If you've been following the Taper's comments sections lately, you know we've had a troll called Jean bombarding us with pasted commentary from the anti-Masonic sites, going on about how Freemasonry is a religion. She (or he) is convinced Masonry has a plan of salvation, based on the Apron Lecture, and that Masonry is "Luciferian," based on a couple of lines from Pike's Morals and Dogma.But for every yin there is a yang. Or as Sir Isaac Newton stated, "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."
There's a new Masonic blog, The Square and Compass, operated by an unnamed Entered Apprentice, who, judging from his choice of published links, is from Lewisville Lodge No. 201, in Lewisville, Texas.
Welcome to Masonry, brother, and welcome to the Masonic blogosphere.
I applaud his newfound enthusiasm for Freemasonry, and for blogging, but I question his direction.
His most recent article is a long list of reasons why Freemasonry isn't a religion. His list is lifted from a work titled "'Freemasonry and Religion' by Bro. Jim Tresner, Ph.D., 33rd degree."
The blogger says that he has made it his "priority to educate [himself], Masons and Non-Masons, as well as other Christians about the honor and joy of being a part of our Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons."
In doing so, in my opinion, he seems to be under the impression that Masonry is a Christian organization, or that it operates under Christian rules, a "fact" he wants to share with his fellow Christian travelers.
His interpretation of the Five Points of Fellowship is:
- To Serve
- To Pray for our Brothers
- To Keep the Business of the Lodge Confidential
- To Support All Who Are in Need
- To Counsel
Here's the line from his page on the Five Points that made me want to write this article: "Each day, we must serve first our church, then family, brothers, friends, and even strangers we see in need."
Is this what the Five Points of Fellowship mean to you? Serve first our church?
In the article meant to explain that Masonry isn't a religion that he has copied from Bro. Tresner's work, it says, "And [Masonic principles] are not in conflict with Christianity. Masonry has nothing to do with the religion taught in the Mysteries. Rather, we are concerned with the ethics and morality taught there, ethics and morality which have been ratified by Christianity."
And in yet another one, written by Bro. Rev. Neville Barker Cryer, it states: "As in the case of King Solomon’s Temple we, as Freemasons, can withdraw into our lodges from the rush of the busy world, and in a quiet and solemn atmosphere, find inspiration to put into practice, in the world outside, the lessons we derive from the Holy Bible and our Masonic principles."
So on one extreme, there is Jean's "Freemasonry is a religion, and a Satanic, unchristian one at that." On the opposite extreme, we have this Christian brother's "Masonry is not a religion, but we get our lessons from Christianity."
From various comments, I know that no one who regularly posts on the Taper agrees with Jean that Freemasonry is a religion. Masonry offers no dogma or religious creed, and no "path to salvation." But, as wrong as Jean is, does that mean that the new blogger's explanation that Masonry is not a religion, but since he is a Christian he's going to treat it, more or less, as if it is a religion or an extension of his religion, is correct by default?
I assume Jean colors her (his?) opinion of Masonry with a fundamentalist Christian worldview inspired by conspiracy-minded anti-Masonic websites. And I color my opinions by having been chewed up and spat out by a lodge full of evangelical Christians who see lodge meetings as a Tuesday night prayer meeting. I wonder if that's the kind of lodge our new E.A. blogging brother from Texas has joined.
I have no answers, just questions. What do you think?
Update, Wed., August 29: All the links listed above to the Square and Compass blog have disappeared. It seems the blog has been taken offline.
Image: The Letter G from inside the lodge room at Lewisville Lodge No. 201 in Lewisville, Texas, from an online collection of G's from Texas. It's one of a handful in the collection that appears to be made with stained glass, and the only one that is superimposed with a cross.
Masons | Masonic Religion | Anti-Masons | Freemasonry | Grand Lodge of Texas | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com
Dear god! Is this what we should expect from Texas? I have to admit I never thought much of that flat state, and I think even less of it now. The only thing good to ever come out of it is oil, and even that is drying up now.
ReplyDeleteI cannot conceive of how we have let these damned disgusting religions/cults infiltrate and usurp our noble philosophy. Oh wait! I guess the investigating committees haven't been doing their jobs. They have been letting these narrow-minded, nappy-headed Jesus freaks in without "giving them the Third Degree".
Yes, I am a Christian, a Catholic no less, but I keep my religious beliefs where they are supposed to be: out of the lodge and in my mind.
As for the church being one of the Five Points, I must say I am completely nauseated.
My recommendation: A forum for Jean and this pitiful EA to debate, preferably off this blog. They sound like they are intellectual equals.
Fraternally yours,
The Libertarian
Woah there brethren.
ReplyDeletePlease understand, that this view is just from one brother (an EA for that matter) and not the official view of all masons or Texas masons. I'm not at home right now and don't have my resources but I have never heard those points given like that before. I'll try to post again later. I too am a Texas mason and I don't share or agree with some of the views this brother has.
Regarding what freemasonry is about:
Here is an article I read recently which I liked the view on. http://www.scottishrite.org/ee.php?/journal/articles/freemasonry_is1/
Me personally, I've done my own journey and researched and formed my own views about freemasonry. Is freemasonry a religion? No. The reason why it's so similar is because it touches on many topics covered by religion. Good morality, service, ect. I don't leave my religion out the door, I just don't go in preaching about it. If a brother will ask me what religion/church I belong to, sure, I'll answer. We respect each other for who we are. As I've stated earlier, masonry has nothing agaisnt what I believe in.
Please don't be too quick to anger and shove all Texas masons or masons in general in the same boat. We are all on a quest to become enlightened and we simply are at different stages of that quest. I've met both types of masons, some more extreme and some seem more balanced. But isn't that true of any organization?
Regarding Masonry being a strictly Christian view, I will digress. I would ask the EA brother and others to do a study on other religions and their views before you ignorantly claim as such. The Torah and Koran both teach good morality too, and have similar legends/stories that teach these lessons. How then, is masonry Christian? I would say its not. Freemasonry is very broad in its teachings and some will mistake that as religious.
W.S., might I ask you start a post where posters can introduce themselves so we might be able to better understand one's background and views? I think this would be beneficial to the regular's of your blog.
~Ephraim
Freemasonry is not explicitly a religion. At least the American Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite is based on religious tenants -- some prefer to call them spiritual tenants -- like the existence of a Divine Architect and an immortal soul. Masonry in general also espouses lessons about salvation through self-improvement, but that's far from a salvatory plan a la Christianity's "Christology".
ReplyDeleteThe old argument as to whether Masonry is a religion or not, I love it! I like the argument that because Masonry has no dogma that it cannot be a religion. I'm a Unitarian Universalist (among other things) and UUs don't have dogma either. Additionally, an orthodox Rabbi once told me that Judaism doesn't have any dogma either, it was all about praxis (and therefore orthopraxic and not orthodoxic).
