The question expressed in the title of this paper is really several questions in one. Depending upon the inquirer's viewpoint, the stress might fall on different words. Some might ask, 'So what does the Bible say about the Lodge?', expressing the opinion that there is no connection between Bible (or religion) and the lodge organizations. A smaller number of the inquisitive might ask, 'So what does the Bible say about the lodge?' They realize the lodge promotes certain moral and ethical dogmas, similar to some teachings in the Bible, but are doubtful that the Bible speaks directly to secret societies. We may be more interested in asking the question this way: 'So what does the Bible say about the lodge?', believing that God's Word will give us a clear reference and guide to lodge positions and practices.

      This paper purposes to answer all three variants of this question. In answer to the assumption that there is no connection between religion and the lodges, we must let the lodges speak for themselves. Their own authors, public practice, and rituals will reveal whether or not they are religious. Tedious as the quotes and references may be in this section, they are necessary to show the actual philosophy of the lodges in an honest, unbiased manner.

      The more informed person who acknowledges at least some similarity of the lodges with religion, may be interested to read that the Bible actually speaks against lodgery as a system, not to mention many individual and particular lodge practices and teachings.

      When we "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." (I John 4:1) , we will see that the faithful Christian and pastor faces a dilemma when dealing with the lodge member, often because of ignorance on both sides. By having, authenticating, and using the information at hand, it is hoped that we can answer effectively when asked, "So what does the Bible say about the Lodge?" 

      Many countless lodge members do not know what their organizations actually believe, or at least refuse to talk about it if they do. For this reason, it is necessary for the pastor to be well informed, so that he will know what he is really dealing with. Is it really accurate when lodge members say there is simply no connection between their lodge and God's written revelation to man? To judge fairly we will need to let the lodges themselves tell us what they stand for.

      As far as was possible, material in this section has been drawn directly from lodge sources, printers, and authors, to avoid unfair, biased statements. Only when necessary were secondary sources consulted and even then only direct quotes from lodge sources were used. Informed lodge members will recognize the authenticity of the sources. The uninformed will be able to find this out from their more enlightened lodge brothers, if they really care to learn the truth.

      After reading this first section, it will become obvious to the reader that all of the lodges share similar traits. For this reason, the Masonic Lodge will be treated first in order. Masonry is really the root from which all other secret societies have sprung up. Also, more explanatory material is available on the Masons than on any other group. To know Masonry is to know lodgism. 

      The earliest form of the Masonic Lodges was made up of groups of "operative" stone masons in ancient and medieval times. Specializing in large projects like temples, stadia and cathedrals, they were forced to move regularly from site to site, precluding any possibility, of a permanent guild. In place of guilds, local lodges were formed, with standardized passwords, signs, and other identifiers which would demonstrate one to be a qualified stone mason.

      Groups such as these were officially chartered already by 926 A.D. in England. The charter gave the privilege of self-government and annual assembly. The first national assembly was held in York, the reason for one branch of Masonry being titled the York Rite. In Scotland, it is alleged that Knights Templars fleeing from France after the papal persecution of the Templars in 1307, joined with operative Scottish masons for protection. Scottish rulers reportedly reserved the right to personally rule these lodges, the ancestors of the modern Scottish Rite.1

      By the late sixteenth century and early seventeenth century, speculative masons (builders of "spiritual temples not made with hands) were allowed into the groups. Documented evidence can take this practice in England back as far as A.D. 1646. Seventy one years later, these non-working speculative masons assumed control of the lodges. In A.D. 1717 in London, two ministers, Dr. James Anderson (a presbyterian) and Dr. Theophilus Desaguliers, (a former Hugenot turned Anglican) and George Payne united to form the first Grand lodge. Every Masonic Grand Lodge in the world traces it's origin from this lodge.2

      A few Masonic writers and even more rank and file Masons attempt to credit their group with greater antiquity. The Holman Masonic edition of the Bible includes the myth that King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre were the founders of Masonry. Other associate the order with John the Baptist, the apostle John, Guatama Buddha, or even to the builders of Babel, to Noah, or to Adam. But according to Wilmshurst, a popular Masonic author, such fantastic tales "possess the merest modicum of truth."3 Masonry may well have borrowed practices from some ancient sources, but it can hardly trace its lineage beyond 1717.

