Biblical Content and/or Christian Interpretation II: Monitorial

Rev Wayne · Jul 8, 2011

Neither ritual nor monitor defines the term, just uses it.

Amazing: after all that has been posted, after the many times your claim has been refuted, after it has been shown more than once that you violate the very standards you yourself have declared over and over on threads on this forum--you STILL somehow manage to convince yourself you can come here and get away with this ill-conceived dismissal with this sleight-of-hand?

This is still the blatantly false comment that it was the first time you stated it. You seem to be blissfully unaware that the phrase in question comes from a section of the monitor that is AN EXPLANATION OF THE EMBLEMS of that degree. Several of the citations, as a matter of fact, STATE THIS DIRECTLY:

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)

Here is one of the surest examples illustrating that the comments are INSTRUCTIVE and EXPLANATORY:

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)

This one is explanatory too:

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 immortality; 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)

Anytime we find being discussed, that which "reminds," or which "stands for," or "represents," or "typifies," or "symbolizes," "bears witness," or any of a host of similar action verbs, we know by the very terms used, that these are things that are being EXPLAINED. But we know even MORE SO that something is being "explained," when the closing paragraph of the section begins with "thus we close the explanations. . . "

And a couple of the sources which have been the MOST direct, but which you STILL choose to ignore--to your detriment:

I shall now proceed to note the several grips by which you were raised to this sublime degree: they being the same that were used at the raising of the body of our Grand Master Hiram Abif and serve to remind us and are said to allude to the three principal dispensations or conditions under which mankind has existed since the creation of the world, namely: mankind by nature, the Jewish Hierarchy and the Christian Dispensation. The Entered Apprentice grip which could not prevail to raise the body owing to the high state of putrefaction, reminds us of mankind in a state of nature, since by the efforts of his own reason, unaided by revelations, he has never been able to prove the immortality of the soul. The Fellowcraft grip which could not prevail to raise the body for similar reasons, reminds us of the Jewish Hierarchy, since after searching the book of the law and the prophets, but few passages are to be found which prove in a clear and undoubted manner the resurrection of the body from the grave. But the strong grip of a Master Mason or Lion's Paw, which did prevail to raise the body, reminds us of the Christian Dispensation which has brought life and immortality to light, and teaches mankind that through the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, their bodies shall at last be raised and become as incorruptible as their souls. (Michigan ritual, 1996, revised 2000, p. 110-111)

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

The training documentation shows where the redefinition occurs.

Sorry, but since you won't hold yourself to your own standards, someone else will have to, and I am more than happy to oblige. In a prior discussion on this thread, you were asserting the preeminence of code and constitution over LSME training booklets, insisting that the code and constitution "superseded" the LSME material. With the hefty weight you have also accorded rituals and monitors, and your scoffing at LSME booklets in preference for "rituals and monitors," you have set the bar for the matter by your own hand. So by the standard that you yourself have declared not once, but NUMEROUS times throughout this and other threads on the forum, you now have to take a dose of your own medicine, wake up and smell the coffee, and recognize that ritual SUPERSEDES training materials.

Add to the monitorial sources above, the following glossaries, which by their very NATURE are intended as "explanations" as well:

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)

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)

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&#8221

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 (David Letelier, PhoenixMasonry glossary page)

Skip Sampson · Jul 9, 2011

Rev Wayne said:
after the many times your claim has been refuted,

Only in your own mind, Wayne. You continue to miss the obvious.

Let's look at your references:
WI Monitor: uses the term but does not define it.
VA Funeral Service: uses the term but does not directly define it. Refer to my post #300 to see how the term is actually defined in Va.
KY Monitor: uses the term but does not define it.
MI Ritual: uses the term but does not define it.
Acimnos Ceihpr, Heirloom Masonic Bible, MO Lodge of Research, Phoenix Masonry: neither GL source nor monitorial. You are not above using non-monitorial sources, but object to my use of them. Totally consistent with your normal practices.
WA GL PH: the only one you've found that supports your argument. It is rich that you have to try to prove your views by looking outside regular Masonry. Just out of curiosity, does your GL recognize that PH GL?

In a prior discussion on this thread, you were asserting the preeminence of code and constitution over LSME training booklets, insisting that the code and constitution "superseded" the LSME material. With the hefty weight you have also accorded rituals and monitors, and your scoffing at LSME booklets in preference for "rituals and monitors," you have set the bar for the matter by your own hand.

Your understanding, surprise, surprise, is faulty. The training material is not superceding the monitorial; rather, it is filling it out and explaining it. You don't like the explanations, which is why your are promoting that strawman.
Good luck with it all, because your are only killing your own arguments and making yourself look petty. Cordially, Skip.

Rev Wayne · Jul 9, 2011

WI Monitor: uses the term but does not define it.

Actually, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is the explanation, not the term being defined. "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" needs no explanation, it's a decidedly and distinctly Christian reference. It is part of the explanation of the term "sprig of acacia." Or didn't you catch the metaphor by which the sprig of acacia suddenly became the "sprig of faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?" Not surprised you'd miss it though, you've missed just about everything else about the phrase so far.

