Catholic University of RIO GRANDE DO SUL SCHOOL OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION

Masonry
Names: ELISA MESSIAH AND DE FIGUEIREDO FIGUEIREDO FRANCIELI FINCK ELISA MESSIAH
FRANCIELI FINCK Course: Journalism Course: Religious Culture Level: I Teacher: J
osé Sergio Reinehr
Porto Alegre - RS, July 5, 2003.
Masonry
Masonry, Universal Order, are men of all races and nationalities, hosted by init
iation and gathered in shops, in which, aided by symbols and allegories, study a
nd work for the betterment of the Humane Society. It is founded on Brotherly Lov
e and hope that with love of God, the homeland, family and neighbor, with tolera
nce and wisdom, with the constant and free investigation of truth, with the evol
ution of human knowledge in philosophy, science and arts under the Triad of Libe
rty, Equality, Fraternity and within the Principles of Morals, Reason and Justic
e, the world reach the general happiness and universal peace. From this statemen
t it appears the following: I - Masonry proclaims, since its inception, the exis
tence of a Creative Principle, which, in respect to all religions, called Great
Architect of Universe (G. 'A.' D. 'U'); II - Masonry does not limit the search f
or truth, and to ensure that freedom requires all of the increased tolerance III
- Freemasonry is open to men of all races, classes and faiths, whether religiou
s or policies, except those that deprive man of freedom of conscience, expressio
n of thought, restrict the rights and dignity of human beings and demand uncondi
tional submission; IV - Craft Masonry consists of three Degrees universally reco
gnized and adopted: Apprentice Fellow and Master; V - Masonry adopts the Legend
of the Third Degree; VI - Masonry addition to combat ignorance in all its forms,
constitutes a school, imposing the following program: a) conform to the laws of
democratic Country; b) live by the dictates of honor, c) practice justice; d) l
ove your neighbor, d) work for the progress of man; VII - Freemasonry forbids pa
rtisan political discussion and religious-sectarian in their temples; VIII - Fre
emasonry embraces the Book of the Law, the Square and Compass, regarded as its F
lagship Three Lights, which should be on the Altar of Oaths.
Alongside this definition and the formal declaration of acceptance of the "Landm
arks", encoded by Albert Gallatin Mackey, proclaiming, too, the following princi
ples: I - love God, Fatherland, Family and Humanity II - practice charitable, di
screte way, without humiliating III - Masonic practice solidarity in just causes
, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood; IV - defending the rights and individu
al guarantees; V - consider the work as legitimate and worthy man's duty; VI - r
equire the its members good moral character, civic, social and family life, figh
ting for the improvement of customs; VII - to require tolerance for any form of
manifestation of conscience, religion or philosophy, whose goals are to gain the
truth, morality, peace and social good; VIII - fighting for the principle of eq
uity, giving each one what is right, according to his ability, works and merit;
IX - to combat fanaticism, passion, obscurantism and addictions.
Questions about Freemasonry
"Everyone can make history, just a great man can write it." Oscar Wilde.
1. 2. 3.
What is Masonry today? Freemasonry is a secret society? Freemasonry is a religio
n?
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Is Freemasonry anti-religious? Freemasonry is religious? Freemasonry is merely a
gnostic or atheist? To be a Mason one must renounce the religion to which it bel
ongs? Freemasonry is a political party? Freemasonry is a society of mutual aid?
10.The Freemasonry is an ideology or "ism"? 11.Então what is Freemasonry? 12.Po
r that is philosophical? 13.Por which is philanthropic? 14.Por that is progressi
ve? 15.Qual is the mission of Freemasonry? 16.The Masonry invites people to affi
liate to it? Freemasonry does not start 17.Porque women? 18.Por temples which ar
e called the meeting places? 19.The Universal Freemasonry fulfills an ultimate a
uthority? 20.Quais are your principles? 21.Qual is your motto? 22.Qual is your g
oal? 23.The believes that Freemasonry for morality? 24, which considers Freemaso
nry by virtue? 25.The believes that Freemasonry for duty? 26.Que illustrious men
were Masons? 27.Somente in Europe were distinguished Masons? 28.Quais names hig
hlighted in Brazil who were Masons? 29.Então Freemasonry is tolerant? 30.The th
at Freemasonry combat?