ReplyDeleteMasonry might not be a religion, or it might. But, to me, it doesn't really matter.
This is from the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, I think that's the grand lodge of Norway.
ReplyDeleteHow does one become a member
To become a member of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, which has today approximately 18.000 members, one must be sponsored by two members of the Order, one of whom must have obtained the degree of Master Mason. Those seeking admission must profess to the Christian faith,
http://www.frimurer.no/engelsk.htm
Dewi
The Swedish Order of Freemasons. The Grand Lodge of Sweden is an organisation, where men from various walks of life meet in a Christian spirit to fully develop their personal maturition potential, and in dignified circumstances to meet fellow men.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.frimurarorden.se/eng/index.html
Dewi
Grand Lodge of Finland
ReplyDeleteHow to become a Freemason
There is no particular upper or lower age limit to membership. He who wishes to become a Freemason must practice self-control and must believe in one God.
Does that mean that Hindus can not join.
Dewi
Dewi is correct.
ReplyDeleteFrom the English-version of the webpage for the Norwegian Order of Freemasons we find:
"The Norwegian Order of Freemasons is a detached independent body of men from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. They meet regularly initially to work on their personal development. These meetings which are based on Christian Faith are conducted with dignity and bound in tradition....
"To become a member of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, which has today approximately 18.000 members, one must be sponsored by two members of the Order, one of whom must have obtained the degree of Master Mason. Those seeking admission must profess to the Christian faith, have reached the age of 24 and known to have stability in his daily life....
"The Norwegian Order of Freemasons is not a secret order. It operates openly. The list of members is available for anyone, likewise the Laws of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, which can be read by anyone. It is evident from this that the Masonic system worked to have its basis in the Christian faith.
"It is in point of fact a Christian Order, but within this framework no demands are made for adherence to special dogmas or creeds."
Bro. Paul Bessel's site shows about 17,000 Masons in Norway; the Norway Masonic site says 18,000, so we can assume that they're both referring to the same organization, and that the Norwegian Order of Freemasons is the official grand lodge of the country.
According to Bro. Bessel's site, all 51 American grand lodges recognize Norway, meaning they approve of a grand lodge that requires profession of a specific religious affiliation as a requirement for membership.
Wikipedia lists the religious demographics of Norway:
Official statistics (2003): Lutheran 86% (state church), other Christian 4.5% (mainly Protestant [3.5%] and Roman Catholic) [1%]), Islam 2%, other religions (Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Judaism) 1%, Human Ethical 1.5%, none and unknown 5%. The Eurometer poll on religious belief in Norway finds 9-10% of Norwegians in the poll survey are atheist or have no religion.
— W.S.
I'm a Texas Mason as well, and I have not heard the five points presented in that way - either by the grand lodge or in my own. His views appear to be unique to his experiences or perceptions.
ReplyDeleteOh, and another thing...
ReplyDeleteTexas isn't all flat - by any stretch of the imagination.
Dear god! Is this what we should expect from Texas? I have to admit I never thought much of that flat state, and I think even less of it now. The only thing good to ever come out of it is oil, and even that is drying up now.
ReplyDeleteNice, you want to insult my mother while you are at it?
I am a new master mason from Texas, and I have never heard of the five points of fellowship being referred to in this manner. I own the Monitor of the lodge from Texas and in fact before receiving the EA degree the canidate should of heard "Our ancient and honorable fraternity welcomes to it's doors, and admits to its privileges, worthy men of all faiths and creeds who possess the indispensable qualifications."
From the Grandlodge of Texas Website it describes three of the five points:
The central bonds that hold Freemasonry together are found in the obligations we have taken and the commitment to which we honor them. The word fraternity has its origins in the Latin word "Frater," which means "Brother." Thus, our Fraternity is a Brotherhood, or sacred band of Brothers, committed to mutual support, understanding, and affection. The symbol which best communicates our commitment is the Five Pointed Star, presented in the Master Mason's Degree. Each point of the star represents a point of fellowship and reminds us of our obligations to each other. As a group of equals, the Five Pointed Star should guide our actions toward one another.
With the first point of fellowship, we are instructed to go by foot to answer the needs of others, but more especially that of a Brother Freemason. This is not to say we ignore others in our benevolent acts, but rather that we look carefully not to ignore our Bothers in need. Beyond helping with Masonic instruction and guarding a Brother's fidelity, we should strive to insure our Brethren reach their potential and serve the Order to the fullest. Helping them to improve themselves helps us be better Freemasons.
Within the second point of fellowship, we find the power of prayer, especially prayer directed for the benefit of a fallen Brother. When we kneel to pray, we call upon the most powerful force to bring about good. Acknowledging our dependence upon The Most High can lead to the wisdom to see His path, the courage to choose that path above all others, and the strength to carry out His will. Clarity of action and concern for the welfare of our Brethren makes Freemasonry a stronger Fraternity.
With the third point of fellowship, we are reminded of the responsibility of trust. Holding in our heart the secrets of our Brother Freemason is a sacred responsibility. We do have some discretion with those secrets, but our honor requires treating them with the utmost respect. When communicated to us confidentially, a Brother's words are to be securely guarded, as we would wish our own words to be properly guarded. We earn the trust of others by giving trust, and our Brother is our most trusted friend
http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org/masonic_educational_programs/2004/five-points-fellowship.php
I hope this helps spur the conversation.
Have you all forgotten when the Five Points of Fellowship and their meaning is presented and why an Entered Apprentice wears his apron as such? Sometimes the ease of digital criticism seduces the slothful side of our emotions and we forget to remember our lessons to keep our passions within due bounds.
ReplyDeleteThe comment from 'The Libertarian' is just as nauseating and pitiful to me in his attempt to belittle a new brother of whom he (if he is a mason) is obliged to serve regardless of degree or Grand Lodge government. Regardless of what 'The Libertarian' posts he cannot change the choice our 'square and compass' blogger has made to become his Brother.
As for the Five points and the apron, aren't you all commenting on an EA's untempered mortar? As good brothers should we not show our EA what square comments and upright vocabulary looks like so he can begin to smooth out his work?
I myself find the five points comparison to christian doctrine a little to pronounced, but give the guy a break. He is an excited Mason who is looking inward to his values and trying to square them up to what he sees is plumb.
I don't see this as a whisper.
I like what the blogger at "The Square and Compass" had to say. I see what he is getting at. He is not trying to say that Freemasonry is Christian, he is simply trying to address the issues and objections he was faced with. His blog was a excellent read.
ReplyDeleteThe mixture of religion and Masonry is strictly verboten. Period. Clearly, the investigating committee did not do its job for this petitioner. It is now up to the lodge members to blackball this candidate. He is not yet a Master Mason, nor should he be allowed to proceed to Fellowcraft.
ReplyDeleteAs for Texas being painted with a broad brush by me, I have been even-handed in my criticisms of such nonsense, including in my own state of Georgia. No personal offense intended to Ephraim or Fromdarknesstolight, just to the conditions of Texas.
