share one thought…

Share one thought why Freemasonry is relevant today ?

A question we posted on social media to generate a reaction and response from members around the globe. The response was good – we had well over 100 replies from 15,000+ views.

We have selected a few below to show the variety and depth. Not all the replies were positive and many cliché. However, some were more thoughtful and offered a more in-depth view.

Please feel free to share this post to your friends and Groups on Facebook – as we plan to address this question again over the coming months.

Share Facebook Post

Social Media Comments

RD In such dark times, it is to help us seek and find light.

PDN In many indigenous societies, there exists a circle of elders whose task it is to provide men with a rite of passage into mature masculinity, with all of the virtues, spiritual included, which that entails. It is this valuable function which makes Freemasonry especially relevant today, particularly in societies where our elders may not be honored.

KC – I am more worried about loosing more members than we are replacing with initiates. Shoot me down in flames if you like, but I wonder if we should be accepting ladies. [Ed. See Co-Freemasonry]

CdLJ – The master is the eternal student, education is not something you can finish. Humanity, society, science, art, law, morality is one long continuum, we stand on the foundations built by those who came before us and those who come after shall stand on ours, we work to build a better future for all. Our duty as masons is threefold. To our brethren past; uphold traditions and preserve their wisdoms. To our brethren; to practice our craft and to aid each other. To our future brethren; to pass on our knowledge, our wisdom and instil them with the same passion that our brethren past did to us. Our duty is to all brethren, and vicariously to all mankind. Masonry is relevant today because of yesterday and tomorrow.

SG – Self actualization – the desire to become the most that one can be.

GJ – All the working tools combined but especially….

CP – It teaches us the right moral standards in an increasingly selfish world.

DM – As I’m still new and every time I attend I try to understand a little bit more, doesn’t we [sic] say to make good men better, helping each other out?

JS – We cannot engage in civil discourse anymore. The Craft can teach us how to do that.

PA – Meet on the level.

SPM – Making good men better.

AJRM – It is not.

RBF – Freemasonry was never intended as a refuge for fallen men in need of reformation. It doesn’t save souls, cure alcoholism or drug addiction, reform straying husbands, or put backsliding preachers back on the road to honesty. Instead, its rules and customs are specifically designed to keep such men out. Freemasonry has always had standards of conduct—and for a thousand years has went almost completely unchanged. So Mote It Be!

AR – It is more relevant today than ever by UNITING men of every country and promotes friendship among those who might have otherwise stayed at a distance.

TB – Fellowship and brotherly love are key reasons that Freemasonry has thrived for all these years.

SHB – Luke 6:43-44 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit”.

TH – It teaches those that don’t already practice it to help others whereever possible.

SM – Escape from loneliness.

ML – Charity.

DB – In a commercial world, where status is something that so many people consciously and subconsciously feel the need for recognition, Freemasonry is still the best organisation i have ever experienced in levelling a person to another, regardless of faith, creed or social status (whether assumed or actual) – Freemasonry is needed to show this world that who you are as a person is more important than were you are seen socially (just my opinion).

SB – Because being a good brother never goes out of fashion in Freemasonry, best decision I ever made becoming a brother.

BC – I agree that it is one of the best, oldest, and most enduring personal development courses available.

SL – For making good men better /G\.

RWK – It’s relevant to me.

SW – Look around yourself everywhere…anywhere…we are losing all respect for our own human race…old stand while young sit and play on the phone etc. A Brother is unfortunately a dying breed. We need to figure out how to get the word out that there still is good in this world. It can be found in ANY lodge…or heart of a Brother.

BA – Because today’s men need to be better. Starting with yourself.

SdlG – Freemasonry will always be relevant due to its focus on self improvement, being productive members of society, promoting love and seeking enlightenment.

MJ – Who cares long as it is relevant to you. Freemasonry is relevant for my own personal and guarded reason. Everyone journey is different.

JL – Brotherhood, Relief and Truth are always relevant.

CT – Because now, more than ever, this world needs just and upright men. (and women) with level heads and upright intentions to govern and guide us through these crucial times.

PG – Provides hope for future generations.

Recent Articles: membership

A Rose by any other Name may not be the same

Explore the profound distinctions between conferred and transmitted Masonic degrees with Bro. Scott Wisdahl. Delve into how presentation quality, personal impact, and setting shape these rituals, and consider the potential for digital adaptations in modern Masonic practices. Join the discussion on enhancing the Masonic journey and preserving its essence. 