31.Quais the major works of Freemasonry in Brazil? 32.Quais individual condition
s necessary for belonging to Freemasonry? 33 What is required of a Mason? 34.Wha
t is a Masonic Temple? 35 obtained by being a Mason?
Also read: Text of Fernando Pessoa about Freemasonry 1. What is Masonry today? M
asonry is a Universal Order consists of men of all races, creeds and nationaliti
es, hosted by their moral and intellectual qualities and brought together in ord
er to build a Humane Society, founded on Brotherly Love, hope with the love of G
od, the Homeland , the Family and the Next, with tolerance, Virtue and Wisdom an
d the continuing investigation of the truth and under the triad LIBERTY, EQUALIT
Y, FRATERNITY, within the principles of the Order of Reason and Justice, the wor
ld reach the General Happiness and Peace Universal. 2. Freemasonry is a secret s
ociety? No, for the simple reason that their existence is widely known. Authorit
ies in several countries will grant legal personality. Its purposes are widespre
ad in dictionaries, encyclopedias, history books, etc.. Freemasonry is not a sec
ret society in the sense as such term is generally used. A secret society is one
that has secret goals and hides its existence as well as dates and places of it
s meetings. The goal and purpose of Freemasonry, its laws, history and philosoph
y have been published in books that are for sale in any bookstore. The only secr
ets that Freemasonry retains the ceremonies are employed in the admission of its
members, the means used by Masons to get to know and how to interpret its symbo
ls and teachings contained therein. 3. Freemasonry is a religion? Freemasonry is
not a religion in the sense of being a sect, but is a cult that unites men of g
ood morals. Freemasonry does not promote any dogma that must be accepted by all
tactically, but instilled in men the practice of virtue, without offering panace
as for the redemption of sins. Your religious belief is only in two articles of
faith which were not invented by men, but who are in them instinctively from the
earliest times of history: the existence of God and the immortality of the soul
that has as its corollary the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. A
society that aims to unite men together. Union reciprocal, in the broadest sens
e and high end. And in their struggle for union men, will admit to its ranks peo
ple of all faiths, without any distinction. 4. Is Freemasonry anti-religious? Fr
eemasonry is not against any religion. She teaches and practices tolerance, advo
cating the human right to practice religion ed his liking. Freemasonry is not th
e dogmatic particularides creed and religion. She recognizes the benefits and go
odness and truth of all religions, fighting at the same time, their falsehoods a
nd bigotry. 5. Freemasonry is religious? Yes, it is religious, because it recogn
izes the existence of a single principle designer, regulator,
absolute, supreme and infinite which is called the GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVER
SE, because it is a spiritual entity as opposed to the predominance of materiali
sm. These factors are essential and indispensable for the truly religious and lo
gical interpretation of the universe, form the support base and broad guidelines
for all Masonic ideology and activity. 6. Freemasonry is merely agnostic or ath
eist? Freemasonry is not atheist or agnostic. The atheist is one who does not be
lieve in God as the agnostic is one who can not say, consciously, whether or not
God exists. To be accepted and joining Freemasonry, the candidate must affirm a
 belief in God. 7. To be a Mason one must renounce the religion to which it belo
ngs? No, because Freemasonry holds in its bosom men of any religion, since they
believe in one Creator, the Great Architect of the Universe, which is God. Usual
ly there is this belief among Catholics, but illustrious prelates have belonged
to the Masonic Order, among others, the Healing Hidalgo, Mexican Champion of Fre
edom, Father Calvo, founder of Freemasonry in Central America, the Archbishop of
Venezuela, Don Rodrigo Ignacio Mendez ; Father Diogo Antonio Feijo, Canon Luiz
Vieira da Silva de Oliveira Rolin, the Minas Conspiracy, Miguelina Friar, Friar
Mug and many others. 8. Freemasonry is a political party? Freemasonry is not a p
olitical party. She has no party. In principle, Freemasonry supports the love of
country, respect for law and order, advocating for the improvement of human con
ditions. The Masons are encouraged to become exemplary citizens and movements wh
