I’ve been thinking recently about the religious requirement of Freemasonry.
In practice, in my Jurisdiction, and in my Lodges, we are very minimalistic about this. We require that a candidate declare a belief in Deity. But, in the practices in my Lodges, we go no further than that.
And it seems that almost everyone who inquires about Freemasonry is able to do that. I only remember a single candidate who was rejected because he declared himself an atheist.
Prior to receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, our candidates are asked:
“Do you believe in the existence of the ever-living and true God, and in a transition to a future life?”
We ask this ritualistic question of course, but in my experience we’ve never asked it prior to balloting on a candidate. Rather we simply ask if he believes in God, without the ever-living and true phrase, and without questioning a belief in a future life.
Indeed, as I read it, this question implies monotheism, but in my experience the Lodges I’m associated with have not and do not demand monotheism, or even ask about it. I think that God’s plural or indeed any belief in a deity would suit us.
But, I have been wondering about other Grand Lodges, and indeed since the ballot is inviolate, other Lodges.
Does your Grand Lodge, or Lodge demand a monotheistic belief?
If so, do you think that is a good thing? If not, same question?
Does your Grand Lodge, or Lodge seriously inquire as to a candidate's views about a future life?
If not, do you think that is the right thing, or if so, do you agree with that?
Would your Lodge accept someone with a pluralistic view of deity, or with an extremely unconventional view of deity?
The belief in a One God is the main issue of Freemasonry because the Craft is about connecting the spirit with the Deity. Like a religion but not in today's religion sense. But in the sense of the "re-ligare" the reuniting with God.
In the past there was a belief in many gods, because what the priests were doing was trying to explain nature behavior by caracterizing it. The reason? Human mind was not mature enough to understand the works of a One God. Is still not mature enough for many in todays world.
One God, divided into more easily digestible forms? Rather like some Catholic practices where people look towards and ask for intercession from a saint thought to have some interest in the matter at hand?
That is an Interesting question! I believe, based on the ritual that we must believe in a Supreme Being. While me may refer to him as God others may refer to him by other names, including Allah. I used to jokingly tell my friend that since he believed that John Wayne was ruling Heaven he could be considered for Freemasonry.
I think requiring candidates to believe in one the Deity we call God would damage the craft. After all, we let Jews join the craft and they do not accept the new testament from which much of our ritual is taken.
I believe differing considerimg opinions as the best way to arrive at the truth.
Shows just how much I know of the bible, thanks. I had never checked (trust but verify) but was told it was all old testament, mainly for this very reason.
EDIT: But, as this passage isn't dealing with the concept of monotheism, but simply the love of mankind, I'd give it a pass.
I’ll add this: There are two choices if you’re the Conductor in this degree. You can do the New Testament verse, but you can also recite Amos 7:7-8. That is the one that I do for this degree, but most Brothers use 1 Corinthians 13.
Many consider the Corinthians passage to be more germane to this degree, as the Amos passage is more of an admonishment from God to his Prophet that the people of Israel are out of line, and he will not forgive their wicked ways any longer.
I discount the Amos passage, as I never use it. It's too short and doesn't fit well in the circumambulation, and as you said, it (to me) the discussion of Charity is much more applicable to the degree. Of the three degrees, the 1st Corinthians circumambulation is my favorite.
I've thought about this from time to time through the years, and I'm not sure that I can make a connection in my mind between the Amos passage and Freemasonry. It mentions the plumb line of course, which is ours, but beyond that I'm not sure.
As Senior Deacon at Sequim Lodge #213, this is the passage I'll be using in an upcoming FC degree, VW Brother La Vigne.
It is a beautiful passage, and to my mind, speaks to that emulation of the Deity that we are charged with as Freemasons. This principle is woven throughout our obligations in Blue Lodge, and is contrasted in 1 Cor. 13 with those things (charity with a lower-case "c") that man may value for his own sake, suggesting that Charity is a *noble virtue.
