Secret Societies and Symbols

The Mason’s official position states that Freemasonry is not a religion. “Masons who treat it as such are mistaken. Freemasonry strongly encourages its members to belong to an established religion, although this is not a requirement for membership (only that a candidate profess a belief in a Supreme Being). Masonry is a fraternal organization that encourages morality and charity and studies philosophy. It has no clergy, no sacraments, and does not promise salvation to its members.” (Roger Firestone, Difficult Questions About Freemasonry, 2002)

A close assessment of the degrees of Freemasonry uncovers a basic theology that lies beneath everything in the Order. The degrees instruct that: There is a Supreme Being who created the universe, who has established and revealed a moral law, and to whom we must give account in a life after this. Masons argue that nothing in these five points, which are supported by all the materials, lectures and “working tools” of the degrees, conflicts with any of the major religions of the Western world. As such, all religions are welcome to participate in the Brotherhood, and thus, it should not be deemed a “religious” organization. “The true Mason is not creed-bound. He realizes with the divine illumination of his lodge that as a Mason his religion must be universal: Christ, Buddha, or Mohammed, the name means little, for he recognizes only the light and not the bearer.”(Manly Hall, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, 1976)

Many scholars call Freemasonry the “unifier” of all religions. “It is the universal, eternal, immutable religion, such as God planted it in the heart of universal humanity.”(Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1950) “Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion.” (Pike) “Masonry is all that remains to us of the first world religion” which flourished in ancient times. “It was the first unified world religion. Today we are working again towards a world universal religion.” (Foster Bailey, The Spirit of Masonry, 1979)

Documentation source: allaboutcults.org

Related posts

• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 3 (0)
• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 2 (0)
• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 1 (0)
• What is Freemasonry and what does it offer? (1)
• Religious Cults part1: The Popular View (1)

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies.  The essential qualification for admission is a belief in a Supreme Being and to be of good repute.

Freemasonry is open to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. Freemasonry is a system of morality, not a system of faith or salvation and is complimentary to the belief of the individual. Indeed, lodge meetings, in order to ensure harmony, expressly forbid the discussion of either religion or politics.
Freemasonry asks that each of its members shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man. Its members, in varying degrees, are involved with numerous local, national and international charitable works, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Freemasonry does not override the individuals duty to one’s self, one’s family ones God or work.

Masonic meetings have a set structure and consistent content and although their organisation and ceremonies have been shrouded in secrecy in the past, are now largely open to public scrutiny one way or another – United Grand Lodge of England even hires PR consultants these days to help get their message across fairly. Whilst Masonic lodges are private, their member are happy to talk about any virtually any aspect of Freemasonry, except their modes of recognition.

Master Masons ApronA Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) and then, without detriment to his work or family, to his neighbour (in the broadest sense) through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masonic, but the setting in which they are practiced, the spirit of friendship which is prevalent among its members and the opportunity for a convivial dinner after such meetings surely is.

Related posts

• Masonic symbols (1)
• Is Freemasonry a religion ? (1)
• Freemasonry about: God, Jesus and implications for Christians (2)
• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 3 (0)
• Freemasonry a satanic sect : argument 2 (0)