The Christian Arsenal
Christianity, Cults & World Religions
Freemasonary
Masonic Lodge (Freemasonary)
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Religion: Masonic Lodge (Freemasonary)
Category: Cult
Founder/Leader:
Many legendary theories exist concerning the origin of freemasonry, but it is generally believed that it evolved from the medieval guilds of the stonemasons. The Masonic Lodge or Freemasonry officially began in London in the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in 1717. It's founders were James Anderson, George Payne, and Theophilus Desaguliers. Members of the movement maintain that Freemasonry had it's beginnings in the garden of Eden and that they can trace their activities back to even the building of the Tower of Bable.
Foundational Documents:
Freemasons see the Bible as one of many important books. It is not the only inspired book, the Torah, The Quran, the Bhagavad-Gita are all seen as equal in authority and importance. They are seen as writings inspired as it were by the supreme being and no one book is seen as the exclusively a religious source book. The Bible along with the "Square and the Compass" is seen as the great lights of Masonary.
God is...
All members of Freemasonry must believe in a deity. (Membership is denied to atheists) God is an infinite bring who can be defined by many names. He is known to some as the The Supreme Grand Master, The Supreme Intelligence of the Universe, The All Seeing Eye, The Great Architect of the Universe and other appellations. God, Jehovah, Allah, and Krishna are also acceptable. No doctrine of the Trinity exists in this belief system.
Jesus is...
There is a variation within the individual members as to their beliefs on Jesus. In general, Jesus is seen as great teacher and philosopher. He is not seen as divine or as the son of God. Members are encouraged not to use his name in prayers as this might offend some of the members. Prayers are to be generic and non offensive. They are not to cause strife or controversy.
The Holy Spirit is...
The Holy Spirit is not dealt with in many of the Masonic Writings. The Holy Spirit is seen as an impersonal force that can be seen as God's influence in the universe.
Method of Salvation:
Humans are able to improve their behavior and character by way of acts of charity, volunteering to do civic duties, and moral living. This ability is in everyone and each individual must be educated to reach this perfection. Freemasonry provides the means by which one can attain salvation. Humans are not seen as depraved or in the need of someone to make an atonement for their sins. Humans are capable of doing all needed for their salvation.
Death and Beyond...
Some Mason's believe that man is capable of becoming immortal, superhuman and godlike. Masons at death pass into the "Grand Lodge in the sky."
Other Beliefs:
The basic unit of freemasonry is the lodge, which exists under a charter issued by a grand lodge exercising administrative powers. The lodges are linked together informally by a system of mutual recognition between lodges that meet the Masonic requirements. The lodge confers three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Additional degrees are conferred by two groups of advanced freemasonry: the York Rite, which awards 12 degrees, and the Scottish Rite, which awards 30 higher degrees. In the United States and Canada members have formed a large number of groups to enable them to expand their social and charitable activities. The best known of these groups is the Shriners, who hold festive parades and support hospitals for crippled and burned children. There are also the Order of the Eastern Star for Master Masons and their wives; the Order of De Molay for boys; and the Order of Job's Daughters and the Order of Rainbow for girls.