Criticism--when warranted--serves a constructive purpose. In this case, it certainly is warranted. Our noble philosophy cannot afford to be continue to be warped and corrupted by Bible-thumping Jesus freaks who ignore the dictates of Freemasonry.
Fraternally your,
The Libertarian
I wouldn't go to Texas either if I listened to the Lib.
ReplyDeleteIt's pleasing to hear from a young Fellow about his thoughts. Many of us don't speak what we feel and some do with a hard voice. Of course we are intitled to our opinion and since mine is always right- I keep it to myself. This excluded.
A word of caution- religion is personal and a personal journey. To step into some one else's shoes is to take a man likely and to speak of some one's faith as your own-ignorant. If you don't know some one personally- why comment on him or them. Of course if they put it on the web- Fire AWAY!!!
Love my Brothers-
love my lodge!
Bama13
I do give credit to Lib for his voice. There is merit in his comments and I follow his answer. We must devide the 2.
ReplyDeleteI hope that educating the Fellow would be warrented though. Not expulsion.
Bama13
Freemasonry will perish and die the minute it signs up to any particular religion.
ReplyDeleteAny study of the foundation of Masonry will conclude it was, is and should always be designed to be apart from Church and State.
The entire strength within it's structure spans the concerns of Politics and Faith at International and the National level.
It should be for the improvement of the individual and collectively for the betterment of all, without favor to any.
Is it a Religion? No. Should it become a Religion? No.
Is it spiritual? Yes. Does it have a profound effect on the individuals that embrace it? Yes.
Spirtual is an individual concept, Religion is a collective one.
I just clicked on the links to the "Square and Compass" blog that is the subject of this post. It's gone. Deleted. 404. Vanished into the binary unconsciousness.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should feel bad, seeing as how the blogger seemed to be a young and enthusiastic new brother.
But damn! I just can't sit by without holding a burning taper up to examine things when I see an Entered Apprentice telling the world that Freemasonry's primary mission is to support the Church. Far too many Baptist and Methodist Masons already think that just because Freemasonry reveres G.A.O.T.U. and has a Volume of Sacred Law (usually the KJV Bible) on the altar that we're a champion of Christianity, and that lodge meetings should be a midweek prayer meeting.
As Bro. Bill pointed out, Freemasonry was and is intended to be a force outside both the State and the Church, which, in the 17th and 18th centuries in England, were pretty much the same thing. Our rituals point us to philosophical matters outside the scope of religion, and our oaths in part were required in an effort to keep the fraternity's secrets out of the hands of the State and Church.
I invite the unknown E.A. former blogger to join us here on the Taper for conversation and enlightenment — his, yours, and mine.
— W.S.
PS: The now-missing Square and Compass blog should not be confused with A Freemason's Blog, whose URL is squareandcompass.blogspot.com. The missing Square and Compass blog was at the URL squareandcompass.wordpress.com. It was online so short a time there doesn't seem to even be a trace of it in Google's cache.
I like the Grand Orient of France and other adogmatic GLs more and more all the time.
ReplyDeleteTake the Bible off the altar. It would be the best thing that ever happened to American Freemasonry.
I'm almost inclined to agree with you, Anonymous, about the Bible.
ReplyDeleteEach of us has heard it said, over and over, that the three great lights are symbols, yet many forget that, and take the Bible on the altar as a literal representation of Christianity.
No one thinks they should take the square and go frame a house, nor take the compasses and draw a circle, yet they take the VSL's presence as one of the lights too literally.
Question to all Masons: Is the term "Holy Bible" used in your rituals, or the term "Volume of Sacred Law" (or another term)? If Bible, do you know if it has always been that way, or was it changed at some point since your grand lodge was founded?
British brethren: Is the Bible by name one of the three great lights?
— W.S.
Yes, I have hit the big time with Widow's son and have a blog about me and some other person. I just want to say thanks for the honor.
ReplyDeleteThe only great light is that you are lying. There is a plan of salvation in freemasonry. The lambskin apron proves this. Pike and Hall prove this in the books the wrote.
Nothing has really been copied and pasted this is all found in many books and monitors.
I'am just so glad that I have a blog about me this is great and I love it.
My recommendation is that you swallow that pride and admit it's a religion big time.
it was one grand lodge and one website of English origin. To answer your question, the only place I can think of is Jesus Christ. However, putting this phrase in proper context in regard to Masonry, the Craft looks the other direction and embraces the Ancient Mystery Religions as being the light that shines in the darkness, or words to that effect. Here is how several grand lodges state it: "It was the single object of all the ancient rites and mysteries practiced in the very bosom of pagan darkness, shining as a solitary beacon in all that surrounding gloom, and cheering the philosopher in his weary pilgrimage of life, to teach the immortality of the soul. This is still the great design of the third degree of Masonry. This is the scope and aim of its ritual. The Master Mason represents man, when youth, manhood, old age, and life itself have passed away as fleeting shadows, yet raised from the grave of iniquity, and quickened into another and a better existence. By its legend and all its ritual, it is implied that we have been redeemed from the death of sin and the sepulchre of pollution."('Nevada Masonic Monitor, Third Degree - Master Mason', pp. 2&3)
QUOTE
Masonry is dedicated to God, the Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe. It keeps an Altar at the center of the Lodge-room. The Volume of Sacred Law lies open upon it. It begins and ends its undertaking with prayer. When it obligates a candidate he must be upon his knees. Its petitioners must believe in Immortality. All this is genuine religion, not a formal religiousness; it is sincerely held and scrupulously upheld, and without this basis of faith the Craft would wither and die like a tree with roots destroyed. But this religion of Masonry, like all else in its teaching, is not set forth in written creeds, or in any other form of words; the Mason must come upon it for himself, and put it in such form as will satisfy his own mind, leaving others to do likewise. (LSME, Booklet 3, pg. 9)
Religion is an essence, not an accident, of Masonry. It stands at the heart of the Fraternity, as the Altar stands at the center of the Lodge-room, as a symbol of the religious character of Freemasonry. (LSME, Lodge Etiquette, pg. 13)
Just as we saw that the religion of Masonry is that common ground which underlies al religious parties, so is this good citizenship the common ground under all political parties. (LSME, Booklet 1, pg. 12)
In religion it is required of a petitioner that he believes in God, in Immortality, and that he use the Volume of Sacred Law as a rule and guide to his faith, at the same time it is required that he practice tolerance, that he shall not be questioned as to the peculiar form or mode of his faith and shall not question his Brethren. (LSME, Booklet 1, pg. 9)
UNQUOTE
Here are a few more quotes from eminent Masons on the topic:
QUOTE
Definition of Freemasonry in its broadest sense: Freemasonry, in its broadest and most comprehensive sense, is a system of morality and social ethics, a primitive religion, and a philosophy of life, all of a simple and fundamental character, incorporating a broad humanitarianism and, though treating life as a practical experience, subordinates the material to the spiritual; it is a religion without a creed, being of no sect but finding truth in all; ..." (Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, 1st edition, pg. 159)
The religion of Masonry is cosmopolitan, universal; but the required belief in God is not incompatible with this universality; for it is the belief of all peoples. “Be assured,” says Godfrey Higgins, “that God is equally present with the pious Hindoo in the temple, the Jew in the synagogue, the Mohammedan in the mosque, and the Christian in the church.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, pg. Xx, Albert G. Mackey)
But the religion of Masonry is not sectarian. It admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom, rejecting none and approving none for his peculiar faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend a Jew; it is not Christianity, but there is nothing in it repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and primitive revelation—handed down to us from some ancient and patriarchal priesthood—in which all men may agree and in which no men can differ. It inculcates the practice of virtue, but it supplies no scheme of redemption for sin. It points its disciples to the path of righteousness but it does not claim to be “the way, the truth, and the life>’ Is no far, therefore, it cannot become a substitute for Christianity, but its tendency is thitherward; and, as the handmaid of religion, it may, and often does, act as the porch that introduces its votaries into the temple of Divine truth. Masonry, then, is, indeed, a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not alone, should the religious Mason defend it. (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Pg. 619, Albert G. Mackey)
UNQUOTE
All this is out there for those wishing to know the truth. Masonry often refers to itself as 'religion,' meaning that collection of religious truths that form the basis of all religion, but doesn't want to be called 'a religion.' Still, it comes down to definitions. Propose an authoritative definition of the word 'religion' (that is, not just yours) and I'll show you that Masonry meets it.