Progression through the Degrees; a Rite or a Privilege?

Exploring the layered journey of Freemasonry, Matt DA Fletcher probes the essence of progression—whether it's a mere rite or a privileged path. Delve into a nuanced perspective where every degree is not just a milestone but a fraction of a grander continuum.

Quantity vs Quality within the world of Freemasonry

Dive into the compelling debate of quantity vs quality within the world of Freemasonry. Discover the transformative focus on attracting members aligned with the institution's values, promising not only growth but quality growth. High-value individuals assure sustainable development with their commitment to serving the brotherhood.

Are we really Freemasons?

Maybe Freemasonry has opened its doors too wide. Perhaps some have not understood that the survival of Freemasonry in order to achieve its sublime purpose lies not in the number of members it has, but in their quality. Maybe we need less members and more Freemasons. Less men in Freemasonry and more Freemasonry in men.

What is ritual and why is it important? P1

Delve into the profound world of Freemasonry rituals and their significance. This insightful piece unravels the underlying importance of rituals, their impact on participants, and the transformative power they hold. Uncover why these centuries-old traditions remain integral to Masonic practice today.

Could Freemasonry be helpful for young men?

Unravel the Masonic Brotherhood: Could Freemasonry be the antidote to modernity's challenges for young men? Dive in as we explore the Masonic world, its principles, camaraderie, and how its traditional rituals could help forge stronger identities in an increasingly complex world.

Lodge Meetings & Wellbeing

Discover the remarkable benefits of Lodge Meetings on your well-being. From fostering connections to combating stress, learn how these male-oriented gatherings offer an antidote to anger, hunger, isolation, and exhaustion. Dive into the power of shared experiences, understanding, and camaraderie. Your key to improved mental health awaits inside.

Tutorial for a Worshipful Master

Unlock the Secrets to Leadership Mastery in our Worshipful Master's Tutorial! Brother Antonio Biella shares step-by-step guidance for Masonic Lodge leaders on honing their roles, duties, and future vision. Discover how to drive growth and engagement in your Lodge, setting ambitious goals and inspiring member participation.

Freemasonry for University Students

What are social skillset challenges facing students when they graduate from university ?
As they graduate and enter the workforce, university students may encounter a variety of social skills issues. Following are some examples of how freemasonry can teach valuable life skills.

Freemasonry for Entrepreneurs

How the Core Values of Freemasonry; Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth Can Be Applied to Improve Productivity For Entrepreneurs

Why I became a Freemason: a personal journey of self-improvement

Salik Tariq shares his reasons for becoming a Freemason – a journey of self-improvement, finding a community, and personal growth.

Freemasonry: Coming out of the Cloisters

This paper examines the fundamental tensions on the lines of religion, gender and political ideology that exist in some jurisdictions of Freemasonry. It is on the first of these, religion, on which he makes an initial and exploratory focus. - by Gerald Reilly

The Relevance of Freemasonry in Contemporary Society

The role of Freemasonry in contemporary society is an indispensable one. Despite the challenges and misconceptions it faces, the organization remains steadfast in its humanitarian pursuits and commitment to personal growth and self-betterment. Through its efforts to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members and the world, Freemasonry continues to be a vital force in shaping a better future for all.

Reviving a Slumbering Giant

Has Freemasonry managed to revive and thrive after the darkness of the Pandemic? Robert Lomas gives us some (promising) insights.

21st Century Freemasonry – a Sign of the Times?

A recent article in The Times of London highlighted the dilemma 21st Freemasonry is facing. In this article one Master Mason shares his views of the strengths, and the challenges of modern Masonry.

Freemasonry and Teamwork

A concept that is both based on our Freemasonic rituals and what we understand as teamwork. This article by Chris Batty examines why teamwork in the lodge is the network that binds us.

Freemasonry in Lebanon

Lebanese Freemasonry has been both witness to and sometimes participants in turbulent events and forces, which shaped and influenced their world.

Is a Masonic Tradition Necessary?

Dealing with Masonic tradition is a complex subject that requires careful analysis in order to reach a balanced point on the best etymological definition and the set of discourses and practices, which often end up being presented as such, without, however, presenting bases that support them, often serving only as a discourse that restricts and controls the masses. Fernando Rodrigues de Souza debates this complex subject.

