Philosophy of Freemasonry

1. What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the oldest non-religious fraternities. The purpose of this description is to explain Freemasonry as practiced by the Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan, which governs the Masonic lodges in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and to clear up some misconceptions.

Freemasonry, as a philosophical, progressive and charitable organization, aims at the moral and spiritual improvement of its members through self-knowledge, the search for truth, solidarity and the application of ethical principles. Members are taught these principles through a series of tasks that follow ancient formulas and use the customs and symbols of the ancient Freemasons as allegorical reference points.

2. Basic requirements for joining

The basic requirement for membership is faith in God and His will.

Men of any nation and religion who meet this basic requirement and possess high moral qualities may become members of the organization.

3. Freemasonry and Religion

Freemasonry is not a religion and is not a substitute for religion. Freemasonry accepts men of different religions and follows their own faith. For this reason, religious discussions are prohibited during meetings of its members, at any Masonic event.

There is no specific God for Freemasonry. The God of each Freemason remains the God of his religion. In order to avoid doctrinal rivalry or religious disagreements among Freemasons, God is called by the general title of the Great Architect of the Universe.

The “Book of the Sacred Law” used during Masonic works is a testimony of faith in God, and depending on the religion prevailing in each country, this is most often the Holy Scripture, sometimes the Koran for Muslims, the Vedas for Brahmins, etc.

4. Three Great Principles

Fraternal Love

Every true Freemason must demonstrate tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, as well as kindness and understanding.

Solidarity

Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care not only for themselves but for all, doubly: by almsgiving and benevolence.

Truth

Freemasons strive for truth, strive for high moral principles and strive throughout their lives to achieve them. Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way to ensure the highest quality of life for all people.

5. Freemasonry and Society

Every Freemason must understand that his participation in it in no way releases him from his duties towards the society to which he belongs. His new obligations require him to perform his civic duty in an exemplary manner. His Masonic duty extends through his personal, social and professional life, but also through his love for his fatherland.

Freemasonry requires its members to respect the laws of the country in which they work and live. The principles of Freemasonry in no way contradict the duties of its members as citizens in their work, home or social life, on the contrary, they strengthen in them the responsibility for their duty to their fellow men. Thus, there is no antagonism or contradiction between Masonic and social duties.

6. Use of Masonic Status

Using Masonic status to further personal or professional interests, either for oneself or for other Freemasons, is reprehensible and unacceptable, as it is contrary to the promises we make when we are admitted to Freemasonry. The duty of a citizen must always take precedence over obligations to other Freemasons, and any attempt to cover up dishonest or illegal actions by a Freemason is contrary to this primary duty and therefore subject to disciplinary action.

A Freemason must not use his status to further professional or personal interests. This is stated repeatedly before admission to Freemasonry, so that no one can claim to be unaware of it. A Freemason who violates this rule is suspended from active membership or even expelled.

7. Secrecy

The secrets of Freemasonry are related to the traditional ways in which brothers identify each other. There are no other secrets, so it is not a secret organization. Like any other company, we consider that some of our internal affairs do not need to be made public. Freemasons are free to declare their membership publicly if they wish, and often do so when reasonably requested to do so.

Freemasonry is not a political organization, it has absolutely no connection with parties, and political discussions at Masonic meetings are strictly forbidden.

8. Other Masonic Organizations

Freemasonry is practiced in each country under the responsibility of a “regularly constituted and functioning” independent Grand Lodge. In our country, this is the Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan.

There are other Masonic jurisdictions in the world, the most important of which are the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. They are governed by separate Supreme Councils and include additional (auxiliary) degrees that Freemasons can attend at their own discretion, in parallel and independently of the main Masonic degrees of Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master.

Conditions of Regularity

Sometimes there are other self-proclaimed Grand Lodges or paramasonic organizations that do not meet the requirements of the world traditions and the conditions of international recognition or have not been properly established, or allow and encourage their members to participate in politics, or accept women as members.

These Grand Lodges and paramasonic organizations are not recognized by the Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan, and any Masonic contacts with them are strictly prohibited. To be recognized as a regular Grand Lodge of Greece, another Grand Lodge must meet the following characteristics:

– It must be legally established either by another recognized Grand Lodge by way of cession of free territorial Masonic jurisdiction, or by three or more legally established Lodges and only in a territory where there is no other legally established and internationally recognized Grand Lodge.

– Subsequently, in order for the created Grand Lodge to acquire international status in the Masonic firmament, it must be recognized either by the United Grand Lodge of England or receive recognition from three or more regular and recognized Grand Lodges of the world.

– The condition for recognition is, first of all, the regularity of the Grand Lodge and, of course, its Lodges. Regularity consists, among other things, in the acceptance of ancient traditions, Landmarks and General Principles of World Masonry:

– It must be truly independent and self-governing, with undisputed authority in the symbolic degrees of Freemasonry (The Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and the Master) within its jurisdiction and not be subordinate in any way to or receive authority from any other Masonic body.

– Freemasons under its jurisdiction must be men, and both the Grand Lodge and its lodges must have no Masonic contact with lodges that include women.

– Freemasons under its jurisdiction must believe in a Supreme Being and fulfill their Masonic obligations by carrying the Book of the Sacred Law or a book considered sacred by the members of the Lodge.

– The Three Great Lights of Freemasonry (the Book of the Sacred Law, the Compass and the Square) must be visible during the works of the Grand Lodge or its subordinate Lodges.

– Religious and political discussions in the lodges must be prohibited.

In conclusion

A Freemason is called upon to fulfill his duties first to God (by whatever name he may be called) through his faith and religious practice, then to his family, and finally to his fellow men through charity and solidarity. A Freemason also continually strives for his moral and spiritual perfection.

Freemasonry is not a secret organization or religion, and does not engage in politics. Like many other companies, it regards some of its internal affairs as the private affairs of its members.

There are no secrets about its aims and principles. The Constitution of Freemasonry and the Rules of Practice are known to all interested parties. The secrets of Freemasonry are related to traditional means of identification. Our work is not secret, but it is not done publicly. Only certain things about Freemasonry may not be mentioned in ordinary conversation. When circumstances require it or there are good reasons, Freemasons are free to declare their status and should be proud of it.