Freemasonry is an idea whose time has come

Freemasonry is a product of groups of men who imprint their surrounding culture with the significance of their ideas. It is the “idea” behind an ancient institution that unites its members with a deep sense of fulfillment; a manifestation of a nurtured soul. When we take a broad look at what causes us to feel fulfilled and experience genuine happiness, we find aspects that relate to a unity of purpose, and a strong bond. 
“Let us all unite in the grand design of being happy, and communicating happiness.” Excerpt of Masonic Ceremonial
In a 2017 study at the University of Oxford, it showed that men bond better through face-to-face contact and activities, whereas women find it much easier to hold onto an emotional connection through a simple phone conversation. We should add that social media drives us further apart; studies of adults aged between 19 and 32 show that men spending more than two hours a day on social media were twice as likely to describe feeling “left out,” lonely or isolated.

WHY DO MEN CONSIDER JOINING THE FRATERNITY
When a man perceives and embraces ideas from teachings that allow him to transcend the Self, He develops a true sense of purpose in a journey towards a an understanding of how these teachings relate to his inner core – nosce te ipsum. These ancient teachings which have, for thousands of years, taught Esoteric Traditions, demonstrate an affinity to the symbolism and teachings of Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Sacred Geometry, and the list goes on. These teachings ‘enable’ a Brother to transcend in his thinking and his behaviour towards a, universally accepted, Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God.
Candidates for Freemasonry reside in Lebanon, Scotland or in any other country, these Men who search for a deeper meaning to life, yearn for a bond that goes beyond the senseless shallow modern-day lifestyles, and for a true understanding of the Self. The words of Brother Victor Hugo over 200 years ago still hold a timeless truth, “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.” 

WHAT DOES FREEMASONRY TEACH
The teachings of freemasonry are more relevant today than it ever was:

• Making good men better ones: Freemasonry was never intended as a refuge for fallen men in need of reformation. It doesn’t save souls, cure alcoholism, reform straying husbands, or put CEOs back on the road to honesty. In fact, its rules and customs are specifically designed to keep such men out. Freemasonry has always held the highest standards of conduct for its members and even its candidates.

• Building confidence: A new Freemason becomes a member of a Lodge, which is a small group of like-minded individuals that form a lifetime bond with each other. A group of Men from all walks of life that forge a true Brotherhood amongst themselves. They learn the principles of Freemasonry by performing ceremonies which give members confidence and experience speaking in public, along with connecting to esoteric traditions that date back to thousands of years.

• Fostering brotherly love: Freemasonry’s ceremonies join men from diverse backgrounds and from all over the world through common experiences shared in the lodge room. Freemasonry brings together men who might otherwise never have met, and it cuts across all social, economic, racial, religious, and political lines. No other organization in the entire world today offers such a united stand between a diverse membership; Men that stand shoulder to shoulder as true Brothers, supporting and standing for each other in every way possible.

• Offering relief: Freemasonry encourages its members to take a greater part in the community. It inspires Masons to volunteer, to donate, and to become engaged in their neighborhoods, places of worship, and governments.

• Searching for truth: Lodges are not places of worship and lodge meetings and rituals are not intended as a substitute for going to church, temple, or mosque. Freemasonry does encourage its members to take more-active roles in their religious communities.
  Throughout History, Freemasons have been at the forefront of promoting the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity in act as well as in word. Freemasonry today remains a strong advocate of religious tolerance.

• Providing timeless principles: The principles of Masonry are simple. Reduced to their most basic level, Masonry provides its members with a place to go for a while to escape the strife and struggle of the outside world, leaving the most contentious topics between men outside its lodge-room doors.