Oh boy and now for the final nail in the coffin of masonry its religious nature.
that Freemasonry satisfies them many times.
The Ritual used in Blue Lodge satisfies this quite clearly.
More than one author of a well respected Masonic Encyclopedia has stated that Freemasonry is a religion and has made the case. Here is what Coil had to say:
Definition of Religion. Funk and Wagnalls' New Standard Dictionary (1941) defines Religion as: "A belief in an invisible superhuman power (or powers), conceived or after the analogy of the human spirit, on which (or whom) man regards himself as dependent, and to which (or whom) he things himself in some degree responsible, together with the feelings and practices which naturally flow from such belief." This comes close to defining Freemasonry as many writers have defined it saying that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man is the whole story. Freemasonry certainly requires a belief in the existence of, and man's dependence upon, a Supreme Being to whom he is responsible. What can a church add to that, except to bring into one fellowship those who have like feelings? That is exactly what the Lodge does.
Belief; Creed: Tenet; Dogma. Does Freemasonry have a creed (I believe) or tenet (he holds) or dogma (I think) to which all members must adhere? Does Freemasonry continually teach and insist upon a creed, tenet, and dogma? Does it have meetings characterized by the practice of rites and ceremonies in and by which its creed, tenet, and dogma are illustrated by myths, symbols, and allegories? If Freemasonry were not a religion, what would have to be done to make it such? Nothing would be necessary or at least nothing but to add more of the same. That brings us to the real crux of the matter; the difference between a lodge and a church is one of degree and not of kind. Some think that, because it is not a strong or highly formalized or highly dogmatized religion such as the Roman Catholic Church where it is difficult to tell whether the congregation is worshiping God, Christ, or the Virgin Mary, it can be no religion at all. But a church of Friends (Quakers) exhibits even less formality and ritual than does a Masonic Lodge The fact that Freemasonry is a mild religion does not mean that it is no religion.
A man may be born without religious ceremony; he may be married without religious ceremony; he may live a long life without religious ceremony; but one moment comes to every man when he feels the need of that missing thing--when he comes to crossing into the great beyond. Freemasonry has a religious service to commit the body of a deceased brother to the dust whence it came and to speed the liberated spirit back to the Great Source of Light. Many Freemasons make this flight with no other guarantee of a safe landing than their belief in the religion of Freemasonry. If that is a false hope, the Fraternity should abandon funeral services and devote its attention to activities where it is sure of its ground and its authority.
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, topic: Religion, p. 512.
Ah I just keep going because this gets better and better as it goes on.
Consider the teaching of Freemasonry contained in the Oklahoma Monitor:
Let all the energies of our minds and the affections of our souls be employed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Master's approbation, that when the hour of our dissolution draws nigh and the cold winds of death come signing around us, and his chill dew glistens on our foreheads, we may with joy obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven and go from our labors here on earth to everlasting refreshment in the Paradise of God, where, by the benefit of a pass, a pure life, and a firm reliance on Divine Providence, we shall gain a ready admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, where seated at the right hand of our Supreme Grand Master, He will be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons. Murrow Masonic Monitor and Ceremonies (Oklahoma), 1997, p.90
This teaching is applied to the Hindu Mason, the Muslim Mason and the Jewish Mason. It states how they will get into heaven.
The majority of Masons do not have to agree with Coil for Freemasonry to be a religion. The characteristics of Freemasonry are what make it a religion. That Masons deny that Freemasonry is a religion is evidence that they have not applied reason to the facts, or they are dishonest.
In your post of August 31, 2004 - 10:59 pm you provided a collection of definitions which contained two elements defining religion. Freemasonry satisfies those two elements, therefore it is a religion.
In your latest post you add additional qualifications which are not essentials. In other words, they do not have to be present in order for something to be a religion. Even though these things do not need to be satisfied, it can be shown that Freemasonry satisfies some of them.
There does not have to be a priesthood or clergy for something to be a religion. Nevertheless, Freemasonry has a Chaplain and a Worshipful Master. Look at how the Worshipful Master functions during the Legend of the Third Degree.
Freemasonry also has a set of canonical beliefs and practices and a means of preserving them. The Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of man heresy is one of the canonical beliefs of Freemasonry. A peculiar form of Monotheism which includes the gods even of polytheistic religions is another. As for a means of preserving adherence to the practices of Freemasonry, one could look to the ritual and then, the obligation contained within that ritual.
As for a having a moral code, Freemasonry certainly qualifies. Freemasonry teaches morals and has established a set of laws under which a Mason may be tried for breaching his Masonic duties. A Mason may be tried for un-Masonic conduct. The laws of Freemasonry are well codified in Masonic books of law. One example is the Blue Book of the COMPILED LAWS OF 1940 of the GRAND LODGE of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS of the STATE OF MICHIGAN. We have Blue Books and books of Masonic Code for many different Grand Lodges.
Masonic Grand Lodges produce Monitors which are issued to newly raised Masons. These authoritative documents contain religious teachings and often contain instructions about how a Mason may gain entry into heaven.
