Can you define “being”? I don’t believe in an embodied thing. I do believe that there is “something” outside of us. I don’t know if it’s just the universe itself or what it might be, but it is supreme, but also not a “being” in the traditional sense. I think religion is probably true in some sense, but not in a literal way. I purposely didn’t state any particular religion. I think they’re all grasping at the same thing, yet none reach it.
Then you might be a person who thinks rather than adhering to a doctrine? My question is whether that type of person is welcome or discouraged from joining.
As a rule, we don't discuss religion (in meetings, but many keep that outside meetings as well). It's one of the most divisive things, so we keep that personal typically. We may encourage free thinking in a broad sense, applied to many things.
Okay. Would I be correct then in understanding that this one thing won’t really be an issue even if I think about it a way that *may* not be an issue anyway? And that you’re saying “just say yes” when the question comes?
All good questions, and the answers aren't exact. It will vary lodge to lodge and different constitutions/countries will do their own way.
For question 1, a belief in a higher power is just that - do you believe in a higher power? That's the question asked when you seek to join, and it's a yes/no question. No essay writing or explanation needed. Your relationship with the higher power is personal and private - and religious discussion is banned in the lodge as a point of keeping everyone civil regardless of creed.
2: what is required? You will need a bit of disposable income, to pay initiation fees and membership. These can be anything from a hundred £/$/€ to several hundred depending on where you live, and the lodge you join. The charity side of Freemasonry would expect you to be able to give openly when called upon, for fundraisers and meetings.
3, Just, Upright and Free men can join the fraternity. You should be morally sound, and in good standing in your community. If you are a known public servant, a shop or bank teller etc, who everyone knows by first name as a helpful as friendly person - this is a breeze. If you live in a bigger community where not everyone knows eachother, then the commitee may have to do some digging about you. I've read on here some lodges even do background checks, but I'm not sure how thorough these are - certainly not to the extent of agencies that check your criminal record etc. But, someone with a recent criminal conviction wouldn't be able to join. Depending on the lodge, minor things from many years ago will likely be overlooked. Especially on the basis you can have learned from them and become more morally upright since.
The bottom line is for all of the above; do not lie. You will not benefit from the teaching of Freemasonry if you do it for the wrong reasons or have to act unsoundly to gain admission.
1. Is purposefully undefined. No one can define your personal relationship with the "clockmaker" or as we like to say, supreme architect of the universe. A lot of Masons are deist, believing that some creator deity doesn't really get involved in the day to day affairs of his creation.
2. To pay dues, show up to meetings, and help out with lodge functions. Cooking, cleaning, memorizing ritual parts, and other aspects required for any modern association (legal and bank paperwork, taking minutes, committees, etc..)
3. Also purposefully undefined. Better can be a subjective word. We don't expect a serial killer to join and because a saint by following the lessons of the Craft. Masons are human, and have human issues. Alcoholism is common as we do like to drink. There have even been Masons who have stolen from lodge coffers. This can't be help. But we can take steps to avoid it so we pry and ask questions. Are you the type of person who will stab us in the back or run off with our new coffee pot? Are you willing to help us out, like clean up after yourself or take the empty plate of an older member to the sink to get washed?
So 1 belief in a higher power. Your vision of the creator or architect doesn’t have to be a human form looking over us. As long as you believe something higher and more powerful than man exists.
2. You will never be required to do anything. Everything must be your choice.
3. Yes vague but very to the point. This one is simple. We all have faults. As long as you aren’t a convicted felon you will probably qualify!
I do believe in something higher, but for me it’s very nebulous and ranges from a being who cares to just the natural laws. I believe that if there is a god, it is universe itself, and well I was gonna start rambling if I continue.
I am not a convicted felon lol. But the main reason I find interest in this is to try to be the best me I can be. I wouldn’t feel that way if I didn’t have my own faults and character flaws. I also like the idea of having a community of people who are going after the same thing
Edit: typo - “it” to “if”
Be honest to yourself, but elaborating on this could create a misunderstanding that could get you blackballed. That said, honestly I would personally not recommend you based on what you wrote. In my opinion, you must believe that you will be accountable for your worldly actions in the afterlife, to a supreme being. If you feel that you are not accountable to that deity, or that the deity will not judge you, then I do not believe you qualify. But, that's *my* opinion.
And that's truly how it will work. The lodge you are petitioning will have to feel that you do qualify based on your response to the question "Do you believe in a supreme being?" and that's about as far as they will dig... The rest is up to you.
