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“I am the way, and the truth, and the life . . .
(NASB) John 14:6
Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the
light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the
darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (NASB) John
8:12
Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. (NASB) John 17:17 |
The
Masons view
of spiritual transcendence is ancient as well as modern. It is a religious
philosophy. The teachings of the Masons have their roots in ancient
religion. Here is a quote from the Masons themselves about their own
practices and rituals . . .
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. . . were practiced from remote ages, in ancient temples of
many nations . . . The most learned among Masonic scholars .
. . conclude that Masonry is of very ancient origin, and is,
in some aspects, the modern successor of . . . the sublime Mysteries
of the Temple of Solomon, and of the Temples of India, Chaldea,
Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as the basic doctrine of the
Essenes, Gnostics, and other mystic Orders. (Grand Lodge of
Texas, Monitor of the Lodge: Monitorial Instructions in the
Three Degrees of Symbolic Masonry (Waco, TX: Grand Lodge of
Texas, A.F.&M., 1982. p. 8-14). |
Masonry is more than just a philosophy of life or
a fraternity of gentlemen. It is rooted in Gnostic religion
and the ancient mystery religions which claimed to possess secret
knowledge.
A Religion? Masonry claims
to not be a religion. Yet, Masons require that their members
believe in a Supreme Being. An atheist cannot be a Mason. The
Masons believe in "Three Greater Lights." These greater
lights are a sacred book, the square, or the compasses. The
First Light is generally the Bible But other sacred books from
other religions can be recognized as the First Light too (Daniel,
B. Symbols of Freemasonry. Editions Assouline. 2000, p.
40-42). The
square and compass symbolize a search for truth. As a Mason moves
from one degree to another he is given more light or truth.
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"When beginning work as an Apprentice, the square is laid
on top of the compasses to show that spirit is still dominated
by matter. At the second degree, that of fellow, the square
and compass are interlaced. There is balance. At the degree
of master, the compasses are laid over the square." (Daniel,
B. Symbols of Freemasonry. Editions Assouline. 2000,
p.
40-42) |
The Masons use religious terms: Supreme Being, the Great Architect
of the Universe, the temple, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Worshipful
Master, St. John’s Day, light, Sacred Law, and enlightenment.
Conclusion: Masonry
is a false religion in the view of both the Roman Catholic Church
and many Protestant denominations. " . . . Masonry has been rejected
by the Roman Catholic Church, the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church,
the Presbyterian Church in America, the Free Presbyterian Church of
Scotland, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Church of the Nazarene, the
Church of the Brethren, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Assemblies
of God, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church." (Weldon,
J. The Masonic Lodge and The Christian Conscience) |
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