The Antimasonic Propaganda Machine

[ChristianMasonJim]

The Multiple Volumes of Sacred Law are used for teaching masons morality they are used for instruction only given by masonic light, contrary to the one and only absolute truth contained in the Holy Bible.

Please explain how the Constitutions of a Masonic Jurisdiction (a valid VSL in many jurisdictions) teach morality.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

It's not accurate anywhere, because even in jurisdictions where Jesus is not used, it is not because it is "forbidden." It's the same principle that is employed in civic settings, where many municipalities have guidelines for public prayer for situations in which, whether potentially or actually, gatherings could be interfaith in nature. It's the same principle that was employed at the hospital at which I did my CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), when we entered into agreement that as we as chaplains took our individual turns at conducting prayer over the all-hospital intercom channel, we would not offer prayers with any religion-specific terms, including "names for God," or "in Jesus' name." In such situations, it's simply a matter of common courtesy.

I find it odd that with the higher standards to which Jesus calls us as Christians, that members of other religions have less problem observing such a simple matter of respect for others, than do some members of the Christian faith. We ARE told, after all, to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Respectiing another person's religion does not constitute agreement with it, which is the only possible justification I could imagine anyone offering for intentionally dissing another person's religious beliefs.

Thank you for the tweak of correction.

And there is a HUGE distinction between "accepting diversity out of courtesy" and "believing in the diversity".

 

[Rev Wayne]

The presence of multiple VSL's are 100% determined by jurisdiction--it is not mandatory across all of Freemasonry. And the presence of multiple VLS's doesn't imply in any way equal standing among them. In many jurisdictions, the Holy Bible, and only the Holy Bible are required for opening a tyled lodge.

As Wayne stated above, the Holy Bible, not any other VSL, is foundational to Masonic ritual, regardless of location--that is fact. And the presence of any other VSL is to provide something personal that that the candidate can symbolically consider a source of personal trust during the obligation. It is symbolic of trust and loyalty, not of any specific religion.

The fact is, many adherents of other religions have less problem accepting the Bible as a book of truth, than do Christians in regard to the sacred texts of other religions.

But at the same time, the presence of multiple VSL's on the altar is not a declaration of the truth of any of them. I find it a matter of duplicity that our accusers make the attempt to portray it in this manner, given their predilection for a very different, even opposite, accusation when it's just the Bible on the altar. The rationale on that one goes, that something is inherently wrong in declaring the Bible to be "just" a symbol. They love repeating the quote, too (I believe it was Coil), that says no one is required to believe any of its contents.

The problem is, that's an accusation reserved only for Christians in the lodge, and they don't dare utilize it in its fullest application: namely, that if the Bible is a symbol when it resides on the altar, the same thing goes for the books of other religions as well, when they reside on the altar.

This is just another of the many ways in which the accusers try to have it both ways. It doesn't work that way in real life, if you're gonna call the Bible "just" a symbol and then declare that as Masonic principle, then you've got to do the same when it's some other book, regardless of which one it may be--and regardless of the fact that in doing so, you forfeit the prerogative of trying to assert the current accusation. You simply can't do both.

But in reality, the presence of multiple VSL's means one thing and one thing only: that if you are in a lodge where this is the practice, then you are in a lodge whose membership is constituted by members of the religions represented by those particular books. And that's all it means.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

It doesn't work that way in real life...

This is actually a very HUGE statement. Masonic Attackers are quick to misinterpret or misinform much of what Freemasonry is all about. In practice, Freemasonry is NOT the huge religious, theological, or spiritual organization that Masonic Attackers claim it to be. They just can't seem to understand that teaching morality, fellowshipping, and providing charitable assistance does not equate to practicing religious dogma. Yes, it may be just jurisdictional differences, because so much of what these supposed "former Masons" claim is just not evident in what I have witnessed or experienced in Freemasonry.

But in reality, the presence of multiple VSL's means one thing and one thing only: that if you are in a lodge where this is the practice, then you are in a lodge whose membership is constituted by members of the religions represented by those particular books. And that's all it means.

Exactly.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Masonry allows the teachings and beliefs of false gods and false prohets, to be placed along side the Holy Bible thats the demonstrating act of the mason that the Holy Bible's absolute truth can be intergrated with and into any other Volume of sacred law, i.e the Quran( false doctrine), the lodge agrees to place on the alter, as a christian this is viewed as intolerable.