This is connected to our higher nature which we may focus on developing for our betterment by removing superfluities and imperfections which make us unsuitable for the Builder's use. If the values, experiences, and virtues we hold dear as men do not benefit mankind as well as ourselves and those we cherish, I would argue that they then further separate us from Deity and the purpose of our place within Creation.
I don't believe that a strict belief in God is necessary to possess the kinds of morals, virtues and ethics that can serve 'the greater good', however power without an ample measure of restraint (charity/caritas/love) can quickly become abusive. Faith without restraint can become extremism and devoid of love. Likewise, Liberty versus liberty can be misused to the detriment of mankind if what's good for one person, clan or village causes others to suffer.
All of this is to say that a belief in a 'higher power' helps us to know our brethren better so that we may trust that our bonds are inviolable and what ties us together remains 'mystic' while the brethren we entrust this power to do not remain a mystery. For if wee call each other Brethren, it is important to know what one values, why they value it and with whom they would freely share this love in less than ideal circumstances.
As individuals weaving that Golden Thread throughout time, 1 Corinthians 13 lays out a principle with which to live a good life and protect a good life for generations to come. Given our fallen if not selfish nature of mankind, a belief in consequences to one's actions- much like the use of the penalties in BL - may be necessary to motivate some to do the right thing in life.
Following here, perhaps we should discuss Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development, Rousseau's Social Contract; Kantian Ethics, and Mill on Utilitarianism.
>>>If the values, experiences, and virtues we hold dear as men do not benefit >>>mankind as well as ourselves and those we cherish, I would argue that they >>>then further separate us from Deity and the purpose of our place within >>>Creation.
Indeed. I think PIke explored this quite strongly, in different words. At least to my reading of him.
>>>power without an ample measure of restraint (charity/caritas/love) can quickly >>>become abusive. Faith without restraint can become extremism and devoid of >>>love. Likewise, Liberty versus liberty can be misused to the detriment of >>>mankind if what's good for one person, clan or village causes others to suffer.
I was raised in the Fall of 2022 and I look forward to participating in more of them with the Brethren from both my home Lodge and the Valley of Bremerton AASR where I am also a member.
I'm with you, I think we do well by keeping it extremely loose. We all have different conceptions of the deity I think, and beyond that, we can never truly know the nature of the divine. The important thing, to my mind is the belief, not the specific belief.
“Do you believe in the existence of one true and living God and the Immortality of the soul”
It’s funny here, we have a very relaxed view of “belief in God or Deity” but the brethren still want the Bible used exclusively as the book of sacred law.
We had a brother that followed Hinduism. During his degrees he brought his own Veda (Hindu Bible) for the Altar. During the 3rd degree, he said his own prayer in Sanskrit. No one had a problem with it, we were more than accommodating.
I think it is reasonable for a man to bring his own, if it is outside of what the Lodge normally uses, instead of the Lodge providing it.
I've read two different translations of the Koran, both quite significantly different from each other. A Lodge could accidentally pick one that doesn't really match the Brother's faith, but he would pick the one that does without fail. Likewise with the Bible. As a Catholic I was raised with a Bible different from the King James.
This would, I think, hold true across many faiths.
I can't be certain, but I don't think we have any Lodges in my Jurisdiction now that would insist on the Bible as the only VSL on the altar. And I think that's a good thing. Men should see their particular faith reflected in our symbolism.
But, I also think that it is possible to look at it differently, to see the Bible on the altar not as a specific book, but as a symbol of whatever particular book relevant to one's individual faith.
In Maine the only question asked is "in whom do you put your trust". Any of the names of God are acceptable. The SD isn't allowed to prompt the candidate, but I give them a quarter and tell the candidate that the answer to a question can be found on the quarter. Could I be guilty of a Masonic offence for skirting the work maybe, but saving the candidate being blindsided when he is already stressed is worth the risk in my eyes.
