Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that strives to teach, emulate, and live by the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while actively embracing high social, moral, and spiritual values, including fellowship, compassion, and dedication to a Supreme Being, family, and country.
For Scottish Rite Masons, each of the four main principles do not just offer guidance, but a vital moral compass that informs every aspect of their lives. The dedication to this set of moral principles and standards allows the Scottish Rite to uphold the utmost standard within the brotherhood.
While these principles hold moral significance for many, within the framework of the Scottish Rite Masons, they transcend commonality, serving as the foundation upon which members build their shared identity and understanding.
Together, let us find a deeper understanding of the timeless truths and shared language in which the Freemasons live: Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth.
Exploring The Four Main Principles of Freemasonry
Brotherly Love
The principle of Brotherly Love is the virtue that all of humanity should be treated with adoration, love, respect, and goodwill. The commitment to joint humanity is central to the heart of the Scottish Rite. This principle of a shared, universal humanity motivates Masons to forge fair, just, and profoundly meaningful connections with people everywhere, treating the whole of mankind as they would their own dearest loved ones. Thus, Freemasons strive to build a world where we are all united as one under mankind.
Tolerance
The principle of Tolerance enables Freemasons to respect and coexist peacefully with all faiths, ideas, and beliefs. Passing no judgment, Masons recognize some individuals differ from themselves, yet this diversity does not imply a binary of right and wrong amongst brothers and humankind. Brotherly Love would not be possible without the guiding principle of Tolerance, which further reinforces the all-encompassing worldview of Scottish Rite Masons as they continuously construct a fair and welcoming world. One that allows for mutual growth and understanding, even when individuals may initially seem incompatible, Masons know that with openness and respect, true coexistence can thrive.
"Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold and silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are in the dealings with one another; sympathy begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason."
Benjamin Franklin, founding father & freemason
Charity
Charity is of the utmost significance when understanding and exemplifying Freemasonry. It is the foundation upon which Freemasons have built their virtues and practices, grounding them in love and its exercise. Freemasons are not merely individuals men of words but of actions, dedicated to creating a world founded on the principles of love and acceptance. Charity is not a task to be accomplished by Masons but a way of life. It serves as a constant pursuit with no completion, intending to nurture the spirit and values that foster a world of non-judgment, goodness, and care for “one mankind,” not for personal gain but for the betterment of society. Charity is the foundational principle upon which Masonic teachings are based, and it is through the daily embodiment of this virtue that Freemasons seek to improve themselves and contribute positively to their communities, fostering a spirit of goodwill and compassion that extends far beyond the bounds of their fraternal organization.
Truth
Freemasons are driven by an unwavering commitment to truth, seeking to uncover authentic wisdom within themselves and in the world around them. Masons strive to discover their personal truth through an ongoing dedication to self-improvement and the pursuit of knowledge. Masons understand that to be moral one must conduct themselves honorably and ethically in all their endeavors. For Masons, there can be no discrepancy between truth and virtue - upholding principled behavior and responsibility towards truth in all forms.
In Conclusion,
At the heart of the Scottish Rite lies the unwavering commitment to a set of timeless moral principles - Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth.
Through Brotherly Love, Masons treat all of humanity with the same unconditional compassion as their own family. Guided by Tolerance, they extend respect and the opportunity for peaceful coexistence to individuals of all faiths and beliefs. Dedicated to Charity, they share their commitment to the spirit of love and pursuit of its exercise. Driven by an unwavering dedication to Truth, Masons relentlessly seek to uncover authentic wisdom and uphold the bond between virtue and integrity.
This shared language of timeless moral truths aids Scottish Rite Masons as they create and co-exist to build a fair, welcoming, and enlightened world - one where all of humanity can unite as one under mankind, embracing our diversity and knowledge while upholding fierce dignity. Masons are devoted to the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth.
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