Concepts explained:
Freemasonry:
A movement with its origins in Scotland and England
Freemasonry (or, from the French: maçonnerie) is an internationally widespread and regionally structured brotherhood of individuals who strive for spiritual and moral elevation, mutual appreciation, and reciprocal assistance. Its members are called Freemasons (French: maçons). The origin of this term is said to derive from the French word frère-maçons (literally: brother-builders), which was adapted into Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry as 'freemason'. Other sources refer to the type of stone that was worked, with 'freestone' (perfect ashlar) being easier to shape than 'roughstone' (rough ashlar). Members address one another as 'brother' (or 'sister' in mixed or female Freemasonry). It is the largest society featuring rituals and has a worldwide presence.
René Pieyns states in his Encyclopaedia of Ordinary Freemasonry that there are six different perspectives to arrive at a definition (quoted from Wikipedia).
These are:
- A methodical definition – an initiatory community: Freemasonry employs initiation as its working method; that is to say, the systematic, gradual, and structured initiation of its members into full-fledged Freemasons. In this sense, Freemasons form a philosophical elite of initiates into philosophical perspectives that are inaccessible to the uninitiated.
- A methodical definition – an initiatory community: Freemasonry uses initiation as a working method, that is to say the systematic, gradual, and structured initiation of its members into full-fledged Freemasons. In this sense, the Freemasons form a philosophical elite of initiates into philosophical views that are not accessible to the profane.
- An organisational or structural definition – a hierarchical order: Freemasonry can only exist as a specific organic structure, which is characteristic of the movement. This translates into an external and visible hierarchy at a collective (administrative) level, and an internal (invisible) hierarchy at an individual and initiatory level.
- A substantive definition – an ethical community: Every Freemason is expected to become a better person through their Masonic endeavours. The entire set of rites used for this purpose is interwoven with a specific symbolism unique to Freemasonry. This serves as the practical means to convey this substantive ethical message.
- A practical definition – a way of life: Here, the emphasis is placed on the fundamental attitude that every Freemason must demonstrate. It is the belief in the malleability and permanent capacity to improve humanity, both individually and collectively. The symbolism employed in this context is the building of King Solomon's temple, which represents the temple of society. This fundamental attitude forms the basis of purpose in every Freemason's life.
- A romantic definition – the belief in utopias: The belief in a perfect, albeit not yet achieved, utopian goal situated in the future serves as the focal point of the work. The belief in a universal brotherhood of all humanity, regardless of differences in faith, culture, language, race, etc., is viewed as a motivating factor for action. There is a striving for institutionalised cosmopolitanism. The essence of Freemasonry as a 'société de pensée' or a bearer of civilisation makes it a kind of laboratory where experiments related to social and cultural life are conducted, and where new ideas are developed.
Freemasonry in the Northern Netherlands
Immediately after the founding of the Grand Lodge in London, the first small steps were taken in the Netherlands from around 1723. The ban on the activities of the first two lodges did not deter the brethren in the territory of the Netherlands at the time (the Seven United Provinces) from continuing to establish and work in lodges. From 1756 onwards, an official organisational structure was established, which was shortly thereafter recognised by London as an independent Grand Lodge. Consequently, the Dutch Grand Lodge is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) working organisations in the Masonic world; it is also one of the oldest associations in the Netherlands.
The introduction of Freemasonry into the Seven United Provinces in 1734 was primarily due to the extensive contacts between the court of the House of Orange-Nassau and the royal family of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Ireland, and Hanover), trade connections, and the exchange of military officers. It is well known that the States of Holland, as the ruling authority, were not particularly tolerant of a secret society, and the 1735 ban was extensively covered in the English press via pamphlets. The brethren refused to be suppressed and went underground.
Times changed in 1747 when the Stadtholdership in Holland and Zeeland was restored and declared hereditary for William IV and his descendants. Freemasonry in the Netherlands reorganised itself, and the founding of the Grand Lodge in 1756 was a direct result of those changing times. Recognition by London in 1771 makes us the oldest continuously working continental lodge! It may even make us the oldest lodge in the world, as the merger of the two rival Grand Lodges in England cannot be seen as mere continuity but rather a fresh start. Their ritual was overhauled, resulting in a new standard ritual based on both traditions, which consequently deviates from the older versions we have come to know and maintain on the continent.
Non-Masons, Brethren, and Members; Forms of Address
People outside the circle of Freemasons live in the ordinary, everyday world; they are referred to as non-Masons or the uninitiated.
As soon as an outsider applies as a candidate for the Order and the Lodge, they are recorded as a candidate, and after admission to the Order and the Lodge, as a brother to all.
During Lodge meetings, we address one another as 'brother'. The presiding Master and past Masters are addressed as 'Worshipful Master'. Brethren holding positions on the national board have their own specific forms of address.
Consecration, Initiation, and Admission
Freemasonry is an initiatory community. In older terminology, the word 'reception' (derived from French) was often used; this can be explained by the concept of 'admission'. Admission consists of a series of actions through which the uninitiated person becomes a member and a brother.
The word 'consecration' also refers to a series of actions used to induct someone into a group, though this term carries a more religious connotation.
Le Véritable Zèle has chosen to align itself with the traditional concept of 'reception' and to speak of 'admission'.
Lodge, Temple, or Lodge Room
Each of these terms is used, sometimes interchangeably.
Lodge: The entity within Freemasonry where the members, called brethren, gather to carry out their work. The term is also used to describe the building or space where they meet.
Temple: The space within the Lodge building where the brethren convene is referred to by many as the Temple. After all, the brethren work together on a temple of living stones, for which King Solomon's temple serves as the model. The space is not a temple in the true sense of the word, as no sacred power can be attributed to it.
Lodge room: This name derives from the place where the work is conducted. Whether this work is operative or speculative is irrelevant here.
Conclusion: Le Véritable Zèle prefers the terminology that the Lodge meets in the Lodge room, and that the brethren work together there on a temple of living stones.
A Religion?
A frequently asked question is whether Freemasonry is a religion. The answer is quite simple: no. The members of the Order are free to adhere to any religion they choose.
Since there is no church or religious school, Freemasonry does not espouse any doctrine. There are no dogmas. It is about tolerance and mutual respect. Everyone must seek and discover their own (subjective) truth within themselves; therefore, it is not a belief system, but rather a way of life. Through its method of working, it serves as a tool to stimulate personal development and experience, bringing one closer to the concept of truth. In this context, the inscription on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi—'Know Thyself' (and thou shalt know the gods)—holds special significance for the Freemason
It should be noted, however, that a certain general sense of religion is necessary to comprehend the role of the Great Architect of the Universe.
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