In todays world I think most churches have experienced a decline in church services and I'm not sure a large number on Masons attend on a regular basis either. That begs the question are we true believers or just giving lip service to believing in one God? Last month my friend and Brother demitted because he no longer believes. I have a feeling he isn't the only one , but he takes Masonry very seriously and is a upright man.
In the lodges I've seen in my area, we tell the candidate what the answer is, along with the proper positioning of his feet, before the conferral begins.
When I was going through the 1st degree, the SD, in the preparation room, said I'd be asked a question, and the answer is what is written on a dollar bill. When it came time for me to answer "In whom do you put your trust" I said "In God we trust". I could feel the silent laughter in the room.
I myself simply tell the candidate the answer outright. It's not a quiz show.
Your second part is interesting. Honestly, I'd be more impressed with a brother that would demit for that, displays the amount of integrity that man has, such a rare commodity these days. For church attendance, I stopped going years ago, being disillusioned with the whole thing. The final straw was the offering plate was passed around three times in a single service because it was the Pastor's (the closest he got to a seminary was a class at a night college) birthday. Here's a guy who basically had the church fund his entire family with salaries, and owned a yacht and membership in a yacht club having his son beg for more money from a decidedly middle class town.
Yes, I know, there's good churches out there, and good clergy. The one church I did like the pastor (who was very popular) never passed an offering plate, instead he had boxes at the back that you could drop an envelope into on your way out. Liked that place, until it was discovered he was having an affair with a 20 something (half his age), him being a man married with kids. It's not that I lost faith in God, but I've lost faith with organized religion, as it's typically corrupted by men.
I have the same opinion of our Brother. I stopped going because his sermons were all about him and his family. He really an entertainer masquerading as a preacher. Nice guy but not good as a preacher.
>>>In the lodges I've seen in my area, we tell the candidate what the answer is, along with >>>the proper positioning of his feet, before the conferral begins.
>>>When I was going through the 1st degree, the SD, in the preparation room, said I'd be >>>asked a question, and the answer is what is written on a dollar bill. When it came time >>>for me to answer "In whom do you put your trust" I said "In God we trust". I could feel the >>>silent laughter in the room.
It is really interesting to me how different Lodge customs can be. Your Lodge is just about an hour from mine I suppose, but I've never seen this. I've only ever seen the prompting during the Degree itself.
>>>It's not that I lost faith in God, but I've lost faith with organized religion, as it's typically >>>corrupted by men.
We use the same question in our Entered Apprentice Degree here. But, we do prompt the answer. And sometimes that prompt is needed. More than once I've heard a confused candidate utter: 'The Worshipful Master.' I like your idea of giving him the quarter with the bit of explanation in advance. I've not seen that done before.
I too do not see much church attendance on the part of the great body of Freemasons. Plenty do attend regularly of course, but I think not the vast majority. At least here in Western Washington. Ultimately it is because I think in a lot of cases, Masons feel that they get the spiritual knowledge and support that they need through Freemasonry. I certainly do.
Hopefully your Brother will regain his faith, so will be able to return someday. Frankly, I think that atheism would be as hard to hold on to as faith. The atheist can't objectively prove his belief anymore than the religious man can objectively prove his.
My home lodge in NM would require a monotheistic profession of faith. And honestly, up until a couple of years ago, so would I. The power of words. The belief in "A" supreme being. A, to me, means one.
However, if someone professed faith in Thor now, and it was indeed a sincerely held belief, I think I'd let him in. Because, to him, Thor is the supreme being.
>>>My home lodge in NM would require a monotheistic profession of faith. And honestly, up until >>>a couple of years ago, so would I. The power of words. The belief in "A" supreme being. A, to >>>me, means one.
Interesting. I don't think that any of the four Lodges I'm a member of would. I think everyone would be A-OK whatever the faith was, as long as the faith was there.
>>>However, if someone professed faith in Thor now, and it was indeed a sincerely held belief, I >>>think I'd let him in. Because, to him, Thor is the supreme being.
