Freemasonry and Religion
Some Words
of Introduction
C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°
Past Sovereign Grand Commander
Freemasonry confirms and complements religious faith
and church participation. The principles of our Fraternity are based
on the same moral absolutes that form the foundation of all true faith.
Every Mason must believe in a Supreme Being. He must strive to live
morally in accordance with the highest standards of individual character
and social conduct. Consequently, every Mason abides by the "Golden
Rule," however stated, and labors in all aspects of his life to
fulfill Freemasonry's goals of charity in both senses of the word --
philanthropy to those in need and loving brotherhood for all the members
of humankind.
Freemasonry has always welcomed men of all faiths and
religious beliefs to enter its doors. The only requirement is for good
men to believe in the Supreme Architect and the immortality of the soul.
This faith we take to be the outward and visible sign of an inward and
spiritual grace. And it is from this internal moral foundation that
Freemasonry labors to make good men better by building within each Brother
of the Craft a Temple of good works and ethical achievements.
Unfortunately, our purpose as well as our very existence
is questioned by the uninformed. They fail to see that Masons are invariable
churchgoing men who extend the precepts of their faith beyond their
sabbath to every day of their lives. They work within their churches
and in their communities for the betterment of their fellowmen. Masons,
in fact, go beyond narrow sectarianism and limiting dogma. They agree
with the statement of the famous statesman and writer Edmund Burke:
"The body of all true religion consists, to be sure, in obedience
to the will of the Sovereign of the world, in a confidence in His declarations,
and in imitation of His perfection."
But what are "His declarations"? They are
not, Masons believe, the passing credos of religious sects or cults.
Rather, they are the inspired wisdom contained in the Bible, the Talmud,
the Koran, the Bhagavad-Gita or any of the other Great Books of Faith
that have been universally recognized as man's best guides to happiness
on this world and reward in the next. Freemasonry, therefore, welcomes
to its ranks Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and all good men of
whatever religion who truly aspire to live accordingly to the Creator's
will.
Because it is universal in scope and inclusive in membership,
Masonry provides a philosophy and a Fraternity where good men can "meet
on the Level and part on the Square." It binds all men in a mystic
tie of sincere brotherhood and mutual love. Faith and work, soul and
body, heart and hand are united as Masons everywhere labor through Freemasonry
in peace and harmony to honor the Creator and serve mankind.
Such are the objectives of Freemasonry. Obviously, they
complement, not contradict, sound religious beliefs.
This pamphlet presents the ideas of several men of the
Cloth as to why they are proud to be Freemasons. The articles offer
convincing proof that Freemasonry is a powerful, universal force for
the spiritual improvement of the individual and of society.
What Freemasonry Means To Me
The Reverend Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, 33°
I recently received a letter in which the writer asked:
"Why are you a Freemason?" The question caused me to think
and reaffirm my feelings about Masonry.
At first I thought about my own forebears. My grandfather
was a Mason for 50 years, my father for 50 years, and I have been a
Mason for 60 years. This means that my tie with Freemasonry extends
back to 1869 when my grandfather joined the Masons.
My feelings on my first entrance into a Masonic Lodge
are very clear in memory. I was a young man and it was a great thrill
to kneel before the altar of the Lodge to become a Freemason. This must
have been the same feeling my father and grandfather experienced before
me. And it must also have been identical to the one that many great
leaders of America and the world felt as they became Masons. Prominent
among this select group are George Washington, Harry Truman, and 12
other Presidents as well as countless statesmen and benefactors of humanity.
So I found myself thinking: "What does Freemasonry
mean to me?" Of course Masons say that Freemasonry actually begins
in each individual Mason's heart. I take this to mean a response to
brotherhood and the highest ideals. I recall the story of a man who
came to me once and said: "I see that you are a Freemason. So am
I." As we talked, he told me of an experience he had years ago.
