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The Secret of Freemasonry

"I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his own opinion, however different that opinion might be to mine. He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."

Thomas Paine


Every religion has flaws. These flaws are relative to each individual and might vary. They will range from small, petty externalities to holes in its worldview and or theology. Political ideologies are even more complicated. One might lean towards the Left but not every single policy or idea of the Left can be found agreeable. And of course, one could also ask what Left wing politics are we referring to...it is the same with every other field of human endeavour. Nothing is perfect. One simply cannot submit completely his ontological commitment to anything. Church, state, nation, ideology...there are always holes. There are always gaps. There is no ultimate truth in anything. 

Except in Freemasonry. Because Freemasonry is guided in the first instance by tolerance. Religious, racial, ideological and social tolerance. We are all brothers and sisters in the lodge. We all respect each other's beliefs and seek union, not division. Of course, Karl Poppers paradox of tolerance applies: in order to maintain a tolerant society, society must retain the right to be intolerant of intolerance in order to avoid being eliminated. 



Freemasonry doesn't pretend to offer the truth. It encourages us to seek the truth whilst respecting each individual truth. It is here where Freemasonry finds itself at odds with the Church and totalitarian regimes. 
 
Furthermore, Freemasonry bypasses dogmas by moving within the realm of the Symbolic world. Symbols are open to multiple interpretations and resist stagnation. They are a living tradition.

Despite its lofty ideals and noble intentions, religion divide and fragment. And in these deeply polarised times, political discussion can create enemies for life out of parents and their children. Freemasonry is the point of union. Brothers and sisters work towards the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe and or the perfection of humanity. 


Yes, there are mystical rituals, strange symbols and odd handshakes but in a nutshell, Freemasonry is about tolerance. The great secret of Freemasonry is tolerance and tolerance is born out of the middle ground and a moderate approach to ideas because ideas can change. 
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