FREEMASONRY: FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION OR FRATERNAL INITIATIC SOCIETY?
Freemasonry: Fraternal Organization or Fraternal Initiatic Society? W ords can be much more than words; they can convey profound messages and reflect our way of thinking. The words we choose to use when we speak of our Fraternity reveal how we really view Freemasonry. So, is Freemasonry a fraternal “organization” or a fraternal “initiatic society?”
FRATERNAL INITIATIC SOCIETY A “society” is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: •
An “organization” is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: Something that has been organized or made into an ordered whole.
•
Something made up of elements with varied functions that contribute to the whole and to collective functions; an organism.
•
A group of persons organized for a particular purpose; an association: a benevolent organization.
A fraternal organization, sometimes also known as a “fraternity,” is an organization that represents the relationship between its members as akin to brotherhood. There exists in the United States today, more than one million non-profit organizations that one can choose to
Deputy Grand Master
join. Is Freemasonry among these organizations that a person can simply join? Of course not! So, what are we really about?
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION
•
Akram R. Elias,
A group of humans broadly distinguished from other groups by mutual interests, participation in characteristic relationships, shared institutions, and a common culture.
Freemasonry is indeed a fraternal “society” of men who distinguish themselves from others by mutual interests (to become better men), participation in characteristic relationships (ritualistic ceremonies), shared institutions (the Lodge), and a common culture (Masonic symbolism). Furthermore, one doesn’t “join” Freemasonry; one is “initiated”, “taken and accepted” into Freemasonry. Our words are a force; they are the tool that we use to communicate and create the events in our life. By stressing the fact that we are a fraternal initiatic society, we remind ourselves of the true mission of our Noble Craft and become more vigilant in: •
“Watching the west gate” – is that person worthy of being initiated into our society? • “Loving our ritual” – are we devoting time to learn the ritual, which distinguishes us from the profane and helps each one of us build his internal temple? • “Speaking in symbols” – are we designing Lodge instruction programs that help us decipher the hidden meanings of our symbols, which are naturally invisible to the naked eye?
• Esoteric Initiation
• “Living our Freemasonry” – are we discussing in Lodge meaningful ways to internalize the teachings of Freemasonry in order to truly become better men and make a positive difference in our respective communities? The Voice of Freemasonry
19