The acacia is first described as symbolic of resurrection and/or immortality; no surprise, then, that the "sprig of Acacia" gives way to the One whose resurrection makes possible our own. And it is that faith in His merits which has the result of "strengthening us with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality."

VA Funeral Service: uses the term but does not directly define it. Refer to my post #300 to see how the term is actually defined in Va.

No need to refer to your post. Since it was wrong the first time around, we can safely assume it's still wrong.

You miss quite a bit in the Virginia piece.

(1) For one, the Lamb-skin is said to be a reminder of "He that taketh away the sins of the whole world."
(2) The section cited has a direct quote of Revelation 5:5, which is WHERE THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH COMES FROM.
(3) The sprig of acacia, once again, reminds us of that immortal part of man which survives the grave THROUGH THE MERITS OF THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH. Since the passage has already identified who that is for us, by citing the ONLY REFERENCE WHERE THE PHRASE IS USED IN SCRIPTURE, there is no doubt to whom the reference is made.
(4) It references, as do most of the monitorial quotes cited, "resurrection of the body." That is an EXTREMELY limited reference, having only one religion to which it could even POSSIBLY have reference, Christianity. Naturally, I invite you to try to show otherwise, if you think differently.

KY Monitor: uses the term but does not define it

Wrong again. It specifically states:

". . .the sprig of Acacia, that ever-green and ever-living FAITH in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. . ."

Not only that, this "faith in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah," it says:

. . .inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet. . .

Now, if you think "Lord of Life" is not a specific reference to Christ, I invite you to google it, where you may find, as I did, that you have to go three pages before you come to a reference that does not lead to the webpage of a church by that name. Do the same thing with "king of terrors," and you will find consistent references to death. Sure, Masonry uses indirect allusions quite a bit; but what Masonry does by allusion, you mistake for "Masonry doesn't do it at all." YOU claim it doesn't define these terms; the fact is, it doesn't have to, the use of allusion has a double purpose, (1) to cause you to have to engage your brain in the process of learning, and (2) to make use of the element of discovery. For those who are not already aware of the specifics of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," or "Lord of Life," or "King of terrors," or "brought life and immortality to light," it is a learning experience to find that they all have SPECIFIC reference to SPECIFIC usages in SPECIFIC places. But Christians in the lodge who are familiar with the the Bible and the theological beliefs of Christianity, will instantly recognize them.

Now, I realize, to the antimason, this might not seem to mean anything; but to the Christian Mason, instant recognition of "Lord of Life" will mean, Jesus Christ. To try to say these things are "not defined" in the Ky. Monitor, is completely absurd.

MI Ritual: uses the term but does not define it.[/quote]

That's just plain nonsense.

But the strong grip of a Master Mason or Lion's Paw, which did prevail to raise the body, reminds us of the Christian Dispensation which has brought life and immortality to light, and teaches mankind that through the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, their bodies shall at last be raised and become as incorruptible as their souls.

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How does anyone miss this, especially when "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is SPECIFICALLY AND DIRECTLY connected to "the Christian Dispensation?"

How does a Christian miss, also, a direct biblical reference to Christ as the one who "brought life and immortality to light?" (2 Timothy 1:10)

I'll guarantee you, Christians in the lodge are not so blind as antimason Christians, who let such references slide right by them unrecognized.

Acimnos Ceihpr . . . neither GL source nor monitorial.

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Debatable. It is my understanding that Acimnos is still the preferred version of the ritual used in a number of jurisdictions. However, I do not have any specifics as to which lodges those may be. (My information is that the version known simply as "A-Cipher" is a reference to Acimnos, but have not been able to get concrete verification. And I do know that many lodges DO use the A-cipher--Florida being among them.)

Heirloom Masonic Bible, MO Lodge of Research, Phoenix Masonry: neither GL source nor monitorial.

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Missouri Lodge of Research's website is a direct page link from the GL website, and is an arm of the Missouri GL.

The Heirloom Bible from which I cited the information was presented to me at completion of the third degree, and contains the seal of the Grand Lodge on its information page--which is not surprising, since in our jurisdiction, the Bible is still considered the Great Light of Masonry. Among Grand Lodges which distribute these, guidelines for doing so are prescribed by Grand Lodge. One guideline which seems to be common to most, is an instruction that a Bible should not be distributed to anyone at completion of any other degree than Master Mason.

Phoenix Masonry--well, even a blind hog finds an acorn once in awhile, so you were bound to get something right eventually. Sure, it's not Grand Lodge material nor supplied by Grand Lodge. It's just one of a list of Masonic glossaries which are unanimous in according to "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" an interpretation as Jesus Christ.

You are not above using non-monitorial sources, but object to my use of them.

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Get real! I don't object to your "use of them" at all. That's totally preposterous. As we already established way earlier, they have their place as well. You just seem to have a persistent problem deciding what that place IS, relegating them to the bottom of the totem pole when anyone else cites them, and elevating them to the utmost pinnacle when Skip Sampson uses them. Objection is therefore automatic when you choose to employ double standards.