ich deviate from the trend is to subvert the peace and order of society, and bec
ome doers of the orders and laws of the country where they are living without lo
sing the duty to love your own country.€Freemasonry promotes the concept that t
here can not be right without a corresponding provision of duties, or privileges
without compensation, as well as privileges without responsibility. 9. Freemaso
nry is a society of mutual aid? Freemasonry is not a society of mutual aid, it d
oes not guarantee to anyone the feeling for a lump sum and constant none of its
members in the event of a misfortune or calamity can claim such assistance. Howe
ver, Freemasonry strives to any of its members needs to suffer or be a burden to
others. The Mason receives needed according to the conditions and possibilities
of the other members of the Order. 10. Freemasonry is an ideology or "ism"? Fre
emasonry is neither an ideology nor an "ism." She does not engage with the subtl
eties of political philosophy, religious or social. But she acknowledges that al
l men have a single origin, part of the same nature and has the same hope and th
erefore must work in unison toward the same goal - the happiness and well being
of society. 11. So what is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is a worldwide organization
of men who, using the symbolic forms of the ancient builders of temples, volunta
rily joined together for the common purpose to improve society. Admitting in his
bosom, men of character, without regard to race, color or creed, Freemasonry st
rives to be an international league of men devoted to live in peace, harmony and
fraternal affection. It is an institution primarily philosophical, philanthropi
c, educational and progressive. 12. Why is it philosophical?
It is philosophical because their acts and ceremonies It is of the essence, prop
erties and effects of natural causes. Investigates the laws of nature and relate
s the first foundations of morality and ethics pure. 13. Why Philanthropy? It is
not as philanthropic formed to obtain personal gain of any class, but on the co
ntrary, their collections and their resources are intended for the welfare of ma
nkind, without distinction of nationality, sex, religion or race. Seeks the happ
iness of men by means of spiritual elevation and the tranquility of conscience.
14. Why Progressive? It is progressive because, on the assumption of immortality
and the belief in a creative principle infinite and regular, not clinging to do
gmas, prejudices or superstitions. And do not put any hindrance to the work of h
umans in search of truth, or recognize another limitation in this quest but the
reason based on science. 15. What is the mission of Freemasonry? The mission of
Freemasonry is to "make friends, improve their lives, devote themselves to good
works, to promote the truth and acknowledge their fellow men and as brothers." T
he mission of Freemasonry is still the practice of virtue and charity, is to com
fort the unhappy, not turn their backs on misery, restore peace of mind and peac
e to the destitute and give new hope to the hopeless. 16. Masonry invites people
to affiliate to it? Freemasonry does not "invite" anyone, even the most qualifi
ed to become a member of the Order. He who wishes to enter into it must express
that desire naturally, freely and knowingly stating that it wishes to participat
e. Freemasonry holds no man oaths incompatible with his conscience the freedom t
o think. 17. Why not start Masonry women? Having evolved from Operative Masonry
which rose temples during the construction of cathedrals, Freemasonry has adopte
d the old regulations which provided that: "The persons admitted Members of a Lo
dge must be good men and virtuous principles, born free of mature age, no ties t
hat would defeat to think freely, being prohibited the admission of women and me
n of dubious or immoral behavior. The regularity of Freemasonry is because of st
icking to its basic principles and governed by immutable commandments, among whi
ch includes what has been said. 18. Why are they called temples meeting location
s? The places where Masons gather are called churches because, although not a re
ligion or gathering in a church, Freemasonry preserves religiously rights of ind
ividuals to practice religion or belief of their choice, keeping equidistant fro
m the different sects or creeds. It teaches everyone how to respect and tolerate
different religions of its members. 19. Freemasonry Universal follows a highest
