Biblical Content and/or Christian Interpretation II: Monitorial

[Rev Wayne]

Florida is not the only monitor where this appears:

Be ye careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day for ye know not when the time is; ye know not when the Master cometh--at even, at midnight, or in the morning. Continue to listen to the voice of Nature, typified by the Sprig of Acacia, that ever-green and ever-living FAITH in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet, and strengthens us with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immmortality; and we doubt not that on the glorious morn of the Resurrection our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our souls. (Kentucky Monitor, 1987, MM degree, p. 151-52)

It's not just in the MM degree either, for we find in the Virginia Manual:

What doth the Lord require of thee, O man, but to do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with thy God. "And one of the elders sayeth unto me, Weep not; behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the book and loosen the seven seals thereof." These words from the Book of the Law remind us of the two great symbols of Freemasonry and that for which they stand --the white lamb-skin apron and the sprig of acacia.
The lamb-skin, representing he that takes away the sins of the whole world and gives us that great peace which man cannot understand. The apron, representing the earth crowned by the triangle of the flap representing Deity, symbolizes for us the Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. The sprig of acacia represents that immortal or better part of man which, through the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, survives the grave. By it we are also reminded of the promise of the resurrection of the body, which will arise and become as incorruptible as our soul. (Virginia Manual, Lodge Memorial Service, 1977, p. 116)

 

[Skip Sampson]

More Florida material:

From which edition of monitor are you quoting from?

You should have also mentioned this comment from the FL GL Mentor's Manual:

The Jewish idea of the Messiah was that of a mighty temporal king. He was designated the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, for it was from this trive that all rulers came. The expression does not, of necessity, refer to Jesus of Nazareth, though the Christian Mason may so interpret the name if he desires. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes the Messiah of the Jewish Mason or the mediator of some of the ancient religions of the East whose worshippers are Masons. (2008, pg. 25)

Or this from the Mod II Study Guide:

LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH: Solomon was the original Lion of the Tribe of Judah and it is a title carried over today by those said to be his descendants. Later, Christ was characterized by this title. Today, it is a Masonic symbol of resurrection. (1994, pg. 75)

You can see now that the words in the Monitor may have seemed familiar, but the FL GL had altered their meaning. It is not unusual to find within Masonry comments that undercut Jesus' claim about being the only mediator between God and man.

You also missed this from the monitor, which is far more indicative of Masonry's position:

Let us imitate this good man in his virtuous and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God; in his inflexible fidelity to his trust; that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death as a kind messenger sent from the Supreme Grand Master to summon us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. (1995, pg. 125)

You can see where your cut & paste approach to Masonry often leads you into unwarranted assumptions. But looking at GL literature in entirety, one gets a better idea of the true teachings. It is clear that in Florida, being like Hiram Abiff is a sure-fire way to make it heaven for the Mason, regardless of his religious beliefs. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Florida is not the only monitor where this appears ... It's not just in the MM degree either, for we find in the Virginia Manual:

And you've managed to make the same mistake with the Virginia material as you did with the Florida, as this indicates:

The Jewish idea of the Messiah was that of a mighty temporal king. He was designated the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, for it was from this trive that all rulers came. The expression does not, of necessity, refer to Jesus of Nazareth, though the Christian Mason may so interpret the name if he desires. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes the Messiah of the Jewish Mason or the mediator of some of the ancient religions of the East whose followers are Masons. (VA GL MM, 2002, pg. 50)

I'll have to find my copy of the KY monitor, but it wouldn't surprise me to find a similar statement therein. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Rev Wayne]

And you've managed to make the same mistake with the Virginia material as you did with the Florida

The Florida quote was no "mistake," what I posted comes from the current usage.

as this indicates:

Sorry, but even with the pecking order that you claim to adhere to, the Mentor's Manual doesn't hold an ounce of mustard in comparison to the Monitor itself.

But what is really appalling is that a Christian--a professing one, anyway--would come out in support of that statement over the truth of the matter: that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is a biblical phrase, and appears only in Revelation in the Bible, and is a DIRECT reference to Jesus Christ.

Let me show you something else that you probably never noticed:

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes the Messiah of the Jewish Mason

Do you mind telling me where this comes from? It definitely does not come from Scripture. There is NOWHERE in Scripture you will find "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" other than Revelation 5:5. And that is NOT "the Messiah of the Jewish Mason," for that is the Messiah that the Jews REJECTED. In fact, there is nowhere else in Scripture that I have found, where you will even find the shortened version of it, "Lion of Judah." The funny thing is, there are a lot of people in some jurisdictions who seem to be fond of denying that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" refers to Jesus Christ. And a lot of them who do so, are fond of basing it on the idea that "kings of Judah were referred to as the Lion of Judah." Problem is, there's not a single one of those who MAKE that claim who offer any SUPPORT for the claim. And with good reason: there IS none. I don't know what faith the folks come from who have penned that denial, but if they are Christians, they don't know their Bible, and it's abundantly clear they are not Jewish, or else they would not be making the claim that it fits their Messiah, when the context clearly indicates it does not.

Fact is, from the time the phrase began to be used, it was clearly attributed to its true source. And in some places, there are those who are at least honest enough to acknowledge it.

And if anyone were familiar enough with the traditional "Great Light of Masonry," they would recognize what an error it is to claim that the phrase can be attributed to anyone else. I will show why from what is an example of the most common form of this from the MM degree:

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living sprig of faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens us with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immortality; and we doubt not but that in the glorious morning of the resurrection our bodies will be raised and become as incorruptible as our souls. (Alabama Masonic Manual, MM degree, 1911, p. 84; Also in Alabama Masonic Ritual, 1984, p. 68)

"Our bodies will be raised" is not Jewish. Nor is it an expression found in any other religion, but Christianity. "Become incorruptible as our souls" is also Christian theology, and no other, and is a direct reflection of the language found in Paul's discourse upon the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15.

Those, therefore, who defend against the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" as Christ, do so either by (1) dealing with the phrase in isolation by not considering the context in which it appears--an automatic error in judgment; or (2) dealing with the phrase in ignorance of its source, as well as ignorance of the Jewish faith which they claim it could also be said to represent, since there is nothing Jewish to be found there other than "Lion" and "tribe of Judah" from which the Christian phrase derives.

 

[Skip Sampson]

The Florida quote was no "mistake," what I posted comes from the current usage.

Partial usage, as I pointed out. At the danger of repeating myself, your cut & paste approach to Masonry allows you to 'prove' things that you want prove; however, the reality is often different, as I indicated. You should have done some research and analysis before you posted the Monitor. BTW, what edition are you using?

Sorry, but even with the pecking order that you claim to adhere to, the Mentor's Manual doesn't hold an ounce of mustard in comparison to the Monitor itself.

Actually, it does. It's what the Master Mason is using to help train the new guys. It's what they want taught, Monitor not withstanding. In another sense, they are not in conflict. The Monitor mentions the Lion, but the Manual defines it. There is no inconsistency between them.

But what is really appalling is that a Christian--a professing one, anyway--would come out in support of that statement over the truth of the matter: that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is a biblical phrase, and appears only in Revelation in the Bible, and is a DIRECT reference to Jesus Christ.

Yeah, I'm pretty appalled that the Masons in those states, some of whom are self-professed Christians, would promulgate and support such a view by their continued membership. But there it is, to remind us yet again that there are no Christians in Freemasonry.

As to me, you might keep in mind that my post was very clear in identifying Freemasonry as the source of the viewpoint. Keep in mind that I'm just pointing out what Freemasonry teaches. You remember: that group of which you are a member and support with funds and your presence, such that it is. Don't get so huffy with the Masons who wrote and support it; they are what they are. And I'm just the messenger, pointing out your errors, and, of course, those of Freemasonry as well. Yes, it's quite a task, but I'm happy to do it.

Do you mind telling me where this comes from?

I already cited it as coming from the Mentor's Manuals in FL and VA, among others. It a Masonic teaching, and not limited to those two states. Masonry just cannot allow a single mediator between God and man or they'd have to show that Jesus is exactly that.

It definitely does not come from Scripture.

Glad you realized that. Are you going to complain to those two states about their views and let them know they have it wrong? You could at least glare at their web sites, then logoff.

And if anyone were familiar enough with the traditional "Great Light of Masonry," they would recognize what an error it is to claim that the phrase can be attributed to anyone else.

Yet both GL's do just that. I guess the Masons in both those states aren't "familiar enough" to know the truth, which makes sense. Incidentally, I don't think you are "familiar enough" with it either, at least in the Masonic sense. More to come.

I will show why

Don't bother. You should take this up with the GL's as noted above. It's their teaching. Incidentally, Alabama is also consistent with FL that imitating Hiram Abiff will get a man into heaven:

Then let us all, my brethren, ever imitate the example of * * * in his virtuous and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God; in his inflexible fidelity to his trust, that we, too, like him, may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. (AL GL, Masonic Ritual, 1978, pg. 64)

Hiram Abiff is the Masonic 'messiah,' as GL documentation shows.

Those, therefore, who defend against the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" as Christ, do so either by (1) dealing with the phrase in isolation by not considering the context in which it appears--an automatic error in judgment; or (2) dealing with the phrase in ignorance of its source, as well as ignorance of the Jewish faith which they claim it could also be said to represent, since there is nothing Jewish to be found there other than "Lion" and "tribe of Judah" from which the Christian phrase derives.

Yep, I agree that both GL's are pretty ignorant of Christianity, to say nothing of Judaism. But what do you expect from Masons? They are on the outside, looking in. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Rev Wayne]

At the danger of repeating myself, your cut & paste approach to Masonry allows you to 'prove' things that you want prove

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You dare talk of "cut and paste approach to Masonry" and "proving things you want to prove," after your fiascoes with "Jacob's Staircase," "rectangular cubes," "authoritative pictures," Grand Secretaries contacting themselves for rulings, all of which you engaged in repeatedly, ad infinitum??? Dude, you have some serious problems of projection.

Your "danger" is not in repeating yourself, it's in being so bull-in-a-china-shop set on vilifying Masonry, that you do so at the expense of common sense.

however, the reality is often different, as I indicated.

Well, you've given abundant evidence on this forum in the past, that you are hardly a reliable gauge of "reality."