The dishonesty must lie at the feet of members of the Craft, based on the fact that the average rank and file member is saying one thing, regarding whether Freemasonry is or isn't a religion, while Masonry's recognized and recommended scholars and authorities are saying the opposite. When you figure who it is who is being dishonest - Mackey, Pike, Coil, Hall, etc.; or you - we would appreciate the air being cleared on this matter.
yet I see no Masons stepping forward accusing Coil, etc. of being dishonest, even though we are simply quoting what they have written.
Well thanks so much for giving me my own blog. I love it thanks and god bless. Let's meet on the square and hang on the level... or hang and level and meet on the square. Or lets just be level.
Jean.
WS, I wanted to answer your question about the Bible vs. the volume of sacred law. In my Droit Humain lodge, we work with a blank book on the altar, and in our teachings we refer to a volume of sacred law.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, if I had to work with the Bible on the altar, I probably would not be a Mason. Giving one faith that position of prominence in a Lodge is exclusionary and dogmatic. Not to put too fine a point on it.
I've heard of some lodges working with a stack of various sacred texts on the altar rather than a blank book. All faiths cannot be represented in the stack, but it symbolically indicates that no single one of them is the "right" one.
Jean,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I could put a smile on your face by mentioning you in an article.
Why don't you come on over to the Reunion page, get yourself some wine and bread crumbs from our bottomless cooler, and sit down and tell us about yourself?
What makes you tick? Is saving our souls your motivation, or do you just enjoy endlessly posting excerpts from dead Masonic authors day after day? Do you think your god Jesus is happy with you? Is he giving you Eternal Brownie Points for making such an nuisance of yourself?
Email me a picture of yourself and I'll do a full feature article just about you, your opinions, your goals, and your god.
So far, you've changed no one's mind about Freemasonry with your postings. Maybe shining a burning taper directly at you by featuring you in an article will help us see how wrong we are and how right you are.
If Jesus is God, and God is Love, as your Bible says, why do we feel such hate coming from you?
So tell us, Jean — tell us everything. Just once, try to do it without using the names Pike, Coil, Mackey, or Hall, or posting anything you first read on John Ankerberg's or a similar site.
Here's your chance, Jean. Tell us all the whos and whats about you, and we'll make you the next international Internet star.
Miss Teen USA's and that hot teacher from North Carolina's 15 minutes of fame are already fading — you're next if you want to be!
— W.S.
<< Question to all Masons: Is the term "Holy Bible" used in your rituals, or the term "Volume of Sacred Law" (or another term)? If Bible, do you know if it has always been that way, or was it changed at some point since your grand lodge was founded? >>
ReplyDeleteThe ritual in Arkansas says:
"The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, square, and compasses, and are thus explained: the Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our faith and practices, the square to square our actions, and the compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in due bounds with all mankind, especially the brethren."
I don't know if it's always been that way, but it's been that way for numerous decades.
Mr. Son wrote: Email me a picture of yourself and I'll do a full feature article just about you, your opinions, your goals, and your god.
ReplyDeleteWell here's a link to my picture.
http://www.tv.com/michael-richards/person/998/summary.html
I bet you would like to know what I look like. Tell you what. You show me yours and I'll show you mine.
Mr. Son wrote: So far, you've changed no one's mind about Freemasonry with your postings.
And you have proved that masonry isn't a religion, you can't take it when called out, and you need a diaper change. I guess all those scholars who wrote masonry is a religion Pike and Hall are just liars. All those masonic monitors from lodges across this great land are liars as well. Yeah, I hate to say I told you so but.... I told you so.
Mr. Son wrote: or do you just enjoy endlessly posting excerpts from dead Masonic authors day after day?
Yeah I do like to do that day after day. They maybe dead but they damn sure knew what they were talking about. You don't like them then make every lodge across the world stop recommending these books. Until then I and many others will take what they say as fact. Do you need a nap?
Mr. Son wrote: So tell us, Jean — tell us everything. Just once, try to do it without using the names Pike, Coil, Mackey, or Hall, or posting anything you first read on John Ankerberg's or a similar site.
See my above statement.
Here's your chance, Jean. Tell us all the whos and whats about you, and we'll make you the next international Internet star.
Like I said you show me yours I'll show you mine.
I just wanted to say thanks again to Widow's son for doing a blog about myself. God bless this fine example of freemasonry. I'am so glad to see that a man who's what? 32 and still needs a diaper when proven wrong. Does your mom still wash your little butt after a good B.M.? Just curious. And by the way you really need to grow a pair if you know what I'am saying.
Jean.
Nope not a religion. This is getting to be laughable.
ReplyDeleteThe ritual in Arkansas says:
"The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, square, and compasses, and are thus explained: the Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our faith and practices, the square to square our actions, and the compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in due bounds with all mankind, especially the brethren."
Jean.
Grand lodge of Connecticut A.F. & A.M., official ritual book fifth edition June 2003
ReplyDelete“My brother, on being brought to Masonic light, you discover upon the alter before you the three great lights of masonry, the Holy Bible, square and compass.”
Jean since you like to add what page you find all of your information this was on page 41.
Dewi
"The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, square, and compasses, and are thus explained: the Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our faith and practices, the square to square our actions, and the compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in due bounds with all mankind, especially the brethren."
ReplyDeleteJean, how, oh how, does that make masonry a religion. Are you saying that I can not be a Christian and a mason? Oh my we have a bible in the lodge we must be worshipping the devil. I have to laugh when I read your post they make you sound sad I think I know what will cheer you up. You could petition your local lodge. Once you become a Master Mason them you will know it is like to help your fellow mankind.
Dewi
I think Jeantard is actually Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.
ReplyDelete"Take the Bible off the altar. It would be the best thing that ever happened to American Freemasonry."
ReplyDeleteWell of course you can, you can replace it with the Koran, the Torah or whatever Faith the candidate recognizes.
It is of course for the will of the Lodge to decide, then for the candidate to decide to which Lodge he or she wishes to join.
Update:
ReplyDeleteBefore the Square and Compass blog disappeared, it left a trace on Technorati.
I found this bit on Technorati this morning. It's just a few lines that were written as part of a new entry on Square and Compass.
Technorati pointed to the blog for continued reading.
This is all that's left of it:
In my spare time I had the opportunity to review various blogs and websites regarding Freemasonry. I recently came across a fellow Freemasons blog which can be found at http://burningtaper.blogspot.com. After reviewing his work, I would like to reiterate that my intent with this blog is to inform others about the great joy it brings me to serve my community, brothers, friends and church as a Freemason. The Square and Compass looks at Freemasonry from all aspects: good, bad and ugly.
Continue »
I would have liked to have read the rest of his post.
— W.S.
Masonry is a religion.
ReplyDeleteThe only great light is that you are lying. There is a plan of salvation in freemasonry. The lambskin apron proves this. Pike and Hall prove this in the books the wrote.
Nothing has really been copied and pasted this is all found in many books and monitors.
I'am just so glad that I have a blog about me this is great and I love it.
