The idea of Masonic brotherhood probably descends from a 16th-century legal definition of a brother as one who has taken an oath of mutual support to another. Accordingly, Masons swear at each degree to keep the contents of that degree secret, and to support and protect their brethren unless they have broken the law. In most Lodges the oath or obligation is taken on a Volume of Sacred Law, whichever book of divine revelation is appropriate to the religious beliefs of the individual brother (usually the Bible in the Anglo-American tradition). In Progressive continental Freemasonry, books other than scripture are permissible, a cause of rupture between Grand Lodges. COUNT 7
QSN1 Are masons allowed to divulge the secrets of each degree? ANS1 Masons swear at each degree to keep the contents of that degree secret QSN2 How are oaths taken? ANS2 on a Volume of Sacred Law QSN3 In what branch can books, other than scripture, be used for the purpose of oath taking? ANS3 Progressive continental Freemasonry QSN4 What can be considered a Volume of Sacred Law? ANS4 whichever book of divine revelation is appropriate to the religious beliefs of the individual brother QSN5 Masons swear to protect their brethren unless they what? ANS5 have broken the law QSN6 Most lodges have the oath taken on what? ANS6 Volume of Sacred Law QSN7 Mason swear at each degree to do what? ANS7 keep the contents of that degree secret