"The reality" of the matter is EXACTLY what I've been getting at. I'm not interested in speaking of the term as this Mason or that Mason understands it, or this Masonic source or that one understands it, and even less in how you understand it. What I'm getting at is, what is the true significance of the phrase itself, and whether it is something whose definition is beyond the stated opinions. I readily and heartily submit that this is most definitely the case. At the same time, I submit that the "Masonic understanding" of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is overwhelmingly tilted in favor of it as a Messianic and direct reference to Jesus Christ.

The Monitor mentions the Lion, but the Manual defines it.

Wrong: the manual does not "define" it, the Bible does, which is my point. "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" as a scriptural term is not negotiable, it is a specific reference to a specific person. Statements such as those you are fond of trying to assert, which deny the specificity of the phrase, are simply attempts to undo the status quo.

For those who are aware of its singular reference, it cannot help but be accorded its true significance--even in Masonic documents, which I've shown you many times over in the past. One such statement you've seen many times already:

The very spirit of all of our lectures proves conclusively that when they were formulated they were designed to teach pure trinitarian Christianity, and while the Jewish scriptures did forecast the intermediary of a Christos, as all the ancient heathen mysteries did also, yet Jesus Christ as shown and demonstrated in the writings of the New Testament, was not understood by the Jewish writers of the Old Testament, nor by but very few of that faith since. The first three degrees taken in connection with the Holy Royal Arch, as they have always been with our Brethren of England, certainly show pure Christianity, as taught throughout the writings of the New Testament scriptures. (Mackey, History of Freemasonry, p. 1769)

"Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is simply a reflection of that Christian foundation upon which Masonic lectures were formulated.

Yeah, I'm pretty appalled that the Masons in those states, some of whom are self-professed Christians, would promulgate and support such a view by their continued membership.

I doubt you are either pretty or appalled. And I get the idea that those who do lobby for the neutrality of the term do so for exactly that reason, its neutrality--real or imagined. And there are far fewer of them than you would lead us to believe.

As to me, you might keep in mind that my post was very clear in identifying Freemasonry as the source of the viewpoint.

Sure, Pontius, wash your hands, that'll take care of your own complicity in the matter.

Likewise, keep in mind that I am not interested in "the viewpoint," I'm only interested in the truth of what the phrase itself signifies.

Don't get so huffy with the Masons who wrote and support it; they are what they are.

Sorry, but the above comment to which you are replying was not stated about them, it was about you. Don't get huffy about what it says, you are what you are. And you do continue to support what is a dissenting view, over the actual Masonic view. Naturally you will try to limit the collateral damage to your Christian credibility. But I take your support of that view over the actual view of who the Lion of the Tribe of Judah actually is, no differently than I would take it should you come out with an opinion on this forum expressing agreement with Marcus Borg that the resurrection was merely a spiritual reality.

I already cited it as coming from the Mentor's Manuals in FL and VA, among others.

Naturally I was not referring to the appearance of the claim in any Masonic source, but to the supposed "information" upon which the claim is based.

As I stated, there IS no support ever given for such a claim, because there IS NONE. It's just an attempt to assert a challenge to the already solid Masonic opinion that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is Jesus Christ. Like I said, I understand the reason for the challenge as an interest in "preserving neutrality," and it's a noble gesture for those interested in being considerate of those who have chosen to join Masonry from faiths other than Christianity; but it has no basis in fact, because what it tries to state about the Jewish faith, in reality goes against certain beliefs of that faith.

But since you seem to think it IS supportable, be my guest, and show us:

Where in the OT Jewish Kings were referred to as "Lion of the Tribe of Judah";
Why the phrase "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," "does not of necessity refer to Jesus of Nazareth," despite the phrase having only one usage in all of Scripture, and that being Rev. 5:5 in DIRECT reference to Jesus;
How "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" can be a description of the "mediator of the Jewish religion," when there is no adherent to the Jewish religion who has ever taken it as such?

Masonry just cannot allow a single mediator between God and man or they'd have to show that Jesus is exactly that.

Actually, they do: but symbolically rather than directly. Symbolic systems do not declare, they allude.

W: It definitely does not come from Scripture.
S: Glad you realized that.

Glad you acknowledged it as well.

Thank you for your admission that the opinion as stated in the source you cited is wrong. Now if we can just figure out why you as a Christian choose to support that statement rather than recognizing the truth of the matter as stated in MOST Masonic opinion.

Alabama is also consistent with FL that imitating Hiram Abiff will get a man into heaven:

I will respond, but I will first suggest that we stick to the current focus.

Hiram Abiff is an allegorical figure. In an allegory which has been most typically described in Masonry as teaching the resurrection, the "figure" he represents is none other than Jesus Christ.

Hiram Abiff is the Masonic 'messiah,' as GL documentation shows.

Thanks for your stated opinion of what "GL documentation shows." Now all you need to do is get the thinking cap screwed on straight so that you recognize it well enough to give it a more accurate expression of it. It's really no different than the same allegorical and symbolic representations by which we come up with a body as a temple, and a Savior as a Lion. One thing represents another. Hiram Abiff, in an allegorical drama designed to teach resurrection, figuratively/symbolically/typologically represents Christ.

They are on the outside, looking in.

No, for the most part, they are on the inside looking in, same as you. Not that it improves that much from the inside. There are Christians who are equally Bible knowledge-challenged, it's been a well-known fact for quite some time. In fact, you offer us a wonderful illustration of it with your continued failure to recognize that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is a unique reference to Jesus Christ, as well as your continued attempt to assert opinions to the contrary every time you find them.

No wonder it's so difficult for some Masons to see the truth of the matter of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," when even Christians assail it.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Here are just a few Masonic references which directly name Christ as the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah":

Conspiracies may be formed against us; ruffians may assault us and lay violent hands upon us; the world may cast us out as rubbish; they may heave us over their pale of charity; we may wander about in goat skins and sheep skins, destitute, afflicted, tormented; we may be stoned and sawn asunder; the violence of our enemies may smite us to the ground; yet if we maintain our integrity, the vine, the myrtle and the cassia, shall grow from our grave. Though in the Patriarchal religion: O Lord and my God! the flesh may be rotten and cleave from the bone; yet, in the Jewish religion, there is marrow in the bone; and in the Christian, life and immortality are brought to light, the strong grip of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is Jesus Christ himself, who is the resurrection and the life, will raise up our dead bodies and fashion them like unto his own most glorious body, according to the mighty workmg whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. (Memoirs of the Rev. Ammi Rogers, 1834, p. 176)

What then, is a Mason? In its absolute and ultimate meaning I conceive that there has been but one perfect Mason on this earth, and He was the Son of Man, the gentle Nazarene, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah: for he was the only sinless and spotless one. Even our brethren of the Jewish faith, whilst they do not recognize, as we Christian Masons do, the incarnation of God in Him, yet the well-read ones among them do acknowledge that His life and teachings embody a perfect system of morality—which is Masonry pure and simple. (American Tyler-Keystone, Vol. 18, 1903, p. 454)

LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH--In the tribal benediction pronounced upon Judah, the "lion's whelp" is used emblematically of Strength. Hence, the ensign on the banner of Judah was a lion. The phrase in the Masonic ritual, "The Lion of the tribe of Judah," is Messianic and refers to Christ. (Michael R. Poll, Masonic Words and Phrases, 2005, p. 61)

An old legend among the Byzantine Christians of teh time of Constantine made the thorny tamarisk the tree from which the Cross of Calvary was made. According to Dr. Mackey, the Lion of the tribe of Judah can be none other than Jesus of Nazareth. (Henry Pirtle, The Lost Word of Freemasonry, 1993, p. 152)

The phrase, "Lion of the tribe of Judah," therefore, when used in the Masonic ritual, referred in its original interpretation to Christ, him who "brought life and immortality to light." (E.R. Johnson, Masonry Defined, 2002, p. 533)

Lion of Tribe of Judah: Solomon was the original of the "lion of the Tribe of Judah" phrase, but in later years, Christ was said to have been characterized by this expression; our ritual was formulated at a time when Christianity was dominant in Englan, and this is possibly a relic of that period. (Ray V. Denslow, Transactions of the Missouri Lodge of Research, Part 8, 2003, p. 56)

And let us bless God for our further improvement as Christians; and with our patron, St. John, though he wept much at first, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon, nor to loose the seven seals thereof, let us be comforted that the Lamb of God, which is also called the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath come forth, and prevailed to open the book, to loose the seals, and to manifest to men the will of God. (George Oliver, The History of Masonic Persecution in Different Quarters of the Globe, 2005, p. 334)

Christ did truly and properly raise Himself from the dead. Although the resurrection of Christ is attributed to God, the Father, the first person in the Trinity, the act was not the act of the Father alone. The divine power which resided in the Lion of the tribe of Judah--in Christ--is of the same power with God, the Father. (Charles Scott, Keystone of the Masonic Arch, 1998, p. 287)

The degree we have witnessed this evening is the climax of the Christian degrees in Scottish Rite Freemasonry. If we refer to the Book of Books, the Great Light in Masonry, we find in Revelation a reference to the Christ as the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," and when the Master Mason is raised by the string grip of the Lion's paw, his resurrection is typical of the resurrection so splendidly exemplified here this evening. (James Hodge Codding, Jubilee Year of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors, 2003, p. 315)

When he was about to expire on the cross, (that instrument curiously made up of squares, right-angles, horizontals and perpendiculars,) three words of sublime import fell from his quivering lips, "it is finished." His work was done. It was marked and numbered "with a new name written in it, which no man knoweth save him that receiveth it." He was smitten of God and afflicted. His visage was marred more than any man's. He had given the sign and utered the words of distress, while he hung upon the tree, and yet none came to his relief. Even the Father forsook his only begotten Son. He was crucified. He died and was buried. On the brow of a hill his body was laid in a tomb, hewn out of a rock. The third day his body was raised and exalted in glorified humanity to the right hand of the Majesty of the throne. Then the Temple he was chosen to erect was a finished and goodly structure. Its foundation is Christ, and the incommunicable name of a thrice illustrious Deity is carved on every stone, and sculptured on every pillar.
Need I add anything more? There is a Temple in the heavenly city, and in its every apartment are glorious spirits studying the emblem of mercy within the great circle of eternity. Oh! may we all be raised through the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, to the ineffable degree of inteligence and love, and receive beneath the living arches of eternity the mysteries of the Godhead. (Charles Scott, "The Great Light in Masonry," in Outlines of the Temple by Cornelius Moore & William B. Thrall, 2003, p. 155)