It seems that he joined the Masonic Fraternity shortly after he became
21 years old. When he was stationed in the military, he decided to attend
various Lodge meetings. On his first visit to a Lodge in a strange city,
he was a bit nervous. One thought was constantly in his mind; could
he pass the examination to show that he was a Mason? As the committee
was carefully examining his credentials, one of the members looked him
squarely in the eye and said: "Obviously you know the Ritual, so
you can enter our Lodge as a Brother Mason. But I have one more question.
Where were you made a Mason?" With that he told the young visitor
to think about it because when he knew the answer the examiner would
not have to hear it. He would see it in his eyes. My friend told me
that after a couple of minutes a big smile came to his face and he looked
at the examiner, who said: "That's right, in your heart."
"Through Masonic teachings,
good men practice love and charity.
As a Fraternity they spend
millions of dollars...
Freemasonry is not a religion though, in my experience,
Masons have predominately been religious men and, for the most part,
of the Christian faith. Through Freemasonry, however, I have had opportunity
to break bread with good men of other than my own Christian faith. Freemasonry
does not promote any one religious creed. All Masons believe in the
Deity without reservation. However, Masonry makes no demands as to how
a member thinks of the Great Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry
is, for all its members, a supplement to good living which has enhanced
the lives of millions who have entered its doors. Though it is not a
religion, as such, it supplements faith in God the Creator. It is supporting
of morality and virtue.
Freemasonry has no dogma or theology. It offers no sacraments.
It teaches that it is important for every man to have a religion of
his own choice and to be faithful to it in thought and action. As a
result, men of different religions meet in fellowship and brotherhood
under the fatherhood of God. I think that a good Mason is made even
more faithful to the tenets of his faith by his membership in the Lodge.
Freemasonry is much more than a social organization.
Through Masonic teachings, good men practice love and charity. As a
there are many, my eyes fill with tears. As I see a youngster, who could
Fraternity they spend millions of dollars to support hospitals, childhood
language disorders clinics, and research into problems that plague man's
physical and mental being. Whenever I visit a Masonic hospital, of which
not walk, now able to get from one end of the corridor to the other
with the aid of an artificial leg, I am thrilled. For a young person
to have the opportunity to become whole and productive is to me exciting
and wonderful. And this opportunity is given at no cost to his or her
family or the state. Living is beautiful but sometimes life can be harsh
and cruel. Whenever or wherever people are in need Masons are there
to help. From large undertakings to the smallest of needs, Masons are
always there, caring and serving.
I have always been interested as to why Masons devote
so much time to their Fraternity. A good answer to this question came
from a Grand Master who once told me that he enjoys his involvement
because it gives him another dimension to living. The same answer is
echoed by Brethren as they meet in Lodge rooms from one end of our Country
to the other and around the world. Many of my best friends, associates,
and fellow Christians are Freemasons and good churchmen as well.
In my travels at home and abroad a goodly number of
Freemasons notice my Masonic ring, which I always wear. With pride they
say: "I, too, am a Freemason."
To me, Freemasonry is one form of dedication to God
and service to humanity. I too was a Freemason in my heart and so I
will remain. I am proud of my involvement. I am proud to walk in fraternal
fellowship with my Brethren. Why am I a Freemason? Simply because I
am proud to be a man who wants to keep the moral standards of life at
high level and leave< something behind so others will benefit. Only
as I, personally, become better, can I help others to do the same.
A Mason Without Apology
Bishop Carl J. Sanders, 33°, G.C.
United Methodist Church
I am a Mason! This plain and simple statement is said
with pride, not apology! But to make such a statement is not enough.
Reasons are expected and I give them briefly and almost in outline form.
Because of the Friendships
The Fraternity Has Offered Me
These friendships reach back 50 years to a rural community
in Virginia where I was raised a Master Mason. Those plain, simple men
took me into their circle of friendship and sustained me through many
of the difficulties a young minister will find in his first year out
of the seminary. Across half a century my life has been blessed by friends
from all walks of life and many denominational groups. Freemasonry is
truly ecumenical in its membership.
In a day of mistrust, suspicion, discrimination, separation,
and even hatred Freemasonry removes the distance between men. Friendship,
morality, and brotherly love are the hallmarks of our relationships.
