Concerning God and Religion - Charges of a Freemason
In a world where ethical boundaries can sometimes blur, a centuries-old document serves as a moral compass for all of Freemasonry.
Known as "The Charges of a Free-Mason Extracted from The Antient Records of Lodges Beyond Sea (sic)" is a living guidebook that should be read aloud to a new Mason, but why should this matter to anyone who isn't a Freemason?
The Charges set forth timeless principles that promote not only ethical living but also community building, personal development, and social harmony. They're not just rules for the craft; they're a roadmap for being a better citizen and, indeed, a better human. By laying out standards of behavior both within the Masonic lodge and in broader society, these Charges foster a sense of unity among Masons globally, connecting them to a shared history and tradition.
There are six charges, which we should all be well versed in.
I. Of God and Religion
II. Of the Civil Magistrate, supreme and subordinate
III. Of Lodges
IV. Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices
V. Of the Management of the Craft in Working
VI. Of Behaviour
1. In the Lodge while constituted
2. After the Lodge is over and the Brethren not gone
3. When Brethren meet without Strangers, but not in a Lodge
4. In presence of Strangers not Masons
5. At Home and in the Neighbourhood
6. Towards a strange Brother
To start,
Let’s look at and understand in full the first charge,
“Of God and Religion”
Which sets forth the foundation for the remaining charges and indeed Freemasonry.
The charge in full, is:
I. Concerning GOD and RELIGION
A Mason is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understand the art he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine.
He, of all men, should best understand that God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but God looketh to the heart.
A mason is, therefore, particularly bound never to act against the dictates of his conscience.
Let a man’s religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the order, provided he believe in the glorious architect of heaven and earth, and practise the sacred duties of morality.
Masons unite with the virtuous of every persuasion in the firm and pleasing bond of fraternal love; they are taught to view the errors of mankind with compassion, and to strive, by the purity of their own conduct, to demonstrate the superior excellence of the faith they may profess.
Thus masonry is the centre of union between good men and true, and the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those who must otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.
Lets break down and understand each of the six verses to better appreciate the princple and lesson each is trying to teach, before we look at this charge as a whole.
“A Mason is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understand the art he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine.”
This essentially tells us that being a Mason isn't just about ceremony or community; it's about living by a specific moral code. This isn't a flexible rule; it's a law. And the moral laws aren't something each person makes up for himself; they are defined and come from the 'Supreme Being’ or God of the individual faith of each Brother.
The idea here is pretty straightforward: If you truly get what Masonry is all about, you won't be someone who denies the existence of God ("a stupid atheist") or someone who lives without any moral restraint ("an irreligious libertine"). In short, being a good Man and a Mason means you're committed to a higher moral standard that, according to this verse, can only come from God and not be defined by a human.
"He, of all men, should best understand that God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but God looketh to the heart."
This verse digs deep into the idea that while humans often judge each other by surface-level traits like appearance or wealth, God is interested in something far more essential: the quality of your heart, your inner character. In essence, it's a reminder that the true test of a person is not how they look or what they own, but the kind of person they are when no one is watching.
The verse drives home the point that a Mason should be especially tuned in to this wisdom. That is, if you're Freemason, you've got to be the kind of person who understands the importance of inner virtues over outer displays. This isn't just a lesson for Masons but a universal truth reminding us where real value lies. So, the next time you find yourself quick to judge, remember that the surface rarely tells the whole story.
"A mason is, therefore, particularly bound never to act against the dictates of his conscience."
This makes it clear that a Mason's moral compass, or conscience, isn't something to take lightly. It's like your internal GPS for right and wrong, and the rule is simple: don't ignore it. Ever.
In the Masonic tradition, listening to your conscience isn't just a good idea—it's a requirement. But the principle isn't just for Masons, but reminder that your inner sense of right and wrong (which as discovered by the first charge, is defined by God) is a powerful guide that shouldn't be dismissed or ignored, no matter the situation.
Whether in business, friendships, or family matters, that little voice in your head that tells you what's right? Pay attention to it. Because a life guided by a clear conscience is not just a Masonic ideal but a universal goal worth striving for.
"Let a man’s religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the order, provided he believe in the glorious architect of heaven and earth, and practise the sacred duties of morality."
A clear message about inclusivity with a catch. It's saying, "Hey, it doesn't matter how you pray or what your religious affiliations are; you're welcome here." But there's a bottom line: you have to believe in some form of higher power and live a morally upright life (as defined by God)
In plain terms, it's like saying you can belong to any club or follow any sports team you like, but when you're here, we all play by the same basic rules. The Masons put a strong emphasis on two main things—a belief in a higher power ("glorious architect of heaven and earth") and a commitment to being a good person.
It's not just about Freemasonry; it's a broader reminder that a sense of community often hinges on shared fundamental beliefs and ethical behavior.
In a world divided along many lines, this principle encourages us to focus on what unites us—our shared values and common moral ground.
"Masons unite with the virtuous of every persuasion in the firm and pleasing bond of fraternal love; they are taught to view the errors of mankind with compassion, and to strive, by the purity of their own conduct, to demonstrate the superior excellence of the faith they may profess."
Serving up a hearty dose of old-fashioned brotherly love and understanding, with a side of personal responsibility. It's basically saying: "Look, we Masons get that no one's perfect. We're all part of the same human family, after all. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't aim high."
What stands out is the Masons' call for unity not just among themselves but with all good-hearted people, regardless of their beliefs or background. But they go a step further—don't just talk the talk, walk the walk. Live your life in such an upstanding way that it becomes a shining example for others.
This isn't just a Masonic virtue; it's a life lesson for all of us. Instead of pointing fingers or dwelling on the shortcomings of others, focus on bettering yourself and spreading a bit of kindness and understanding. In a world that often seems bent on division, this principle tells us that compassion and personal integrity can, and should, bring us together.
“Thus masonry is the centre of union between good men and true, and the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those who must otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance."
Imagine an organisation that goes beyond being a club, or association, that is also a catalyst for the most moral upright men. That's Freemasonry.
The message is simple but powerful: Masonry serves as a building, placing good men together who might never have crossed paths otherwise.
Think about it. In a world where we're often separated by all sorts of barriers—be they cultural, religious, or political—here's an institution that says, "Forget all that; if you're a decent human being, you're welcome here." Masonry aims to be a meeting ground where ethical people can connect, despite their differences, and forge friendships that might have been unlikely otherwise.
It's a principle that extends beyond the walls of any Masonic hall. The big takeaway? Don't let surface differences keep you from forming meaningful relationships. When you find common ground in shared values, you'll discover that friendships can spring up where you least expect them.