Neo-paganism seems to be growing rapidly in this corner of the country, especially I think it the more urban areas. Certainly we have a lot of younger Masons now who are looking and practicing a version of pre-Christian european faiths. Or so it seems from my casual observations.
I am glad you post these, Cameron, and I really enjoy the comments. I feel like I learn a lot about Freemasonry from them, and since I love learning... 🙂
The belief in a One God is the main issue of Freemasonry because the Craft is about connecting the spirit with the Deity. Like a religion but not in today's religion sense. But in the sense of the "re-ligare" the reuniting with God.
In the past there was a belief in many gods, because what the priests were doing was trying to explain nature behavior by caracterizing it. The reason? Human mind was not mature enough to understand the works of a One God. Is still not mature enough for many in todays world.
One God, divided into more easily digestible forms? Rather like some Catholic practices where people look towards and ask for intercession from a saint thought to have some interest in the matter at hand?
Exactly the point. That is why Christianity has problems explaining a God that "allows" bad things to happen.
That is an Interesting question! I believe, based on the ritual that we must believe in a Supreme Being. While me may refer to him as God others may refer to him by other names, including Allah. I used to jokingly tell my friend that since he believed that John Wayne was ruling Heaven he could be considered for Freemasonry.
I think requiring candidates to believe in one the Deity we call God would damage the craft. After all, we let Jews join the craft and they do not accept the new testament from which much of our ritual is taken.
I believe differing considerimg opinions as the best way to arrive at the truth.
All of the circumambulations are from the old testament. I don't know of any references to the new testament in our work.
FC Degree. 1 Corinthians 13.
Shows just how much I know of the bible, thanks. I had never checked (trust but verify) but was told it was all old testament, mainly for this very reason.
EDIT: But, as this passage isn't dealing with the concept of monotheism, but simply the love of mankind, I'd give it a pass.
I’ll add this: There are two choices if you’re the Conductor in this degree. You can do the New Testament verse, but you can also recite Amos 7:7-8. That is the one that I do for this degree, but most Brothers use 1 Corinthians 13.
Many consider the Corinthians passage to be more germane to this degree, as the Amos passage is more of an admonishment from God to his Prophet that the people of Israel are out of line, and he will not forgive their wicked ways any longer.
I discount the Amos passage, as I never use it. It's too short and doesn't fit well in the circumambulation, and as you said, it (to me) the discussion of Charity is much more applicable to the degree. Of the three degrees, the 1st Corinthians circumambulation is my favorite.
I've thought about this from time to time through the years, and I'm not sure that I can make a connection in my mind between the Amos passage and Freemasonry. It mentions the plumb line of course, which is ours, but beyond that I'm not sure.
As Senior Deacon at Sequim Lodge #213, this is the passage I'll be using in an upcoming FC degree, VW Brother La Vigne.
It is a beautiful passage, and to my mind, speaks to that emulation of the Deity that we are charged with as Freemasons. This principle is woven throughout our obligations in Blue Lodge, and is contrasted in 1 Cor. 13 with those things (charity with a lower-case "c") that man may value for his own sake, suggesting that Charity is a *noble virtue.
This is connected to our higher nature which we may focus on developing for our betterment by removing superfluities and imperfections which make us unsuitable for the Builder's use. If the values, experiences, and virtues we hold dear as men do not benefit mankind as well as ourselves and those we cherish, I would argue that they then further separate us from Deity and the purpose of our place within Creation.
I don't believe that a strict belief in God is necessary to possess the kinds of morals, virtues and ethics that can serve 'the greater good', however power without an ample measure of restraint (charity/caritas/love) can quickly become abusive. Faith without restraint can become extremism and devoid of love. Likewise, Liberty versus liberty can be misused to the detriment of mankind if what's good for one person, clan or village causes others to suffer.
All of this is to say that a belief in a 'higher power' helps us to know our brethren better so that we may trust that our bonds are inviolable and what ties us together remains 'mystic' while the brethren we entrust this power to do not remain a mystery. For if wee call each other Brethren, it is important to know what one values, why they value it and with whom they would freely share this love in less than ideal circumstances.