After a series of discouragements enough to sink the heart of man into profoundest despair, strength is found in the Star of Israel, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which shall prevail, and the body shall be raised. Here my sad heart found hop0e. For, be our dust hidden, wherever circumstances may cast it, the eye of God shall mark its place, and one atom of it shall not be lost. In that symbol, pointing to one, elegantly painted, above us, in that symbol the expression is, life and immortality brought to light in the gospel; and to this my heart, at that hour, was irresistibly attracted. Now I could raise my head from its drooping. I withdrew my hand from its position, and raising it to Heaven, while my left hand supported the Holy Book, fountain of all my hopes; my swelling hear gladly acknowledged this clear revelation. So, after imprinting a last kiss on the pallid lips of her, with whom I had spent so many happy years, I resigned her with cheerfulness to the dead level of the grave, feeling assured that I should one day witness her resurrection. (John Callis in Lights and Shadows of the Mystic Tie by Albert Mackey and Rob Morris, 1999, p. 227)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah: Jesus Christ (Masonic Glossary, Acimnos Ceihpr, 1946, p. 243)

The early Freemasons, so the records show, read both these meanings,—Christ and Resurrection,—into the symbol as they used it. And when we consider that most of Freemasonry was Christian in belief down at least to the Grand Lodge era, it is reasonable to suppose that the Lion symbol may have been one of the vestiges of that early belief carried over into the modern system. If this be the case the Lion's Paw has the same meaning, whether we interpret it, with Pike, as an Egyptian symbol, or with Leader Scott, as a Christian emblem, since it stands for the life-giving power, a meaning that perfectly accords with its use in the Third Degree. (H.L. Haywood, Symbolical Masonry, 1923, p. 282)

As a symbol, the Jews sometimes used the lion as an emblem of the Tribe of Judah as they expected the Messiah to descend from this tribe. This reference carried over to Christianity where the Lion of the Tribe of Judah refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. To the ancient craft, this symbolism was seen further in the death and the resurrection to life of man. Legend had that a lion's cub, or whelp, was born dead and brought to life by the roar of its sire. As such, the reference to the lion may be applied to the Messiah, who brought life and the light of immortality to the tribes of Israel, through the roar of God's word. ("The Lion's Paw," GL of Texas, cited from Masonicworld.com)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah- In the tribal benediction pronounced upon Judah, the "lion's whelp" is used emblematically of strength. Hence, the ensign on the banner of Judah was a lion. The phrase in the Masonic ritual, "The lion of the tribe of Judah," is Messianic and refers to Christ, the anointed of God and royal head of God's Kingdom. ("Masonic Words and Phrases," website of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington)

Blessed Jesus! do Thou assist us by thy grace to perform our vow. And in that awful moment when the clock of creation shall strike its last hour, and the corner-stone of this Monument shall crumble in the convulsions of expiring nature—that awful moment when yonder heavens shall cleave to make way for our Judge, and the shrill summons of the Archangel s Trump shall pierce the dull cold ear of Death with the knell of his departed reign, and the King of Terrors shall drop the chains with which his prisoners are bound—O then in that awful and tremendous moment, when the strong Arm of the Lion of Judah shall raise ns from the tomb, and we shall stand before that Tribunal from whose decisions there is no appeal, may we meet our Judge without fear or trembling,and receive the inestimable sentence—"Well done good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of your Lord!" (American Masonic Record and Albany Saturday Magazine, Vol. 1 # 51, Jan 19 1828, p. 403)

 

[Rev Wayne]

Yet another collection of Masonic references specifically stating Christ as the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah":

"What doth the Lord require of thee, 0 man, but 'to do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with thy God.'" "And one of the elders sayeth unto me: 'Rejoice ye and be exceedingly glad-behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the book and to loosen the seven seals thereof," reminding us of two of the great symbolisms of Masonry - the white lamb-skin apron and the sprig of acacia.
The white apron, representative of the lamb that taketh away the sin of the world; the good Mason is constantly reminded by the ever living sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah which strengthens him with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immortality and doubts not but that in the glorious morn of the Resurrection, his body will rise and become as incorruptible as his soul; and thus death is not a cessation of life, but only an incident in it. (Memorial Service Program, Texas Monitor)

Revelation 5:5 reads: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the Book, and to loose the Seven Seals thereof.” I Samuel 17:37 uses the expression: “paw of the lion.” The Lion of the tribe of Judah is supposed to mean Christ and the allusion is said to refer to the doctrine of resurrection. (Coil's Encyclopedia)

The connection of Solomon, as the chief of the tribe of Judah, with the lion, which was the achievement of the tribe, has caused this expression to be referred, in the third degree, to him who brought light and immortality to light. The old Christian interpretation of the Masonic symbols here prevails; and in Ancient Craft Masonry all allusions to the lion, as the lion’s paw, the lion’s grip, etc., refer to the doctrine of the resurrection taught by him who is known as “the lion of the tribe of Judah.” The expression is borrowed from the Apocalypse, (v. 5) “Behold, the Lion which is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Mackey's Encyclopedia)

Combine with this instruction the recollection of the place where the sprig of acacia was planted-Mount Calvary-the place of sepulture of Him who "brought life and immortality to light," and Who, in Christian Freemasonry, is designated, as He is in Scripture, as the lion of the tribe of Judah; and remember, too, that in the mystery of His death, the wood of the cross takes the place of the acacia. (Mackey's Encyclopedia)

In the tribal benediction pronounced upon Judah, the “lion’s whelp” is used emblematically of strength; hence, the ensign on the banner of Judah was a lion. The phrase in the Masonic ritual, “The lion of the tribe of Judah,” is Messianic and refers to Christ, the anointed of God and royal head of God’s Kingdom. (Heirloom Masonic Bible, Master Mason Edition, 2003)

The lion was a symbol of Jeremiah, because of the terrible voice of his threatening; and of St. Mark, because his gospel begins with the voice in the wilderness; but principally of Christ, who is denominated the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and will ultimately subdue all things to himself; “for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.” (Macoy, Dictionary of Freemasonry)

But to the Christian, the coldness and darkness of the tomb are hidden by the evergreens of faith and hope, which spring forth from the Root of Jesse, who was cut down in the midst of his days, but from whose resurrection we derive glorious evidences of a blessed immortality. If, like our great pattern and exemplar, we are faithful to our trusts, violence may assail, but cannot destroy us; Death will no longer be a tyrant, but a Tyler to usher us into the presence of our Supreme Grand Master, who presides in the Lodge above. (K.J. Stewart, The Freemason’s Manual, 1851)

The murder of Hiram, his burial, and his being raised again by the Master, are symbols, both of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Redeemer; and of the death and burial in sins of the natural man, and his being raised again to a new life, or born again, by the direct action of the Redeemer; after Morality (symbolized by the Entered Apprentice's grip), and Philosophy (symbolized by the grip of the Fellow-Craft), had failed to raise him. That of the Lion of the House of Judah is the strong grip, never to be broken, with which Christ, of the royal line of that House, has clasped to Himself the whole human race, and embraces them in His wide arms as closely and affectionately as brethren embrace each other on the five points of fellowship. (Pike, Morals and Dogma, p. 640-41)

On mention of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Christian immediately traces the lineage of Jesus, and interprets such reference as pertaining to him. (George Steinmetz, Freemasonry: Its Hidden Meaning)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah
The phrase in the Masonic ritual, "The lion of the tribe of Judah," is Messianic and refers to Christ, the anointed of God and royal head of God's Kingdom. (Missouri Lodge of Research, “Key Masonic Words and Phrases”)

The expression borrowed from the Apocalypse, "Behold, the Lion which is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." The phrase, "Lion of the tribe of Judah," therefore when used in the Masonic ritual, referred in its original interpretation to Christ, him who "brought light and immortality to light." Rev. 5:5 - Gen. 49:9 (PhoenixMasonry glossary page)

Returning, then, to the acacia, we find that it is capable of three explanations. It is a symbol of immortality, of innocence, and of initiation. But these three significations are closely connected, and that connection must be observed, if we desire to obtain a just interpretation of the symbol. thus, in this one symbol, we are taught that in the initiation of life, of which the initiation in the third degree is simply emblematic, innocence must for a time lie in the grave, at length, however, to be called, by the word of the Grand Master of the Universe, to a blissful immortality. Combine with this the recollection of the place where the sprig of acacia was planted, and which I have heretofore shown to be Mount Calvary, the place of sepulture of Him who “brought life and immortality to light,” and who in Christian Masonry, is designated, as he is in Scripture, as “the lion of the tribe of Judah,” and remember, too, that in the mystery of his death, the wood of the cross takes the place of the acacia, and in this little and apparently insignificant symbol, but which is really and truly the most important and significant one in Masonic science, we have a beautiful suggestion of all the mysteries of life and death, of time and eternity, of the present and of the future. Thus read (and thus all our symbols should be read), Masonry proves something more to its disciples than a mere social society or a charitable association. It becomes a “lamp to our feet,” whose spiritual light shines on the darkness of the deathbed, and dissipates the gloomy shadows of the grave. (Mackey, Symbolism of Freemasonry, p. 226-27; these are his concluding comments at the end of chapter XXVIII, The Sprig of Acacia.)

The lamb of the passover was eminently a type of Christ; and accordingly we find the Apostle Paul saying, "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Cor. v. 7). And again and again do we find the Saviour of the world, who made atonement by the sacrifice of Himself, figuratively designated a lamb. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter "says the prophet Isaiah, "and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isa. liii . 7). But in the New Testament the figure is more strikingly presented, not in the way of mere allusion or similitude, but by giving to the Saviour himself this title, THE LAMB.—"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John i. 29). He is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. v. 5); this figurative designation expressing some of His attributes, and indicating the greatness of His power and of the victory achieved by it, as also His terribleness to His enemies; but at the same time He is styled the Lamb, and this even in His glory, and amidst the glories of heaven. (Chalmers Izett Paton, Freemasonry, its Symbolism, Religious Nature, and Law of Perfection, p. 234)

This tribe produced many princes, who eminently fulfilled this prediction, and literally trod upon the necks of their enemies ; particularly Jesus Christ, who is denominated the lion of the tribe of Judah, and will ultimately subdue all things to himself; " for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet." (George Oliver, The Antiquities of Free-Masonry, p. 306-07)

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but the Christian is suddenly revived by the ever green and ever living sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah ; which strengthens him, with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality; and doubts not, but in the glorious morn of the resurrection, his body will rise, and become as incorruptible as his soul. Then let us imitate the Christian in his virtuous and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God ; in his inflexible fidelity to his trust; that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides. (Jeremy Cross, The True Masonic Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor, p. 41)

 

[Skip Sampson]

I'm not interested in speaking of the term as this Mason or that Mason understands it, or this Masonic source or that one understands it, and even less in how you understand it.