      The lodges spread quickly to Europe and her colonies. The rapid spread in Europe can be shown by the date of Mozart's opera, the Magic Flute. Mozart, himself an ardent Freemason, was commissioned in Vienna to write a German opera especially for the Freemasons. Just 74 years after the founding order, then, an opera saturated with Masonic ritual and allusion opened to enthusiastic German (Masonic) audience4. The first lodge appeared on our own shores in 1729, remaining under the control of the Grand Lodge of England until the end of the revolution. Perhaps in our country Masonry is the most popular. Each state plus the District of Columbia has its own Grand Lodge for the basic three degrees of Masonry. Local lodges in the U.S. are large compared to those of England. Forty three in Texas range from 1000 to 3000 members.5 Masonry has had a decided influence in Unitarian organizations, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose temple service is patterned after Masonic ritual.6 

      Originally, Masonry was fairly simple with only one rite of three degrees. These basic three degrees7 now form the "Blue Lodge", or symbolic Craft Masonry. Since 1912, all Grand Masters, and all Grand Secretaries have met annually in advisory meetings.

      Over the years, the system has been elaborated, with at least eighteen different rites. Most popular currently are the York Rite and the Scottish Rite.

      The York Rite consists of ten degrees beyond the Blue Lodge. The Royal Arch Chapter confers the capitular four degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason. The next Three degrees (8-10) are optional, not required before going on to the 11-13 degrees, ending with try: Knights Templar degree.8

      The Scottish Rite of thirty-two degrees (plus one honorary degree) came to the U.S. in 1801. Local bodies are chartered by a Supreme Council, rather than represented on the council, which explains the variety of systems and names for the thirty three degrees.9

      Both of these "advanced" rites include "Christian Degrees". For the York Rite it is the Knights Templars degree. Only Royal Arch Masons or "professing Christians" are allowed to receive this degree. Several Bible references are read in this initiation, along with enacted allusions to the Lord's Supper. (The wine is drunk from a symbolic human skull!)

      The Scottish Rite has two "Christian Degrees", the 18th, or Sovereign Prince of Rose-Croix; and the 32nd or Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, which is really the second step of the 30th degree, Knights of Kadesh (#$dq). The Christian aspect of the degrees also revolves around a misuse of the Lord's Supper, (explained by 33rd degree Masons in The New Age Magazine as a pagan ceremony observing the vernal equinox), and the "rediscovery" of the words INRI and Emmanuel.10

To become a Mason of any degree, a person must apply for membership. He cannot be solicited. He also must be at least twenty-one, a male, and a non-negro. Additional requirements include soundness of mind and body, a minimum of a year's residency in that particular state and the profession of a belief in some God or gods. There were about four million Masons in the United States at the time of its bicentennial and about two million in the rest of the world.11 

      The Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons do not officially recognize any adoptive orders for women. Yet Eastern Star members generally consider themselves to be Masonic affiliates, so special mention should also be made of them.

      By 1850, adoptive Masonry was quite popular in Europe, but poorly represented in the U.S. Robert Morris originally conceived the idea for the Eastern Star in that year. By 1855 he had set up a system of local lodgework called "Constellations", but it failed due to its complexity. In 1859 a more popular version called "Families of the Eastern Star" was introduced by Morris. Taken ever in 1866 by Robert Macoy, a Masonic publisher, the group began to flourish. By 1876, the present form was adopted with a General Grand Chapter in control.12

      As of 1980, the Eastern Star claims over 3,000,000 members. Headquarters are at 1618 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., 20009. Each state and province of Canada has a Grand Chapter under this office. Chapters are now headed by the Worthy Matron, rather than the sponsoring Master Mason. Membership is limited to