How can a symbol have "absolute truth?" And how can a symbol be "integrated into a Volume of Sacred Law?" Antimasonic opinion has been nearly unanimous in accepting the statement of Joseph Fort Newton that the Bible on the altar in Masonry is "a symbol of the will of God." They have been equally critical of the idea that the Bible is "only" a symbol. The assertion of that accusation makes it impossible, then, to raise the accusation that placing other books there is suggestive of "integration of absolute truth with other VSL's," because they have been so adamant in insisting upon the Newtonian idea that the presence is "only" a symbolic one.

Of course, someone may try to argue, "But the very presence of other VSL's, in a position designed to symbolically represent 'the will of God,' automatically implies such integration." Well, it might, if it were done in a vacuum. But clearly it is not. From Ahiman Rezon, 2003, p. 98:

To every Mason. whatever may be his peculiar religious creed, that revelation of the Deity which is recognized by his religion becomes his trestle-board. Thus, the trestle-board of the Jewish Mason is the Old Testament; of the Christian, the Old and the New; of the Mohammedan, the Koran.

Far from "implying integration of VSL's," this is one of the surest indications that Masonry does quite the opposite, by maintaining the position that it is the individual and his own religion, not Freemasonry, who determines what will be the book he holds to be sacred. Therefore, when you see multiple VSL's on whatever altar they may be present, it means there are adherents of each of those religions represented, and that they each have their own VSL represented in recognition of that fact.

 

[ALX25]

Please explain how the Constitutions of a Masonic Jurisdiction (a valid VSL in many jurisdictions) teach morality.

Does the Bible teach morality Jim ??

 

[Christos Anesti]

Even if Masonry was neutral in terms of religion and not hostile to the religion of Christianity in the abstract it still agitated against the Church and propagated ideas of revolution and liberalism. Yes, many of the early Masons embraced a type of "Christianity" but it was one highly colored by the fashionable thoughts of the so called "enlightenment".

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

Does the Bible teach morality Jim ??

Yes, the Bible is used for teaching morality.

 

[ALX25]

Yes, the Bible is used for teaching morality.

Does Masonry meaning the masonic lodge solely use the Holy Bible as instruction for morality to man?

 

[Rev Wayne]

Even if Masonry was neutral in terms of religion and not hostile to the religion of Christianity in the abstract it still agitated against the Church and propagated ideas of revolution and liberalism. Yes, many of the early Masons embraced a type of "Christianity" but it was one highly colored by the fashionable thoughts of the so called "enlightenment".

All I can say is, if they "agitated against the Church and propagated ideas of revolution," congratulations to them. Martin Luther did the same thing and is a Protestant hero of the faith. Of course, "the Church" in that context being the Catholic Church, we can't really fault Masons for doing what we applaud the Protestant Church for doing, now can we?

And maybe you've never read the accounts of John Coustos, a Mason who was tortured by the Inquisition simply because they thought a group meeting behind closed doors must be keeping some ghastly secret from them.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

Even if Masonry was neutral in terms of religion and not hostile to the religion of Christianity in the abstract it still agitated against the Church and propagated ideas of revolution and liberalism. Yes, many of the early Masons embraced a type of "Christianity" but it was one highly colored by the fashionable thoughts of the so called "enlightenment".

Ideas of revolution and liberalism are not all contrary to Christianity. Some are, but all are not. If the united States of America suddenly adopted Sharia Law, would Christians sit back idly or would they consider revolution?

And don't forget that this "so called 'enlightenment'" period you refer to was smack dab in the middle of a time where governments and religions were so intimately tied together so tightly that anyone who spoke any opinion against either was considered a traitor and a heretic. Is this really exemplary of Biblical Christianity?

And also don't forget that Freemasonry was condemned by the Catholic Church not because of "anti-Christian" teachings, but because it taught free thinking--something very threatening to the Catholic Church.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

Does Masonry meaning the masonic lodge solely use the Holy Bible as instruction for morality to man?

