Freemasonry

Freemasonry is very hard to define. 

Freemasonry has been defined as "a peculiar System of Morality, veiled in Allegory and Illustrated with Symbols."  Not a bad definition.

Freemasonry is not a Religion, but it is religious since the belief in a Supreme Being is required, which could cause some to call it a religion.  If one considers Freemasonry to be a Religion it  probably most resembles Deism.  Freemasonry preaches no dogma or specific religious belief system.

Freemasonry is practiced by Freemasons.

Freemasonry encourages high standards of morality amongst its members.  Probably more than all other organizations.

Freemasonry is often called the Craft, or Craft of Freemasonry.  

Freemasonry is loved by many, and hated by some.  Most people of the world probably knows it exists and do not care one way or the other.

Freemasonry has been described as an organization that strives to make good men better.  It cannot make bad men good.

Freemasonry has been considered a 'club' or 'Cult' that only the wealthy can join, however this is untrue as all good men who believe in a Supreme Being can be a Mason.  In most Lodges the monetary cost of membership is rather low.  For the Year 2009 membership in Wilmington Lodge No. 804 costs about $1.25 per week, not even the cost of a cup of decent coffee.

Some consider Freemasonry to be wonderful, some to be evil, and other consider it to just be pointless.  Judge for yourself.

Freemasonry uses symbolism that is similar to that used in Hermeticism. (See "Cracking the Freemasons Code" by Cooper page 46)

Also see Definitions of Freemasonry.

Freemasonry is said to be more ancient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star, Garter, or any other order now in existence. (See "The Hiram Key" by Knight & Lomas page 7)

Most Freemasons do not really care what you, or your religion, happen to think about Freemasonry.  We do not waste our precious time in an attempt to educate the ignorant who do not wish to become more informed.  If you wish to become less ignorant about Freemasonry, join the Masons and become a better person.

Freemasonry can be seen as complimenting Religion by attempting to create better men.  Freemasonry is not a Religion nor is it designed to be a substitute for Religion.  Some parts of Freemasonry, such as the Knights Templar of Freemasonry, do require their members to be of the Christian Faith, at least as I understand their requirements.  I do not yet belong to the Masonic body called the Knights Templar.