Why only make good men better?

 

Why Only Good Men Better?

Since masonry proclaims we make good men better, why can’t we also make all men better?

What is the difference in good men versus bad (or not good) men?

Let’s look at what type of man you need to be to gain admission to masonry.

First, a person has to ask to join.  They must be serious about the commitment and have free will to join.  They must be of sound mind and of legal age.   They must believe in God.  These are the basics before even starting the process

After applying for membership you must have 2 brothers vouch for you as references and then members of an investigating committee that investigate you further.  They are to ensure that the person is fitted for the teaching of masonry.

A good investigation would ask these questions?

Is this man truly “Worthy and Well Qualified”?

Would I welcome this man into my home?

Would I want this man to marry my daughter?

Would I trust this man with my life?

Will this man be a credit to the Fraternity?

Is this man sufficiently literate to be able to grasp and retain the precepts of Freemasonry?

Are his motives for becoming a Mason good?

(From Grand Lodge Oklahoma)

The end result of becoming a Mason is someone that practices charity in word and deed, to be fair and honest to all mankind, to have fellowship with brother masons. 

What is a bad person?

It is often a matter of perspective and can vary depending on cultural, ethical, and moral beliefs. In general, good guys are often associated with qualities such as empathy, honesty, integrity, and a commitment to helping others and making positive contributions to society. On the other hand, bad guys are often associated with qualities such as selfishness, dishonesty, lack of empathy, and a willingness to harm others for personal gain.

What is the definition? The bad man is one who is inconsiderate of others. The bad man is one who uses others and has no respect for others. The bad man is one who thinks he is the center of the world and everybody is just to be used.

Since much of the teachings of masonry are signs and symbols, you are expected to reach out for further study and self-improvement.   So even the word Making is incorrect.  We provide tools, it is up to each of us to research and educate ourselves for improvement.

 For the most part, what we consider bad people are not the ones that want to better themselves with the teaching we expect men to learn   That is why we have many roadblocks in place before they can join our fraternity.  

2B1Ask1, two signers, 3 investigating members, and then a vote by all the members present.

However, even these did not keep members from illegally revealing our ceremonies to the outside world.

The grand lodge of Georgia recently had to send a letter to all it members on an incident related to videos on TikTok.