Master Masons is good standing, their wives, daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, widows, sisters, half-sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters and stepsisters.13 


Local chapters of the Order may, like Masonic Lodges, sponsor local Order of Rainbow Assemblies. Charitable work by the Eastern Star is mostly confined to its own membership. Although Negro lodges are not recognized by white Masonic bodies, Negro Eastern Star Chapters have been formed with a total membership of over 100,000.14

      Eastern Star confers five degrees, loosely based on five Biblical characters. "Jephtha's Daughter" (named Adah, here) illustrates respect for the binding force of a (Masonic) vow. "Ruth" is said to illustrate devotion to religious principles. "Esther" is to instill fidelity to kindred and friends. "Martha" teaches undeviating faith in the hour of trial. "Electa", based on the "Elect Lady" of II John, is to portray patience and submission under wrong.15 "These are all the Masonic virtues, and they have nowhere in history more brilliant exemplers than in the five characters presented in the lectures of the Eastern Star."16

      The purpose of the organization can be deduced from these character portrayals. The Eastern Star portrays itself as a

fraternal order dedicated to service to those in need, to social enjoyment and to civic interests. It awards scholarships to students in religious training.17

      A paid advertisement from the Wisconsin Grand Chapter, dated 1977 expresses the same purpose, pointing out several excellent charitable projects, as well as an "atmosphere of faith in God."18

      The commonality of Eastern Star purpose with that of Masonry, may be seen in the opening words of the initiation ceremony.

"In the Initiation Ceremony the Worthy Matron outlines the purposes of the Order. 


The Order of Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Freemasonry, which is to provide for the welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and Master Masons. Here we may share with the Masonic brother in promulgating the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. (emphasis mine) Here we may aid, comfort and protect each other in our journey through the labyrinth of human life, and by cheerful companionship and social enjoyments, lighten the burdens of active duty.19

      The philosophy of the Eastern Star has already been alluded to in this statement of purpose. Religion plays all important role in their philosophy. The ceremony is opened with prayer. The closing prayer has decidedly religious requests in it.

Holy and Merciful God, who answerest prayer and dost not scorn the petition of the humblest of Thy children, bestow upon us in our parting that spirit of affection which can resist the selfishness of the world, and cause us to remember our obligations to each other and to Thee. Grant that we may be permitted with loving hearts to assemble here again for Thine honor, for our instruction, and for the good of our fellow men. All of which we ask for Thy name's sake. Amen. (New Ritual of the Order of Eastern Star, p. 38)20

During the initiation itself, the Worthy Matron prays on behalf of the initiate:

Source of all wisdom, truth, and love, grant, we beseech Thee, that in the reception of this member into our Order we may add strength to strength and grace to grace. Oh, may the golden chain thus lengthened become the brighter for this link and be strengthened for the great work we strive to do. Enlarge our powers to benefit mankind and to honor Thee, our God. (emphasis mine) And when, one by one, each link shall fall away in death, may the parting be temporary and the meeting eternal. In the world where death comes not, may we realize the full happiness of loving and serving Thee forever. Amen.21

      The object to whom these prayers are addressed is described for us in the Eastern Star initiation:

This order is founded on a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being that rules the universe for good, and no one can become a member of the Order who does not hold this belief…Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being? (Answer)22

      The Order expects all initiates to verify the answer to this question by taking an oath. This oath is taken "In the presence of Almighty God, and before  these witnesses…"23

      These prayers and the oath carry a strong religious message already. The religious purpose of the Order is further enhanced by the many funeral service provided by the Grand Chapter, and especially by the General Grand Chapter, which includes scripture readings, prayers, hymns, poetry, and symbolic allusions to assure the participants that the departed lodge sister has "entrance upon a glorious immortality."24

      We must ask ourselves, then, 'Is the Eastern Star religion acceptable in the eyes of God; is it true Christianity?' The position of the Eastern Star is really the same as the Masons, so a detailed review of their religion will follow later in the paper. However a few details relating specifically to the Eastern Star may be in order.