As individuals weaving that Golden Thread throughout time, 1 Corinthians 13 lays out a principle with which to live a good life and protect a good life for generations to come. Given our fallen if not selfish nature of mankind, a belief in consequences to one's actions- much like the use of the penalties in BL - may be necessary to motivate some to do the right thing in life.
Following here, perhaps we should discuss Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development, Rousseau's Social Contract; Kantian Ethics, and Mill on Utilitarianism.
- Bro. A.J.
>>>If the values, experiences, and virtues we hold dear as men do not benefit >>>mankind as well as ourselves and those we cherish, I would argue that they >>>then further separate us from Deity and the purpose of our place within >>>Creation.
Indeed. I think PIke explored this quite strongly, in different words. At least to my reading of him.
>>>power without an ample measure of restraint (charity/caritas/love) can quickly >>>become abusive. Faith without restraint can become extremism and devoid of >>>love. Likewise, Liberty versus liberty can be misused to the detriment of >>>mankind if what's good for one person, clan or village causes others to suffer.
An important reminder. Thank you Brother!
It is my pleasure, MWB Cameron.
I was raised in the Fall of 2022 and I look forward to participating in more of them with the Brethren from both my home Lodge and the Valley of Bremerton AASR where I am also a member.
How good and pleasant it is to spread the cement!
I'm with you, I think we do well by keeping it extremely loose. We all have different conceptions of the deity I think, and beyond that, we can never truly know the nature of the divine. The important thing, to my mind is the belief, not the specific belief.
Our petition says
“Do you believe in the existence of one true and living God and the Immortality of the soul”
It’s funny here, we have a very relaxed view of “belief in God or Deity” but the brethren still want the Bible used exclusively as the book of sacred law.
We had a brother that followed Hinduism. During his degrees he brought his own Veda (Hindu Bible) for the Altar. During the 3rd degree, he said his own prayer in Sanskrit. No one had a problem with it, we were more than accommodating.
I think it is reasonable for a man to bring his own, if it is outside of what the Lodge normally uses, instead of the Lodge providing it.
I've read two different translations of the Koran, both quite significantly different from each other. A Lodge could accidentally pick one that doesn't really match the Brother's faith, but he would pick the one that does without fail. Likewise with the Bible. As a Catholic I was raised with a Bible different from the King James.
This would, I think, hold true across many faiths.
I can't be certain, but I don't think we have any Lodges in my Jurisdiction now that would insist on the Bible as the only VSL on the altar. And I think that's a good thing. Men should see their particular faith reflected in our symbolism.
But, I also think that it is possible to look at it differently, to see the Bible on the altar not as a specific book, but as a symbol of whatever particular book relevant to one's individual faith.
In Maine the only question asked is "in whom do you put your trust". Any of the names of God are acceptable. The SD isn't allowed to prompt the candidate, but I give them a quarter and tell the candidate that the answer to a question can be found on the quarter. Could I be guilty of a Masonic offence for skirting the work maybe, but saving the candidate being blindsided when he is already stressed is worth the risk in my eyes.
In todays world I think most churches have experienced a decline in church services and I'm not sure a large number on Masons attend on a regular basis either. That begs the question are we true believers or just giving lip service to believing in one God? Last month my friend and Brother demitted because he no longer believes. I have a feeling he isn't the only one , but he takes Masonry very seriously and is a upright man.
In the lodges I've seen in my area, we tell the candidate what the answer is, along with the proper positioning of his feet, before the conferral begins.
When I was going through the 1st degree, the SD, in the preparation room, said I'd be asked a question, and the answer is what is written on a dollar bill. When it came time for me to answer "In whom do you put your trust" I said "In God we trust". I could feel the silent laughter in the room.
I myself simply tell the candidate the answer outright. It's not a quiz show.