There is a basic integrity in the Fraternity so often lacking in many
of life's relationships.
Because of the Beautiful Ritual
Rooted in Biblical History
These rituals relating to each Masonic degree are not
forms without substance. Out of the ancient landmarks they come with
honored words that plumb the depths of human emotion.
As one who loves the beauty and meaning of words, I
never tire of watching and listening to the granting of any degree,
the opening and the closing of Lodge meetings.
Ancient Biblical history comes alive in the drama and
language of Freemasonry. The beauty and order of a Masonic Lodge added
to the symbols so familiar to the Fraternity have meant so much to so
many.
Because of the Practice of Brotherhood
And the Charitable Endeavors
Masons are not interested in shallow social activity,
although they need and enjoy good fellowship. They are not interested
only in a community service club, although they want to be proud of
the service record and community image of the Fraternity to which they
belong.
Masonic homes, hospitals, and institutions are rendering
a service to "the least of these" in such a manner that underscores
the care and the devotion of the people called "Mason." No
hospital offers quite the care for crippled children or burned children
as do those that bear the name of "Mason." At no cost to the
families, these hospitals open their doors and lives are restored and
made whole again.
Because of the Deep Religious
Tone
Let me quickly and emphatically say that Freemasonry
is not and has never been a religion; however, Freemasonry has always
been a friend and ally of religion. In 50 years as a minister and as
a Mason, I have found no conflict between my Masonic beliefs and my
Christian faith. I have not found and do not now find that Freemasonry
is "incompatible with Christian faith and practice."
Freemasonry has never asked me to choose between my
Lodge and my Church. Masonry has never and will never usurp the place
of God. Never has anyone dared to say: "Thou shalt love Masonry
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."
There can be only one ultimate loyalty, and the Living
God is the only worthy object of such loyalty.
Possibly there are those who have made a god out of
Masonry. You can make a god out of anything---your business, your labor
union, your civic club, you Lodge, and even your Church. You can even
make a god out of left-overs (Isaiah 44).
My Masonic activities have never interfered with my
loyalty to and my love for my Church. Quite to the contrary, my loyalty
to my Church has been strengthened by my Masonic ties. Good Masons are
good Churchmen.
The Grand Master of Pennsylvania Masonry says:
Freemasonry is having a faith to live by; Freemasonry
is being a self to live with;
Freemasonry is having worthy causes to live for;
Freemasonry is a never-ending pursuit of excellence.
This, then, is my testimony. I am a Mason without apology!
I Am Proud To Be a Mason
Rabbi Seymour Atlas, 33°
As a youngster, one of my favorite dreams and aspirations
lingered with me for many years, until my petition was approved for
Initiation into Freemasonry.
Looking back over the years, I realize this desire came
form a photograph that I admired and wanted to emulate.
This photograph was one of my father, may he rest in
peace, standing with other Masons on the steps of the Masonic Temple
in Greenville, Mississippi. As he stood with his Masonic Brothers, it
was as if a feeling of pride and joy was emanating from them; as if
there were no equals to them. How proud I was of my father, and from
that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a Mason and follow the Masonic
teachings as he had.
I was brought up in a religious home, a son of a Rabbi
with seven generations of Rabbis preceding me; and yet with this religious
background, I felt I could still derive much from and give much to this
Fraternity, for the good and welfare of mankind.
When I reached my 21st birthday, one of my first thoughts
was to submit my petition to become a Mason! There was no hesitation
or second thought, for this was the beginning of fulfilling a lifelong
dream.
With prayer and trepidation I awaited the call that
my petition was approved.
Having been so informed over 40 years ago, I was filled
with pride and anticipation that soon I would be welcomed into the Masonic
Bodies. I walked on air and thanked God that I would be able to follow
in the footsteps of my father and bring him the joy and pleasure of
knowing his son was accepted into the ranks of men of integrity and
righteousness.
I shall never forget my first thought as I made my initial
entrance into the Masonic Lodge that conferred the Entered Apprentice
Degree on me, and followed with the Fellow-Craft and Master Masons Degrees.
