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1...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 this 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.
2...Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a mason. Masons do not care what your individual
faith is --that question is between you and your God-- but we do
require that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
3...Are you
willing to allow others 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.
4...Do you
believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better
place than you found it? Masonry teaches that each man
has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must o what we can
to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the
environment, working on civic projects, or helping children walk,
see or read -- the world should be a better place because we have
passed through it.
5...Do you believe that
it is not only more blessed to give than to receive --
but also that it is more fun? 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 are not looking for gratitude; we're more than
rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped
another person overcome some adversity.
6...Are you willing to
give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to
accept their help when you need it? Masonry means mutual help -- not
just financial help (although that is often there) but also help in
the sense of being there when help is needed, giving support, and
lending a sympathetic ear.
7...Do you feel
that there is something more to life than just financial success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the
bank, social position, or political power. Those things often
accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it.
Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a
carpenter works at building a house.
8...Do you
believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen
and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we
live? Masons believe that a country is strong only as long as
freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development 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 equitably
applied.
9...Do you agree
that a man should show compassion for others, and that
goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?
Masons believe in a certain reverence for living things and
tenderness for people who suffer. Masonry teaches that although all
men are fallible and capable of having much wrong, when they
discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of
virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and
virtue.
10..Do you
believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom; a sort of bond that
holds men together -- a form of 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 in his relations with one
another, his family, and his community. 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" to these questions, you should consider becoming a Mason. It
offers a chance to be with and work with men who have the same
values and ideals as you men who have answered "YES" to these
questions. Ask a Mason you know for information about the
fraternity. Seek out a Masonic Lodge in your community. They will be
happy to respond to your questions and get you started in this great
fraternal organization.
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