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The most recognisable symbol of Freemasonry is the "Square and Compass," which is used to teach, respectively, "square conduct towards others" and "keeping passions and prejudices within due bounds". For most jurisdictions of Freemasonry there is a rule that the members must believe in one god or supreme being and in the immortality of the soul. As a result, members of different religions, if monotheistic, are admitted to membership with no expectation that they accept as correct or affirm the religions creeds of any other member.  

The most recognisable symbol of Freemasonry is the "Square and Compass," which is used to teach, respectively, "square conduct towards others" and "keeping passions and prejudices within due bounds". For most jurisdictions of Freemasonry there is a rule that the members must believe in one god or supreme being and in the immortality of the soul. As a result, members of different religions, if monotheistic, are admitted to membership with no expectation that they accept as correct or affirm the religions creeds of any other member.  

Various [[Christianity|Christian]] churches and [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] are opposed to Freemasonry and indicate that its teachings are incompatible with biblical Christianity.<ref>[http://www.equip.org/article/should-christians-join-the-masonic-lodge/ Should Christians Join the Masonic Lodge]</ref><ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/masonry.html Freemasonry and the Christian Church]</ref><ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe?]</ref> The Roman Catholic Church opposes Freemasonry, which it first condemned in an encyclical issued by Pope Clement XII in 1738. <ref>[https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/BACAFM.HTM]</ref>

Various [[Christianity|Christian]] churches and [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] are opposed to Freemasonry and indicate that its teachings are incompatible with biblical Christianity.<ref>[http://www.equip.org/article/should-christians-join-the-masonic-lodge/ Should Christians Join the Masonic Lodge]</ref><ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/masonry.html Freemasonry and the Christian Church]</ref><ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe?]</ref> The Roman Catholic Church opposes Freemasonry, which it first condemned in an encyclical issued by Pope Clement XII in 1738. <ref>[https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/BACAFM.HTM/ Catholicism vs. Freemasonry—Irreconcilable Forever Rev. Robert I. Bradley]</ref>

Contrary to popular belief, Freemasons are not taught to 'prefer' other Masons or to do them special favors. They are pledged, however, to come to the assistance of other Masons if they are in need, so long as this does not involve any violation of one's ethical standards or imperil the well-being of the assisting Mason's family.  

Contrary to popular belief, Freemasons are not taught to 'prefer' other Masons or to do them special favors. They are pledged, however, to come to the assistance of other Masons if they are in need, so long as this does not involve any violation of one's ethical standards or imperil the well-being of the assisting Mason's family.