Oh, I don't know. You earlier said this was your objective:

Some time ago, I was invited by the founder of O.F.F. to start a thread listing the Christian references/interpretations and biblical content that can be found in Masonry, and "let's talk about them." On this thread, I seek to respond to that invitation.

Ok, we've seen a Christian reference and we're talking about it.

What I'm getting at is, what is the true significance of the phrase itself, and whether it is something whose definition is beyond the stated opinions.

Significance is in the eye of the beholder. If the Mormon professes faith in 'Jesus Christ,' we know that the person he's talking about is not that of the Bible. Same in Masonry. They like to use familiar Biblical terms, but give them new meanings. Same bait & switch as in Mormonism, or in the Koran for that matter. Same hand at work as well.

At the same time, I submit that the "Masonic understanding" of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is overwhelmingly tilted in favor of it as a Messianic and direct reference to Jesus Christ.

Yet the two GL's you started with rejected just that understanding.

Wrong: the manual does not "define" it, the Bible does, which is my point. "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" as a scriptural term is not negotiable, it is a specific reference to a specific person.

But the MM DID define it, and as a totally different concept than that found in the Bible. That conclusion is inescapable. In the Masonic treatment, it is no longer a "specific reference to a specific person;" rather, it's something entirely different. Any Mason in such a jurisdictions where those comments are to be found and who claim to be Christian are showing their true colors by remaining in the organization. The Craft has more for them than does the Cross.

One such statement you've seen many times already:

An interesting reference; however, you cited it as being published before Mackey was born. I'll have to find the actual reference and get back too you. I do know that during the 19th century, several writers tried to find such a meaning behind Masonry, but that wasn't true at the beginning of the GL era and certainly isn't true now. For example, Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 doesn't mention the Bible at all, but does contain this injunction:

But though in ancient Times Masons were charg’d in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet ’tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; ...

Kinda hard to see Christianity all throughout Freemasonry when it wasn't there from the beginning. You continue to find meanings that aren't really there.

"Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is simply a reflection of that Christian foundation upon which Masonic lectures were formulated.

No, it's a redefinition of a Biblical term that Masonry uses to hide it's true teachings.

Sorry, but the above comment to which you are replying was not stated about them, it was about you.

Yeah, I already knew that. It just indicated that you really didn't read my post. As usual.​

It's just an attempt to assert a challenge to the already solid Masonic opinion that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is Jesus Christ.

And you've been shown where that is untrue. Every GL that teaches that there are multiple 'messiahs' contradicts your view. And there are more of them, to say nothing of the SR/SJ.

But since you seem to think it IS supportable, be my guest, and show us:

I don't need to; you should direct your question to the GL's making such claims. I'm sure they'd enjoy that.

I will respond, but I will first suggest that we stick to the current focus.

Should be interesting.

In an allegory which has been most typically described in Masonry as teaching the resurrection, the "figure" he represents is none other than Jesus Christ.

Not in FL and VA. You can quote opinions all you wish, but I'd like to see a GL proclamation on that.

Hiram Abiff, in an allegorical drama designed to teach resurrection, figuratively/symbolically/typologically represents Christ.

Which GL's teach that?
Wayne, your response is a very unserious one. You really do not know what you are talking about, and your commentary is very superficial. Attacking me does not hide that fact. Cordially, Skip.​

 

[Rev Wayne]

Wayne, your response is a very unserious one. You really do not know what you are talking about, and your commentary is very superficial. Attacking me does not hide that fact.

My response was serious, I posted two more full posts afterward to illustrate what I was talking about, and the commentary actually shows your own superficiality. Not to mention, you go against your own stated order of authority of Masonic documents, in the vain attempt to cover up and/or refute evidence you don't particularly like.

And calling any Masonic material I've posted an "attack on you" does not hide the fact that your stated opinions are self-delusional and self-contradictory--in fact, it is the surest evidence of it.

 

[Rev Wayne]

W: Hiram Abiff, in an allegorical drama designed to teach resurrection, figuratively/symbolically/typologically represents Christ.
S: Which GL's teach that?

Figuratively/symbolically/typologically speaking, quite a number of them do, just not directly. Now if you're looking for the more direct kind, certainly they are there to be found:

Lion of the Tribe of Judah- In the tribal benediction pronounced upon Judah, the "lion's whelp" is used emblematically of strength. Hence, the ensign on the banner of Judah was a lion. The phrase in the Masonic ritual, "The lion of the tribe of Judah," is Messianic and refers to Christ, the anointed of God and royal head of God's Kingdom. ("Masonic Words and Phrases," website of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington)

Therefore, my brethren, the stations of a Lodge are very representative of our Spiritual Self, our Hiram Abif; Jesus, the Christ, who was born, like we were, lived and worked, as we do; (Prince Hall-Arkansas, "The Stations of a Masonic Lodge from a Biblical Viewpoint")

In masonry there is the legendary account of Hiram's death. The entire story is symbolical andpurposely invented for the symbolical purposes of teaching. There is no historical basis for the death.

The Mason must imitate the life and death of Christ. Remember St. Paul's words, "we must die with Him if we are to be raised like him".

Point of fellowship - may refer to the five wounds of Christ. The three years ministry refer to the three degrees of the craft. ("Random Reflections," R.W. Bro. P.S. Jamburamaswami Iyer, P.G.S.W., P.Dy.R.G.M., Grand Lodge of India--posted on the GL of India wepage of "Masonic Information")

We are at the grave scene and King Solomon is lamenting over the fact that the secret word of the murdered master has been lost to history. A prayer is said for inspiration to decide upon the naming of the substituted word. After speaking the substituted word, king Solomon says that at some appropriate future time the lost word will be restored, in the meantime, we draw strength from the lion from the tribe of Judah. This of course is a very specific reference to the coming of Jesus Christ, presumably as the restorer of the lost word. (Vermont Lodge of Research, "The Temple Legend," part 4)

Professor Buhle, in his "Historico-Critical Enquiry into the Origin of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons, says: - -

"The building of Solomon's Temple had an obvious meaning as a prefiguration of Christianity. Hiram, simply the architect of this temple to the real professors of the art of building, was to the English Rosicrucians a type of Christ: and the legend of Masons, which represented this Hiram as having been murdered by his fellow-workmen, made the type still more striking."

In a footnote to his Essay, Buhle explains that "Hiram " was understood by the older Freemasons as an anagram H.I.R.A.M. derived from two Latin phrases: the one, "Homo Jesus Redemptor AnimaruM," and the other, "Homo :us Rex Altissimus Mundi." By "older Freemasons," Ruble probably means Rosicrucians as phrases relating to Jesus seem singularly out of place in the plan of Craft Masonry. (From an article by William Harvey, posted on New Jersey Grand Lodge discussion page)

But in line with what I stated, the figurative/symbolic/typological/allegorical references are many, and the reason they can be taken as no other than Christ are numerous:

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living sprig of faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens us with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immortality; and we doubt not but that in the glorious morning of the resurrection our bodies will be raised and become as incorruptible as our souls. (Alabama Masonic Manual, MM degree, 1911, p. 84; Also in Alabama Masonic Ritual, 1984, p. 68)

Then, when our dissolution draws nigh, and the cold winds of death come sighing around us--and his chill dews already glisten upon our foreheads--with joy shall we obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven, and go from our labors on earth to eternal refreshment in the paradise of God, where, by the benefit of the pass of a pure and blameless life, and an unshaken confidence in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, shall we gain ready admission into the celestial lodge where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. There, placed at His right hand, He will be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons. (Illinois Book of Ceremonials, Masonic Funeral Service, 1931, p. 104; also in Illinois Official Monitor, 1916, p. 63; Also in Illinois Standard Monitor, 1906, p. 58 Also in Illinois Official Monitor, 1962, p. 77-78; Also in Illinois Standard Work, 1986, p. 165-66)

Be ye careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day for ye know not when the time is; ye know not when the Master cometh--at even, at midnight, or in the morning. Continue to listen to the voice of Nature, typified by the Sprig of Acacia, that ever-green and ever-living FAITH in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet, and strengthens us with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immmortality; and we doubt not that on the glorious morn of the Resurrection our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our souls. (Kentucky Monitor, 1987, MM degree, p. 151-52)

Be ye careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day for ye know not when the time is; ye know not when the Master cometh--at even, at midnight, or in the morning. Continue to listen to the voice of Nature, typified by the Sprig of Acacia, that ever-green and ever-living FAITH in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet, and strengthens us with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immmortality. (Louisiana Monitor, MM Degree, 1957, p. 130)

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation is dark and gloomy, for by * * * * * by Faith in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, we are strengthened with confidence and composure to look forward to the grave; and to doubt not but in the glorious morn of the resurrection, our bodies will be raised, and become as immortal as our souls. (Maryland Manual, MM degree, 1935, p. 51)

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the evergreen and everliving sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens us with confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immortality; and doubt not, but in the glorious morning of the resurrection, our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our souls. (North Dakota Monitor, MM degree, 1965, p. 144)

You have been impressed with the thought that what is called Death is not the end, and that because of our faith in God and by reason of the Strength of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, there is no death to that imperishable part of man,--the Soul. (North Dakota Monitor, MM degree, 1965, p. 151)

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens us, with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality; and doubt not but that on the glorious morning of the resurrection, our bodies will rise, and become as incorruptible as our souls. (Tennessee Craftsman, MM degree, 1953, p. 101-02)

Nearly twenty centuries ago Gamaliel, a learned doctor of the Jewish law, gave expresssion to this truth, "if this counsel of this work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it."
The survival of Masonry throughout the ages, when all else has passed away, is one of the strongest collateral evidences that we have of its Divine origin and supernatural excellence. Let us, then, study it in the light of its own God-given revelations, practice its principles and worship the God of Masonry at its altars as long as we live. Then, when the mallet of Death shall call us hence, may each one of us, by faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, be welcomed to a blessed immortality, and, in the glorious morn of the Resurrection, may our bodies rise and become as incorruptible as our souls. (Texas Monitor, 1908, Introduction, p. 21)