I was immediately made to feel that I was surrounded by Brothers and
felt there were no strangers present. This was one big family that seemed
to have adopted me, and I, in turn, was elated to adopt them as my family.
Having completed my Symbolic Lodge degrees and passed
all examinations with perfection, I immediately became an instructor
for others and became active in Masonry, never failing to attend the
meetings and partake of the fellowship as often as my profession would
permit, and I must say it was quite frequently on a regular basis.
My cup was running over with pride, and I looked forward
to my advancement into higher degrees. I soon advanced through the Scottish
Rite Degrees, being a candidate in several and offered the honor and
privilege to speak for the class as to my true feelings and impressions
of the particular degrees for which I was the candidate.
My horizon of Masonry expanded and my pride and joy
were bubbling and effervescent. I couldn't wait to be able to confer
the degrees on others as there was so much I wanted to explain and elaborate
about each degree.
I was offered this opportunity and immediately began
to study and memorize many parts, and over the years I became very active,
holding office, lecturing, and taking an active part in every phase
of Masonry where my talents and abilities could be used.
One aspect of Masonry that has made a great impression
on me was the ability of all Brothers, regardless of religion, to ask
me why did I need Masonry as a Rabbi, because my profession was one
of integrity, kindness, honestly, and all the attributes expounded in
Masonry. It was difficult for many to grasp my need for this addition
and supplement to religion. I worked with men of different religions,
as well as of the Hebrew faith, and they were all impressed when I would
say that Masonry is not a religion, but to be a Mason we had to believe
in God, and if this was the only aspect of our religion and we had no
other formal religion, yet we adhered to all the moral teachings of
Masonry; this too would have put us in the category of men of integrity
and honor. However, Masonry is not a substitute for religion, nor is
it a religion.
My experience has shown that Masons are of the most
part religious men. I am proud to be a Mason and proud to be a part
of an organization that is devoted to helping widows and orphans primarily,
and also those who are in need without question or embarrassment.
I am proud to be a Mason and to be a part of a Fraternity
dedicated to the upholding of the Constitution of the United States
of American and the Bill of Rights.
I am proud to be a Mason who believes in the freedom
of mankind and the sanctity of human life.
I am proud to be a Mason who believes in the dignity
of God's children and opposes hatred and bigotry, and stands for truth,
justice, kindness, integrity, and righteousness for all.
I am proud to be a Mason and shall always be happy to
number myself among those who uphold those cardinal principles and moral
standards of life that are so needed if our organization is to continue
on the high level that has been its foundation from its inception. May
God grant it continued strength to go, to grow, and to glow so that
I and all Masons can exclaim: "I am proud to be a Mason."
It Is No Secret!
Dr. James P. Wesberry, 32°, K.C.C.H. Executive Director
and Editor of Sunday Georgia Baptist Church
It is a great honor to pay tribute to Freemasonry. Its
amazing, astonishing story is well recorded in the annals of mankind.
Masonry has served to make this a better world in which to live. With
its roots deeply embedded in antiquity it is one of the world's largest,
if not the largest, and most influential Fraternal Orders.
I joined the Masonic Order at the age of 21 and have
enjoyed the rights and privileges for almost 60 years. I have had the
privilege of being a member of many organizations, but none outside
of my church has meant more to me than Masonry. I owe Masonry a debt
I can never repay. I thank God for my Masonic Brethren.
It is no secret that many of Masonry's noblest and beautiful
teachings are from both the Old and New Testaments. It is no secret
that the Bible holds the central position as the great light of Masonry.
It is no secret that Masons love and revere the Bible nor it is a secret
that Masonry helped to preserve it in the darkest age of the church
when infidelity sought to destroy it. The Bible meets Masons with its
sacred message at every step of progress in its various degrees.
It is no secret that high above Masonry's steeple is
the ever-watchful and all-seeing eye of Almighty God. Every part of
its foundation walls are beautifully built and artistically fashioned
by the Supreme Architect of the Universe with the plumb, level, and
square. The hope of eternal life and assurance of the resurrection to
new existence beam from the light of the altar. Its wall is a refuge
from the tears and cares of life, and its roof a shelter from the pitiless
storms of diversity and grief. Its treasury is opened to the destitute,
and relief stands ever ready for the poor. Its cornerstone rests upon
the four quarters of the Earth and its doors are never closed to a worthy
man. Every man comes of his own free will and accord. This is Masonry!
