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Occasionally I am asked questions about the Masonic Lodge and whether a man can be both a faithful Christian and a faithful Mason simultaneously. It is a question worth considering, for it touches quite a few people. I freely admit that there are some noble men in Masonry and that the Lodge does some noble things and stands for some noble principles. However, if we can rely upon the authorities on Freemasonry and ex-Masons (I know of no reason to question them) to depict the origins, purpose, creed, and practices of the Lodge, then it becomes apparent that the church and the Lodge are utterly incompatible. I will mention a few illustrations.
- Masonry is essentially a religious organization. Many of its members deny this, but its authorized exponents freely admit it (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Albert G. Mackey, pp. 354, 727–729; Webb’s Monitor of Freemasonry, p. 280).
- Masonry is based upon ancient pagan worship in its origins, oaths, initiation rites, burial ceremonies and symbolisms (ibid., pp. 583–586; Divine Legation, v. 1, p. 189; Traditions of Freemasonry, Pierson, pp. 13, 84, 159, 232–233, 240; Freemason’s Guide, D. Sickles, p. 557, et al.). This aspect of the Lodge involves it in the practice of revering pagan idols
- Masonry worships a god called the “Great Architect of the Universe” (GAOTU), also called “En Soph.” This deity may be whatever god one wants it to be (Buddha in Japan, Confucius in China, Mohammed in Turkey, etc.) or no god at all for the atheist. Allegiance to this eclectic concept of deity is one of the immutable landmarks of the Lodge. It places pagan and mythical “deities” on an equal level with the true and living God of the Bible (Monitor of Freemasonry, Webb, p. 280; Morals and Dogma, Albert Pike, pp. 354, 524, et al.).
- Masonry leaves Jesus out, but exalts Hiram Abiff as their hero who was allegedly slain and raised from the dead by Solomon (Lexicon of Freemasonry, A. G. Mackey, pp. 130, 315; Why I Left Masonry, C. McClung, pp. 18–19). Jesus had to be left out of Masonry lest a Jew or Moslem be offended (Digest of Masonic Law, G.W. Case, pp. 207–208; Morals and Dogma, Albert Pike, pp. 354, 524, 718).
- Masonry compels lodge members to address others with “Worshipful Master” and like titles, which are anti-scriptural (Mat. 23:9–10).
Masons who are prone to deny these things need to do some reading in their Masonic books. It is very possible that some Masons are not aware of some of these things. It is inconceivable that one who is aware of such things and who is sincere about being a Christian could even consider being a Mason.
[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in the February 1, 1979, edition of Granbury Gospel, weekly bulletin of the Church of Christ, Granbury, Texas, of which I was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
