Slide 1: ==== ==== Freemason accessories at discount prices! http://tinyurl.com/85sgnko ==== ====
Who are they? What is it? The history of Freemasonry started from the days when they were men (stone masons) who built churches or cathedrals around the time of King Solomon. Guilds or associations were started as what we would call unions today to barter for payments and to maintain standards of building in their profession. Being operative masons, they used words and signs to identify themselves when travelling from building to building to guard against misrepresentation. These words or signs were later known to be the "secrets" of Freemasonry. Today, Freemasonry is no longer a society for operative masons but rather it is symbolic in nature as the members share an interest in the old craft. It is a society that accepts members from all races, creeds, religions and social status. The teachings are fundamentally based on the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, which supports the rule that you do onto others as you would wish them to do onto you. All members are taught to act and live in a way that he will always be a better man, not better than someone else, but better than himself - "Freemasonry - making a good man better". The tools of a mason and principles of architecture are used symbolically to teach the basic moral truths and to emphasise the virtues of faith, hope, charity, prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice. All discussions of politics and/or religion are not permitted in any lodge meetings. Members are encouraged to perform their civic duties according to the laws of the country in which they reside. Newly initiated Masons are told, "[In Freemasonry] there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral or religious duties". Freemasonry is not a religion, and is not a substitute for religion; and it does not solicit members as the desire to be a member is a personal choice. A basic qualification for people seeking membership is the acknowledgment in a Supreme Being according to their own system of faith, doctrine and worship. Freemasons are expected to be charitable in thought, word and deed. There are a large number of charities that they are involved in e.g. low cost housing, nursing homes, scholarships, medical research, etc. Freemasonry is now governed throughout the world by a system of Grand Lodges, and each Lodge under the constitution of a particular Grand Lodge has its own charter (warrant), by-laws and independence. A new member to the fraternity progresses through the three 'degrees' being:
Slide 2: 1. Entered Apprentice; 2. Fellow Craft; and 3. Master Mason Each 'degree' involves the teachings, ceremonies, moral teachings and wisdom developed over the years. There are other 'degrees' besides the above but they are regarded as concordant i.e. they are not higher in rank and importance but expand on the teachings of the above three 'degrees'. In order to attain the other 'degrees', members need to join other Masonic Orders like the Royal Arch, Cryptic Mason, Christian Chivalry, etc. The majority of Freemasons do not go higher than the degree of a Master Mason. Common questions asked of Freemasonry are: 1.Is it a religion, do they pray to another God, or are they devil worshippers? Answer: No, it is not a religion and is not a substitute for religion. All members are required to acknowledge a Supreme Being according to their own system of faith. It has no theological doctrine, does not claim to lead to salvation, and religious matters are not permitted to be discussed at its meetings. 2.What are 'secrets' of Freemasonry? Answer: These are words, symbols and signs, including the famous handshake used as a mode of recognition. It is not a secret society but rather a society with secrets. 3.Are they a group of men who used their influence to secretly govern and control the world behind closed doors? Answer: No. Religion, politics and racial issues are not permitted to be discussed in meetings. 4.Do the Freemasons gain special privileges as members? Answer: No. It is not a mutual benefit society, offers no protection or material gain or advantage to any member but it teaches charity and tolerance towards humanity. 5.Are there blood curdling obligations which new members have to take? Answer: There are obligations of membership if you joined any regulated organisation. The obligations in Freemasonry are ancient in origin and may appear unusual in the modern society due to the 'ancient penalties'. They have been seized on by Anti-Masonic entities with little understanding that these are symbolic and not part of the obligation. References to the 'ancient penalties' are intended to intensify the symbolic obligation and new members are advised of this. Any one who is interested in the Freemasons, should approach the Grand Lodge nearest to them or ask a Freemason friend to introduce them to a Lodge.
Slide 3: For further information on the Freemasons (Freemasonry), go to: [http://www.freemasonsite.info] or [http://www.masonicsite.info] The above publications would provide you with an insight into the workings of an organization that is so much misunderstood by the public.
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