No. And this is certainly not a problem, even for a Christian. "Morality" is a "moral discourse, statement, or lesson" with "moral" being defined as "of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior". And the topic of morality is certainly not by default a religious discussion. To a Christian, the Holy Bible may be THE source for teaching morality, but to presume that nothing else can provide any insight into understanding principles of right and wrong in behavior is plain ludicrous.

 

[Christos Anesti]

All I can say is, if they "agitated against the Church and propagated ideas of revolution," congratulations to them. Martin Luther did the same thing and is a Protestant hero of the faith. Of course, "the Church" in that context being the Catholic Church, we can't really fault Masons for doing what we applaud the Protestant Church for doing, now can we?

I was speaking of the Orthodox Church and the agitation of the Masons in Russia specifically.

 

[Christos Anesti]

Did Albert Pike understand Masonry?

Albert Pike , Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry :

"Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion." (p. 213)

"Masonry, around whose altars the Christian, the Hebrew, the Moslem, the Brahim, the followers of Confucius and Zoroaster, can assemble as brethren and unite in prayer to the one God who is above all the Baalism."
(p. 226)

"Masonry, like all religions, all the Mysteries, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages or Elect and uses false explanations and interpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled." (p. 105 )

 

[Rev Wayne]

Did Albert Pike understand Masonry?

The fact is, Mason or not, most people do not even understand Pike, nor even mangage to comprehend how to read him in context.

If you want to understand "every Masonic lodge is a temple of religion," you need to read several pages before it becomes apparent. He's simply saying that all the occupations and preoccupations of this life are "religion," i.e., religious practice, if they are so considered. He applies the idea that everything we do will tend toward God if we are thus-minded, because he also says "there is a religion of toil," "there is a religion of friendship," etc. and in THAT light, makes the comment that Masonry is just one more of the things of life that can be taken the same way.

Besides, if he had intended the remark that way, he never would have said:

Masonry is not a religion. He who makes of it a religious belief, falsifies and denaturalizes it. (p. 161)

"Masonry, around whose altars the Christian, the Hebrew, the Moslem, the Brahim, the followers of Confucius and Zoroaster, can assemble as brethren and unite in prayer to the one God who is above all the Baalism."
(p. 226)

Happens at civic gatherings quite often--not to mention, the U.S. Senate. Unless you happen to think they are all Christians.

And Masonry has no secrets, not anymore, everything about them can be found at the touch of a keyboard on the internet.

 

[ALX25]

No. And this is certainly not a problem, even for a Christian. "Morality" is a "moral discourse, statement, or lesson" with "moral" being defined as "of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior". And the topic of morality is certainly not by default a religious discussion. To a Christian, the Holy Bible may be THE source for teaching morality, but to presume that nothing else can provide any insight into understanding principles of right and wrong in behavior is plain ludicrous.

So basically what your saying is:

1. Masonry does use other sources other than the Holy Bible, to teach Morality.

2. By your own definition of "morality" you believe man can teach man ( the masonic lodge) principles of right and wrong in behavior, rather than God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

3. One who proclaims to be a christian usually does not follow lessons in and of morality from other sources other than the Bible and the word of JESUS Christ, nor would that person be a member of an organization that practiced just that.

Why, simply because its not Christ-like meaning not of Christianity, meaning , not of the God of the Holy Bible.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

Did Albert Pike understand Masonry

Albert Pike knew quite a bit about Freemasonry, and he was also interested in and well-studied in comparative religions. It is therefore expected that many of his writings, particularly Morals and Dogma which you quote, reflect that interest. But let's put Morals and Dogma into a better perspective, so here we read the Preface to Morals and Dogma (which is omitted by most Anti-Masonic sites) and you will discover the true value that the Scottish Rite places this work:

...In preparing this work, the Grand Commander has been about equally Author and Compiler; since he has extracted quite half its contents from the works of the best writers and most philosophic or eloquent thinkers. Perhaps it would have been better and more acceptable if he had extracted more and written less.

Still, perhaps half of it is his own; and, in incorporating here the thoughts and words of others, he has continually changed and added to the language, often intermingling, in the same sentences, his own words with theirs. It not being intended for the world at large, he has felt at liberty to make, from all accessible sources, a Compendium of the Morals and Dogma of the Rite, to re-mould sentences, change and add to words and phrases, combine them with his own, and use them as if they were his own, to be dealt with at his pleasure and so availed of as to make the whole most valuable for the purposes intended. He claims, therefore, little of the merit of authorship, and has not cared to distinguish his own from that which he has taken from other sources, being quite willing that every portion of the book, in turn, may be regarded as borrowed from some old and better writer.

