Some Possible Misconceptions
Freemasonry is not a religion. Even so, no atheist may become a member. Before being admitted, every candidate is required to affirm that he believes in a Supreme Being, that he is convinced that a virtuous life is rewarded and that wrongdoing is punished, and that he recognizes that Divine Truth has been revealed to man.
Masonry is not a secret society.
Masonry is not a benevolent society or a service club.
Masonry is not a social club, even though it encourages fraternal fellowship among its members. Topics such as politics or religion which might provoke controversy or dissension are not introduced at its meetings. Masonry seeks for happiness among its members, and it encourages the communication of happiness to others.
Masonry has no policy of evangelism or reformation. It does not strive to convert or rehabilitate wicked or immoral men; in fact it tries to exclude them from its ranks. It does seek to make good men better. It encourages charity in act, word and thought.
Masonry is not an avenue of social advancement. There is no place in the Fraternity for a man who cannot meet his associates, and deal with them, as equals. He must always remember that all men, no matter what their station in life, or their race, or their colour, are partakers of the same nature, and that in the long run the only distinction which counts for anything is individual human worth.