New Year's Resolution with Benjamin Franklin's Personal Improvement

Are you ready for a new year's resolution challenge ? To accomplish his life’s goals, at 25 ( around 290 years ago ), Benjamin Franklin developed and committed himself to a personal improvement program that consisted of 13 virtues. You are invited to join me in practicing his daily routine for 2023.

Freemasonry and Education

The Alberta Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund is to help the next generation of Albertans, our children and grandchildren, to obtain the education they need to lead successful lives and contribute to the welfare of mankind. As you can see from this little lesson of our history, education is truly a Masonic obligation.

To be a Better Citizen of the World: Step 4

A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.

To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 3

A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.

What is an Egregore?

In connection with recent article about Freemasonry in the metaverse, we look at how an Egregore applies to Freemasonry in a digital world

To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 2

A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.

Brotherhood and Freemasonry

There are many brotherhoods in the world, and Freemasonry is one of the most significant and successful of them all. This article will be the focus two questions: the importance of brotherhood ? and is there room for improvement in Freemasonry?

Intergenerational relations in Masonry: challenges and possibilities

Backed with scientific research, Professor Luiz Neto and Professor Alexandre Braune investigate the Intergenerational relations in Freemasonry and explores the challenges and opportunities.

To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 1

A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.

The Masonic Temple

The Masonic Temple is a platform where both Freemasons and non-Masons, enthusiasts of real art and spiritual growth, connect to the new world of the metaverse. A Freemasonry in the metaverse project, based regular freemasonry principles.

Opportunity to fix the Sussex fudge

Is there a value proposition for members, that under English Constitution Freemasonry, we have a 4 part offering; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft , Master Mason and Companion, conducted in a single craft lodge ?

Value Proposition of Freemasonry

In addressing declining lodge membership and lack of attendance, we need to assess the value it offers to members. What is value, and what does it mean to you?

Millennial Masons - Response

What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.

Rethinking Masonry

Let us help answer a fundamental question, from a confused newly raised brother asking “What does it all mean and where do I go from here?”

The Candidate

Written in 1930, much of the advice is still relevant today - although some may provoke further thought or debate!

Product Life Cycle of Freemasonry

An inconvenient truth about the product life cycle of Freemasonry

Be a Unifier

Freemasonry is local. This is where we need to start. We start with our Facebook friends, our neighbours, our colleagues, our lodges…

Freemasonry in the time of pandemic

The Rule of Six. Localised lockdowns. Second wave? What do we do now?! The answer is simple - engage with members, promote Masonic education and get thinking outside the lodge.

What Future for Freemasonry

The current functioning of the Masonic movement has some positive aspects and others that are blatantly backward and counterproductive.

Millennial Masons

What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.

Membership Marketing

How to improve your Lodge Membership Marketing Program.

The Anti-Social Impact of Social Media

The 'dark side' of social media and its negative effect on our mental health

Sunglasses Ritual Amendment

If Freemasonry cannot meet, is this an opportunity to make a change to how we do things?

Unknown Candidate - part 3

Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? Third in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet

Brother of my Brother

Is the brother of a brother a brother ? Rights to visit - recognition and regularity re-evaluated.

Unknown Candidate - part 2

The second article in the Unknown Candidate series - Outlining the social media marketing process to attract the unknown candidate to make that first enquiry

Making Good Men, Better

Ask a random Freemason the purpose of Freemasonry and the likely response will be to “make good men, better”. Research undertaken by James Justin Davis Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge.

Unknown Candidate - part 1

Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? First in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet

Mental Health & Freemasonry

Mental Health - Raising its awareness and how we as Freemasons throughout the entire UK can help our fellow brethren and their families when they need it.

Share One Thought...

Share one thought why freemasonry is relevant today - Open question posted on Facebook with a very wide range of responses from Brethren across the globe

The Tipping Point of Freemasonry

Why do brothers lose interest in Freemasonry and what can we do to get that spark back? At what moment did our own thoughts begin to waver?

masonic knowledge

to be a better citizen of the world

share the square with two brothers

click image to open email app on mobile device

Tubal Cain

Masonic Apron NFT

Each NFT includes the JPEG image plus a full size masonic apron and shipping worldwide

Share this article ....

Contents