My recommendation is that you swallow that pride and admit it's a religion big time.
it was one grand lodge and one website of English origin. To answer your question, the only place I can think of is Jesus Christ. However, putting this phrase in proper context in regard to Masonry, the Craft looks the other direction and embraces the Ancient Mystery Religions as being the light that shines in the darkness, or words to that effect. Here is how several grand lodges state it: "It was the single object of all the ancient rites and mysteries practiced in the very bosom of pagan darkness, shining as a solitary beacon in all that surrounding gloom, and cheering the philosopher in his weary pilgrimage of life, to teach the immortality of the soul. This is still the great design of the third degree of Masonry. This is the scope and aim of its ritual. The Master Mason represents man, when youth, manhood, old age, and life itself have passed away as fleeting shadows, yet raised from the grave of iniquity, and quickened into another and a better existence. By its legend and all its ritual, it is implied that we have been redeemed from the death of sin and the sepulchre of pollution."('Nevada Masonic Monitor, Third Degree - Master Mason', pp. 2&3)
QUOTE
Masonry is dedicated to God, the Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe. It keeps an Altar at the center of the Lodge-room. The Volume of Sacred Law lies open upon it. It begins and ends its undertaking with prayer. When it obligates a candidate he must be upon his knees. Its petitioners must believe in Immortality. All this is genuine religion, not a formal religiousness; it is sincerely held and scrupulously upheld, and without this basis of faith the Craft would wither and die like a tree with roots destroyed. But this religion of Masonry, like all else in its teaching, is not set forth in written creeds, or in any other form of words; the Mason must come upon it for himself, and put it in such form as will satisfy his own mind, leaving others to do likewise. (LSME, Booklet 3, pg. 9)
Religion is an essence, not an accident, of Masonry. It stands at the heart of the Fraternity, as the Altar stands at the center of the Lodge-room, as a symbol of the religious character of Freemasonry. (LSME, Lodge Etiquette, pg. 13)
Just as we saw that the religion of Masonry is that common ground which underlies al religious parties, so is this good citizenship the common ground under all political parties. (LSME, Booklet 1, pg. 12)
In religion it is required of a petitioner that he believes in God, in Immortality, and that he use the Volume of Sacred Law as a rule and guide to his faith, at the same time it is required that he practice tolerance, that he shall not be questioned as to the peculiar form or mode of his faith and shall not question his Brethren. (LSME, Booklet 1, pg. 9)
UNQUOTE
Here are a few more quotes from eminent Masons on the topic:
QUOTE
Definition of Freemasonry in its broadest sense: Freemasonry, in its broadest and most comprehensive sense, is a system of morality and social ethics, a primitive religion, and a philosophy of life, all of a simple and fundamental character, incorporating a broad humanitarianism and, though treating life as a practical experience, subordinates the material to the spiritual; it is a religion without a creed, being of no sect but finding truth in all; ..." (Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, 1st edition, pg. 159)
The religion of Masonry is cosmopolitan, universal; but the required belief in God is not incompatible with this universality; for it is the belief of all peoples. “Be assured,” says Godfrey Higgins, “that God is equally present with the pious Hindoo in the temple, the Jew in the synagogue, the Mohammedan in the mosque, and the Christian in the church.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, pg. Xx, Albert G. Mackey)
But the religion of Masonry is not sectarian. It admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom, rejecting none and approving none for his peculiar faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend a Jew; it is not Christianity, but there is nothing in it repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and primitive revelation—handed down to us from some ancient and patriarchal priesthood—in which all men may agree and in which no men can differ. It inculcates the practice of virtue, but it supplies no scheme of redemption for sin. It points its disciples to the path of righteousness but it does not claim to be “the way, the truth, and the life>’ Is no far, therefore, it cannot become a substitute for Christianity, but its tendency is thitherward; and, as the handmaid of religion, it may, and often does, act as the porch that introduces its votaries into the temple of Divine truth. Masonry, then, is, indeed, a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not alone, should the religious Mason defend it. (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Pg. 619, Albert G. Mackey)
UNQUOTE
All this is out there for those wishing to know the truth. Masonry often refers to itself as 'religion,' meaning that collection of religious truths that form the basis of all religion, but doesn't want to be called 'a religion.' Still, it comes down to definitions. Propose an authoritative definition of the word 'religion' (that is, not just yours) and I'll show you that Masonry meets it.
Oh boy and now for the final nail in the coffin of masonry its religious nature.
that Freemasonry satisfies them many times.
The Ritual used in Blue Lodge satisfies this quite clearly.
More than one author of a well respected Masonic Encyclopedia has stated that Freemasonry is a religion and has made the case. Here is what Coil had to say:
Definition of Religion. Funk and Wagnalls' New Standard Dictionary (1941) defines Religion as: "A belief in an invisible superhuman power (or powers), conceived or after the analogy of the human spirit, on which (or whom) man regards himself as dependent, and to which (or whom) he things himself in some degree responsible, together with the feelings and practices which naturally flow from such belief." This comes close to defining Freemasonry as many writers have defined it saying that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man is the whole story. Freemasonry certainly requires a belief in the existence of, and man's dependence upon, a Supreme Being to whom he is responsible. What can a church add to that, except to bring into one fellowship those who have like feelings? That is exactly what the Lodge does.
Belief; Creed: Tenet; Dogma. Does Freemasonry have a creed (I believe) or tenet (he holds) or dogma (I think) to which all members must adhere? Does Freemasonry continually teach and insist upon a creed, tenet, and dogma? Does it have meetings characterized by the practice of rites and ceremonies in and by which its creed, tenet, and dogma are illustrated by myths, symbols, and allegories? If Freemasonry were not a religion, what would have to be done to make it such? Nothing would be necessary or at least nothing but to add more of the same. That brings us to the real crux of the matter; the difference between a lodge and a church is one of degree and not of kind. Some think that, because it is not a strong or highly formalized or highly dogmatized religion such as the Roman Catholic Church where it is difficult to tell whether the congregation is worshiping God, Christ, or the Virgin Mary, it can be no religion at all. But a church of Friends (Quakers) exhibits even less formality and ritual than does a Masonic Lodge The fact that Freemasonry is a mild religion does not mean that it is no religion.
A man may be born without religious ceremony; he may be married without religious ceremony; he may live a long life without religious ceremony; but one moment comes to every man when he feels the need of that missing thing--when he comes to crossing into the great beyond. Freemasonry has a religious service to commit the body of a deceased brother to the dust whence it came and to speed the liberated spirit back to the Great Source of Light. Many Freemasons make this flight with no other guarantee of a safe landing than their belief in the religion of Freemasonry. If that is a false hope, the Fraternity should abandon funeral services and devote its attention to activities where it is sure of its ground and its authority.
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, topic: Religion, p. 512.
Ah I just keep going because this gets better and better as it goes on.