      The oath taken in initiation, "in the presence of Almighty God" is taken before the initiate even knows what she will be upholding. God says "Swear not at all...", let alone in matters which are totally unknown.

      At the end of the initiates ceremony,

The signs, passes, grip, and symbols of the Order are explained to the candidate, including the letters F.A.T.A.L. which appear on some Eastern Star documents. These are an abbreviation of the Cabalistic Motto: "Fairest Among Thousands, Altogether Lovely." The abbreviation FATAL is said to remind the initiate that "it would be fatal to the character of any lady" to disclose the secrets of the Order.25

      Those who do not assassinate their character by telling the secrets are assured that their faithfulness to the Order of the Eastern Star will grant them eternal life. The universal salvation offered to all members of the Order of the Eastern Star regardless of faith in Christ can be seen both in the initiation and funeral services.

And when, one by one, each link shall fall away in death, may the parting be temporary and the meeting eternal. In the world where death comes not, may we realize the full happiness of loving and serving Thee forever.26

Notice that "we"--that is, all Eastern Star members--will supposedly realize the happiness of loving and serving God forever. This universalism is reiterated in the symbolism of the order. Walking throw "the labyrinth" in initiation is said to have the following significance:

In the winding of the labyrinth…each soul will surely come into the light of His Star and then will understand.27

In the funeral services, assurance of eternal life is given, not because of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, but because the revival of plant life each spring assures us that there is a reawakening from death, and because Jesus spoke of a resurrection and life. (But note that they do not, and cannot insist that Jesus is the only reason for eternal life.)

      Even more alarming is the confusion they perpetrate when suggesting that the departed sister has not only "gone on before us…through the heavenly portals", but simultaneously is also among us with her spirit.

Our Sisters affection ceases not; therefore may she not now be whispering to grief-stricken hearts, "Peace, be still," "Lo, I am with you always." Think not that the spirit world is distant. Our loved ones, though lost to mortal sight, may be with us in spiritual existence. Let their loving presence be to us a perpetual inspiration, calling us to a higher moral and spiritual life."28

This suggestion of spiritism certainly contradicts I Thess. 4:14; which informs us that the souls of believers are with Christ, and will return with Christ on Judgement Day. It is not hard for us to understand why the Order of the Eastern Star could come up with such conflicting ideas, and still consider them to be "scriptural." Consider their view of the Bible, God's Word. They see it, not as an open book of truth, but as a book of hidden wisdom properly understood only by the initiated.

The bible as (sic) an esoteric book, dealing with spiritual and psychic matters, making a symbolic use of words for the purpose of concealing from those who are not prepared to know the Truth. …The student can find all our O.E.S. work and symbols in the bible, hidden, it is true, but easily found.29

The fact that the Bible with its "hidden wisdom" is not understood by the initiated members can be seen by their equation of the Holy Spirit with "instinct."

Paul trusted everything to what we might call the Christian instinct and what he called the Holy Spirit, and he was justified. No force in the world has done so much as this nameless thing that has controlled and guided and illuminated--whatever we call it.30

      Rev. Phillip Lochhaas, of the LC-MS has well summarized the Order of the Eastern Star.

The Eastern Star is, as it claims, a religious institution, but it is not the religion of Holy Scripture to which this "religious" refers. Omitting the central doctrines of Scripture--sin, redemption, grace--it offers religious instruction to men and women of all creeds, promoting "faith in Divinity" and "brotherly love". In spite of obvious good that may be done by its moral standards and demands for purity, the Order's distortion of the central message of the Bible cannot be approved. All men are not brothers, they are widely divided from one another and separated from God by sin. Non-Christians cannot stand before God proud of their moral achievements, for without Christ these "profit nothing" I Cor. 13:3. The convinced Christian man and woman, constrained to testify to the unique redemption in Jesus Christ, cannot participate in the ideals, purposes and programs of the Order without compromise of faith and public denial of Christ.31

      Other affiliates of the Masonic organization are less widespread than the Order of the Eastern Star, and will be mentioned only in brief. The following groups have been listed by J.W. Acker, in the book Strange Altars, as groups connected closely, if not officially, with Masonry.32

Tall Cedars of Lebanon of the U.S.A.--This is a side degree with no official standing. It is supposed to bear about the same relation to the Master Mason degree as the Mystic Shrine does to the 32d degree. 


