Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world's largest and oldest fraternity. It seeks to make the world a better place
by improving the moral compass and spiritual well-being of each of its members. It achieves this
goal by traditional re-enactments, symbols, and artifacts that serve as reminders to the members.
Freemasonry is an organization and network of individuals who share a simple common goal.
Indiana Freemasonry is the second largest group of Freemasons in the country and continually strives
to “make good men better.” By attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow
Masons, you’ll strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with like-minded men who
share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. You’ll enjoy the friendship of other Masons in
the community, and you’ll be welcomed as a “brother” by Masons everywhere in the world. Freemasonry
also promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness, or adversity through no fault
of your own, the hands of our great fraternity will be stretched forth to aid and assist you. The Grand
Lodge of Indiana has advocated the education of its members since its beginning in 1818. Its ceremonies
provide instruction to all members, supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures,
workshops, and reading. Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are
not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore
ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand
what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as "a beautiful system of morality veiled in
allegory and illustrated by symbols."
2. Is Freemasonry a religion?
No, it is not. It does not ascribe to the teachings of any one religion, but embraces the spirituality of
all religions and the universality of the common good that comes from The Supreme Architect of the
universe, so Freemasonry ascribes to a monotheistic belief. It parallels many of the teachings and
scriptures from different holy books, but beyond affirmation in the belief of a Supreme Architect
of the universe, the Freemasons are no more a religion than the Cub Scouts, who must also uphold
a similar belief.
3. What is the goal of Freemasonry?
The goal of Freemasonry is to make the world a better place. Masons believe that this starts within the
individual first and then spreads through the communities in which we live and to the greater world
around us. Each mason continually seeks further light, which is inspiration from the Supreme
Architect of the Universe, in his journey through life. It is perhaps upon this principle that
Freemasonry has been universally adapted to the many different religions and peoples of the world.
From its earliest days, charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons have always
been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children, the sick and the elderly. In fact, Masons in North
America give away approximately $3 million to national and local charities each day, of which more
than 70% is directed toward the general public. Masons are also actively involved in a great deal of
community volunteer work.
4. Why should one become a Freemason?
This question is best answered by each individual. One should first be prepared to become a Mason in
his heart before taking any further action to petition a lodge. Any man who seeks self-improvement
and wishes to become part of something larger than himself to humbly serve others in making the
world a better place should consider membership in a Masonic Lodge. Once a man becomes a Mason,
he realizes that he is never alone. As a mason, an individual is obliged to assist his fellow Mason,
regardless of lodge affiliation or geographic location. This brotherhood of Masons offers an individual
the comfort and security that he and his family will be taken care of no matter where he may find himself
to be. In addition to this, each Mason is reminded of his responsibility to maintain a strong moral
compass and spiritual well-being, as well as his obligation to hold other Masons to these same higher
standards while seeking further light in their life.
5. Are the Masons planning to take over the world?
Well, surprisingly Yes and No. No, there is not a plan to take over the world using force or any
treacherous or insidious means. However, the Masons are out to make the world a better place and
that means we seek a course of action that will bring forth greater light into the world. This means
that we must actively be part of our world and live in our world, while helping to spread the light.
So, if there is a conspiracy, then here it is spelled out in no uncertain terms: The Masons seek to make
the world a better place by making men better men. This starts with each individual man and requires
him to re-align his moral compass and enter into a humble service to his community and the larger
world, to seek further light (this is inspiration from The Supreme Architect of the universe) and
follow His plan that is written on each individual Mason's trestle board. It requires Masons to hold each
other to a higher standard and look after our fellow man, and especially a fellow brother in the
fraternity, while putting forth first the widows and the orphans in the world. That's it, pure and simple
and spelled out for all to read. With that said, it is easy to see why people might mistakenly assume
the Masonic Order is a religion, after all this goal is parallel to that of the majority of religions.
6. Are the Freemasons a secret society?
No, Freemasons is NOT a secret society, but it is a society that keeps secrets. Masonic lodges are clearly
displayed in the public (hence, F & A M Lodge stands for Free & ACCEPTED Masonic Lodge), meeting
dates and times are posted in public places (like in this web site) and many Masons fashion masonic
rings, tie tacks, pins, license plates, and various other items openly in public. The Freemasons are no
more secretive than the Boy Scouts, Amish, or the like.