Besides Masonry's great respect for God and reverence
for the Holy Book there are other great doctrines and principles that
contribute to the greatness and the important influence of Ancient Freemasonry.
From King Solomon's Temple the great Masonic Fraternity
came forth, and its footsteps may be traced through the ages to the
present day. Masonry has played an important partin the molding and
making of America and in fashioning its fundamental laws and life.
While the true secrets of Masonry are lodged safely
in the repository of faithful breasts, there are many things Masonry
teaches that are not secret.
It is certainly no secret that the principal purpose
of Masonry is first, last and, always to produce the finest, noblest
type of character through fellowship and mutual helpfulness. Masonry
is a progressive discipline. Its members are "seekers" and
"strivers" after light and truth by which to live wisely and
harmoniously. Ever striving toward a higher standard of conduct, Masonry
is always a moral discipline. In the struggle for moral excellence,
as in the building of King Solomon's Temple, the Supreme Architect is
both indispensable and invaluable.
The whole superstructure of Masonry rests upon the Supreme
Architect. There are no atheists in Masonry. The universe is viewed
as one vast structure which owes its existence to the Supreme Architect.
Man, too, is a builder engaged in constructing a Temple of character
with which he is supplied materials, patterns and instruments to build.
The purity and innocence symbolized by the Lamb's Skin
which he is required to keep unsoiled represent the Mason's highest
honor. There is scarcely a page of Masonic Ritual that does not urge
the cultivation of the virtue of purity. Necessity is thus laid on Masons
to subdue their passions and to acquire the art of self-control. Masonry
seeks to build a better world by building better individuals.
It is no secret that with the mournful movement of spade
and coffin the Mason is reminded of his end. Death terminates his journey!
Death ends man's earthly labors and seals his account for the Supreme
Architect to judge.
It is no secret that Masonry teaches the immortality
of the soul. The resurrection of the body from the grave is indelibly
stamped upon the Mason's mind. While memory holds her seat among the
faculties of his soul the Mason can never forget this sacred lesson.
And crowning it all with beautiful lily work, Masons
put into practice what they say about brotherly love. "Behold,
how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Masons favor no man for his wealth and frown on no man because of his
poverty. Freemasonry shows no deference to learning or nobility. The
ground is wondrously level at its altar.
At its altar the oily tongue of slander is silenced.
Hatred, envy, and malice are buried in oblivion, and faults are forgotten.
Masons stand by each other. They uphold each other both in life and
in death.
Charity is indeed one of the most beautiful columns
in the Temple of Masonry. Masonry never wearies of stressing the need
fo charity. To sympathize with each other in misfortune, to be compassionate
for another's miseries and to return peace to troubled minds are among
the great aims of Masonry.
All Masons obligate themselves to help, aid and assist
the poor, the distressed, the widows and orphans. Nor is charity restricted
to fellow Masons only, but extended to all. It shares the common bonds
of race as children of one great Creator, and seeks to unite men of
every race, color, sect, and opinion. Masonry practices the golden Rule
and seeks always to eliminate divisive forces which build walls between
people.
The compass enables the Mason to draw a perfect circle,
to work to the end that harmony and peace many eventually encircle the
world. It offers relief to the helpless, wraps the drapery of charity
over homes darkened by sorrow, wipes tears away, soothes sorrows, feeds
the hungry, heals the sick, and ministers to the burned and crippled.
