Is Masonry a Religion?

[Ceil-1]

I have made recent acquintance with some high-degree Masons.
Their spirituality intrigues me. One of them is a semi-retired minister. I am not sure of the denomination.

They are obviously proud of their Masonry, and of each other. I have seen some very charitable and philantropic works done by them.

But, what exactly do they believe? Are they the progressives who ushered in the modern age of “enlightenment”? They seem to think so. How this can be construed as a good thing in light of the evils of the last 200 years, and more, I don’t know.

How does this “enlightenment” the minister talks about square with traditional religion? They seem diametrically opposed to one another. I was afraid to ask him, so I thought I would ask you all.

 

[Lilyflower]

I have made recent acquintance with some high-degree Masons.

Their spirituality intrigues me. One of them is a semi-retired minister. I am not sure of the denomination.

How does golf sqare with religion?

Masonry alleges to have its roots deep in Old Testament times. That is a myth. Neither does it have any connections with Solomons Temple as they claim.

They do have their roots in the old masonic guilds which built our many fine Cathedrals. Most masons signatures and signs are posted high up in the eves of the great Cathedrals and Church’s. These are revered today in masonry.

It is not a religion but they do give thanks to God before and after a meal and grace has to be said standing.

Lodge meetings usually begin with a hymn such as ‘Morning has broken - in daytime lodges’ and end with the national anthem of the country in which the lodge belongs.

They also allude to Almighty God in their rituals. But that is not to be equated to Christianity seeings they profess that all religions that believe in a single God are equal. That denies the importance of Christianity in general and Christ in particular.

That said, there are a lot of myths posted about masonry, most of which [99% I’d say] can be taken with a pinch of salt.

Nearly everything that goes wrong in the world today is blamed on masonry by people who do not know better. I am yet to see global warming blamed on masonry but no doubt it will be one day!

European Masonry has at various times plotted against the Church. UK, USA [and English speaking] masonry does not plot against the Church. Has ‘exommunicated’ groups such as the Orange Order, which are sectarian in nature and which discriminates against Catholics seeings they are anti-discriminatory.

Most masons meet at their local club for a bit of a shindig followed by a first class 4-course meal at very reasonable prices
£9 or $15]

The point is that most Christian denoms do not allow their members to be masons and that includes the Catholic Church.

Blessings and peace

 

[Ceil-1]

That is very interesting. So, a Christian can just happen to be a Mason?

What is meant by being enlightened?

 

[Lilyflower]

That is very interesting. So, a Christian can just happen to be a Mason?

What is meant by being enlightened?

I regret I have no idea.

The best form of enlightenment I can recommend is from Contemplative Meditation on the mysterious love of God for His creation. Now that realy is in my view and experience ‘true enlightenment’.

Masonry is pretty harmless and not in the least malevolent as most of the world suggests. But we must remember that Christ said ‘no-one can come to the Father except through me!’ Masonry assumes they can speak to Father God without the Mediator which is Christ. That is my main objection to Masonry.

Another problem I have is they pray to the Great Architect of the Universe, which is Almighty God. But He is not an Architect. The latter works with materials which already exist. The former created both the design and the materials, and once created sustains the forces which hold them in place.

Blessings and peace