The Grotto--It is officially called Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. It is a social organization, bearing the same relation to the Blue Lodge as that borne by the Shrine to the 32d degree and Knights Templars. Its various branches are called grottoes. Its chief objective is entertainment and the enjoyment of carnal pleasures. 


Shrine--Its full title is Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Stevens describes it as "a social and benevolent society with a ritual and history linked to Arabic traditions, in which Oriental mysticism, names, legends, and titles are freely employed." The jewel of the order is the crescent, usually made of the claws of the Bengal tiger, united at the bases with a gold setting. The sphinx is engraved on one side and a pyramid, urn, and star on the other. The crescent is generally suspended from a scimitar and holds a star pendant between the drooping horns. Claiming to have originated in Arabia, this order is secret and closely affiliated with Freemasonry. Only 32d-degree Masons and Knights Templars are eligible for membership.

      The purpose of the "Shrine" is spelled out by Emmett McLoughlin in a recently written introduction to one of the older Masonic encyclopedias. "...the fun and philonthropic units of Masonry, the Sciots and particularly the Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine…have built and they maintain the largest chain of crippled children's hospitals in the work. They are open free of charge to children of all creeds and all races."33

Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine--This is an order consisting of six degrees; of which three are "working" degrees. Its members must be Royal Arch degree Masons. "The legend is adopted from the story of Zerubbabel and speaks of him and four other Jewish leaders seeking the protection of Darius against the interruptions caused by the Samaritans in the work of rebuilding the temple after the Babylonian Captivity. Having been granted their request by Darius, the latter founded a new order it is claimed." --Christian Cynosure, March 1932, p. 272. 


Acacia Fraternity--This is a Greek-letter fraternity consisting almost exclusively of Masons attending college. Recently its ranks have been opening to non-Masonic students also. Established at the University of Michigan in 1904, it is a sort of club where the brother Masons and friends can be of social benefit to one another. The acacia is an important symbol of third-degree Masonry; standing primarily for the immortality of the soul and secondarily for innocence.

Acacia is not alone as a Masonic college fraternity.

"Although many of these college fraternities had members of the Masonic Fraternity among their founders and had their rituals written and insignia designed by Masons, only four were founded exclusively by college Masons who restricted their membership to student and faculty Master Masons: Acacia…Square and Compass…Sigma Mu Sigma…Order of the Golden Key. (Almond Fairfield, "Collegiate Freemasons," The New Age Magazine, November, 1965, p. 14) 


To these Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia adds, under the listing "Masonic Clubs", Tau Kappa Epsilon. (Henry Wilson. Coil, op. cit., p. 133).

All of these fraternities receive encouragement and support from Masonic bodies they seek to promote Masonic principles among college students.

White Shrine of Jerusalem--This is a social organization of the Eastern Star. According to Masonic authority, it supplies a Christian degree for the deistic Eastern Star. Its ritual is based on Luke 2. Its objectives are fourfold : "Biblical research and further study of sacred history; to unfold and reveal to the initiate a more beautiful understanding of, and devotion to, the sacrificial teachings and example of Jesus of Nazareth; to teach that in the embodiment of faith, love, and good works in our contact with our fellow men and in service to humanity lie the supreme attainments of life; closer friendships that exalt and amplify our conceptions of Christian conduct." Only members of the Eastern Star are eligible. 