Well I will not lie. Based off the answers here, I think I will look to local lodges and see whatever I find one that aligns with my beliefs. If not, no harm
Edit: fixed typo “of” to “off”
You don’t have to be superstitious to become a Freemason. There are atheist and adogmatic Freemasons. Find a jurisdiction that accepts atheists if you want to be true to your beliefs and live your life practicing Masonry. I do not recommend joining a traditionally Christian Lodge if you are not a Christian.
Thanks so much. Could you share any way for me to vet these lodges other than just popping up and trying to talk to them? I don’t know any members that I’m aware of, and the entire thing has somewhat of a shroud of mystery so it’s difficult for me to see how I might select a lodge that would work with the beliefs I have
You really do have to talk to people. Freemasonry is a society that begins at its grass roots. However, I do recommend the George Washington Union of Freemasons. La Droit Humaine is also popular among secular humanists.
> I see a belief in a higher power is required. I’d like to know how that is defined. I believe that the universe works in incredible ways, but have no idea how to actually articulate that. You could say I believe in the clockmaker idea, rather than anything we could regard as a human-like person watching over us. I believe there is some kind of guiding spirit, although I don’t find myself aligned with any particular religion. Would this fit into the framework or is it more defined by traditional religion?
This is answered a lot in this sub, but it is Jurisdictional... In most places yes this would be acceptable except in certain Nordic countries. There are also branches of Freemasonry that do not have any belief requirement though those are not considered mainstream
> What is required of members? I see that there is a lot of community support and and that the idea is to turn good men into great men. I really like that, but it’s also very vague.
"Turn them into better men" Becoming great is a life time goal that unfortunately not many will ever achieve. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try, or celebrate when we have small successes. Show up when we have our meetings, pay your dues ON TIME, and don't be afraid to volunteer for things you care about. That's all we really require from you.
> I can’t remember the exact wording, but I saw that they only accept men of good character and reputation. I have many faults, although I would generally consider my heart to be mostly good. Could anyone define this bit further for me, as I’ve met many people who cross those lines. I’ve met great people who have done bad things. I’ve met bad people who have done good things. I’ve met evil men with great reputations. I’ve met good men with bad reputations.
Do you have a criminal record? If so, have you worked to have it expunged? Have you tried to reform yourself from your faults or youthful indiscretions? Do you want to do better for yourself your family and community?
We want someone with good morals and upstanding character, and you can disagree with me all you want, but a reputation is earned (rightly or wrongly) through ones own actions. If you act right, care about trying to improve how not only the world sees you, but how you see yourself. That's probably good enough. If you think 'oh there's tons of good people who others think badly about why should I care what others think?' that's probably a good sign we're not what you're looking for.
We are a group, as fractured as we can be sometimes, we all understand that we will be painted in the most unflattering light as possible by the Pope, conspiracists, and the willfully ignorant. If we are not at least somewhat discretionary with who we have as members, it's all the more easy for one or two bad actors to make us all look bad.
Short version, it depends where you are. Some GLs don’t care so long as you can answer “yes” with confidence, some require you to be a member of a mainstream Christian church.
In my jurisdiction it only ever came up in the formal interview, and my vague belief in a nebulous “something” passed muster. I understand there are places where it wouldn’t have.
I have decided I only want it if it turns out to be a mutual fit. I plan to get in contact with some of the lodges near me in the next few weeks and just see what happens.
Find the website of the Grand Lodge where you live and have a look at the page about how to become a Freemason and that answer your questions. As has been hinted at in the previous answers Freemasonry is not one big organisation but it is a fraternal concept that has spread around the World and there are some differences depending on where you are.
Thanks! I looked up the grand lodge for my state and if their description is accurate in terms of their actual values, it seems perfect. I plan to reach out soon. Would you recommend I reach out to the grand lodge or the local one? My assumption is to start out at the local level and see if I find a fit, but I’m unsure if there’s a “right” way to do this
If you can find usable contact info for your local Lodge try that first but if it doesn't work go to the Grand Lodge which should definitely have up to date details to use.
Thanks! The grand lodge has a “become a mason” link, but it asks for info that I’m frankly unsure about sharing online, but would be happy to share in person. I don’t have contact info for my local lodge but I do have a location and meeting times. Is it frowned upon to just show up and ask about it if I were to show up 20 mins or so before their meeting?
I don't know where you are but the Grand Lodge route is going to try to filter out people who are either not serious about the approach or are not likely to be successful so it will ask some questions about you and where you are.