Brethren--Before I declare the Lodge closed, let us unite in humbly acknowledging our dependence on the Most High. May His right hand be as a shield and buckler to us against the assaults of our enemies; and, at the final day, may each and every one of us be raised, through the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, to the celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master forever presides--forever reigns. AMEN. (Texas Monitor, 1908, At Closing in the Third Degree, p. 27)

Thus we close the explanations of this degree with the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but the good Mason is suddenly revived by the ever green and ever living sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; which strengthens him with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality; and doubts not but that on the glorious morning of the resurrection, his body will rise, and become as incorruptible as his soul. (Texas Monitor, 1908, MM degree, p. 111)

These emblems force upon us the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but the Master Mason is suddenly revived by the ever green and ever living Sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens him with confidence and composure, to look forward to a glorious immortality beyond the grave. (Virginia Manual of Work, MM degree, 1977, p. 53)

What doth the Lord require of thee, O man, but to do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with thy God. And one of the elders sayeth unto me: "Rejoice ye and be exceedingly glad: behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the book and loosen the seven seals thereof." These words from the Book of the Law remind us of the two great symbols of Freemasonry and that for which they stand --the white lamb-skin apron and the sprig of acacia.
The lamb-skin, representing he that takes away the sins of the whole world and gives us that great peace which man cannot understand. The apron, representing the earth crowned by the triangle of the flap representing Deity, symbolizes for us the Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. The sprig of acacia represents that immortal or better part of man which, through the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, survives the grave. By it we are also reminded of the promise of the resurrection of the body, which will arise and become as incorruptible as our soul. (Virginia Manual, Lodge Memorial Service, 1977, p. 116)

Ye know not when the Master cometh = based on Jesus' statements in Matt. 24
He that taketh away the sins of the world = said of Jesus by John the Baptist
"Peace which man cannot understand" = Paul in Philippians 4
"thru the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" = Revelation 5:5
"resurrection of the body" = 1 Corinthians 15
"bodies will rise & become as incorruptible as our souls" = 1 Cor. 15
"Right Hand be as a shield & buckler" = various places in Psalms

 

[Rev Wayne]

As we, too, shall come, one by one, to the end of the day, may the twilight be illumined by a radiant glow; and may we fall asleep without alarm and fearless, with the sublime conviction that we shall be raised through the power of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and find a new home and perfect haven in that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen. (Washington Monitor, Funeral Service, 1949, p. 153; Also in Washington Monitor, 1983)

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the evergreen or everliving sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens us with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality. (Wisconsin Monitor, MM degree, 1927, p. 66)

Judah thou art he whom the brethren shall praise, thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies. Thy father's children shall bow down before tine. This is to be understood of Judah as a tribe, that it was to be more eminent than the rest, both for feats of war abroad, and for temporal and spiritual blessings at home. The dignity of this tribe was to be acknowledged above any of the rest. This was remarkably verified in God's chusing this tribe, and David out of it, to settle the kingdom of Israel in his stock for ever. But especially in the Messiah being born of this tribe, whose kingdom is everlasting, and to whom every knee shall bow. Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my Son, thou art gone up; he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? Jacob here speaks as if he saw him returning in triumph with the spoils of their enemies, alluding to lions, who, having gathered their pray in the plains, return satiated to the mountains; we may observe here a gradation; for Judah is first compared to a lion's whelp, then to a grown lion, then to a lioness, which is more fierce and more invincible than a lion. And by this gradation, the beginning, increase, and the full growth of the power of the tribe of Judah is expressed. There were many valiant worthies of this tribe in whom the prophecy was verified, as Othniel, David, and above all Christ, called the lion of the tribe of Judah. (Samuel Cole, Ahiman Rezon, 1817, p. 25)

Free Masons, therefore, who stand about an open grave, remember the Lion of the tribe of Judah, whose strong grip will some day seize them though dead, and raise them to stand for judgment before their Maker. (Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New York, 1898, p. 204)

"To the writer the past year has been one of sorrow and bereavement. We have been called to stand before the open grave of a loved companion who for many years has shared our joys and sorrows, and without revelation the future is indeed dark and gloomy, but we rejoice that through the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah we can look forward to a joyful resurrection and reunion with the loved ones gone before." (Annals of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, 1901, Vol. 17, p. xvii)

No well informed Mason will for a moment contend that Masonry supercedes Christianity. He will be content to know that while Masonry answers well the objects it has in view, which have been herein stated, it points the pious to the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," in whom, and only in whom, he may hope for a blissful immortality beyond the grave. (Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. 9, p. 104)

LION. The lion was a symbol of Jeremiah, because of the terrible voice of his threatening; and of St. Mark, because his gospel begins with the voice in the wilderness; but principally of Christ, who is denominated the lion of the tribe of Judah, and will ultimately subdue all things to himself; "for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet." (Dermott, Ahiman Rezon, 1855, p. 128)

Whether it had its origin with the first organized worship, or in the light of modern records, or at any intervening period, no rays of light fall upon its existence, or supposed existence, that does not show, standing out like monuments along the path of Time, as clear as Gibraltar when you enter between the pillars through the outer gates of the ancient world, great pyramids of truth deduced from the aggregated facts of the ages to commemorate the preeminent principle, that behind the movements of the universe there is a will mightier than the inertia of matter, a Supreme Architect, who is the Alpha and Omega of Masonry; that He is our loving and beloved Father, and that as His children we are, and ought to be, devoted to each other's welfare, and that through the mediation of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah we shall be raised from the grave to inherit eternal life. (Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, 1896, p. 267)

'Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' Enter now into the Holy of Holies, and as a reward for your Faith and Belief in the saving influence of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, as exemplified and transfigured by you in a previous degree, you will receive the ineffable and Holy Word, so beautifully spoken of by St. John, in his first chapter of the Gospel of that inspired Apostle, and which occurs but once in the Holy writings, (Psalms 68: 4,) and fits you for an entrance into that 'house, not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.' (Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, 1873, p. 59)

It [Masonry] reminds us of our rude and helpless estate by nature, and inspires the hope of reaching a higher and a better life, in knowledge and virtue, and by the exercise of exalted human endeavor, under the blessing of the Almighty Father; it sets before us as exemplars the Holy Evangelists; it commends to us the Holy Scriptures as the man of our councils and the guide of our lives; it symbolizes hope and truth, in immortal green; it seeks to plant in every soul a "living sprig" of faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; and with all these, it inculcates benevolence and charity. (Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, 1895, p. 84)

Dear BRethren:—It Is with sadness that I am called upon to announce the death of our M. W. Grand Master,
JOHN CAMPBELL YOCUM,
Who died Sunday morning. April 26, 1903, after a lingering Illness, aged 49 years.
Our Grand Master had been a patient sufferer for several years, and in the hope of prolonging his life he went to Arizona; after a sojourn at Phoenix for beveral month.s he returned to his home in Kansas City unimproved. Hls lndomitable energy sustained his wasted body, until tired nature sank beneath the strain, and his gentle, lovable spirit winged its flight to "that House not made wlth hands, eternal in the Heavens." He died resting caimly in a deep, firm faith in the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah." He was a Christian, a member of the Presbyterian Church and one whose belief ln religion and Masonry was not a convenience, but a reality and a life. (Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, 1903, p. 9)

These emblems force upon us the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but the Master Mason is suddenly revived by the ever green and ever living Sprig of Faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which strengthens him with confidence and composure, to look forward to a glorious immortality beyond the grave. (Virginia Text-Book, MM degree, 1899, p. 226)

Mankind has placed many laws upon the statute books to suppress crime. They deter crime, but do not raise the standard of humanity. Mankind has sought by altruism to upraise humanity, but in vain. The only grip by which man can be raised to a living perpendicular is the strong grip of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (Abstract of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1915, p. 297)

O Lord God Jehovah, Source of all wisdom, beneficence and love, we Thy humble suppliants yield Thee high praise and most hearty thanks that Thou, of Thy infinite goodness, hast brought us together in peace and quietness. We come to lay the foundation of a house which is to be erected for the glory of Thy name. We pray Thee of Thine infinite mercy that the Temple may thus have a most sure foundation, for without Thee all our undertakings are but in vain. We beseech that this and all our works may be not only begun, but continued and ended in Thee . . . . If tyranny in any form seeks to enslave us, may our beloved Rite be in the van to strike from the limbs of the brethren the shackles of its slavery. May we thus stand before all men as the apostles of enlightenment, upon the tried stone of Thy love. All of which we ask, through the merits of the Prince, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Amen. (Prayer at the laying of a cornerstone, Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, 1911, p. 54)

Again, highlighted portions are those which cannot be taken but as references to Christ.

 

[O.F.F.]

. . .your stated opinions are self-delusional and self-contradictory--in fact, it is the surest evidence of it.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

At the same time, I submit that the "Masonic understanding" of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is overwhelmingly tilted in favor of it as a Messianic and direct reference to Jesus Christ.

Of course you really mean "Wayne's Masonic understanding." You've been shown in the past evidence by more than one Grand Lodge that the non-Christian Mason is free to view this phrase as symbolizing his own "savior" motif. Moreover, here are several interpretations presented under the auspices of several Grand Lodges from current 21st century websites (mostly from MM Masonic Education material) that refute your claim:

THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH:

The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was also one of the titles of King Solomon. This was the literal meaning. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes a mediator of some of the ancient religions. There is no definite meaning to any individual Mason. He is left to his own description, and that is one of the reasons, over the centuries, that Masonry has had followers from all religions.

Grand Lodge of California

THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH

The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” This was also one of the titles of King Solomon. This was the literal meaning.

In the Middle Ages, the lion was a symbol of resurrection. There were common tales that the lion cub when born lay dead for three days until breathed upon by its father. This breath brought the cub back to life. Representations of roaring lions symbolized the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day. The lion, being such a majestic animal, has long been considered the “king” of beasts; associated with the sun because of its mane. Its likeness is commonly found on the thrones and palaces of rulers. The Mithraic god Aion had a human body with a lion’s head.

Because of its association with the sun and its correspondence to the zodiacal sign of Leo, the Lion is also considered a symbol of alchemical Fire.

