What are the core principles of Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is founded upon several core principles that serve as its moral and philosophical foundation. According to the sources, the most fundamental principles are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, which are often considered the pillars of the fraternity. Brotherly Love encourages members to treat all people with kindness and respect, fostering harmony and mutual understanding. Relief emphasizes charity, philanthropy, and mutual support among members and the community, promoting acts of kindness and assistance. Truth advocates for integrity, honesty, and living a virtuous life, guided by moral rectitude.
Additionally, a belief in a Supreme Being is a fundamental requirement for membership, emphasizing that Freemasonry is not a religion but a spiritual fraternity that respects diverse faiths. The fraternity also upholds the principle of Morality and Virtue, aiming to make good men better through moral teachings and personal development.
These principles are designed to guide members in their personal growth, ethical conduct, and service to humanity, aligning with the idea that Freemasonry is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, dedicated to the betterment of individuals and society.
As Osborne Sheppard notes, the tendency of Masonry is towards religion, and it teaches religious truth through its allegories and symbols, emphasizing that it is impossible for a man to be a Mason unless he is an observer of religious principles.