Frequently Asked Questions About Freemasonry

·  What Is Freemasonry?

It is a fraternal society based on certain moral and religious doctrines; the moral doctrines including Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, and the religious doctrines comprising a belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. Freemasonry might also be defined as a charitable, benevolent, educational, religious society with a purpose to teach by ritual and symbolism the building of good character. It is charitable in that its income is not expended for private gain, but is devoted to the improvement and promotion of happiness and the well being of mankind. It is benevolent in that it teaches unselfish concern for the welfare of others as a duty, and exemplifies it by the relief of poor and distressed brothers and their needy widows and orphans. Masonry is not an insurance or benefit society. It is educational in that it teaches by prescribed ceremonials a system of morality and brotherhood based on Sacred Law. It emphasizes the duty of man to be curious about the world; to develop his intellect and skill; to be just; to follow precepts of conscience and exercise self-control; to be earnest and sincere. Freemasonry's Lodges, Temples and Libraries are aids to this end. It is religious in that it teaches belief in one God, a belief prerequisite for membership, though without dogma or creed, for Freemasonry is not concerned with creeds or theology. Every Lodge must have an altar and on it, when the Lodge is in session, a volume of the Sacred Law. Freemasonry is social in that it fosters the natural friendliness and a true spirit of brotherly love and affection that should take place in the lives of men associated and united for noble purposes. While a belief in a Supreme Being is the primary mandatory requisite to membership, Masonry does not require membership in any church as a condition of membership. Conversely, membership in a church is no restriction to admission to Masonry. There is nothing in our requirements to prevent a Roman Catholic, a Mohammedan, a Buddhist, a Latter Day Saint (Mormon), a Protestant or a member of any religious sect having a belief in one Supreme Being from becoming a Mason, and we have within our membership adherents to each of these religious groups. Discussion of sectarian religion is prohibited in the Lodge in order to maintain peace and harmony, but Masonry encourages its members to take an active part in the churches of their choice.

·  Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?



·  Who are the Freemasons?



·  What do Freemasons aim for?



·  What is the difference between Freemasonry and Masonry?


·  Is Freemasonry  a Religion?

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It requires of its members, belief in God as part of the obligation of every responsible adult, but advocates no sectarian faith or practice. Masonic ceremonies include prayer, both traditional and extempore, to reaffirm each individual's dependence on God and to seek divine guidance. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at Masonic meetings. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee does not teach or advocate universalism (the doctrine that all people will eventually be saved and go to heaven) or any other theological doctrine. Masons believe that there is one God and that people employ many different ways to seek and express what they know of God. Masonry primarily uses the appellation, "Grand Architect of the Universe" and other non-sectarian titles, to address Deity. In this way, persons of different faiths may join together in prayer, concentrating on God, rather than differences among themselves. Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private and sacred. Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion: It has no dogma or theology, no wish or means to enforce religious orthodoxy.       
          It offers no sacraments.  
          It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge or by any other means.  The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with the modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation.   Freemasonry is far from indifferent toward religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his duty in God above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions. I hope this clarification of Freemasonry and Religion will enlighten the critics of this ancient Craft. In other words, " Better to light one candle than curse the darkness." It should be clear that we are not a secret society but rather a society possessing certain secrets. We do not hide our membership. We wear pins, rings and emblems of the Masonic Fraternity. We do not meet secretly. Our Temples are listed, they usually bear the Lodge name and the emblem of Freemasonry is generally displayed as we hold our meetings.

·  Why are some Churches so Antagonistic Towards Freemasonry?

Quite simply that question should be directed elsewhere. Freemasonry will not make any comment regarding any particular belief system, religious, political or otherwise. It will certainly make no comment on another organization's internal affairs as that is their business.



·  Why don't some churches like Freemasonry?


·  Why will Freemasonry not accept Roman Catholics as members?


·  Do the Freemasons still build cathedrals and churches?


·  How many Freemasons are there?

Under the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, there are about 15,000 active Freemasons, meeting in more than 350 lodges. Worldwide there are probably 5 rnillion members.

·  How does one become a Freemason?



Many men live a lifetime and never know that they must ask for admission to the world's oldest, most purposeful and greatest fraternity. They do not realize that they will not be invited. They must come in of their own free will and accord, without persuasion.  While we cannot invite a non-Mason to become a member of the Lodge, there is a door upon which you can knock for admission if you so desire! You must ask a Mason for a petition.

·  Who can join?


·  Is there any other way to become a member if I would like to join but no Freemason knows me?

You can send us an e-mail.


·  What is the joining process?


  1. My application is entirely voluntary.



·  How much does it cost to be a Freemason?


·  What are the requirements for membership?



·  Once a Member, is it not Difficult to Leave?

Freemasonry is a voluntary organization and once a member there is no pressure to continue to participate. Indeed men join and subsequently find it is not to their taste or is not what they had envisaged and so cease to be active members. Whilst it is sad that Freemasonry is unable to meet the applicant's aspirations, in such cases, it will not stand in the way of anyone's decision to leave.

·  Does a man have any benefits at all of being a Freemason?

There are no material benefits. However, he has the knowledge that many other respected men think of him as a free man of good reputation. He discovery new wisdoms of life in their company and in the company of reflections offered by Freemasonry. Some have a higher regard for that than any material benefits.


·  When I become a member, will you help me in finding a job, making money, securing my life, etc.?

Oops! Please be informed that Freemasonry is not an insurance company. Thank God you didn't ask us for flood insurance


·  Isn't it true that Freemasons only look after each other?


·  Can a woman become a member of the Masonic Fraternity?



·  What is the Logo of the organization?


·  How can I understand Masonry?