Grand Lodge of Maryland

THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH

The lion is an ancient symbol of royalty found in many cultures. Mesopota-mian, Ethiopian, Persian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations all venerated the lion. Due to its demonstrated majesty and power, it has long been considered the “king” of beasts. Its likeness is commonly found on the thrones and palaces of rulers from time immemorial. The male lion was also associated with the sun because of its great flowing mane.

The lion was the sign, or symbol, on the banner of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew nation from which its kings and princes were chosen. All the kings of Judah were called the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” and this appellation was, therefore, one of the more important titles of Solomon as king of Israel.

Speculative Masons now make use of the legendary strength and courage of the lion in facing difficult moral decisions and in protecting the secrets of our craft from the profane and the cowen. We also venerate the lion symbolically when formally greeting another Master Mason.

Grand Lodge of Nebraska

The lion, from the earliest times of recorded history, has been a symbol of might and royalty. It was placed on the standard of the Tribe of Judah because it was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. The Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. This is the literal meaning of the term, but it also has a symbolic one.

The Jewish idea of the Messiah was that of a mighty temporal king. He was designated the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, for it was from this tribe that all rulers came. The expression does not, of necessity, refer to Jesus of Nazareth, though the Christian Mason may so interpret the name if he desires. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes the Messiah of the Jewish Mason or the mediator of some of the ancient religions of the East whose worshippers are Masons. Freedom of choice as to the application of these symbols is one of the reasons for the growth of Freemasonry over the centuries.

Grand Lodge of Florida

THE LION

The lion is one of Freemasonry's most powerful and potent symbols both in the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and the paw of the lion.

Judah was symbolized as a lion in his father's deathbed blessing. The lion was upon the standard of the large and powerful tribe of Judah. "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" was one of Solomon's titles. Christian interpretation of the phrase springs from Revelation (v, 5), Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof.

The idea of a resurrection is curiously interwoven with the lion. In the Twelfth Century, one Philip de Thaun stated: "Know that the lioness, if she bring forth a dead cub, she holds her cub and the lion arrives; he goes about and cries, till it revives on the third day.

Thus the strong lion of Judah The gates of cruel death being broken Arose on the third day At the loud sounding voice of the father.

But the lion was connected with the idea of resurrection long before the Man of Galilee walked upon the earth. In ancient Egypt as we learn from the stone carvings on the ruins of temples a lion raised Osiris from a dead level to a living perpendicular by a grip of his paw; the carvings show a figure standing behind the altar, observing the raising of the dead, with its left arm uplifted and forming the angle of a square.

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, considered as signifying a coming redeemer who would spring from the tribe, or meaning the King of Israel who built the Temple, or symbolizing the Christ, must not be confused with the mode of recognition so inextricably mingled with the Sublime Degree, teaching of a resurrection and a future life.

Unquestionably the Israelites absorbed much of Egyptian belief during the Captivity, which may account both for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and our own use of the paw.

Grand Lodge of New York

THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH

The lion from most ancient times has been a symbol of might or royalty. It was blazoned upon the standard of the tribe of Judah, because it was the royal tribe. The kings of Judah were, therefore, each called Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and such was one of the titles of Solomon. Remembrance of this fact gives appropriateness to an expression employed at one point in our ceremonies which is otherwise obscure, not to say absurd. Such is the literal meaning of this phrase, but it also has a symbolical one.

The Jewish idea of a Messiah was of a mighty temporal king. He was also designated as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; in fact this title was regarded as peculiarly belonging to him. The expression does not, as many Masons suppose, necessarily have reference to Jesus of Nazareth. The Christian Mason is privileged so to interpret it, if he likes, but the Jew has equal right to understand it as meaning his Messiah. Indeed, every great religion of the world has contained the conception in some form of a Mediator between God and man, a Redeemer who would raise mankind from the death of this life and the grave to an everlasting existence with God hereafter. The Mason who is a devotee of one of these religions, say, Buddhism, Brahmanism or Mohammedanism, is likewise entitled to construe this expression as referring to his own Mediator.

In an ancient Egyptian picture is depicted a lion seizing by the wrist a man lying in front of an altar, prostrate upon his back as if dead. The lion seems to be raising the man up and to symbolize that power by which the dead are brought to newness of life. Near the altar stands a man with his left arm elevated in the form of a square.

Grand Lodge of Ohio

Freemasonry demands only a belief in a monotheistic God, where Hindu, Muslim, Jew and Gentile may together worship around its altars. The Christian Freemason alone has at his disposal a branch of the fraternity where he is free to interpret the teachings of the Symbolic Lodge according to his religious belief. The Masonic Orders of Christian Knighthood are the logical outcome of the Christian Mason´s belief in Christ as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

Grand Lodge of Washington

THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH

The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” This was also one of the titles of King Solomon. This was the literal meaning.

In the Middle Ages, the lion was a symbol of resurrection. There were common tales that the lion cub when born lay dead for three days until breathed upon by its father. This breath brought the cub back to life. Representations of roaring lions symbolized the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day. The lion, being such a majestic animal, has long been considered the “king” of beasts; associated with the sun because of its mane. Its likeness is commonly found on the thrones and palaces of rulers. The Mithraic god Aion had a human body with a lion’s head.

Because of its association with the sun and its correspondence to the zodiacal sign of Leo, the Lion is also considered a symbol of alchemical Fire.

Grand Lodge of Michigan

So much for your misconception of some sort of "overwhelming tilt" in another direction. Beside to say otherwise is self-contradictory. After all, it is YOU who insist that EVERYTHING in Masonry is SYMBOLIC and is freely open to interpretation as any individual Mason sees it.

Masonry is symbolic, so it doesn't "declare," and doesn't dogmatize.

Yet you "declare" any Masonic objection to your personal Masonic interpretation as:

It's just an attempt to assert a challenge to the already solid Masonic opinion that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah is Jesus Christ.

As if YOUR position on the matter is Masonic "dogma." Yet in doing so, you further demonstrate your own self-contradiction:

...you have to take the system as it exists as a whole, and not just a snippet quote ... in hopes of a snappy comeback. And you have to recognize it for the symbolic system that it truly is.

Therefore, you TOO cannot take a snippet Masonic quote and limit its symbolism to a "Christian" interpretation. To do so either you contradict YOURSELF or you are operating under a DOUBLE STANDARD, period.

And, ... you forget the entire system is symbolic.

If the ENTIRE SYSTEM IS SYMBOLIC, than the phrase in question is symbolic. And, you've just read that several Grand Lodges provide OTHER possible symbolic interpretations for its adherents, while at the same time affording them the freedom to view it ANY WAY THEY CHOOSE!

Moreover, any attempt on your part to IMPOSE a "Christian" interpretation on a system in which YOU and the institution of Freemasonry has DECLARED as SYMBOLIC, would not only be unMasonic, it would self-defeat your own "computer template analogy" your made 4 years ago:

I have found that computer analogies work as well as any other in explaining the difference. Many programs have “templates” or patterns which may be used across a wide variety of formats and programs.

Masonry is not one of the fleshed-out programs that one may project onto a template, Masonry is much more like the template itself. The items in place on the template may be used for a variety of input formats, one of which is Christian. The template has, for example, “Grand Architect of the Universe.” The Christian using the template in his program will put “Jesus Christ” into that slot. The Jew would enter the Tetragrammaton or some form of it, “YHWH,” the Muslim would enter “Allah.”

If anyone had trouble with the template language, like “GAOTU,” they could investigate further on the help screen, where they would find this to be the Supreme Being, who is Sovereign and Creator of all things in the Universe. The Christian would still type in “Jesus Christ,” etc. etc.

So the next time you want to accuse someone that their "stated opinions are self-delusional and self-contradictory" you ought to take a good look in the mirror and bite your tongue before making yourself look like a fool.

 

[Rev Wayne]

More of your usual, I see, Mike. Can't help but notice for every single thing you've posted, all you have posted as the source is "the Grand Lodge of ______." What's the matter, didn't you keep up with exactly what sort of materials you were quoting these from? You realize, of course, that being unidentified, they are automatically questionable.

But again, just as I told Skip, the problem here is, you guys seem to be more interested in dealing with people's OPINIONS than with the REALITY of the situation. The REALITY of it is, that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" has only ONE reference point, and that is found in Revelation 5:5. The fact is, when this came into Masonry, they were well aware of what they were stating, and described it for exactly what it is, a phrase signifying Jesus Christ.

And anyone can see from what I posted, complete with sources and dates (unlike your generic "Grand Lodge of" statements that affirm no specific source at all really), that the overwhelming Masonic opinion HAS BEEN, and REMAINS, that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" refers to Jesus Christ.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

Only when the kettle truly is black, and observably and provably so.

After all, it is YOU who insist that EVERYTHING in Masonry is SYMBOLIC and is freely open to interpretation as any individual Mason sees it.

Everything but the language in which it is described, and it is precisely that language which reveals this for what it is--besides the fact of Masonic monitors from which I have cited, being totally and overwhelmingly against what you claim. You see, I draw the line when the content is demonstrably Christian, and antimasons are trying to label it as something else.

