What are the principles of Masonry?

Here you will find some of the principles of Freemasonry. These principles are universal and subscribed to by all Masons. These principles of Masonry should not be surprising at all and should make logical sense to the compassionate and understanding man.

Masonry teaches that:

Since God is the Creator, all men and women are the children of God.

Because of that, all men are brothers, entitled to dignity, respect for their opinions, and consideration of their feelings.

Each person must take responsibility for his own life and actions.

Neither wealth nor poverty, education nor sickness, health or sickness excuses any person from doing the best he can do, or being the best person possible under the circumstances.

No-one has the right to tell another person what he must think or believe.

Each man has a right to intellectual, spiritual, economic, and political freedom. This is the right given by God, not by man. All tyranny, in any form, is illegitimate.

Each person must learn and practice self-control.

Each person must make sure his spiritual nature triumphs over his animal nature. If tempted into anger, we must not become violent. Even when tempted into selfishness, we should choose to be charitable. Even when we wish to give up, we must go on. Even when we are hated, we must return love, or at the minimum, not hate in return. The path is not an easy one.

Faith must be in the center of our lives.

We find that faith in our houses of worship, not in Freemasonry, but Masonry constantly teaches that a person's faith, whatever it may be, is central to a good life.

Each person has a responsibility to be a good citizen, obeying the law.

While change may or may not occur, we believe in change being directed beneath legal recourse.

It is important to work to make this world better for all who live in it.

Masonry teaches the importance of doing good, not because it ensures a person's entrance into heaven- that's a question for religion, not a fraternity- but because we have a duty to all other men and women to make their lives as fulfilling as they can be.

Honor and integrity are essential to life.

Life, without honor and integrity, is without meaning.