A rather senior mason offered me some advice not so long ago: that I should not go on about spirituality so often in Freemasonry Today since Freemasonry was not a religion.
    Now, I agreed with the last part of his statement. Certainly we need to keep some clear water between Freemasonry and religion. This is enshrined in our Constitutions and has been since 1723. Two hundred and eighty years ago Freemasons were enjoined to be ‘Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguish’d; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remain’d at a perpetual Distance.’ This deep understanding of human nature has produced the remarkable society which is Freemasonry, reaching across all political, cultural and religious boundaries. So it is right that religion and religious dispute should be kept from Freemasonry. Yet, we are nevertheless expected to be spiritually minded: the 1723 Constitutions insists that a mason ‘will never be a stupid atheist’. Our modern version maintains the same precepts in virtually the same words. But there is an important addition, that ‘The first condition of admission into, and membership of, the Order is a belief in the Supreme Being. This is essential and admits of no compromise.’
    It could not be clearer: Freemasonry is founded upon spirituality and spiritual commitment, whatever religion one might belong to. Furthermore, the spirituality that Freemasonry is founded upon is both inclusive and individual, being founded upon ‘knowledge of your self’ and possessed of infinite depth. Our Charge in the Third Degree puts it succinctly: ‘Continue to listen to the voice of Nature, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle’. And where does one hear the ‘voice of Nature?’ Deep within, in moments of stillness and silence – ‘by contemplation’ which prepares us for the final part of our journey which, in due course, we all embark upon.
    It goes without saying that any candidate entering Freemasonry needs to be inducted individually into this subtle, special and compassionate perspective which Freemasonry reveals. And our rituals are specifically designed to lead a man onto this path in such a manner that afterwards he is able to continue his own journey amongst his fellows. As all will know, during our rituals there is a deep harmony between the individual aspirant and the members of the Lodge who are leading him through his first hesitant steps upon the path.
    And then we come across the heirs to Henry Ford’s production line and the ‘Pile ‘em high and sell ‘em cheap’ attitudes; more is better, bigger is greater and faster is, well, quicker. Why waste time and effort on single masons when the organisation needs more money from subscriptions to maintain its executive functions and its charitable commitments. How better to fill the halls with decks of masons than by piling them high, taking in anyone who is breathing and can pay the fees. How better to ensure the survival of Freemasonry in the twenty-first century than by adopting twenty-first century promotional techniques. And so, with the American One-Day Classes, we have reached a species of achievement: Freemasonry as a product. Read all about it in Julian Rees’s article in this issue. Microwave masonry: the future beckons.
    All this would be utterly ludicrous were it not occurring and, apparently, taken seriously by Grand Lodges which should really know better. They seem to have forgotten that Freemasonry is a very special organisation, unlike commercial entities it does not exist to serve shareholders, its executives, or the market-place, it exists solely to serve its voluntary membership, to help Freemasons travel their journey - their growth in morality, social awareness and spirituality.

As you will read in this issue of Freemasonry Today, we had a very successful trip to Egypt. Those who came all expressed their pleasure at the way the trip was conducted and the exclusive access we had to many outstanding sites. As a result we are in the process of planning another Egyptian trip next year, probably also in early April, around Easter. However, we will need to limit numbers since a group which is too large makes an easy intimacy with the various sites more difficult. So all those who might be interested please ring Tracey Strand at HPB Travel, 01638 674 744 and get on our mailing list as early as possible. We will send out details just as soon as we get confirmation on dates, sites and costs.

Michael Baigent MA – Editor