Your second part is interesting. Honestly, I'd be more impressed with a brother that would demit for that, displays the amount of integrity that man has, such a rare commodity these days. For church attendance, I stopped going years ago, being disillusioned with the whole thing. The final straw was the offering plate was passed around three times in a single service because it was the Pastor's (the closest he got to a seminary was a class at a night college) birthday. Here's a guy who basically had the church fund his entire family with salaries, and owned a yacht and membership in a yacht club having his son beg for more money from a decidedly middle class town.
Yes, I know, there's good churches out there, and good clergy. The one church I did like the pastor (who was very popular) never passed an offering plate, instead he had boxes at the back that you could drop an envelope into on your way out. Liked that place, until it was discovered he was having an affair with a 20 something (half his age), him being a man married with kids. It's not that I lost faith in God, but I've lost faith with organized religion, as it's typically corrupted by men.
I have the same opinion of our Brother. I stopped going because his sermons were all about him and his family. He really an entertainer masquerading as a preacher. Nice guy but not good as a preacher.
>>>In the lodges I've seen in my area, we tell the candidate what the answer is, along with >>>the proper positioning of his feet, before the conferral begins.
>>>When I was going through the 1st degree, the SD, in the preparation room, said I'd be >>>asked a question, and the answer is what is written on a dollar bill. When it came time >>>for me to answer "In whom do you put your trust" I said "In God we trust". I could feel the >>>silent laughter in the room.
It is really interesting to me how different Lodge customs can be. Your Lodge is just about an hour from mine I suppose, but I've never seen this. I've only ever seen the prompting during the Degree itself.
>>>It's not that I lost faith in God, but I've lost faith with organized religion, as it's typically >>>corrupted by men.
Indeed.
We use the same question in our Entered Apprentice Degree here. But, we do prompt the answer. And sometimes that prompt is needed. More than once I've heard a confused candidate utter: 'The Worshipful Master.' I like your idea of giving him the quarter with the bit of explanation in advance. I've not seen that done before.
I too do not see much church attendance on the part of the great body of Freemasons. Plenty do attend regularly of course, but I think not the vast majority. At least here in Western Washington. Ultimately it is because I think in a lot of cases, Masons feel that they get the spiritual knowledge and support that they need through Freemasonry. I certainly do.
Hopefully your Brother will regain his faith, so will be able to return someday. Frankly, I think that atheism would be as hard to hold on to as faith. The atheist can't objectively prove his belief anymore than the religious man can objectively prove his.
My home lodge in NM would require a monotheistic profession of faith. And honestly, up until a couple of years ago, so would I. The power of words. The belief in "A" supreme being. A, to me, means one.
However, if someone professed faith in Thor now, and it was indeed a sincerely held belief, I think I'd let him in. Because, to him, Thor is the supreme being.
>>>My home lodge in NM would require a monotheistic profession of faith. And honestly, up until >>>a couple of years ago, so would I. The power of words. The belief in "A" supreme being. A, to >>>me, means one.
Interesting. I don't think that any of the four Lodges I'm a member of would. I think everyone would be A-OK whatever the faith was, as long as the faith was there.
>>>However, if someone professed faith in Thor now, and it was indeed a sincerely held belief, I >>>think I'd let him in. Because, to him, Thor is the supreme being.
Neo-paganism seems to be growing rapidly in this corner of the country, especially I think it the more urban areas. Certainly we have a lot of younger Masons now who are looking and practicing a version of pre-Christian european faiths. Or so it seems from my casual observations.
our WM, and our SD are both Asatru. One of our most recent MMs is Tauist.
Asatru seems to be quickly growing with young men today. At least from what I've seen. And that makes sense to me.
I suppose I should mention, I'm currently sitting in the senior deacon's chair.
My favorite spot in a Lodge!
I am glad you post these, Cameron, and I really enjoy the comments. I feel like I learn a lot about Freemasonry from them, and since I love learning... 🙂
Thanks ya kindly, good sir 🫡
Thank you! I'm glad that you find some value here!