Order of Amaranth--Organized in 1653 by Queen Christina of Sweden, it purposes to gather the cream of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Fraternity into an organization of the highest quality. Another society of similar name was founded by Robert Macoy in 1883. Its ritual is highly regarded in some Masonic quarters. Lectures are offered on Truth, Faith Wisdom, and Charity. Its work is almost purely benevolent, and its teachings aim at the everyday practice of virtues. 


Daughters of the Nile--This is a secret society of women relatives of Shriners. The branches are called temples and the officers, princesses. Its membership is found chiefly in the Western States. 


Daughters of Mokanna--This organization is composed of women relatives of Grotto members. Its subordinate chapters are called caldrons. 


Order of the Builders--An order of boys, sponsored and controlled by Master Masons, it includes not only sons of Master Masons between the ages of 13 and 21 but also their closest boyhood companions. Each so n of a Master Mason may recommend one friend for membership. The Builders were organized in Chicago. 


Order of De Molay--This is a boys' fraternity organized in 1919 at Kansas City under Masonic sponsorship. The ritual is "built around the fundamental precepts of love for parents, reverence for sacred things, patriotism, purity, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, and loyalty to the public school as the citadel of American liberty. De Molay was the last Grand Commander of the medieval Knights Templars and died in 1314. Membership in the fraternity is open to boys from 14 to 21 who are sons of Freemasons or vouched for by one of them worth comrade. The organization has a ritual, altar with Bible, chaplain, organist, deacons, burial and memorial ceremony. Its ritual is characterized by deism. The idea of work-righteousness abounds in its pages. "A blameless life robs the grave of its victory" (Square and Compass magazine, Nov. 15, 1925, p. 48). There are many prayers, but all are Christless. 


Job's Daughters--This order was organized by Masons for female relatives of Master Masons between the ages of 12 and 20 and for other girls who might eventually become members of the Eastern Star. Its headquarters are at Omaha. National in scope, it seeks "to band together daughters, sisters, nieces, and granddaughters of Master Masons and of members of the Eastern Star for the betterment of social conditions and to teach practical things." The members are to be impressed with a love of home and country and with a reverence for the Bible. The Book of Job is used for Character guidance. There are no prayers in Jesus' name. Salvation is by character "Righteous service will lead to life eternal." 


Order of the Rainbow--Under Masonic sponsorship, this order opens its membership to female relatives between the ages of 12 and 18 of Masons or Eastern Stars, or friends of Rainbow Girls. There is a ritual permeated with deism which speaks of heaven attained by good moral conduct apart from Christ and His atoning work. All prayers omit the name of Jesus. The ritual refers to the Bible as "the rule of right living for all," not the Gospel of Christ's love.34

      Based on statements from the Masons and the Eastern Star regarding their purpose; and on some comments regarding the "affiliates" of Masonry, we will want to consider none of the fine characteristics they display.

      Fraternalism is not, in itself, bad. Masonry works hard to promote a close knit group of members who will defend, aid, and care for one another as friends. The concern of the lodge for its members is reflected in the concern of the members for their lodge. Rarely will a Mason reveal his secrets or "bad-mouth" his organization. Christians (especially Lutherans?) should be so discreet and concerned about their pastor, congregation and synod.

      Patriotism and morality (civic righteousness) are also well maintained and inculcated among the members of the Masons. The results of this moral teaching can be seen in the community services provided by their Orders. Local lodges carry out programs of Christmas baskets for the poor and sponsor funding drives for hospitals and other social agencies. The Grotto supports cerebral palsy clinics; the Tall Cedars of Lebanon raise funds for muscular dystrophy; the Shriners support their children's hospitals. We cannot honestly and properly deal with Masonry without recognizing and admiring such magnificent gestures of human compassion. 

      However, such good traits cannot mask an underlying philosophy which is thoroughly religious. The rank and file Mason may protest long and loud that his lodge is not religious. But this hardly agrees with the great writers of Masonry in every age.