But since you wish to play games with this, I'll bite. You seem to think that with this post you have "countered" what I have posted. I think you have grossly over-estimated your input. Let's conduct a little tally, First of all, sources monitorial sources in which the phrase either directly states it as a reference to Christ, or in which the phrase can have no other reference, given the details that describe the matter:

Texas Monitor
PH-Arkansas
New Jersey
Illinois
Kentucky
Maryland
Louisiana
North Dakota
Tennessee
South Carolina
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Alabama
Acimnos Ceihpr

Now, sources which are Grand Lodge-generated/published but not monitorial:

New York (Proceedings)
Iowa (Annals)
Nova Scotia (Proceedings)
District of Columbia (Proceedings)
Georgia (Proceedings)
Missouri (Proceedings; also, current online glossary; also, Transactions of their Research Lodge)
Pennsylvania (Proceedings)
PH-Washington (Current Online Glossary)
New Jersey (GL discussion board)
Vermont (Lodge of Research)
GL of India (Webpage Article)


Now, sources which though listed among monitorial works, are not tied to one specific Grand Lodge:

Dermott: Ahiman Rezon
K.J. Stewart: Freemason's Manual
Jeremy Cross: True Masonic Chart
Samuel Cole: Ahiman Rezon
Daniel Sickels: Ahiman Rezon

Now, sources which though not monitorial, have earned a certain position of respect and/or authority of their own:

Mackey's Encyclopedia
Macoy's Dictionary
Heirloom Masonic Bible
Mackey, Symbolism of Freemasonry
Haywood, Symbolical Masonry
Mackey, History of Freemasonry
Oliver, Antiquities of Freemasonry

Now, sources often quoted by antimasons, which in this case go against the grain and do not support their claims in this instance:

Pike's Morals and Dogma
Steinmetz's Freemasonry: Its Hidden Meaning
Coil's Encyclopedia

Finally, other Masonic sources, which as Skip has amply illustrated for us, do merit attention despite not being of the same nature as the above:

American Masonic Record
Lights and Shadows of the Mystic Tie (Mackey & Morris)
Masonicworld
Outlines of the Temple (Cornelius Moore)
History of Masonic Persecutions (Oliver)
Keystone of the Masonic Arch (Charles Scott)
Masonry Defined (E.R. Johnson)
American Tyler-Keystone
Masonic Words and Phrases (Michael R. Poll, current online glossary)
Phoenixmasonry webpage (Current online Glossary)
The Lost Word of Freemasonry (Henry Pirtle)
Memoirs of Rev. Ammi Rogers
Freemasonry: Its Symbolism. . . (Paton)
Freemason's Monthly Magazine

END TALLY:

MONITORIAL: 15
GL SOURCE BUT NON-MONITORIAL: 13
MONITORIAL BUT NOT TIED TO ONE GL: 5
NOT GL BUT OF SIGNIFICANT AUTHORITY: 7
COMMONLY QUOTED BY ANTI'S: 3
"OTHER": 14

GRAND TOTAL: 57


Now for YOURS:

GRAND LODGE, BUT SPECIFIC SOURCE NOT PROVIDED:

California
Maryland
Nebraska
Florida
New York
Ohio
Washington
Michigan

GRAND TOTAL: 8

Out of the ones listed here, Florida, New York, Maryland, and Washington may be discounted--at least until proper sourcing can determine which sources would take precedence between what I cited and what you cited. Of the four, the only one we can go ahead and specifically rule out among your sources, is the one from Florida--which, having seen it already, accompanied by its proper identification as being from the Mentors' Manual, in the earlier discussion with Skip, we already know that its weight can in no wise be taken to trump the statements found in the current monitor usage, which I provided.

With that adjustment, we have:

GRAND TOTAL: 7

Now, what was that you just said:

So much for your misconception of some sort of "overwhelming tilt" in another direction.

Gee, you come here with a grand total of seven sources--all of which are as yet unidentified as to what sort of "Grand Lodge" sources they truly are--and expect THAT to be considered as "overwhelming evidence to the contrary" of what I posted? to the point that you feel you can come here and gloat as though you just accomplished something???

Fact is, the monitorial sources alone from what I posted, more than DOUBLES the ENTIRETY of what you just posted. And the total count is over 8 TIMES what you posted.

It appears to me that YOUR idea of "some sort of 'overwhelming rebuttal' in the opposite direction" or whatever you're calling this nonsense, is the REAL "misconception" here.

Therefore, you TOO cannot take a snippet Masonic quote and limit its symbolism to a "Christian" interpretation.

I post 57 sources to your 7, and you're calling MINE "snippets?" Better go back to the drawing board, Ace, I ain't even touched the surface yet, and you haven't even caught up to what I've ALREADY posted, not by a long shot.

If the ENTIRE SYSTEM IS SYMBOLIC, than the phrase in question is symbolic. And, you've just read that several Grand Lodges provide OTHER possible symbolic interpretations for its adherents, while at the same time affording them the freedom to view it ANY WAY THEY CHOOSE!

I hear what you're saying. Problem is, you've got it all turned around in your head in such confused fashion, it doesn't even come out the same when we hear you try to state the case when you try to describe what has posted. Sure, "the entire system is symbolic." And so is "Lion of the Tribe of Judah." And what I've cited, and what I've pointed out is, that far more often than not, MASONRY DECLARES "LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH" TO BE JESUS CHRIST. And it does so MUCH more consistently than it presents comments to the contrary such as you and Skip are so fond of trying to claim as some kind of mainstream position in Masonry. Once again, you both employ the tactic of continually taking the part and trying to present it as though it were the whole.

Not that what I've presented reprsents "the whole" either--but it certainly appears that "there's a lot more where that came from" when it comes to what I've presented--but such is not the case with what you guys come up with.

Not only that, but what about the abundance of other sources whose language leaves no doubt that the Christian interpretation is the only possible one that fits the details given? I find it hard to believe that someone claiming to speak for Christ, and/or claiming to be in some sort of "Christian" ministry, cannot recognize Christian theological concepts like "resurrection of the body," "lamb that taketh away the sins of the world," "ye know not when the Master cometh," and a host of others.

Yet you "declare" any Masonic objection to your personal Masonic interpretation. . .

You mischaracterize my comments, as usual. What I stated about the Masonic objections had nothing to do with "my personal Masonic interpretation"; I clearly pointed out--and cited--ABUNDANT references to SHOW it--that their objection was to THE MASONIC STATUS QUO OF IDENTIFYING THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH AS JESUS CHRIST.

And so far, if there truly is a "status quo" on this matter, the weight of what has been presented certainly is overwhelmingly on the side of what I've already stated. So give up your usual futile efforts to make this about me, stop twisting my words to formulate your miscegenated accusations, and start trying to cultivate, as a bare minimum, the intellectual honesty to deal with what I've presented. Your constant straw man substitutes become more trifling every time you spin them.

And, you've just read that several Grand Lodges provide OTHER possible symbolic interpretations for its adherents, while at the same time affording them the freedom to view it ANY WAY THEY CHOOSE!

And I've just pointed out what was wrong with the objections as presented. Someone non-Jewish is trying to declare what will work for someone viewing it from a Jewish interpretation, and is suggesting things which, given the language of the passages in which the Lion of the Tribe of Judah phrase appears, would be IMPOSSIBLE for any Jewish believer in his right mind to set forth as his belief about the phrase.

any attempt on your part to IMPOSE a "Christian" interpretation . . .

You still don't get it, even after all that was presented, do you? No one is "imposing" any "Christian interpretation" upon this; everything I've presented DEMONSTRATES--FROM THE TEXTS THEMSELVES AS QUOTED FROM THE MONITORS--that what is ALREADY THERE is undeniably, unalterably, unchangeably Christian in its very content:

"Lion of the Tribe of Judah"--Rev. 5:5
Ye know not when the Master cometh = based on Jesus' statements in Matt. 24
He that taketh away the sins of the world = said of Jesus by John the Baptist
"Peace which man cannot understand" = Paul in Philippians 4
"thru the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" = Revelation 5:5
"resurrection of the body" = 1 Corinthians 15
"bodies will rise & become as incorruptible as our souls" = 1 Cor. 15
"Right Hand be as a shield & buckler" = various places in Psalms

That's not "interpretation," Michael, every single one of these are phrases and statements that come straight from the MONITORIAL SOURCES THEMSELVES.

All I did was cite them and point out what they said, and explain for these antimasons who don't quite seem to get it, exactly what the nature of that content is, and why it is thus not as "open to interpretation" as you suggest.

Now how about leaving o.f.f. trying to label this by painting it with the accusations you wish to try to create on this particular day--and start dealing with the content for what it IS for a change? Can you do that, Michael? Or are you going to persist in trying to say that the above scriptural references and content that are a part of the context of discussions of the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," are not Christian in bearing and origin?

 

[Skip Sampson]

And calling any Masonic material I've posted an "attack on you" does not hide the fact that your stated opinions are self-delusional and self-contradictory--in fact, it is the surest evidence of it.

It's not the material I'm referring to; rather, it's your personal denigration of others that helps neither your analysis nor your reputation for that matter. The above quote highlights the truth of my comment. But, you are what you are. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Rev Wayne]

It's not the material I'm referring to; rather, it's your personal denigration of others that helps neither your analysis nor your reputation for that matter. The above quote highlights the truth of my comment. But, you are what you are. Cordially, Skip.

Yeah, Popeye was always a favorite of mine, too, and "I yam what I yam," which of course is true of everybody.

Your problem is, you think you get away with this, and that the baiting and biting that you always start engaging in when your arguments go south, had nothing to do with the fact I chose to respond in kind, as always. Perhaps a good growing edge for you would be, start accepting responsibility for it when you can't find sufficient proof for your arguments, and quit whining about how you don't like me. I think everybody is probably very much aware of that by now.

I'll still be waiting to see if either of you has any kind of actual response.

 

[Rev Wayne]

So the next time you want to accuse someone that their "stated opinions are self-delusional and self-contradictory" you ought to take a good look in the mirror and bite your tongue before making yourself look like a fool.

Too bad, Mike, that the selection you chose for your criticism is hardly analogous to the current discussion. If we were merely speaking of adaptable generic terms like "GAOTU" or even the English word "God," then yes, the things I stated in that context would be germane to the issue being discussed.

Unfortunately for your attempt at criticism, we are not dealing with such generic forms. We are currently addressing a very specific and very Messianic reference, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah." Moreover, it is not, as some descriptive phrases are, just a phrase generated by the framework that often gets generated as an aid to theological discussion (cf. millennial theology, eschatology, etc.). Instead, it is a BIBLICAL phrase; and not only that, it is a hapax legomenon, that is, it has only one instance in which it finds biblical usage, and that one appearance is in Revelation 5:5, a usage which leaves absolutely no doubt that it is a reference to Jesus Christ, the Lord of Life.

So I'm afraid your comparison to the use of the generic phrase "Grand Architect of the Universe," is a misapplication. Even calling it a "misapplication" is being generous, because the two phrases are actually diametric opposites, a generic phrase as compared to a phrase with only one very distinct referent. Therefore, I stand by what I have posted, and reiterate once more, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is a biblical phrase and has only one possible designation. And I still find it appalling that Christians, no matter how well-meaning they may consider their efforts to be, would continue to go to such great lengths in railing against another Christian's recognition of the phrase as biblical, or would go to such great lengths in offering their support for opinions to the contrary.

As for " opinions that are self-delusional and self-contradictory":

Skip made his own bed on that one. Your taking aim at me on the matter is simply "kill-the-messenger" tactics.