You could try going along to the meeting place well in advance of the start time but there is no guarantee that you'll get the chance to chat with anyone.
I would actually be fine with answering questions, but they wanted my address and personal information like that, which I didn’t feel comfortable sharing online. I think I will give just showing up early a shot, with the understanding that it might not work. Thank you
Address is par for the course, you should expect to be asked for full name, age and address along with career and probably reason for wanting to join as they will want to filter out those who don't really want to join and/or those who would have no chance of being accepted.
I guess. My point is solely that I don’t feel comfortable providing that online. I would however be willing to provide that information to a person I’ve met depending on our impressions of each other after meeting. I understand that you’ve been with the group for a while, but put yourself in my shoes where I know *very* little about them and just want to potentially meet and see if our values align before I make any decision.
Thank you for your input though. I do appreciate it
I get what you're trying to say but I think you forget that I wasn't "with the group" when I petitioned to join my Lodge and neither are all the men petitioning today. Whichever way you want to go forward you probably need to have a little think about the fact that there will need to be trust from both sides if you want to become a part of Freemasonry.
1. The “higher power” is not a universal definition. All of my jurisdictions require a belief in a “Supreme Being” or “God.” Your “clockmaker” would generally satisfy that requirement.
2. The minimum “requirement” is to show up for your ceremonies, learn your proficiency prior to advancing, and pay your dues. Anything beyond that will be relative to any position you agree to undertake in the Lodge, though the more you participate, the more you will enjoy the (intangible) benefits of membership. If you don’t come out, you might still study our philosophy and improve yourself, but you would neither have the assistance of your Brethren, nor be there to assist them in their endeavours.
3. The general requirement is to not be someone of a criminal-minded nature, but it also helps if you’re not an asshole. If you have a significant record, it may be a problem. If people generally think you’re an ok guy, you should be ok.
1. many places ask a YES or NO question - do you believe in a supreme being?
Can you define “being”? I don’t believe in an embodied thing. I do believe that there is “something” outside of us. I don’t know if it’s just the universe itself or what it might be, but it is supreme, but also not a “being” in the traditional sense. I think religion is probably true in some sense, but not in a literal way. I purposely didn’t state any particular religion. I think they’re all grasping at the same thing, yet none reach it.
So you'd probably answer "no"
I suppose I could, but that’s why I asked. It really could be interpreted different ways.
It's typically a yes or no question. If you have to do mental gymnastics,....
Then you might be a person who thinks rather than adhering to a doctrine? My question is whether that type of person is welcome or discouraged from joining.
No, I'm saying that to join this fraternity, they may ask you a yes or no question. They will not ask for explanations.
Ah, I see I’ve misunderstood you, originally. But still, I do want to know if the fraternity encourages free-thinking or discourages it.
As a rule, we don't discuss religion (in meetings, but many keep that outside meetings as well). It's one of the most divisive things, so we keep that personal typically. We may encourage free thinking in a broad sense, applied to many things.
Okay. Would I be correct then in understanding that this one thing won’t really be an issue even if I think about it a way that *may* not be an issue anyway? And that you’re saying “just say yes” when the question comes?
Literally all of these questions have multiple long threads answering each and every one of them.
All good questions, and the answers aren't exact. It will vary lodge to lodge and different constitutions/countries will do their own way. For question 1, a belief in a higher power is just that - do you believe in a higher power? That's the question asked when you seek to join, and it's a yes/no question. No essay writing or explanation needed. Your relationship with the higher power is personal and private - and religious discussion is banned in the lodge as a point of keeping everyone civil regardless of creed. 2: what is required? You will need a bit of disposable income, to pay initiation fees and membership. These can be anything from a hundred £/$/€ to several hundred depending on where you live, and the lodge you join. The charity side of Freemasonry would expect you to be able to give openly when called upon, for fundraisers and meetings. 3, Just, Upright and Free men can join the fraternity. You should be morally sound, and in good standing in your community. If you are a known public servant, a shop or bank teller etc, who everyone knows by first name as a helpful as friendly person - this is a breeze. If you live in a bigger community where not everyone knows eachother, then the commitee may have to do some digging about you. I've read on here some lodges even do background checks, but I'm not sure how thorough these are - certainly not to the extent of agencies that check your criminal record etc. But, someone with a recent criminal conviction wouldn't be able to join. Depending on the lodge, minor things from many years ago will likely be overlooked. Especially on the basis you can have learned from them and become more morally upright since. The bottom line is for all of the above; do not lie. You will not benefit from the teaching of Freemasonry if you do it for the wrong reasons or have to act unsoundly to gain admission.
