One of the most striking aspects of Freemasonry are the religious features of all its rites, rituals and creeds. Thus is was somewhat surprising to see an article in the book, Messages for a Mission, by Henry C. Clausen, 33rd Degree, of the Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World), titled Freemasonry and Religion – Friends or Foes? ((Messages for a Mission, Henry C. Clausen, The Supreme Council, 1977, ISBN 77-78489. The use of excerpts from this article are in accordance with the “Fair use” provision of the Copyright Act.)) The article begins with the statement:
FROM time to time there have been published abrasive pamphlets arguing that Freemasonry is hostile to religion or that its teachings are anti-Christian. Initially it should be observed that the authors of such charges seemingly never are Masons and yet they purport to reveal its “secrets.” Since they could not know the definitive Masonic truths or teachings, their authenticity is destroyed at the very start. If they are renegades or have received material from renegade informers, then so much the worse.
There are a number of things to address here, but a couple of things stand out as requiring immediate attention before continuing with any other issues. The specific statements are:
Initially it should be observed that the authors of such charges seemingly never are Masons and yet they purport to reveal its “secrets.”
And:
Since they could not know the definitive Masonic truths or teachings, their authenticity is destroyed at the very start. If they are renegades or have received material from renegade informers, then so much the worse.
Now, since when has any member of an organization, who is in good standing with that organization, ever been harshly critical of the organization they are part of? Not to be flippant, but the fingers of one hand suffice to count them. In short, Masons who are in good standing are never going to point out the defects of Freemasonry, no matter what they are. Why? Because that is unmasonic conduct and it will get them removed. Hence, Mr. Clausen’s statement becomes automatically true. Moreover, one who is outside Freemasonry is never going to be allowed to see everything in Freemasonry to make any sort of objective judgement. Thus, Mr. Clausen’s statement is axiomatically true again.
What we have here is the setup for a straw man argument, which is completed with the following statement as quoted above:
Since they could not know the definitive Masonic truths or teachings, their authenticity is destroyed at the very start. If they are renegades or have received material from renegade informers, then so much the worse.
No Mr. Clausen, only the straw man is destroyed. The fact remains that either the rites and rituals reflect the teaching given in the various books of Freemasonry, or they are something else altogether different. The problem here is that they are not “altogether different” or even different at all. Why? Strictly due to other statements made by Mr. Clausen in the same article:
The so-called revival of Freemasonry in 1717 and Anderson̓s Constitution of 1723 reinforced these new freedoms. The document may be called a Masonic religious Magna Carta. Like-minded men, other than operative masons, were admitted as Speculative Masons. They brought speculative thought with them, and thus there evolved a severence from the dogma of any one church, sect, or creed. There was independence and yet dependence, for faith and trust in God was indispensable. Under that belief, reflected in a Holy Bible upon the altar, and in the Brotherhood of Man and in his capacity for improvement, Freemasonry unites all men. They still may retain their own particular theological dogmas and forms of worship.
There is nothing said in what Mr. Clausen argues that contradicts what Mr. Beasley told me, and what I have read in the Masonic books in my possession. Hence, the charge,
Since they could not know the definitive Masonic truths or teachings, their authenticity is destroyed at the very start. If they are renegades or have received material from renegade informers, then so much the worse.
is simply a straw man to cause one to question the things quoted from Masonic books as being factually true. The reason this is done, is the very same reason they are so secretive about the rites and rituals — the vast majority of individuals in society would find the rites and rituals evil, repulsive, and abhorrent. When the statements and teachings contained in Freemasonry’s books are brought to light and compared with the Scripture rightly divided, they are found to be actually anti-Christian and utterly condemning of the fraternity. In this, Freemasonry is no different from the Mormon religion and all its secret rites and rituals.
Last of all, questions must be raised concerning a statement made by Mr. Clausen, which is a standard Masonic teaching. To wit:
Under that belief, reflected in a Holy Bible upon the altar, and in the Brotherhood of Man and in his capacity for improvement, Freemasonry unites all men. They still may retain their own particular theological dogmas and forms of worship.
Upon that statement I must ask:
Where is it in Scripture that the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Almighty God, allows for worship of Himself in whatever way men happen to think appropriate?
Where is it in Scripture that the Lord Jesus Christ is defined in any other way than Almighty God, and God manifest in the flesh?
Where is it in Scripture that salvation is found in anything, or anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ?
You see, believing in “God” however one chooses to define him, is not sufficient for fellowship, or for reconciliation with the LORD:
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)
So it is that Freemasonry deliberately chooses not to define the truth, and as will be seen, actually works to obscure the simple truth of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone. However, the most interesting statement of all comes at the end of the article, and is an admission of what Freemasonry and Freemasons strenuously deny:
Its truths and teachings are not the exclusive property of any church. On the contrary, Masonry is additive to any religion or theology. We are sure that its immense popularity and strength will continue and grow with an ever-abiding belief in God and “that religion in which all men agree leaving their particular opinions to themselves.”
