The Freedom and Price of Truth
June 6, 2008 – 2:57 amOne of the mottoes of Freemasonry is “Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.” While that phrase runs easily off the tongue all three of those Masonic attributes can be a challenge. Particularly truth.
As Masons we believe strongly that the truth shall set you free. We are an organization that strives to uphold truth, teach the truth, and be men of truth and honor. But, there is also a cost to truthfulness and a price to be paid for absolute integrity. That cost is in the refusal of the Mason to give less than the truth even at his own peril.
Throughout the history of the Craft there have always been those who persecuted Freemasonry for its focus on enlightened truth. Dictators have always been suspicious of Freemasonry. Men such as Hitler persecuted Freemasons because, in part, Masons could never be trusted to be “yes men.” Masons have always had a reputation of being independent thinkers, self reliant and yet supported by a brotherhood of equally truthful men.
Some religious persons and/or groups also persecute Freemasons either because they have swallowed the evil lies told to them by others about the purpose and nature of the Order or, because men dedicated to truth and freedom are not always welcome if an organization wants to control its membership.
For Masons in many places around the world (and even in the US at times) even answering the question, “Are you a Freemason?” entails some personal or possibly professional risk. Surprisingly those of us who are clergy often answer and are asked the most questions about our Masonic affiliation.
Through all these centuries Masons have stood for democracy, freedom of action and thought, separation of church and state, responsibility, truthfulness, appropriate but not unthinking patriotism, and faith in God. And, they have stood for these truths even while being persecuted, lied about, and vilified.
What better fraternity to uphold than one that stands for telling, living, and being truthful no matter what the cost?
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It is no trite phrase. It is the call of the work of a lifetime of service to higher thoughts and nobler deeds.
The truth is that I am proud to be a Freemason. And, I am proud of what Freemasonry stands for. And, I am proud of the men I know who are Masons.
Timothy D. Bonney, PM
Daylight Lodge No. 660 A.F.&A.M.
Acanthus Lodge no. 632 A.F.&A.M.
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- Masonic Brotherhood and Masonic Tyranny
- The Masonic Society - On the Move! - And AMD
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