(1) He proved his opinions to be "self-delusional" when he carried a thread to umpteen pages of deliberate and unending, non-edifying tripe about Jacob's Ladder being a staircase; and when he carried another thread to equally useless lengths with ramblings about pictures having some kind of "authority" in Masonry--and continued to do so even after being shown the opinions of numerous Grand Lodges to the contrary. In the former case, he was guided by an inordinate desire to find something to accuse Masonry of being wrong about; in the latter, he was guided by the overarching and overwhelming fear of having to concede a single point, or to admit to his own error; and in both, he did so to his own detriment.

Is "self-delusional" too strong a language for you? Then you need to consider, (a) nobody calls Jacob's Ladder a staircase, that I've been able to locate, other than Skip; (b) no Grand Lodge I contacted affirmed any "authority" for pictures in any Masonic publication; in both instances, Skip was alone in his opinion--hence the use of "self-delusional."

(2) He proved his opinions to be "self-contradictory" when he kept insisting on "rituals and monitors" on numerous occasions on these threads, and then broke ranks with his own insistences on the matter, when he initiated a response with citations gleaned from web-surfing. He continues to show the self-contradiction even now, as he tries to assert statements from Mentors' Manuals over statements found in Monitors.

Is "self-contradictory" too strong a language for you as well? I'd hardly think so, it's an accusation you have leveled time and again in the past (though without success).

I appreciate that you are simply going to bat for a friend, but attributing his errors to me by trying to downgrade what he has done, to make it appear to be simply a loose accusation, is hardly the route you'd want to go, I think. Sure, given a setting where proper decorum has been observed by all, you might be able to make something like that stick. But given a setting where someone has engaged in such deliberate sidetracking and for no apparent reason, and given a setting in which said person also drips with sarcasm with his every post in an attempt to bait or goad someone into coming down to their level, perhaps you'd be wiser to stick to your own battles and keep your nose out of the battles of others. Skip's a big boy, I think he can hold his own without your help.

Perhaps you should try to stick closer to the topic, and I think I can provide a bit of assistance on that one. A good start would be, identifying the sources which you just posted with the vague attributions of "Grand Lodge of _______." Once we learn the nature of those sources, perhaps we will have a bit better estimate of where things stand--not that we don't have a pretty solid picture already.

 

[Skip Sampson]

I'll still be waiting to see if either of you has any kind of actual response.

Well, here's one: your post is bizarre. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Well, here's one: your post is bizarre.

And once again you are wrong. An "actual" response would be a response to content, not an attempt to label persons.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Wayne:​

Your long list has several problems, the most glaring of which is that you didn’t think it through first. It was standard fare for you: all cut & paste, with neither analysis nor thought.

Your assumption is that any Mason who mentions a Christian or Biblical concept means he’s speaking with direct reference to the biblical understanding. We disagree. What you continue to miss is that Freemasonry, like many false religions, redefines common Biblical terms for their own edification.

The phrase ‘Lion of the Tribe of Judah’ is a perfect example. As Mike and I have pointed out, the phrase, when used Masonically in authoritative GL documents, doesn’t refer to our savior at all, but rather points to any person that a Mason may believe to be a messiah figure.​

This can be proven. In the vast majority of your GL references, the phrase is used without further definition. In your universe, there is no other definition but the Christian one, but that isn’t true within Masonry. In many GL’s using that phrase, they take care to redefine it to make it more acceptable to all religious viewpoints. Using some of the GL’s you referenced, here are examples of how they define the phrase:

The lion, from the earliest times of recorded history, has been a symbol of might and royalty. It was placed on the standard of the Tribe of Judah because it was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. The Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. This is the literal meaning of the term, but it also has a symbolic one. The Jewish idea of the Messiah was that of a mighty temporal king. He was designated the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, for it was from this tribe that all rulers came. The expression does not, of necessity, refer to Jesus of Nazareth, though the Christian Mason may so interpret the name if he desires. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes the Messiah of the Jewish Mason or the mediator of some of the ancient religions of the East whose worshippers are Masons. Freedom of choice as to the application of these symbols is one of the reasons for the growth of Freemasonry over the centuries. (GA GL, MM, 1973, pgs. 63 – 64; VA GL, Mentor’s Manual, 2002, pg. 50)

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. (IL GL, Master Mason’s Guidebook, 2003, pg. 22)

Other GL's carry the same themes:

It was the sign of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were therefore called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. This was the literal meaning. The symbolic meaning of the name does not necessarily refer to Jesus of Nazareth, but some could interpret it so. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes a mediator of some of the ancient religions. There is no definite meaning to any Mason. He is left to his own description, and that is one of the reasons Masonry has had followers from all religions, over the centuries. (NE GL, Mentoring Manual, 2006, pg. 66)

The lion, from the earliest times of recorded history; has been a symbol of might and royalty. It was placed on the standard of the tribe of Judah because it was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. The Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. This is the literal meaning of the term, but it also has a symbolic one. The Jewish idea of the Messiah was that of a mighty temporal king. He was designated the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, for it was from this tribe that all rulers came. The expression does not, of necessity, refer to Jesus of Nazareth, though the Christian Mason may so interpret the name if he desires. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes the Messiah of the Jewish Mason or the mediator of some of the ancient religions of the East whose worshippers are Masons. Freedom of choice as to the application of these symbols is one of the reasons for the growth of Freemasonry over the centuries. (MS GL, Mentor’s Manual, 1986, pg. 24; MI GL, Mentor’s Manual, 1986, pg. 24; FL GL, Mentor’s Manual, undated, pg. 23)

Solomon was the original Lion of the Tribe of Judah and it is a title carried over today by those said to be his descendants. Later, Christ was characterized by this title. Today, it is a Masonic symbol of resurrection. (FL GL, Study Guide, Module II, 1994, pg. 74)

The lion is an ancient symbol of royalty found in many cultures. Mesopotamian, Ethiopian, Persian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations all venerated the lion. Due to its demonstrated majesty and power, it has long been considered the “king” of beasts. Its likeness is commonly found on the thrones and palaces of rulers from time immemorial. The male lion was also associated with the sun because of its great flowing mane. The lion was the sign, or symbol, on the banner of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew nation from which its kings and princes were chosen. All the kings of Judah were called the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” and this appellation was, therefore, one of the more important titles of Solomon as king of Israel. Speculative Masons now make use of the legendary strength and courage of the lion in facing difficult moral decisions and in protecting the secrets of our craft from the profane and the cowen. We also venerate the lion symbolically when formally greeting another Master Mason. (CA GL, MM Candidate Guide, pg. 9)

The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Juda were, therefore, called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This was one of the titles of King Solomon. This was the literal meaning. The symbolic meaning of the name does not, necessarily, refer to Jesus of Nazareth, but some could interpret it so. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah also describes a mediator of some of the ancient religions. There is no definite meaning to any Mason. He is left to his own description, and that is one of the reasons Masonry has had followers from all religions, over the centuries. (NM GL, LSME, part 4, 1993, pg. 6)

The lion has always been the symbol of might and royalty. It was the sign of the Tribe of Judah, because this was the royal tribe of the Hebrew Nation. All Kings of Judah were, therefore, called the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” This was also one of the titles of King Solomon. This was the literal meaning. In the Middle Ages, the lion was a symbol of resurrection. There were common tales that the lion cub when born lay dead for three days until breathed upon by its father. This breath brought the cub back to life. Representations of roaring lions symbolized the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day. The lion, being such a majestic animal, has long been considered the “king” of beasts; associated with the sun because of its mane. Its likeness is commonly found on the thrones and palaces of rulers. (OH GL, BMEC, 2008, pg. 5)

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The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The lion has always been a symbol of strength and royalty. It was the sign of the tribe of Judah and, therefore, of the Royal House of King David and his successors. However, a Mason is free to find his own explanation. There is no specific definition given in Masonry. A Mason is left to his own description, and that is one of the reasons Masonry has had followers from all religions over the centuries. (UT GL, The Master Mason, 2005, pg. 13)

Once the entire picture is studied, one finds that your view is simply unsupportable, and that Freemasonry, at the GL level, does indeed redefine the biblical view to make it acceptable to Masonry. And self-professed Christians within the Craft do nothing about it.

A second, smaller, problem you get into is relying too much on sources without actually looking into them. For example, you quoted both the Phoenix website and Mackey, apparently without realized the former apparently got the quote from the latter (E.R. Johnson may have done the same). As well, the Phoenix quote misrepresented Mackey in that they compressed Mackey’s article without indicating something had been left out. ​

A third element of interest is what you didn’t pick up on when sending along your quotes. Your lack of consideration of the implications of your quotes often presents you with a real problem. For example:

Free Masons, therefore, who stand about an open grave, remember the Lion of the tribe of Judah, whose strong grip will some day seize them though dead, and raise them to stand for judgment before their Maker. (Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New York, 1898, p. 204)

I thought you said Christians didn’t face judgment. Oh, that’s right: he’s talking about Masons.

Then, when our dissolution draws nigh, and the cold winds of death come sighing around us--and his chill dews already glisten upon our foreheads--with joy shall we obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven, and go from our labors on earth to eternal refreshment in the paradise of God, where, by the benefit of the pass of a pure and blameless life, and an unshaken confidence in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, shall we gain ready admission into the celestial lodge where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. There, placed at His right hand, He will be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons. (Illinois Book of Ceremonials, ...)

Do you find it interesting that Jesus is not enough for salvation according to the IL GL? One must have a pure and blameless life also. I wonder where in the Bible it states that God will “be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons?” Must reflect the thought of many Masons that Masonry is itself of divine origin, as this quote further indicates:

The survival of Masonry throughout the ages, when all else has passed away, is one of the strongest collateral evidences that we have of its Divine origin and supernatural excellence.(Texas Monitor, 1908, Introduction, p. 21)

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And did you read this one before you posted it?

What then, is a Mason? In its absolute and ultimate meaning I conceive that there has been but one perfect Mason on this earth, and He was the Son of Man, the gentle Nazarene, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah: for he was the only sinless and spotless one.(American Tyler-Keystone, Vol. 18, 1903, p. 454)

Hardly know where to start to address the offensive nature of that post.

Then let us imitate the Christian in his virtuous and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God ; in his inflexible fidelity to his trust; that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides. (Jeremy Cross, The True Masonic Chart, or Hieroglyphic Monitor, p. 41)

Sound familiar? In several jurisdictions it applies to Hiram Abif, not ‘the Christian.’ Wonder how it changed from Cross’ time to today.

You really should spend more time analyzing things before you post them. Cordially, Skip.​