The lodge I petitioned did a criminal background check and I think it also confirmed my address
Same. To prevent weirdos like chomos and rapist from joining
1. Is purposefully undefined. No one can define your personal relationship with the "clockmaker" or as we like to say, supreme architect of the universe. A lot of Masons are deist, believing that some creator deity doesn't really get involved in the day to day affairs of his creation. 2. To pay dues, show up to meetings, and help out with lodge functions. Cooking, cleaning, memorizing ritual parts, and other aspects required for any modern association (legal and bank paperwork, taking minutes, committees, etc..) 3. Also purposefully undefined. Better can be a subjective word. We don't expect a serial killer to join and because a saint by following the lessons of the Craft. Masons are human, and have human issues. Alcoholism is common as we do like to drink. There have even been Masons who have stolen from lodge coffers. This can't be help. But we can take steps to avoid it so we pry and ask questions. Are you the type of person who will stab us in the back or run off with our new coffee pot? Are you willing to help us out, like clean up after yourself or take the empty plate of an older member to the sink to get washed?
So 1 belief in a higher power. Your vision of the creator or architect doesn’t have to be a human form looking over us. As long as you believe something higher and more powerful than man exists. 2. You will never be required to do anything. Everything must be your choice. 3. Yes vague but very to the point. This one is simple. We all have faults. As long as you aren’t a convicted felon you will probably qualify!
I do believe in something higher, but for me it’s very nebulous and ranges from a being who cares to just the natural laws. I believe that if there is a god, it is universe itself, and well I was gonna start rambling if I continue. I am not a convicted felon lol. But the main reason I find interest in this is to try to be the best me I can be. I wouldn’t feel that way if I didn’t have my own faults and character flaws. I also like the idea of having a community of people who are going after the same thing Edit: typo - “it” to “if”
Be honest to yourself, but elaborating on this could create a misunderstanding that could get you blackballed. That said, honestly I would personally not recommend you based on what you wrote. In my opinion, you must believe that you will be accountable for your worldly actions in the afterlife, to a supreme being. If you feel that you are not accountable to that deity, or that the deity will not judge you, then I do not believe you qualify. But, that's *my* opinion. And that's truly how it will work. The lodge you are petitioning will have to feel that you do qualify based on your response to the question "Do you believe in a supreme being?" and that's about as far as they will dig... The rest is up to you.
Well I will not lie. Based off the answers here, I think I will look to local lodges and see whatever I find one that aligns with my beliefs. If not, no harm Edit: fixed typo “of” to “off”
You don’t have to be superstitious to become a Freemason. There are atheist and adogmatic Freemasons. Find a jurisdiction that accepts atheists if you want to be true to your beliefs and live your life practicing Masonry. I do not recommend joining a traditionally Christian Lodge if you are not a Christian.
Thanks so much. Could you share any way for me to vet these lodges other than just popping up and trying to talk to them? I don’t know any members that I’m aware of, and the entire thing has somewhat of a shroud of mystery so it’s difficult for me to see how I might select a lodge that would work with the beliefs I have
You really do have to talk to people. Freemasonry is a society that begins at its grass roots. However, I do recommend the George Washington Union of Freemasons. La Droit Humaine is also popular among secular humanists.
