I am going to tread a very thin line here.
I want to quote from the Charge given to every Entered Apprentice Mason as an example of what Freemasonry is about. This quote is similar to the
Charge given in every regular lodge but may differ slightly in the wording.
This information is in the public domain and I believe it does not reveal anything I am sworn to conceal, but it is representative of some of our
beliefs.
This is an example of what is asked of men who join our fraternity, and explains some of our beliefs.
As always if any of my Brothers feel it is inappropriate please tell me and I will remove it at once but I don't believe it violates any part of my
oath.
There are three great duties, which, as a Mason, you are strictly to observe and inculcate--to God, your neighbor, and yourself. To God, in never
mentioning His name but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator; to implore His aid in all your laudable undertakings,
and to esteem Him as your chief good.
To your neighbor, in acting upon the square, and doing unto him as you would he should do unto you: and to yourself, in avoiding all irregularity and
intemperance, which may impair your facilities or debase the dignity of your profession. A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and
private esteem.
In the State you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to your government, and just to your country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or
rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live. In your outward
demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach.
Let not interest, favor, or prejudice bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action. And although your frequent
appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Masonry should interfere with your necessary avocations, for these
are on no account to be neglected; neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into arguments with those who, through
ignorance, may ridicule it. But, at your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well-informed brethren,
who will be always as ready to give as you will be ready to receive instruction.
and, an example of our tenets...
By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family--the high and low, the rich and poor; who, as created
by one Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support, and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every
country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might, otherwise, have remained at a perpetual distance.
To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent upon all men; but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere
affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds,
is the grand aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.
These two quotes are taken from sources that are in the public domain and are easily found.
I only quote them because, to me, they represent the best of Masonry.
By nature all people are imperfect and Freemasons are no exception. Our only goal is to try and make life better for all people and sometimes that
gets misinterpreted.
Finally each Mason is left to himself to understand and apply these rules. Many of us don't do such a good job all the time but most of us try.
I hope this helps you understand us. I know I have been particularly harsh at times when criticized or challenged, but I honestly believe in what I
am doing and I hope nobody has been too offended.