authority? Not even in a country like the United States now consists of 50 stat
es and has approximately four million Masons, Freemasonry fulfills a supreme aut
hority. The
Freemasonry in each country in each state or a federation is governed and direct
ed by an independent and sovereign Grand Lodge. 20. What are your principles? Th
e freedom of individuals and human groups, be they institutions, races, nations,
equal rights and obligations of human beings and groups without distinction of
religion, race or nationality, the brotherhood of all men, since we are all chil
dren of the same Creator and thus humans and as a result, the brotherhood of all
nations. 21. What is your motto? Science, Justice and Labor. Science, to clarif
y the spirits and lift them, justice, to balance and enhance human relationships
, work, through which men dignify and become economically independent. In a word
, Masonry works to improve the intellectual, moral and social development of man
kind. 22. What is your goal? Its goal is the search for truth, examine the moral
and practical virtues. 23. What do you mean by moral Freemasonry? Morality is a
science to Freemasonry based on human understanding. It is the natural law and
universal that governs all rational beings and free. It is the scientific demons
tration of consciousness. And this wonderful science teaches us our duty and rig
ht of use of our rights. To penetrate the moral in the deepest of our souls feel
the triumph of truth and justice. 24. What does the Freemasonry by virtue? Free
masonry believes that virtue is the virtue of doing well in its broadest sense,
is the fulfillment of our duties towards society and towards our family, without
interest. In summary, the result does not kick or before the sacrifice and even
before the death, when it comes to the line of duty. 25. What does the Freemaso
nry of duty? Masonry believes in duty and respect the rights of individuals and
society. But not just respect the property only, but we must also protect and se
rve our fellow men. Masonry summarizes the duty of man: "Respect for God, love o
thers and dedication to family." In fact, this is the largest synthesis of unive
rsal brotherhood. 26. What famous men who were Masons? Philosophers such as Volt
aire, Goethe and Lessing; Musicians such as Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart; Militar
y as Frederick the Great, Napoleon and Garibaldi; poets like Byron, Lamartine an
d Hugo; Writers like Castellar, Mazzini and Espling. 27. Only in Europe were dis
tinguished Masons? No. I was in America. The liberators of America were all Maso
ns. Washington in the United States, Miranda, Father of Liberty South American,
San Martin and O'Higgins, Argentina, Bolivar, in northern South America; Marti,
Cuba, Benito Juarez, Mexico and the Emperor D. Pedro I, Brazil. 28. What are the
names of prominence in Brazil who were Masons? D. Pedro, Jose Bonifacio, Gonça
lves Ledo, LuÍs Alves de Lima e Silva (Duque de Caxias)
Deodoro da Fonseca Floriano Peixoto Prudente de Morais, Campos Salles, Rodrigues
Alves, Nilo Pecanha, Hermes da Fonseca Braz Wenceslaus, Washington Luiz Barbosa
and many others. 29. Freemasonry is so tolerant? Freemasonry is eminently toler
ant and requires its members the broadest tolerance. Respect the political opini
ons and religious beliefs of all people, recognizing that all religions and poli
tical ideals are equally respectable and rejects all claims to positions of priv
ilege granting to any particular one. 30. What Freemasonry combat? Ignorance, su
perstition, bigotry. The pride, intemperance, addiction, discord, domination and
privilege. 31. What are the major works of Freemasonry in Brazil? Independence,
Abolition and the Republic. This just to name the three greatest achievements o
f our history in which the Freemasons took an active part. 32. What are the cond
itions necessary for individual may belong to the Freemasons? Believe in the exi
stence of a Creator principle; be free man and of morality; be aware of their du
ties to the Fatherland, his fellows and himself, have a lawful profession or occ
upation and honored, allowing it to provide your personal needs and his family a
nd support the work of the institution. 33. What is required of a Mason? In prin
ciple, all that is required to enroll in another institution: respect to statute
s, regulations and compliance with the resolutions of the majority, taken in acc
ordance with the principles governing them, love of country, respect for legally
constituted governments, adhering to laws of the country where you live, etc..