Where in all the annals of time is such an organization
to be found outside of the church? Yet it is no secret that Masonry
is not a religion, nor a church. A good Mason keeps his priorities in
order. Masonry respects every man's right to the religion of his choice
and never claims or desires to be any man's religion or a substitute
for it. Masons believe in tolerance. Masonry helps and encourages a
man to be a better church member, and a good church member usually makes
a good Mason. Some of the most religious persons I have ever known have
been Masons. For any person to allow Masonry to become his religion
or to take the place of his church is a mistake and not due to Masonic
teaching but to someone's misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
It is no secret that Masonry helps men to be better
men and to build a better would. Masonry is a living epistle, known
and read of all men, declaring to the world that it is a true and tried
organization, a great and wonderful fraternity of fellowship, charity,
and benevolence.
Many years ago, when a theological student in Boston,
I heard the great poet Edwin Markham quote these beautiful words which
seem to me to summarize the meaning of Freemasonry:
We are blind until we see
That in the human plan
Nothing is worth the making
That does not make the man.
Why build these cities glorious
If Man unbuilded goes?
In vain we build the work
Unless the builder grows.
Why I Am A Mason
The Reverend Louis R. Gant, 33°
District Superintendent
The United Methodist Church
"Are you a Mason?" The question was asked
by the Master of the local Lodge. We were about to do a funeral service
together. The answer was easy: "Yes." That same question has
been asked, and the same answer given many times in my ministry. Until
recently no one ever asked, "Why?" That is a bit harder to
answer. But let me try...
It was in a little East Texas town that I first encountered
a man who called himself a "Freemason." As I observed his
behavior in the community, it was evident to me that he had something
and knew something that I wanted to have and know. There was a behavior
that seemed to supplement his religious faith. As we talked, it was
soon clear that I wanted to become a part of that group of men who called
themselves "Masons."
There are some things that I don't remember about that
night I took that first step toward a rich and rewarding experience
that has enhanced my life. But there are some things that I will never
forget. There was a foundation of trust...trust in God as the One to
whom I could look for support and counsel...trust in a Brother who could
lead me in my blindness to the light of understanding. I discovered
the reality of prayer as the place to begin before undertaking any task.
So I began the journey that through the years was to
lead me to a new understanding of myself, my fellow human beings and
God. On that journey I discovered that I was not searching for some
particular religious creed that would set me apart from other people.
I was in fact discovering some great principles that would enable me
to live life at its very best. Principles like faith...hope...charity...wisdom...beauty...truth.
I would discover that there is a universal love and respect for all
persons of all religious creeds and beliefs. My Masonry would let me
stand with my Brothers as an equal no matter what their theology or
religious beliefs.
While Masonry has never been a religion for me, it has
set before me some very high moral and ethical standards that have supported
my religious beliefs. It has also confirmed my duty to "feed the
hungry, clothe the naked, and support the widows and orphans."
While it is impressive to know the extent of Masonry's charitable organizations
and agencies that work for healing and health (some say we spend over
$1 million a day), it is much more impressive to see a child walk, or
a child see, or a child be nursed back to health from a severe burn.
Most would not have been able to receive such help had it not been for
the benevolent concern of some Masons. So I saw duty acted out in deeds.
As I remember those early days working in the Lodge,
I remember the care and support of those fellow Lodge members. They
made me feel that I was someone special about whom they really cared.
Across the years as I have moved to different churches (some United
Methodist ministers move a lot), and visited in different Lodges in
different places, that same feeling of support and Brotherhood has been
there. Because of my position in the Church and membership in the Lodge,
I have always felt wanted and accepted. That's a very special feeling!
While this great Country of ours has felt the impact
of leaders who have been Masons, much of what Masonry represents is
seen in those men who have lived the principles of Freemasonry in their
respective communities. On my journey I have met some of them. One of
them was Ben LeNorman, whose honesty was known and respected. He was
an example to the youth of the little town where he lived. That example
brought many a young man to knock on Masonry's door. Another was Don
Davis, whose compassion for those who were hurting was unsurpassed.
He would give of his time and money so that a crippled child might have
dignity and health. He was willing to reach out to help anyone who might
be hurting. No time was too valuable to give. No distance was too far
to fly or drive. No effort was too great to make. When he heard the
cry for help, he was ready to respond. These were good men who were
better men because they were Masons. Neither of them will have their
names in the books of history, but they will always be remembered by
those whose lives they touched. And the best thing is that you know
these men. Their names may be different, but they are a part of every
Lodge and live in every corner of this great
land of ours. They are those who believe that Masonry is not something
to commit to memory, it is something to live. You never hear it in their
boasting...you see it in their living.
