intercession for forgiveness of
shortcomings, the Masonic emphasis is essentially on the more positive side of
seeking to measure up to one's obligations rather than on any theological
doctrines of forgiveness. Similarly, Masonry stresses one's duties rather than
his rights. Just as Freemasonry exhorts its members to be true and loyal
citizens of whatever county is entitled to their allegiance, so, likewise,
Freemasonry expects each of its members to be a true and loyal supporter of his
chosen religion and of the church, synagogue, or other unit of its
organizational worship.
"Now,
let's look at other parts of our definition, first that of being a social
organization. Freemasonry is a social organization only so far as it furnishes
additional inducement that men may forgather in numbers, thereby providing more
material for its primary work of education, of worship, and of charity.
"Through the improvement and strengthening of the character of the individual
man, Freemasonry seeks to improve the community. Thus, it impresses upon its
members the principles of personal righteousness and personal responsibility,
enlightens them as to those things which make for human welfare, and inspires
them with that feeling of charity, or good will, toward all mankind which will
move them to translate principle and conviction into action.
"We believe that the Masonic life should be an orderly life, and that it should
be a public spirited life. Furthermore, we believe it should be an industrious
life in the pursuit of one's vocation and a physically sane life with due regard
to bodily health. A sound body, orderly industry, public spirit, but primarily
the building of character ---- to us these emerge as major laws of successful
living.
"Just what, then, does Freemasonry say about man's relationship with God and
with his fellowman?
- In a world of greed
and force,
it teaches self-restraint and reason.
- In a world permeated
with the spirit of selfish rivalry,
it teaches Universal Brotherhood.
- In a world of
intolerance and bigotry
it teaches tolerance and kindness.
- In a world of cynical
disbelief
it teaches reverence for Deity.
- In a world
floundering in the depths of a great moral and spiritual depression it
teaches industry and self-reliance and temperance and integrity.
- It aids and comforts
and reassures and inspires individuals.
- It leaps the barriers
of race and space to draw together the finest aspirations of all men and
unite them in a Universal Brotherhood.
"And finally, we
can say that purity of heart, sincerity, truthfulness, fidelity to duty, and
similar qualities are emphasized over and over as necessary internal
qualifications. The attainment of wisdom, prudence, temperance, justice, reason,
self-reliance, strength and beauty are practical objectives. Self-restraint,
upright conduct, and morality are worthy means toward the accomplishment of
these objectives. These are typical of the Masonic Philosophy.
"Yes,
Masonry is more than social good fellowship, more than ritual,
more than organized charity. It is a way of living; a Philosophy of Life.
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