Do you believe that there is such a thing as honor, and that a man
has
a responsibility to act with honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not founded
on honor
is hollow and empty -- that a man who acts without honor is less than
a
man.
Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual
faith is --that is a question between you and your God -- but we do
require that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs
that
you insist on yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration -- on the right of each person
to think
for himself in religious, social and political matters.
Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world
a better
place than you found it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself
but to
others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether
that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects,
or
helping children to walk or read or see -- the world should be a better
place because we have passed through it.
Do you believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive,
it's also more fun?
Masons are involved with. the problems and needs of others because
we
know it gives each of us a good feeling -- unlike any other -- to help.
Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude, we're
more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have
helped
another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it,
and to
accept their help when you need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that's
there,
too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support,
lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you feel that there's something more to life than just financial
success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money
in the
bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany
self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at
building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building
a house.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and
that
we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we Live?
Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality,
and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason
is
true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority
when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the
principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would
divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man should show compassion for others, that goodness
of
heart is among the most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things,
a
tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow
man,
and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that
although
all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover
the
goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry
helps
men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men should strive to Live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that
holds
men together -- a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each
other
to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other.
Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and
promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his
family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in
the
Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty
to
follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of
the
greatest forces for good in the world.
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.
Freemasonry offers much to its members -- the opportunity to
grow, the
chance to make a difference, to build a better world for our children.
It
offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the same values
and ideals -- men who have answered "YES" to these questions.
It's easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about
Masonry.
You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and
Compasses like the one in this brochure or on a pin or tie tack or
bumper
sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your community, stop by
or look
up the number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book and ask
for the
secretary of the lodge. He'll be happy to help you..
Have you ever considered becoming a Mason? We'd like a chance
to talk
with you.