Consider the teaching of Freemasonry contained in the Oklahoma Monitor:
Let all the energies of our minds and the affections of our souls be employed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Master's approbation, that when the hour of our dissolution draws nigh and the cold winds of death come signing around us, and his chill dew glistens on our foreheads, we may with joy obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven and go from our labors here on earth to everlasting refreshment in the Paradise of God, where, by the benefit of a pass, a pure life, and a firm reliance on Divine Providence, we shall gain a ready admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, where seated at the right hand of our Supreme Grand Master, He will be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons. Murrow Masonic Monitor and Ceremonies (Oklahoma), 1997, p.90
This teaching is applied to the Hindu Mason, the Muslim Mason and the Jewish Mason. It states how they will get into heaven.
The majority of Masons do not have to agree with Coil for Freemasonry to be a religion. The characteristics of Freemasonry are what make it a religion. That Masons deny that Freemasonry is a religion is evidence that they have not applied reason to the facts, or they are dishonest.
In your post of August 31, 2004 - 10:59 pm you provided a collection of definitions which contained two elements defining religion. Freemasonry satisfies those two elements, therefore it is a religion.
In your latest post you add additional qualifications which are not essentials. In other words, they do not have to be present in order for something to be a religion. Even though these things do not need to be satisfied, it can be shown that Freemasonry satisfies some of them.
There does not have to be a priesthood or clergy for something to be a religion. Nevertheless, Freemasonry has a Chaplain and a Worshipful Master. Look at how the Worshipful Master functions during the Legend of the Third Degree.
Freemasonry also has a set of canonical beliefs and practices and a means of preserving them. The Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of man heresy is one of the canonical beliefs of Freemasonry. A peculiar form of Monotheism which includes the gods even of polytheistic religions is another. As for a means of preserving adherence to the practices of Freemasonry, one could look to the ritual and then, the obligation contained within that ritual.
As for a having a moral code, Freemasonry certainly qualifies. Freemasonry teaches morals and has established a set of laws under which a Mason may be tried for breaching his Masonic duties. A Mason may be tried for un-Masonic conduct. The laws of Freemasonry are well codified in Masonic books of law. One example is the Blue Book of the COMPILED LAWS OF 1940 of the GRAND LODGE of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS of the STATE OF MICHIGAN. We have Blue Books and books of Masonic Code for many different Grand Lodges.
Masonic Grand Lodges produce Monitors which are issued to newly raised Masons. These authoritative documents contain religious teachings and often contain instructions about how a Mason may gain entry into heaven.
The dishonesty must lie at the feet of members of the Craft, based on the fact that the average rank and file member is saying one thing, regarding whether Freemasonry is or isn't a religion, while Masonry's recognized and recommended scholars and authorities are saying the opposite. When you figure who it is who is being dishonest - Mackey, Pike, Coil, Hall, etc.; or you - we would appreciate the air being cleared on this matter.
yet I see no Masons stepping forward accusing Coil, etc. of being dishonest, even though we are simply quoting what they have written.
Well thanks so much for giving me my own blog. I love it thanks and god bless. Let's meet on the square and hang on the level... or hang and level and meet on the square. Or lets just be level.
Jean.
Jean, why do you not answer any questions that are asked of you?
ReplyDeleteHey WS,
ReplyDeleteFYI, thats not the only "G" super imposed with a cross in Texas. I've been to a couple of lodges with similar "G"s not listed on that website. (First I believe its due to the stained glass design not specifially meant to be a Cross.)
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteJean, why do you not answer any questions that are asked of you?
Because you have not answered any of mine. So until the truth is told I will be back here from time to time.
Masonry is a religion.
The only great light is that you are lying. There is a plan of salvation in freemasonry. The lambskin apron proves this. Pike and Hall prove this in the books the wrote.
Nothing has really been copied and pasted this is all found in many books and monitors.
I'am just so glad that I have a blog about me this is great and I love it.
My recommendation is that you swallow that pride and admit it's a religion big time.
it was one grand lodge and one website of English origin. To answer your question, the only place I can think of is Jesus Christ. However, putting this phrase in proper context in regard to Masonry, the Craft looks the other direction and embraces the Ancient Mystery Religions as being the light that shines in the darkness, or words to that effect. Here is how several grand lodges state it: "It was the single object of all the ancient rites and mysteries practiced in the very bosom of pagan darkness, shining as a solitary beacon in all that surrounding gloom, and cheering the philosopher in his weary pilgrimage of life, to teach the immortality of the soul. This is still the great design of the third degree of Masonry. This is the scope and aim of its ritual. The Master Mason represents man, when youth, manhood, old age, and life itself have passed away as fleeting shadows, yet raised from the grave of iniquity, and quickened into another and a better existence. By its legend and all its ritual, it is implied that we have been redeemed from the death of sin and the sepulchre of pollution."('Nevada Masonic Monitor, Third Degree - Master Mason', pp. 2&3)
QUOTE
Masonry is dedicated to God, the Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe. It keeps an Altar at the center of the Lodge-room. The Volume of Sacred Law lies open upon it. It begins and ends its undertaking with prayer. When it obligates a candidate he must be upon his knees. Its petitioners must believe in Immortality. All this is genuine religion, not a formal religiousness; it is sincerely held and scrupulously upheld, and without this basis of faith the Craft would wither and die like a tree with roots destroyed. But this religion of Masonry, like all else in its teaching, is not set forth in written creeds, or in any other form of words; the Mason must come upon it for himself, and put it in such form as will satisfy his own mind, leaving others to do likewise. (LSME, Booklet 3, pg. 9)
Religion is an essence, not an accident, of Masonry. It stands at the heart of the Fraternity, as the Altar stands at the center of the Lodge-room, as a symbol of the religious character of Freemasonry. (LSME, Lodge Etiquette, pg. 13)
Just as we saw that the religion of Masonry is that common ground which underlies al religious parties, so is this good citizenship the common ground under all political parties. (LSME, Booklet 1, pg. 12)
In religion it is required of a petitioner that he believes in God, in Immortality, and that he use the Volume of Sacred Law as a rule and guide to his faith, at the same time it is required that he practice tolerance, that he shall not be questioned as to the peculiar form or mode of his faith and shall not question his Brethren. (LSME, Booklet 1, pg. 9)
UNQUOTE
Here are a few more quotes from eminent Masons on the topic:
QUOTE
Definition of Freemasonry in its broadest sense: Freemasonry, in its broadest and most comprehensive sense, is a system of morality and social ethics, a primitive religion, and a philosophy of life, all of a simple and fundamental character, incorporating a broad humanitarianism and, though treating life as a practical experience, subordinates the material to the spiritual; it is a religion without a creed, being of no sect but finding truth in all; ..." (Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia, 1st edition, pg. 159)
The religion of Masonry is cosmopolitan, universal; but the required belief in God is not incompatible with this universality; for it is the belief of all peoples. “Be assured,” says Godfrey Higgins, “that God is equally present with the pious Hindoo in the temple, the Jew in the synagogue, the Mohammedan in the mosque, and the Christian in the church.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, pg. Xx, Albert G. Mackey)
But the religion of Masonry is not sectarian. It admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom, rejecting none and approving none for his peculiar faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend a Jew; it is not Christianity, but there is nothing in it repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and primitive revelation—handed down to us from some ancient and patriarchal priesthood—in which all men may agree and in which no men can differ. It inculcates the practice of virtue, but it supplies no scheme of redemption for sin. It points its disciples to the path of righteousness but it does not claim to be “the way, the truth, and the life>’ Is no far, therefore, it cannot become a substitute for Christianity, but its tendency is thitherward; and, as the handmaid of religion, it may, and often does, act as the porch that introduces its votaries into the temple of Divine truth. Masonry, then, is, indeed, a religious institution; and on this ground mainly, if not alone, should the religious Mason defend it. (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Pg. 619, Albert G. Mackey)
UNQUOTE
All this is out there for those wishing to know the truth. Masonry often refers to itself as 'religion,' meaning that collection of religious truths that form the basis of all religion, but doesn't want to be called 'a religion.' Still, it comes down to definitions. Propose an authoritative definition of the word 'religion' (that is, not just yours) and I'll show you that Masonry meets it.