And in particular: to guard the secrecy of Masonic ritual: the correct and digni
fied conduct within and outside of Masonry, the dedication of their time to atte
nd Masonic meetings: the practice of morality,€equality and human solidarity an
d justice in all its fullness. Moreover, if strictly prohibits within the instit
ution, political and religious discussions, because he prefers a broad base of u
nderstanding among men in order to avoid being divided into small matters of civ
il life. 34. What is a Masonic Temple? It is a place where Masons gather regular
ly to practice the ritualistic ceremonies that are permissible in a brotherly an
d friendly environment to focus its attention and efforts to improve their chara
cter, their spiritual life and develop their sense of responsibility, making the
m quietly meditating on the mission of man in life, constantly reminding them et
ernal values which will enable them to grow to approach the truth. 35. What you
get is a Mason? The ability to improve themselves, to educate themselves, to dis
cipline themselves and live with people who, by his words, his works can be buil
t by examples; fraternal affection find anywhere that is within or outside the c
ountry. Finally, the enormous satisfaction of having contributed even in small p
art, to the great moral and work undertaken by men. Freemasonry does not conside
r progress possible only on the basis of respect for personality, social justice
and closer solidarity among men. Bears his motto "Liberty, Equality and Fratern
ity" with the failure of political and religious flags. The Masonic secret, whic
h in bad faith and slanderously has served his enemies to do
la suspicion between candid minds or in decline, not a dogma but a procedure, a
security, a necessary and legitimate defense, but inevitably as has happened wit
h every right and its correlative duty. the provision of reserves Masonic alread
y has experienced its evolution in time and between countries. Freemasonry has n
o prejudice of powers, and neither admits in its midst, people who do not have a
minimum of culture that allow them to practice their feelings and have a profes
sion or income that can meet the needs of their families make ends meet society
and aid to the needy. Sources: Conference "Freemasonry - Its History, Objectives
and Principles" - Erwin Seignemartin - 09/28/1979 Tract and edited by the Grand
Orient of Brazil, based on a text published in the 70s in the newspaper three p
oints, "Buenos Aires - Argentina . Text by Fernando Pessoa on Freemasonry This i
s an excerpt from the Fernando Pessoa article published in Journal of Lisbon in
4388 of February 4, 1935, against the bill, Mr Joseph Cabral, prohibiting the op
eration of secret associations, are whatever their purpose and organization. Fre
emasonry consists of three elements: the element of initiation, by which is secr
et, the fraternal element, and the element which I call human - that is, resulti
ng in its being composed of several species of men, of varying degrees of intell
igence and culture, and what results it exists in many countries, therefore subj
ect to various conditions of environment and historical moment, before whom, fro
m country to country and from season to season reacts, as the social attitude, d
ifferently. In the first two elements, which is essentially the Masonic spirit,
the Order is the same as always and throughout the world. In the third, Freemaso
nry - as indeed any human institution, secretly or not - presents different aspe
cts, as the mindset of individual Masons, and according to circumstances and env
ironment of historic occasion, that she has no guilt. In this third view, all Ma
sons turns, however, around a single idea - the "tolerance", ie not to impose an
y one dogma, leaving you to think as he wishes. That is why Freemasonry has a do
ctrine. All that is called "Masonic doctrine" are individual opinions of Freemas
ons or about the Order itself or on its relations with the profane world. They a
re amusing: ranging from the naturalistic pantheism Oswald Wirth to the Christia
n mysticism of Arthur Edward Waite, both in doctrine trying to convert the spiri
t of the Order. Their statements, however, are simply his; Masonry has nothing t
