MORALITY AND MASONRY
Morality and Masonry in the 21st Century n the opening to our Grand Lodge website there is the statement, “Freemasons seek to promote friendship, morality and brotherly love”. The dictionary defines “moral” as concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior, and the goodness or badness of human character.
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As we read newspapers and listen to the media, we are confronted with many examples of individuals in society who do not adhere to moral principles. Elected officials have been accused of accepting bribes or conduct unbecoming to their office. Some members of Congress have been involved in licentious behavior to the detriment of their family and their constituents. Our economy has been damaged because financial counselors defrauded their clients of their life savings for personal gain without feelings of guilt. Even in the world of sports, athletes use illegal substances to try to enhance their performance for monetary gain rather than relying on their physical abilities. It appears that society is experiencing moral dilemmas in many ways.
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We are reminded that “Freemasonry takes good men and makes them better.” That includes being better citizens in our communities, better husbands, and better fathers. Masonry teaches us leadership qualities to be used in all our social contacts. It reminds us that, in our everyday business dealings, to treat everyone with honesty and dignity. At the end of the day, we know our actions will provide us with a sense of satisfaction in all of our efforts.
We as Masons are proud to wear our Masonic rings and pins, not just symbolically, but to show that we are members of a formidable fraternity working to improve society in the 21st century throughout the world.
As Masons, we have formed a philosophy of life amongst all of our degrees. As Entered Apprentice Masons we strive to better ourselves by attaining Light. As Fellowcraft Masons, we learn about the world around us. When we become Master Masons, we are able to go out into that world as individuals and make contributions to it. Our degrees impart morality lessons in order to help us lead upright lives. The Voice of Freemasonry
Joel Shulman Assistant Grand Chaplain
Would society be better off if more people in all walks of life were members of the Craft and lived true to its principles? It would certainly set it in a more hopeful direction. At the opening and closing of all communications, the chaplain offers a prayer to show our reverence and belief in the Grand Architect of the Universe, which is essential for governing our conduct. This is the reason that no atheist can become a Mason.
When our meetings come to an end, we conclude with the words “May brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us”. That statement sends us forth to rejoin our families and pursue our occupations, secure in the knowledge that all of our actions should be made on the square and circumscribed within the points of the compasses. We as Masons are proud to wear our Masonic rings and pins, not just symbolically, but to show that we are members of a formidable fraternity working to improve society in the 21st century throughout the world. ■