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- Do you believe that there is such a
thing as honor, and that a man has a responsibility to act with honor
and everything he does? Masons teach this principle. We
believe that all life not founded on honor is hello 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. The Masons do not care what your individual
faith is - that is a question between you and your God - but we do
require that a man believed in a Supreme Being.
- 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
- 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 do 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 or see or read; the world should be
a better place because we have passed through it.
- 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 our help is given on anonymously. We are
not looking for gratitude; we are more than rewarded by that feeling
which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some
adversity.
- 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 a 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.
- Do you feel that there is something more
to life than just financial success? Mason's 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.
- 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.
- Do you agree that 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 a tenderness for people who suffer.
Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much
wrong, when they discover the goodness of the 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 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
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 you a chance to be
with and work with men who have the same values and ideals as you - men
who have also answered "YES" to these questions. Ask a Mason you
may know of for information about the fraternity. Seek out a
Mosnic Lodge (like this one) in your community.
If you'd like someone from Arlington
Heights Mason Lodge to contact you, please click
here, and we'll be happy to
respond to your questions and get you started in this great fraternal
organization! |
