Why Freemasons sometimes quit Freemasonry?

Many men have resigned from Freemasonry  for a variety of reasons.  Since all Masons joined the Craft of his own free will and accord, he may leave the Craft on his own for whatever reason he wishes.

Some resign for financial reasons.  A man who is currently experiencing a financial crisis should explain the problem to the Worshipful Master of his Lodge so that the Lodge may be able to assist the Brother.  Masons do try to help each other.  If you are low on funds this year you should not be too proud to accept some assistance from the Lodge.  Remember that you must request the help.

Some men resign because they have the idea that Freemasonry has done nothing for them.  Perhaps they expected to be given special knowledge or some financial benefit.  Men who resign for this reason have probably not put forth much effort, if any, to learn about Freemasonry.  They may even have joined the Lodge for  the wrong reason and therefore have no right to continue to be a Mason.  

Just because you have a book on Calculus does not make you a great Mathematician. Practice and study is required for you to become a great Mathematician or a good Mason.  As with most worthwhile things in life effort on your part is required.

Some men become convinced by others, most often by the leaders of their Church who do not understand Freemasonry, that they should not be Freemasons.  

Before resigning you membership because of someone else's religious ideas, I would encourage you to examine your Masonic experience and decide if the person  who wants you to resign is even remotely correct.  They probably have a bad opinion of Freemasonry for some ridiculous and invalid reason.  Perhaps they were found not worthy of membership and hate Freemasonry for rejecting them.  Many who become priests and preachers have proven themselves incapable of doing anything else.  The best and the brightest usually do not go into the ministry, with rare exceptions.

Also remember that may people will twist the meaning of words to stress their opinion to get you to follow their ideas.

Some Religions hate Freemasonry because the Freemasons are not totally under their control.  Just because your priest or preacher speaks out against Freemasonry does not mean that is he or she is correct in his or her belief.  The priest or preacher is most likely not the Supreme Being and therefore cannot know everything.  If the Supreme Being had ever found Freemasonry to be bad He could have eliminated Freemasonry whenever He desired.   If your religion is that narrow in its beliefs perhaps you should take a hard look at your religion.  

Since Freemasonry encourages Freethinking and since many religions would rather have their followers just follow than think, these religions hate Freemasonry.

Nothing in Freemasonry is against any honorable religious belief that I am aware of to date.  Remember that the Freemasons accept members of any faith as long as they believe in a Supreme Being and seem to be a man of good morals.

If you should desire to resign from your Lodge in Pennsylvania click here.  I have no idea what is involved in other states or countries.

If you should resign from Freemasonry we hope and pray that you will continue to be a good man and will continue to help your fellow man to the best of your ability. Many people have practiced the principles of Freemasonry without actually being a Freemason.  Thomas Jefferson would have been a good Freemason but there is no proof that the ever was a Freemason.