Morality and Masonry in the 21st Century

Morality and Masonry

in the 21st Century

Joel Shulman

Assistant Grand Chaplain

In the opening to our Grand Lodge website there We are reminded that “Freemasonry takes good men is the statement, “Freemasons seek to promote and makes them better.” That includes being better friendship, morality and brotherly love”. The citizens in our communities, better husbands, and dictionary defi nes “moral” as concerned with the better fathers. Masonry teaches us leadership qualiprinciples of right and wrong behavior, and the goodties to be used in all our social contacts. It reminds ness or badness of human character. us that, in our everyday business dealings, to treat 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 princiWe as Masons are proud to wear 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. ples. Elected offi cials have been accused of accepting our Masonic rings Would society be better off if more people in all bribes or conduct unbecoming to their offi ce. and pins, not just walks of life were members of the Craft and lived true Some members of Congress have been involved symbolically, but to its principles? It would certainly set it in a more in licentious behavior to the detriment of their family and their constituents. Our economy has been damaged because fi nancial 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 to show that we are members of a formidable fraternity working to improve society in the 21st century throughout 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 gain rather than relying on their physical abilities. the world. to an end, we conclude with the words “May brothIt appears that society is erly love prevail and every experiencing moral dilemmoral and social virtue mas in many ways. cement us”. That statement 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. 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. ■