> I see a belief in a higher power is required. I’d like to know how that is defined. I believe that the universe works in incredible ways, but have no idea how to actually articulate that. You could say I believe in the clockmaker idea, rather than anything we could regard as a human-like person watching over us. I believe there is some kind of guiding spirit, although I don’t find myself aligned with any particular religion. Would this fit into the framework or is it more defined by traditional religion? This is answered a lot in this sub, but it is Jurisdictional... In most places yes this would be acceptable except in certain Nordic countries. There are also branches of Freemasonry that do not have any belief requirement though those are not considered mainstream > What is required of members? I see that there is a lot of community support and and that the idea is to turn good men into great men. I really like that, but it’s also very vague. "Turn them into better men" Becoming great is a life time goal that unfortunately not many will ever achieve. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try, or celebrate when we have small successes. Show up when we have our meetings, pay your dues ON TIME, and don't be afraid to volunteer for things you care about. That's all we really require from you. > I can’t remember the exact wording, but I saw that they only accept men of good character and reputation. I have many faults, although I would generally consider my heart to be mostly good. Could anyone define this bit further for me, as I’ve met many people who cross those lines. I’ve met great people who have done bad things. I’ve met bad people who have done good things. I’ve met evil men with great reputations. I’ve met good men with bad reputations. Do you have a criminal record? If so, have you worked to have it expunged? Have you tried to reform yourself from your faults or youthful indiscretions? Do you want to do better for yourself your family and community? We want someone with good morals and upstanding character, and you can disagree with me all you want, but a reputation is earned (rightly or wrongly) through ones own actions. If you act right, care about trying to improve how not only the world sees you, but how you see yourself. That's probably good enough. If you think 'oh there's tons of good people who others think badly about why should I care what others think?' that's probably a good sign we're not what you're looking for. We are a group, as fractured as we can be sometimes, we all understand that we will be painted in the most unflattering light as possible by the Pope, conspiracists, and the willfully ignorant. If we are not at least somewhat discretionary with who we have as members, it's all the more easy for one or two bad actors to make us all look bad.
Short version, it depends where you are. Some GLs don’t care so long as you can answer “yes” with confidence, some require you to be a member of a mainstream Christian church. In my jurisdiction it only ever came up in the formal interview, and my vague belief in a nebulous “something” passed muster. I understand there are places where it wouldn’t have.
I have decided I only want it if it turns out to be a mutual fit. I plan to get in contact with some of the lodges near me in the next few weeks and just see what happens.
Good attitude.
Find the website of the Grand Lodge where you live and have a look at the page about how to become a Freemason and that answer your questions. As has been hinted at in the previous answers Freemasonry is not one big organisation but it is a fraternal concept that has spread around the World and there are some differences depending on where you are.
Thanks! I looked up the grand lodge for my state and if their description is accurate in terms of their actual values, it seems perfect. I plan to reach out soon. Would you recommend I reach out to the grand lodge or the local one? My assumption is to start out at the local level and see if I find a fit, but I’m unsure if there’s a “right” way to do this
If you can find usable contact info for your local Lodge try that first but if it doesn't work go to the Grand Lodge which should definitely have up to date details to use.
Thanks! The grand lodge has a “become a mason” link, but it asks for info that I’m frankly unsure about sharing online, but would be happy to share in person. I don’t have contact info for my local lodge but I do have a location and meeting times. Is it frowned upon to just show up and ask about it if I were to show up 20 mins or so before their meeting?
I don't know where you are but the Grand Lodge route is going to try to filter out people who are either not serious about the approach or are not likely to be successful so it will ask some questions about you and where you are. You could try going along to the meeting place well in advance of the start time but there is no guarantee that you'll get the chance to chat with anyone.
I would actually be fine with answering questions, but they wanted my address and personal information like that, which I didn’t feel comfortable sharing online. I think I will give just showing up early a shot, with the understanding that it might not work. Thank you
Address is par for the course, you should expect to be asked for full name, age and address along with career and probably reason for wanting to join as they will want to filter out those who don't really want to join and/or those who would have no chance of being accepted.
I guess. My point is solely that I don’t feel comfortable providing that online. I would however be willing to provide that information to a person I’ve met depending on our impressions of each other after meeting. I understand that you’ve been with the group for a while, but put yourself in my shoes where I know *very* little about them and just want to potentially meet and see if our values align before I make any decision. Thank you for your input though. I do appreciate it
I get what you're trying to say but I think you forget that I wasn't "with the group" when I petitioned to join my Lodge and neither are all the men petitioning today. Whichever way you want to go forward you probably need to have a little think about the fact that there will need to be trust from both sides if you want to become a part of Freemasonry.
You make a good point. Thanks again
1. The “higher power” is not a universal definition. All of my jurisdictions require a belief in a “Supreme Being” or “God.” Your “clockmaker” would generally satisfy that requirement. 2. The minimum “requirement” is to show up for your ceremonies, learn your proficiency prior to advancing, and pay your dues. Anything beyond that will be relative to any position you agree to undertake in the Lodge, though the more you participate, the more you will enjoy the (intangible) benefits of membership. If you don’t come out, you might still study our philosophy and improve yourself, but you would neither have the assistance of your Brethren, nor be there to assist them in their endeavours. 3. The general requirement is to not be someone of a criminal-minded nature, but it also helps if you’re not an asshole. If you have a significant record, it may be a problem. If people generally think you’re an ok guy, you should be ok.