In case it was missed, Mr. Clausen admits that Freemasonry is:
“that religion in which all men agree leaving their particular opinions to themselves.”
To be continued . . .
You really like the idea of a “straw man” argument while missusing the term. A “strawman” is an argument set up to be shot down not a self evident truth.
There is no way for an outsider to know exactly what a Masonic Initiation is like because to know it you must experience it. Your only knowledge of it comes from the disgruntled who seek to expose it. I suppose that there are no disgruntled members of evangelical or pentacostal churches with unflattering things to say on the subject? If you like I will find you a raft of such folk.
However, in recent years the rules have been relaxed and many prominent Masons have participated in recreations of parts of the ritual for a variety of television programs. So knowledge of the ritual from Masons in good standing, some quite well known is very available.
In any case, as with the ancient mystery initiations which it seems to have been created to reflect in a much more sober way, it can not be read, it must be experienced. It is dependent on the emotions and feelings of the candidate. What the candidate believes about God and his place in the universe, whatever that belief may be, is reinforced in the initiation. You learn nothing but that which is already within yourself.
Or do you “understand” the meaning and feelings to a man of winning a gold medal at the olympics? Do you understand how you would react if it happened to you? Or a Superbowl ring? Unless you have done it I doubt it. But you may read all about it and truly understand little of it.
There are many active practicing Freemasons in conflict with the organization, its structure, its traditions, and its implementation of its stated goals. They are also in good standing, seeking to reform from within. A simple search of the blogosphere would have shown you this. Your argument here, is therefore, invalid. There are also Masons who have been expelled, but rather than trashing the institution they are fighting to reform the mostly southern lodges where problems exist.
You also like to quote everything you find written about Freemasonry as always authoratative. A Christian Mason ALWAYS finds his salvation in Christ while acknowledging that other religions are seeking the same truth. A Christian Mason believes that he has found it in Christ and others have not and do not have salvation. However, he may not attack that other man’s religion in the lodge. There is nothing to stop him from discussing Christ outside of lodge if he so chooses.
Here you resort to the typical slander of stating that all Masonic ritual is evil, repulsive, and abhorrent without reporting on what exactly constitutes this ritual. I rather find this to be a window into your soul about which you should be concerned.
Finally, you labor under the delusion that Masonic Ritual is the religious worship of some God. This is absurd. The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts both accept children of any religion who believe in a God. They also come with with nondenominational prayers that do not mention Christ. I would assume that you find their rituals evil, repulsive, and abhorrent. The Boy Scout Order of the Arrow is constructed very tightly after Masonic Ritual.
You might wish to clean up this essay as it contains a number of other fatal flaws. For instance, the fact is that no single Mason, 33rd degree or not speaks for the institution, only for himself. As an enlightenment era organization which favored democracy and freedom of religion its members could be killed. It is totally decentrallized and no one person speaks for it. Hence the thousands of books written by Masons all of which contradict each other.
Or do you find the works of Norman Vincent Peale and Horace Bushnell to be definitive in so far as true biblical Christianity is concerned. Bushnell is one of the most prolific writers on the subject, and by your seeming standard therefore one of the most important. He would find your whole religious philosophy abhorrent. Evangelicalism, Pentacostalism, Fundamentalism, are by his definition, completely flawed in their aborhent bibliolitry.
I don’t mean to trash you personally in this as that is just not me as well as being a violation of my Masonic obligation.
You are free to believe as you will and I am prohibited from trying to do anything about it.
I do like a good debate though.
Nice article, very uninformative. However you have a good introduction, but forgive me if I’m a little skeptical to the story. You see, there are a lot of “Internet Tabloids”. In fact, I read one where the cartoon network is trying to take over the children, the Illuminati is brainwashing our children. That was from someone who began the tabloid with the fact they saw a low flying UFO. Apparently ET is a Mason…
Any who, not to offend nor am I passing Judgment. But I am offended but at least you came across subtle and generous unlike others. However, taking words out context to make a point on this second part is ridiculous. Keep it in context.
Also before pursuing this attack on Freemasons, how much history have you learned? How much do know that are facts rather than conjured up lies. Like I said, plenty of “Tabloids” on the web, are you writing one?
Also the angle you began is not a good one. After all many organizations are diverse such as the United Way, Boy and Girl Scouts, Public Schools, etc… You underlined a sentence that pretty much states that Freemasonry will be diverse and be among like minded men. “Freemasonry unites all men. They still may retain their own particular theological dogmas and forms of worship.”
Well the Patriot Guard Riders are the same, very diverse group of like minded people. Will you join the Phelps family, their church, and protest them too? I’m not trying to be sarcastic but making a point.
And while speaking of the Phelps family, shall we protest the those in the armed service because they are diverse, among like minded individuals?
You see, I’m part of the PGR too. The Phelps’ Westboro Baptist Church claims that I’m going to hell because I stand for those who stood for me. It’s our fault that all of this evil came upon us. Anyone that is not a part of their church are to blame too… They shout these things, as I’m sure you already know, at the wrong time during the family’s suffering and mourning of a lost loved one who put it all on the line for our freedom.