      Older authorities, such as Waite and Wilmshurst both describe Masonry in religious terms.35

      Waite acknowledges that many Masons "would be astonished beyond words if they were a told that apart from religion Masonry has no title to existence…"36 But the truth of the matter is expressed elsewhere in his encyclopedia, by pointing out "the fundamental doctrine of orthodox Freemasonry: That God is, and that He recompenses those who seek him out..."37

      Wilmshurst backs this up by saying that "in its broad and more vital doctrine Masonry (is) essentially a philosophic and religious system expressed in dramatic ceremonial."38 "The intention of Masonry (is) to deal solely and simply with the greater science of soul-building", it is "dedicated to purposes that are wholly spiritual, religious and philosophic."39

      More recent Masonic authorities indicate that this is still the case. Mackey40 writes in his Masonic Ritualist, "Masonry is a religious institution" (p. 44). On p. 46 he writes "Freemasonry is indebted for its origin to its religious and philosophic character."41

      The latest and most widely acclaimed Masonic Authority, Henry Wilson Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia,42 continues and broadens this trend in the article titled "Religion" by describing the Masonic Lodge as a church.

Freemasonry certainly requires a belief in the existence of, and man's dependence upon, a Supreme Being to whom he is responsible. What can a church add to that, except to bring into one fellowship those who have like feelings? That is exactly what the lodge does. 


That brings us to the real crux of the matter; the difference between a lodge and a church is one of degree and not of kind. Some think that, because it is not a strong or highly formalized or highly dogmatized religion such as the Roman Catholic Church where it is difficult to tell whether the congregation is worshipping God, Christ, or the Virgin Mary, it can be no religion at all. But a church of Friends (Quakers) exhibits even less formality and ritual than a Masonic lodge. The fact that Freemasonry is a mild religion does not mean that it is no more religion.43

      The goal of this Masonic religion is the same as any other religion; to bring man into a closer relationship with 'god', and finally into an eternal relationship. Waite describes Masonary as an "open gate into a world of real knowledge where Divine Quest ends in Divine Attainment."44 Allan Boudrea45 writing in 1980 about one of Wilmshurst's books describes the "divine attainment" as regeneration.

Wilmshurst carefully places his designs upon the trestle board to build his thesis that the alpha and omega of Freemasonry is not the repetition of the ritual nor the safe guarding of secrets, but the regeneration of the Brethern.46

Wilmshurst himself corroborates this by describing the Entered Apprentice as one who seeks spiritual rebirth,47 so that "by the principles of the Order (Emphasis mine) he may be better enabled to display that beauty of Godliness which previously perhaps has not been manifested through him."48

      The manner in which this is carried out is described as "sacramental" by both Waite and Wilmshurst. Waite typically bewails the fact of the ignorance of many local Worshipful Masters. "So also at this day the ordinary Worshipful Master in the chair of Solomon does not dream that he is seated there to administer a body of instituted sacraments..."49 But sacraments they are, in the Masonic view, and Wilmshurst explains in what way the rites are sacramental.

"The first degree (Entered Apprentice) is also eminently the degree of preparation, of self-discipline and purification. It corresponds with that symbolical cleansing accorded in the sacrament of Baptism, which, is the churches is, so to speak, the first degree in the religious life;…"50 


"The inward development which the second degree (Fellow Craft) symbolizes...is equivalent to the rite of Confirmation in the Christian Churches."51 


"The Craft (the three basic degrees)...was given out to the world, from more secret sources still, as a great experiment and means of grace (emphasis mine)…"52

      The traits pointed out by these Masonic authors ought to be enough to convince any reader that Masonry is intended to be and is practiced as a religion.

      What we must ask ourselves then, is "What kind of a religion is it?"

"Clymer, a Masonic authority, says: "Masonry does not teach salvation by faith, nor by the vicarious atonement. Go through its degrees, study the history as taught by its great Masters; you cannot find that it teaches this doctrine. Boldly I claim that this doctrine does not make Christians but it does make criminals" (Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry, pp., 10, 11). Another r Masonic authority, Ward, states: "Freemasonry in practice teaches that all good men, whatever their personal beliefs, have a right to hope for salvation. Each Mason can for himself work out his own conception of God and thereby achieve salvation" But Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cores to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)"53

Clearly the Masonic religion is a religion of universalism and works righteousness.