o them. Now the first mistake of Antimaçons is to try to set the Masonic spirit
in general by the statements of Masons individuals ordinarily chosen with great
bad faith. The second error consists of Antimaçons not want to see that Masonr
y, spiritually united, is physically divided, as already explained. Their social
action varies from country to country, historic moment for historical moment, d
epending on the circumstances of the middle and at the time, affecting how they
affect Masonry everyone. Their social action varies€within the same country, Ob
edience Obedience to where there is more than one, because of doctrinal differen
ces - those which caused the formation of these distinct Obediences therefore to
be no agreement between them at all, would be united. It follows from this that
no act of any political occasional Obedience can be brought to account of Freem
asonry in general or to this particular Obedience, it may come as a whole derive
d from, the political circumstances at the moment, that Freemasonry is not creat
ed. It follows from all this that all campaigns Anti-Masons - based on repetitio
n of particular confusion with the general and casual to permanent -
are absolutely wrong, and that nothing so far proved to discredit Freemasonry. B
y that criterion - to evaluate an institution for their actions occasional unfor
tunate perhaps, or a man by his occasional lapses or errors - which would be in
this world but an abomination? Whether Mr. Joseph Cabral to assess whether the p
opes by Rodrigo Borgia, murder and incest? Want to consider the Church of Rome i
n his perfectly defined by the inner spirit of the inquisitors torture (from a p
rofane use of the time) or the massacres of the Albigenses and the Piedmont? Yet
much more could do so if, for these cruelties were made with order or with the
consent of the popes, thus obliging, spiritually, the whole Church. Let us at le
ast fair. If we charge to Freemasonry in general all those particular cases, we
put it on credit, by contrast, the benefits which we have received under equal c
onditions. Kiss her hands the Jesuits, for they have been upheld and freedom in
Prussia, the eighteenth century - when driven from everywhere, the repudiating t
he Pope himself - by Frederick Mason. Thank you to the victory of Waterloo, sinc
e Wellington and Blucher were both Masons. Let us be grateful to have been she w
ho created the base where it came to becoming the future victory of the Allies -
the "Entente Cordiale", the work of Mason Edward VII. Not forget, finally, that
we owe to the greatest work of Freemasonry modern literature - the "Faust" of M
ason Goeth. Just once. Let Mr. Joseph Cabral Freemasonry to Masons and that alth
ough they are not, they saw, yet another temple, the same Let the Light Anti-Mas
onry Antimaçons those who are the legitimate intellectual descendants of the fa
mous preacher who discovered that Herod and Pilate were Wardens of a Lodge of Je
rusalem. Fernando Pessoa
HINO
DA
Masonry (Pedro I) FREEMASONRY
Of light, which diffuses, sacred philosophy emerged in the Haunted World, the pu
re Freemasonry. Mason warns, tends strongly vingai rights of nature. From reason
, some sublime, sacred cults worshiped heroes deserve high, pure freemasonry. Ma
son warns, tends strongly vingai rights of nature. Reason, sumptuous temple, ere
cted a great king, was then established, the pure Freemasonry. Mason warns, tend
s strongly vingai rights of nature. Noble inventions do not die, win the time of
strife for centuries face, the pure Freemasonry. Mason warns, tends strongly vi
ngai rights of nature. Sacred human right, which will trample tyranny ufana rest
oring the pure Freemasonry. Mason warns, tends strongly
vingai rights of nature. Light deposit August, modest hypocrisy Guard itself wit
h holy zeal, the pure Freemasonry. Mason warns, tends strongly vingai rights of
nature. Cautious, hides and denies us the unholy unholy mysteries His majestic,
pure freemasonry. Mason warns, tends strongly vingai rights of nature. The world
's Great Architect, the same world shines Suitable protects, sustains, the pure
Freemasonry. Mason warns, tends strongly vingai rights of nature.