How’s that any different than what you are doing? Think about it. Not everyone has this exact same thought process as you, this road map to salvation. Others feel that they have another road map, such as those in Masonry. They feel that the good work they do are a part of what God wants them to do. They are not looking for other ways to reach Heaven, after all they have a Bible and attend church. But they do more than just read and listen, they live it as Christ has instructed. They work to be better men, going above and beyond to help others. These are good Christians…They don’t have this concept that you do, some off the wall thought that says, “You belong to this organization, you will burn.”
Just like the Phelps’ belief, “If you are not with us, then you will burn!”
Ted Haggard preached good sermons…He’d tell you how to e saved, but later we found that he can also provide a number to a male prostitute too. This is the man that preached heavily against homosexuality…
The Catholic church frowns upon many sins, especially that of premarital sex. However an official letter Crimen sollicitationis issued in 1962 by the Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani, the Secretary of the Holy Office specifically ordered a policy of silence, in order that no unnecessary scandal would result. In the document, Cardinal Ottaviani stated that anyone speaking out about sexual abuse (or attempted abuse) by priests could be expelled from the Roman Catholic Church. January 15, 2007 Diocese of Charleston Bishop Robert J. Baker agreed to pay $12 million to settle numerous cases concerning abuse by priests. In December 2006 the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (its archbishop was Roger Cardinal Mahony) agreed to a payout of $60 million to settle 45 of the over 500 pending cases concerning abuse by priests.
My friend those are not conspiracies, those are facts… My point is simple, before attacking an organization of sin, make sure you have more than “Theories” from some tabloids and rumors.
No organization is perfect. No man is perfect. Out of millions in this world will you find some bad seeds? Yes. That’s my point. But you can’t judge everyone or anyone, because no man knows the heart of another and can possibly decide who will go to hell and who can go to heaven. Only God can do that.
I’ll say that Masonry and Masons have done great and wonderful things. You will probably agree and begin to state some theory of how evil the institution is… I ask, when has evil ever done anything good?
Masonry and Christianity are complimentary. Together, a man has the opportunity to do good in other peoples lives with like minded men. Isn’t that what Christ told us to do? It opens doors to opportunities to do good in a community, other countries, and in individual lives. It also promoted brotherly love and friendship and helps a man to become better, a better man of God, better husband, better father, better employee, etc…
How’s that evil?
You ministered one man, but does that constitute centuries of countless men who feel differently?
Think about it.
Aaron, Rebel;
You all are a hoot. Not to be flippant or disrespectful, but can either of you read something honestly? That is, read it without weaving deceit into it?
Have either of you actually sat down and read the King James Bible?
Yes, I know it is essential that each lodge have one as it is considered the “light” of Freemasonry, and no lodge is complete without this “furniture,” but have either of you actually read the Bible?
Moreover, do either of you understand anything the Scripture teaches about the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Word manifest in the flesh?
I will address the items both of you raise in subsequent posts on Freemasonry as they are a very real reflection of the deceit that is so endemic in Masonic teaching.
I most certainly have read the KJV and keep a copy on my desk at work. It is you sir who are the “hoot”. Freemasons do not engage in worship in the lodge either with Christians, or persons of any other faith. Your point in your last post is invalid. Unless you consider a diverse group of people, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Shintos, Wiccans, and etc. saying the Pledge of Allegiance, having an interfaith service to mermorialize the victimes of 9/11, or singng the National Anthem, to be anti-Christ.
Not to be nasty, as I would certainly enjoy sitting down to a discussion with you, but your religion seems rather extremely narrow.
God Bless
Way to ignore the facts and ,again, make false assumptions. Bravo!
Do I read the Bible? Of course, I have studied the Bible. Would you like to borrow one of my many Holy Bibles? Choose the version you would like to study? I’ll even loan you study guides and Bible dictionaries.
I’ll also loan you a wide variety of sermons from various preachers from different denominations that I have on audio CD. And of course I’m sure you can use various books on Christian Apologetics and Christian Theology.
You see, I do my home work and I don’t ignore facts but look at all of the facts before coming to a sound conclusion. It’s called being rational and using reason.
So, before telling someone that they are wrong, it helps to have all of the facts from both sides, know something about the topic being accused of being wrong, so you can come to an accurate conclusion. In this case, you can’t seeing you don’t have all of the facts, but mostly assumptions.
It also helps to not assume that someone dose not follow the Bible because they provide you with facts about an organization, not delusions or assumptions.
And knowing that you cannot possibly know what’s in the heart of a man, there’s no way you can pass judgment on him, much less a group of men that are part of an organization, “Not a religion.” How many outside organizations do you belong to I wonder? Contribute to any charitable organizations?
Volunteer to help others beside others who are from different cultures? After all, that’s something like being a part of Masonry.
Get that facts, not the delusions. It helps if you are going to “Engage” a specific organization.