Oh boy and now for the final nail in the coffin of masonry its religious nature.
that Freemasonry satisfies them many times.
The Ritual used in Blue Lodge satisfies this quite clearly.
More than one author of a well respected Masonic Encyclopedia has stated that Freemasonry is a religion and has made the case. Here is what Coil had to say:
Definition of Religion. Funk and Wagnalls' New Standard Dictionary (1941) defines Religion as: "A belief in an invisible superhuman power (or powers), conceived or after the analogy of the human spirit, on which (or whom) man regards himself as dependent, and to which (or whom) he things himself in some degree responsible, together with the feelings and practices which naturally flow from such belief." This comes close to defining Freemasonry as many writers have defined it saying that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man is the whole story. Freemasonry certainly requires a belief in the existence of, and man's dependence upon, a Supreme Being to whom he is responsible. What can a church add to that, except to bring into one fellowship those who have like feelings? That is exactly what the Lodge does.
Belief; Creed: Tenet; Dogma. Does Freemasonry have a creed (I believe) or tenet (he holds) or dogma (I think) to which all members must adhere? Does Freemasonry continually teach and insist upon a creed, tenet, and dogma? Does it have meetings characterized by the practice of rites and ceremonies in and by which its creed, tenet, and dogma are illustrated by myths, symbols, and allegories? If Freemasonry were not a religion, what would have to be done to make it such? Nothing would be necessary or at least nothing but to add more of the same. That brings us to the real crux of the matter; the difference between a lodge and a church is one of degree and not of kind. Some think that, because it is not a strong or highly formalized or highly dogmatized religion such as the Roman Catholic Church where it is difficult to tell whether the congregation is worshiping God, Christ, or the Virgin Mary, it can be no religion at all. But a church of Friends (Quakers) exhibits even less formality and ritual than does a Masonic Lodge The fact that Freemasonry is a mild religion does not mean that it is no religion.
A man may be born without religious ceremony; he may be married without religious ceremony; he may live a long life without religious ceremony; but one moment comes to every man when he feels the need of that missing thing--when he comes to crossing into the great beyond. Freemasonry has a religious service to commit the body of a deceased brother to the dust whence it came and to speed the liberated spirit back to the Great Source of Light. Many Freemasons make this flight with no other guarantee of a safe landing than their belief in the religion of Freemasonry. If that is a false hope, the Fraternity should abandon funeral services and devote its attention to activities where it is sure of its ground and its authority.
Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia, topic: Religion, p. 512.
Ah I just keep going because this gets better and better as it goes on.
Consider the teaching of Freemasonry contained in the Oklahoma Monitor:
Let all the energies of our minds and the affections of our souls be employed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Master's approbation, that when the hour of our dissolution draws nigh and the cold winds of death come signing around us, and his chill dew glistens on our foreheads, we may with joy obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven and go from our labors here on earth to everlasting refreshment in the Paradise of God, where, by the benefit of a pass, a pure life, and a firm reliance on Divine Providence, we shall gain a ready admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, where seated at the right hand of our Supreme Grand Master, He will be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons. Murrow Masonic Monitor and Ceremonies (Oklahoma), 1997, p.90
This teaching is applied to the Hindu Mason, the Muslim Mason and the Jewish Mason. It states how they will get into heaven.
The majority of Masons do not have to agree with Coil for Freemasonry to be a religion. The characteristics of Freemasonry are what make it a religion. That Masons deny that Freemasonry is a religion is evidence that they have not applied reason to the facts, or they are dishonest.
In your post of August 31, 2004 - 10:59 pm you provided a collection of definitions which contained two elements defining religion. Freemasonry satisfies those two elements, therefore it is a religion.
In your latest post you add additional qualifications which are not essentials. In other words, they do not have to be present in order for something to be a religion. Even though these things do not need to be satisfied, it can be shown that Freemasonry satisfies some of them.
There does not have to be a priesthood or clergy for something to be a religion. Nevertheless, Freemasonry has a Chaplain and a Worshipful Master. Look at how the Worshipful Master functions during the Legend of the Third Degree.
Freemasonry also has a set of canonical beliefs and practices and a means of preserving them. The Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of man heresy is one of the canonical beliefs of Freemasonry. A peculiar form of Monotheism which includes the gods even of polytheistic religions is another. As for a means of preserving adherence to the practices of Freemasonry, one could look to the ritual and then, the obligation contained within that ritual.
As for a having a moral code, Freemasonry certainly qualifies. Freemasonry teaches morals and has established a set of laws under which a Mason may be tried for breaching his Masonic duties. A Mason may be tried for un-Masonic conduct. The laws of Freemasonry are well codified in Masonic books of law. One example is the Blue Book of the COMPILED LAWS OF 1940 of the GRAND LODGE of FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS of the STATE OF MICHIGAN. We have Blue Books and books of Masonic Code for many different Grand Lodges.
Masonic Grand Lodges produce Monitors which are issued to newly raised Masons. These authoritative documents contain religious teachings and often contain instructions about how a Mason may gain entry into heaven.
The dishonesty must lie at the feet of members of the Craft, based on the fact that the average rank and file member is saying one thing, regarding whether Freemasonry is or isn't a religion, while Masonry's recognized and recommended scholars and authorities are saying the opposite. When you figure who it is who is being dishonest - Mackey, Pike, Coil, Hall, etc.; or you - we would appreciate the air being cleared on this matter.
yet I see no Masons stepping forward accusing Coil, etc. of being dishonest, even though we are simply quoting what they have written.
Well thanks so much for giving me my own blog. I love it thanks and god bless. Let's meet on the square and hang on the level... or hang and level and meet on the square. Or lets just be level.
Jean.