![]() | Freemasonry : The Masonic Lodge |
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Overview
There is no single universal definition of Masonry accepted by all Masons because the practice means different and sometimes contrary things to individual Masons. Masonry, for some of its members, has largely become a social club, while for others Masonry dominates their life and work as a religion they trust in for their salvation. This point is well stated by leading Masonic authority Henry Wilson Coil, in his A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry. Here he discusses the contradictory nature of Masonry:
Nobody knows what Freemasonry is, or, if that statement be deemed too strong, at least no one has been able to demonstrate that he knows the answer to the question. What one [Mason, or Masonic authority] asserts another of apparent equal ability doubts or denies.... Nor is this divergence of opinion due to ignorance or lack of investigation, for conflicts arise principally among the most zealous and erudite of Masonic students. The Fraternity has no central authority to declare its creed and no censor of books to check aberrations. Anyone, either within or without the Society, may speak of write about it what he wills, and many have taken advantage of that liberty. (1)
Source: John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Or. 1999, P. 217
Purpose: The uniting of men in fellowship under the principal themes of the Fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the immortality of the soul. For many Masons Masonry is a religious quest for spiritual enlightenment; however, ultimately, in the higher degrees the purpose is to conform the world to Masonic beliefs.
Founder: No single individual. Masonry gradually evolved into its present form, known as "speculative" Masonry. This distinguishes it from the "operative" or "working" Masonry of the medieval stone masons. Operative Masonry slower assimilated the mysticism and occultism of numerous religions and philosophies of the Middle Ages to become what is known as modern speculative Masonry. Most scholars trace modern Masonry to the time when four lodges merge in London in 1717 to form the first Grand Lodge. Source: John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Or. 1999, P. 214-215
Incompatible with Christianity
Though Freemasons claim otherwise, Freemasonry and Christianity are incompatible:
By taking the Masonic oaths, the Mason is swearing to uphold Masonry and its teachings. Swearing to uphold Masonic oaths is sinful, unscriptural and should not be part of the Christian's life for the following reasons.
Source: John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Or. 1999, P. 255-256
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About this page:
Freemasonry : The Masonic Lodge
First posted: Sep. 2, 1997
Last Updated: Dec. 6, 2005
Editor: Anton Hein
Copyright: Apologetics Index
Link to: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/f16.html
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