What Defines A Freemason? Masonic Regalia and Rituals
It?s surprising for an organization as secretive as the Freemasons that their name is commonly known amongst the general public. Many people seem to be aware of the Masons although they admittedly will tell you they don?t know much about them.
If you were to ask a Mason what it actually means to be one, he would likely tell you that he is a man of good character and high morals that believes in a "Supreme Being".
The perception is that it?s a deep inner longing that drives a man to look and become a part of the Freemasons. It?s like the need for an internal commitment that is joined with others. It would almost seem like an escape from reality or everyday living as the times we are in now. The Freemasons dwell on history and rituals relating to the past when the organization was first formed.
Some may say that it is a spiritual awakening that they desire yet the Freemasons will tell you they are not a religious organization. In fact, some will tell you that religion and or politics are two forbidden topics at their meetings. Some masons will tell you that it enhances their religious walk in life.
If one had to put in one word what the Freemasons were all about according to them it would be self-improvement. From what little we do know about the Freemasons this is carried out by way of rituals, which they state is based on allegory. Basically, allegory is telling a story to get a point across. Not necessarily, a true story mind you. This is further enhanced with symbols. Their unspoken motto in a sense would be their purpose is for the betterment of good men. The criteria for gaining entry into this organization is that the individual have a unchallengeable character, has met the criteria of being worthy to be part of the fraternity, and can be trusted to keep the secrets of the Freemasonry.
The question has often been raised as to why the Freemasons do not go in pursuit of new members. Their retort to this is that man has free will, and if he wants to become part of the Freemasons then that man is to approach the Freemasons. Incidentally if you have seen the bumper sticker 2B1 ASK1. Meaning to be one, ask one. So this raises the point that is the concept, ?not what you know, but who you know??
Seasoned Freemason members will tell you if you want to become a mason then simply approach one that you know. In fact, they say there may be people around you that have been a Mason for years and you didn?t know it. Another plus for secrecy?
Apparently they now have websites for the Freemasons that you can go to for enquiries about memberships. No doubt, it will still come down to the fact that you will have to know a Mason who will vouch for your integrity before you are allowed in.
Another interesting point in this modern day of age is why have no women challenged their male only membership policy? One would think with the equal rights movement that some woman would have been bold enough to challenge their charter.
If you were to ask a Mason what it actually means to be one, he would likely tell you that he is a man of good character and high morals that believes in a "Supreme Being".
The perception is that it?s a deep inner longing that drives a man to look and become a part of the Freemasons. It?s like the need for an internal commitment that is joined with others. It would almost seem like an escape from reality or everyday living as the times we are in now. The Freemasons dwell on history and rituals relating to the past when the organization was first formed.
Some may say that it is a spiritual awakening that they desire yet the Freemasons will tell you they are not a religious organization. In fact, some will tell you that religion and or politics are two forbidden topics at their meetings. Some masons will tell you that it enhances their religious walk in life.
If one had to put in one word what the Freemasons were all about according to them it would be self-improvement. From what little we do know about the Freemasons this is carried out by way of rituals, which they state is based on allegory. Basically, allegory is telling a story to get a point across. Not necessarily, a true story mind you. This is further enhanced with symbols. Their unspoken motto in a sense would be their purpose is for the betterment of good men. The criteria for gaining entry into this organization is that the individual have a unchallengeable character, has met the criteria of being worthy to be part of the fraternity, and can be trusted to keep the secrets of the Freemasonry.
The question has often been raised as to why the Freemasons do not go in pursuit of new members. Their retort to this is that man has free will, and if he wants to become part of the Freemasons then that man is to approach the Freemasons. Incidentally if you have seen the bumper sticker 2B1 ASK1. Meaning to be one, ask one. So this raises the point that is the concept, ?not what you know, but who you know??
Seasoned Freemason members will tell you if you want to become a mason then simply approach one that you know. In fact, they say there may be people around you that have been a Mason for years and you didn?t know it. Another plus for secrecy?
Apparently they now have websites for the Freemasons that you can go to for enquiries about memberships. No doubt, it will still come down to the fact that you will have to know a Mason who will vouch for your integrity before you are allowed in.
Another interesting point in this modern day of age is why have no women challenged their male only membership policy? One would think with the equal rights movement that some woman would have been bold enough to challenge their charter.
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