The teachings of these Readings are not sacramental, so far as they go beyond the realm of Morality into those of other domains of Thought and Truth. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite uses the word "Dogma" in its true sense, of doctrine, or teaching; and is not dogmatic in the odious sense of that term. Every one is entirely free to reject and dissent from whatsoever herein may seem to him to be untrue or unsound. It is only required of him that he shall weigh what is taught, and give it fair hearing and unprejudiced judgment. Of course, the ancient theosophic and philosophic speculations are not embodied as part of the doctrines of the Rite; but because it is of interest and profit to know what the Ancient Intellect thought upon these subjects, and because nothing so conclusively proves the radical difference between our human and the animal nature, as the capacity of the human mind to entertain such speculations in regard to itself and the Deity. But as to these opinions themselves, we may say, in the words of the learned Canonist, Ludovicus Gomez: "Opiniones secundum varietatem temporum senescant et intermoriantur, aliæque diversæ vel prioribus contrariæ renascantur et deinde pubescant."...

I think this speaks volumes (not sacred volumes. )

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

1. Masonry does use other sources other than the Holy Bible, to teach Morality.

Yes, it does. Just as colleges and universities use many sources to teach many subjects. Like colleges and universities, Freemasonry is not a religion, it is more of a study.

2. By your own definition of "morality" you believe man can teach man (the masonic lodge) principles of right and wrong in behavior, rather than God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The definition of morality I used, being an accepted dictionary definition, absolutely contends that morality can be taught without being reliant on the teachings of the Holy Bible. We're not talking about teaching religious doctrine or dogma here, we're talking about universal concepts that are the basis for almost every religion, philosophy, and worldview. And the definition also does not exclude the Holy Bible.

But wait! The Bible IS used as the basis of morality in the Masonic degrees! Morality is taught as directly inspired from writings and teachings of the Old and New Testaments. Do you see that morality taught by the Koran, the Vedas, the Constitutions of a Masonic jurisdiction, or other VSL being used in the degrees?

3. One who proclaims to be a christian usually does not follow lessons in and of morality from other sources other than the Bible and the word of JESUS Christ, nor would that person be a member of an organization that practiced just that.

As a Christian, my understanding of morality is based on my understanding of the Holy Bible. And Freemasonry has provided me with tools that exemplify and illustrate through allegory and symbolism, those very teachings of morality that are found in the Bible.

Why, simply because its not Christ-like meaning not of Christianity, meaning , not of the God of the Holy Bible.

A false conclusion based upon a false premise.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

And Masonry has no secrets, not anymore, everything about them can be found at the touch of a keyboard on the internet.

And to paraphrase a Mason interviewed on one of those history shows on TV....

You can go into pretty much any library, bookstore, or on the Internet, and find the secrets of Freemasonry. It's just that Masons promise to not reveal them. It's a statement of living a life of integrity, not concealment.

 

[ALX25]

Yes, it does. Just as colleges and universities use many sources to teach many subjects. Like colleges and universities, Freemasonry is not a religion, it is more of a study.


The definition of morality I used, being an accepted dictionary definition, absolutely contends that morality can be taught without being reliant on the teachings of the Holy Bible. We're not talking about teaching religious doctrine or dogma here, we're talking about universal concepts that are the basis for almost every religion, philosophy, and worldview. And the definition also does not exclude the Holy Bible.

But wait! The Bible IS used as the basis of morality in the Masonic degrees! Morality is taught as directly inspired from writings and teachings of the Old and New Testaments. Do you see that morality taught by the Koran, the Vedas, the Constitutions of a Masonic jurisdiction, or other VSL being used in the degrees?


As a Christian, my understanding of morality is based on my understanding of the Holy Bible. And Freemasonry has provided me with tools that exemplify and illustrate through allegory and symbolism, those very teachings of morality that are found in the Bible.


A false conclusion based upon a false premise.

If masonry was just for study, why would the lodge require a candidate to beleive in a god of their choice to become a member?