Freemasonry Is?
written by Richard W. Van Doren, Ed.D., 33°



Image: Freemasonry as a Dynamic System of Relationships

Today, as at all times since the modern era of our fraternity began in 1717, there is much discussion about what Freemasonry is and is not. It should be pointed out that there is no overarching authority to answer this question. There are as many answers as there are individual Masons; for each is free to answer the question in his own way and manner. That being said, however, there do appear to be some points upon which many could agree?as long as we add the caveat: ?until a better definition comes my way.?

For me, there is one inescapable fact: Freemasonry is not something that can occur in a vacuum or be practiced alone. It is, first and foremost, a system of relationships. This is extremely important to consider, as shall be remarked upon at the end of this paper. The symbolic diagram with this paper, an aid to understanding these relationships, is of a closed system. However, one could enter the system at any place and eventually return to the starting point. It therefore implies motion. One focus will inevitably lead to another and another and so forth. For this discussion, let us enter the system at The Physical.

Freemasonry has long defined itself as an outgrowth of the stonemason?s art. It uses the physical realities of the Craft to describe relationships with the materials of the world and the tools that can be used by the craftsman to shape them to his will. It has an ultimate sense of practicality in the relationship between nature and man?s nature, causing one to focus on providing shelter and sustenance for self and family. This sphere of The Physical could be very limited, indeed, if it were not for the influence of a man?s imagination. The complexity of creating ever-greater physical tools and products, leads one to growth of the next sphere, The Intellectual.

The Intellectual?that is learning and knowledge?has been promoted by Freemasonry since its foundation. Development of the intellect is encouraged specifically through the study of the Liberal Arts and Sciences. Extrapolating from this, it could be applied to any mental pursuit. Therefore, it is open-ended and never-ending. It is growth and life-oriented. To end or cease from it is decay and death-oriented. Again, it is possible to focus on attaining knowledge as a solitary pursuit, but ultimately it depends upon others, even if only secondarily, to expand the boundaries of one?s knowledge. When the limits of mental conception are reached, it leads inevitably to the question of ?what? or ?who? lies beyond. Whether this is a question about natural physical boundaries?for example, space and the universe?or beyond Life as we know it within the mortal plane, to most thinking men it leads to a contemplation of The Spiritual.

The Spiritual sphere exists beyond The Physical and The Intellectual. It is an interactive sphere that communicates with the first two, but it has properties and realities that are separate and apart from them. Freemasonry has often encouraged the exploration of this realm but has eschewed a particular dogmatic framework in which to do so. As a non-denominational fraternity, it is incapable of recognizing any religion as being more or less capable of such an exploration, and only encourages each Mason to explore his spiritual self by working within the context of the religious experience that makes sense to him. However, it is clear that the expectation of such an exploration ultimately leads to an intimate encounter with God, the creator.

With an encounter of God, the pathway that has defined our progress in Freemasonry?s relationship system has now encountered another sentient being. The Craft has always encouraged entering into this relationship both individually and collectively. This relationship is one that is beyond a description of principles, characteristics, and objectification. This Being is the ultimate spiritual reality that incorporates both senses and intellect. He is a sentient being that wishes to know us and to be known by us for reasons of His own. This reality of an existing Presence, while not dependent upon nor defined by us, still stimulates the mental faculties?primarily intellectual?to strive to clarify our boundaries with Him and to discover the meaning of our relationship. In order to understand this relationship fully, God chooses to focus our attention, not just upon Himself but also upon our fellow men. Therefore, we must ultimately come to terms with our relationships with each other?with The Brethren.

Freemasonry has long defined itself as a fraternity?that is, a constellation of sibling relationships. Further, this series of relationships is life-long and brings us into contact with men who are simultaneously both truly different and essentially the same as ourselves. This paradox accounts for the dynamic tension of emotion and intellect that strives to dominate, understand, surrender to, and accommodate with our fellows. It enriches our individual human experience beyond measure. It nurtures both the intellect and the spirit. It ultimately leads to the further definition of the Self?either through socialization or isolation.

The Self is the primary building block of the Craft and of the system of relationships that defines it. It is the ultimate relationship that our attention is directed to, as it is the block upon which our entire Masonic superstructure is erected. To improve oneself is the first and last challenge of the Craft; its raison d?être. Such improvement is, once again, to drive toward growth and life. To stop such improvement is to drive toward stagnation, decay, and death. If the direction is toward Life?it is open-ended. It leads to a constant interaction with The Brethren and with God in a never-ending search for definition and meaning?pausing only long enough to view the landscape of existence: where we are, where we came from, and, less clearly, where we are headed.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the notion of Freemasonry being a dynamic system of relationships is an important statement. In today?s world, the challenge for modern man is to resist isolation and de-socialization that is made all too possible and, to some degree, all too alluring. Not to resist those forces is to sow the seeds of mistrust and, ultimately, leads to the end of civilization. To recognize the beneficent nature of such a system of relationships, then, and to encourage its preservation and fostered prosperity is an antidote to the great afflictions of the 21st century?loneliness and misunderstanding. May the Craft long continue to provide such opportunity and encouragement to men of goodwill everywhere.


Richard W. Van Doren holds a doctor of education degree and is a counseling psychologist. In 2002 he retired as Executive Director of Clinical Affairs for the NMJ?s 32° Masonic Learning Centers for Children, Inc. He is a member of four lodges in three countries and two continents, a Past Master and Past Grand Orator from the state of New Jersey, and the only U.S. founder of Internet Lodge No. 9659, UGLE.