As published by the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America
Freemasonry is = the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It's members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court C= hief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor.
And Masonry is always ready to welcome good men in the Fraternity. It's ready to welcome YOU, if in your h= eart you can answer "yes" to a few questions.
Do you believe that there = is such a thing as honor, and that a man has a responsibility to act with honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that principle. = We believe that a life not founded on honor is hollow and empty -- that a man = who acts without honor is less than a man.
Do you believe in God?=
No atheist can be a Mason. Ma= sons do not care what your individual faith is -- that is question between you and = your God -- but we do require that a that a man belie= ve in a Supreme Being.
Are you willing to allow o= thers the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration= -- on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political matters.
Do you= r believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than you f= ound it?
Masonry teaches that each man= has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment, worki= ng on civic projects, or helping children to work or read or see -- the world sho= uld be a better place because we have passed through it.
Do you= r believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more fu= n?
Masons are involved with the = problems and needs of others because we know it gives each of us a good feeling -- unlike any other -- to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're n= ot after gratitude, we're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
Are you willing to give he= lp to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it?=
Masonry is mutual help. Not j= ust financial help (although that's there, too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you feel that there's s= omething more to life than financial success?
Masons know that self-develop= ment is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute f= or it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works a building a house.
Do you believe that a pers= on should strive to be a good citizen and the we ha= ve a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country= is strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human developm= ent is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government = and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equit= ably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppo= se every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man shou= ld show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is= among the most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a ce= rtain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man= , and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that altho= ugh all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the good= ness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men sh= ould strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a f= orm of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together -- a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude = of good will, and promote unity and harmony is his relations with one another,= his family, and his community. Masons call this way of believing in the Brot= herhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest forces= for good in the world.
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES&= quot;, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.
Freemasonry offers much to it= s members -- the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a bet= ter world for our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with men w= ho have the same values and ideals -- men who have answered "YES" to these questions.
It's easy to find our more. J= ust find a Mason and ask him about Masonry. You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and Compasses like the one in this brochure or on a = pin or tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your commu= nity, stop by or look up the number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book= and ask for the secretary of the lodge. He'll be happy to help you.
Have you ever considered beco= ming a Mason? We'd like a chance to talk with you.