So the question "Why are you a Mason?" can
be answered. It has allowed me to grow personally...to serve my God...and
to reach out in concern to my fellow human beings. It has supported
my personal faith and work as a churchman. Let no one say you cannot
be a Christian and a Mason at the same time. I know too many who are
both and proud to be both. Ben was...Don was...I am.
I will always be glad that one day in a little East
Texas town...
Freemasonry and Religion
The Reverend Dr. W. Kenneth Lyons, Jr., 33°, G.C.
It has come to light that there are those who label
Masonry as a religion. Even among British Methodists there has been
an outcry as to the use of Masonry as a means of getting in some professions
where only Brothers advance Brothers, and where British Masons have
neglected the church for their Lodges. Sad to say some of these criticisms
do have a basis of truth in the way that "certain" Masons
apply what they believe to be Freemasonry. Application, however, is
often a far cry from the true spirit and actual teaching of the Fraternity.
I have found in my limited knowledge that the Scottish Rite and the
Symbolic Lodge espouse the belief of no one religion, but are a respecter
of all major moral religions of the world. Scottish Rite and Symbolic
Lodge Masonry have never inferred nor stated that their edifices were
to be houses of worship, but places where every good man's religion
would be equally respected and persecution for one's religious beliefs
would not be tolerated. Democracy is taught by all major Masonic Fraternities
as opposed to totalitarian forms of government. A government, or Lodge,
which states that one religion must be practiced in order for one to
exist peaceably in that society is an infringement upon the freedoms
that we hold dear in American society.
As a Christian minister, I believe that
Jesus is the Son of God. I also believe that any Lodge prohibiting me
from holding that belief or berating me for being a Christian is not
a Lodge of "Brothers" but a stronghold of bigotry. This same
belief, however, should hold true in a Lodge of "Brothers"
for a Jewish Mason.
Facing squarely the misconceptions and criticisms concerning
our Fraternity is the only constructive way of dealing with this issue.
Much of the ritual of our Fraternity does in fact come from Old and
New Testament Scriptures. It is the most solemn of all responsibilities
to administer God's Word. It is also believed by most theologians that
in Old and New Testament Scriptures the Jewish and Christian communities
are stated as the primary caretakers of the faith. Masonry has indeed
recognized this great Scriptural resource and incorporated a belief
in a Supreme Being as its foundation. Masonry, however, is not the primary
caretaker of the faith but a respecter of faith practice.
"I have found...that the Scottish
Rite and the Symbolic Lodge espouse
the belief of no one religion, but
are a respecter of all major moral
religions of the world."
Practicing faith in one's God is appropriately ritualized
and sacramentalized in the synagogue, church, mosque, etc. The major
part of the lives we exhibit, as God-believing Masons, should be learned
within these houses of worship. Regular attendance at Lodge is no faith
substitute for regular attendance at church or synagogue. We are also
learning that the scheduling of Masonic activities during worship hours
only enhances justifiable criticism of our Fraternity by responsible
religious leaders.
Certainly there will continue to be bona fide Masonic
teachings which run contrary to some religious denominational practices.
Masonic Brethren who fashion our rituals, practices and found Masonic
Orders will fall prey to human error when dealing with theological and
secular issues. We must be aware of this and be willing to change for
the better. I do believe, however, that Masonry is represented more
by the way we of the contemporary Lodge live, than just by what ancient
Masonry teaches. The teachings of Masonry and the lives you and I live
as Jewish and Christian Masons will combine with others of the Fraternity
to represent what Masonry is in this century. Our Jewish Brothers will
espouse Moses, Abraham, and David while Christian Masons will also speak
of Saint Paul and Jesus Christ. Together, hopefully, we will exhibit
unity and "Brotherhood" to those who hate on the basis of
race, creed, color, and religion.
* * *