      Concerning works righteousness, we are told that the all seeing eye of "Providence" pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, "and will reward us according to our merit."54

      Just what sort of merit will be rewarded? Use of the rituals is seen as a good work in itself.

      "Freemasonry has a religious service to commit the body of a deceased brother to the dust whence it came and to speed the liberated spirit back to  the Great Source of Light. (Emphasis mine)55 Much more common however are remarks to the effect that the virtuous life of the Mason are the cause for his hope of "heaven." In the opening of a Royal Arch Chapter, the high priest reviews all of the implements of the ceremony. During this review, the High Priest questions the Captain of the Host:

"What is the color of his (Royal Arch Captain's) banner? 


"White, and is emblematical of that purity of heart and rectitude of conduct which: are essential to obtain admission into the divine sanctum-sanctorum above. (Emphasis mine)56

      How are we to find that purity of heart and divine rectitude? According to Masonry, it is within ourselves. "...modern speculative Masonry was instituted…to indicate the path of self-perfecting, to those who care and dare to follow it…"57 Masons even wear white gloves and white lambskin aprons "as emblems that we have purified ourselves (emphasis mine) and washed our hands in innocency."58 something which Fellow Craft Masons are told they can do "only by toil and suffering."59

      In the third degree, the Master Mason is reminded of the alleged result of this toil and suffering. The Master Mason, it is suggested, has made himself dead to sin.

He had been 'sown a corruptible body' and in virtue of the self-discipline and self-development he has undergone, there has been in him "an incorruptible body," and death has been swallowed up in victory he has attained over himself.60

At best Masonry seen by Wilmshurst as a semi-Pelagian system of salvation.

(Masonry holds out the great promise that, with divine assistance and by our own industry, the genuine realities of which we at resent possess but the imperfect shadows shall be restored to us, and that patience and perseverance will eventually entitle every worthy man to participation in them.61

      A works righteous universalism is not the only count on which Masonry proves to be a false religion. We also must look at the manner in which Masonry uses God's Word.

      The fact that the Bible is used in Masonry can hardly be debated. Holman prints a Masonic edition of the Bible complete with the story of Masonry's legendary founder, Hiram Abif. "The Holy Book, together with the square and the compasses, are the great lights of Masonry."62 The "Holy Book", which is usually the Bible in predominantly Christian countries, must, however, do nothing more than set open on an altar in order to be a great light in Masonry.

      But even if the Bible itself is no more than a piece of furniture to most Masons, Masonic authors and authorities seek every opportunity to include biblical ideas, quotes and practices into their system.

      Thus in Waite's encyclopedia, we find an article on "Angels in Masonic Ritual", which informs us that

"Masons under the obedience of the Craft Degrees and the Royal Arch may be surprised to hear that there are angels at all in Masonry: it is only over the wide-extending field of the High Grades that the flash of their wings is seen; but even then the visits are few and far between, which--the proverb tells us--is after the manner of angels.63

      Later, Waite reveals that the Mark Masonry ritual has many biblical allusions.64 If Mark Masonry is rich in biblical symbol so is Master Masonry and Royal Arch Masonry.65 The Royal Arch Ritual alone employs over 35 separate Biblical allusions!

      We can get a general idea of the Masonic view of the Bible when Wilmshurst anachronistically accuses St. Paul of using Masonic language.66 Even more unsettling is the following misuse of John 1:1-5.

      In the Royal Arch Initiation, the final scripture reference is John 1:1-5, which, as John 1:14 shows us, refers to Christ. Masonry, however, misappropriates this passage to show that the word is not of Christ, but the "long lost Master Mason's Word," Jah-Bul-On.6768