What I DO object to in the current exchange, is (a) your attempt to assert what is NOT monitorial over what IS monitorial; and (b) the fact that in doing so, you violate even your own (claimed, anyway, despite your inconsistent application of it) "pecking order" which you established quite some time ago. The evidence that even YOU had already stated that constitution and code "SUPERSEDE" the LSME booklets is part of the history of the earlier pages of this very thread--as is the evidence that at the top of the "pecking order," you have consistently placed "rituals and monitors." By the own standards you have insisted upon, the LSME would be superseded by ritual or monitorial content.

Not surprised you'd get o.f.f.ended, though, at having someone insist you abide by the same standards you try to impose on everyone else.

And I will also point out what you MISSED in my post, which pretty much makes your objection a big N/A:

Heirloom Masonic Bible, MO Lodge of Research, Phoenix Masonry: neither GL source nor monitorial.

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Where did I make any claim that they WERE?? I clearly stated, even as I presented them:

ADD to the monitorial sources above, the following glossaries, which by their very NATURE are intended as "explanations" as well:

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No claim that they were monitorial; otherwise, how could they be "added to" the monitorial?

Naturally, not only did you ignore what was stated, you even managed to drag one of them into that group (acimnos), which I did NOT include in that section of my post. And you still err in the claim that the MO Lodge of Research and the Heirloom Bible would not be GL sources, for the reasons stated.

And you really need to have a talk with Michael. He seems to think EVERYTHING is Grand Lodge material, even when it's material from elsewhere and appears on a subordinate lodge's webpage. Not that talking to each other will have either of you straightened out on that point--or any other point, for that matter--but the two of you are clearly not on the same page with that one, and with all the back-patting the two of you engage in, you'd think you'd at least manage a position more consistent with one another.

The training material is not superceding the monitorial;

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You got THAT right. Monitorial materials take precedence over training materials.

You don't like the explanations

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Oh, I LIKE the explanations, I just like the REAL ones, which are in the monitors, not the LSME's. The monitorial section descriptions where the phrase appears, already ARE "explanations." Therefore, the LSME is only a separate explanation from that, and one which is in disagreement with the monitorial. The monitorial therefore takes precedence--a point already clearly established in earlier discussions on the thread.

You seem to forget that you established this very thing yourself in the earlier discussion. One source said one thing, another source said that which was not in agreement. Your position on the matter at the time, with which Mike concurred, was that the more authoritative document would supersede the other. And upon being presented with the information showing that to be true, by citing the place in the constitution/code where it appeared on the NC GL webpage, I conceded the point. Thereby, we all reached a point of agreement upon what sorts of GL materials would supersede others.

Granted, rituals and monitors were not a part of that particular discussion (as I recall, it was Constitution/Code vs. LSME); however, given your own repeated assertions about the primacy of rituals and monitors in Masonry, and given Mike's concurrence on that point also, coupled with the decision made, along with the fact it was mutually agreed upon by all: it is more than disingenuous of you to try to abandon the parameters already established in the discussions on this thread, and try to reverse the position taken then, simply because you have been totally frustrated by the fact you can't find any rituals or monitors with which to support the claims you are trying to establish with the LSME's. It's total and complete intellectual dishonesty--nay, it borders on intellectual bankruptcy--for you to continue this futile tirade. Once again you try to save face for a claim which has no face.

I'd like to be able to extend a helping hand if there was one--but your own earlier proclamations are the main thing standing in your way.

Rev Wayne · Jul 13, 2011

Just a followup to Mike. I never really clarified this point, nor was a link posted to it:

And the GL of California obviously means it [that they don't dictate to lodges what to put on their websites], because if you compare the statement in the Master Mason booklet on the California GL site, with the one found at the site where the info was posted by a subordinate lodge, you will find that the two are distinctly different.

For simpler opportunity for comparison, it would have been much better to place them side by side, which I now do:

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. (California Grand Lodge website, Masonic Education link)

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. (San Diego Lodge #35, "Masonic Education" link)

Of course, the errors in the two of them have already been noted. I post them here to reiterate the point that material found on a subordinate lodge webpage, even if it boldly declares "The Grand Lodge of California" and "Candidate Education" as this page from this particular subordinate lodge does, cannot be construed to mean that the material is replicated from the same or similar materials issued by their Grand Lodge. Nor can it be implied that Grand Lodge gives it their blessing, when the California Grand Lodge posts a disclaimer to the contrary, on the site where they provide subordinate lodges with web space.

O.F.F. · Jul 13, 2011

Wayne said:
... Nor can it be implied that Grand Lodge gives it their blessing, when the California Grand Lodge posts a disclaimer to the contrary, on the site where they provide subordinate lodges with web space.

I trust that the "disclaimer" you are referring to is the one that said, in part, "We have no intention of dictating to Lodges what to say or how to express themselves online." That statement, which you posted earlier, is in the context of their web hosting policies, which is where you got it from. It has nothing to do with any and everything their subordinate lodge put on their respective websites, which is what you are falsely implying. In full context the readers can see your error for themselves:

Lodge Web Hosting }}} Policies

These policies are in place to make everyone's online experience an enjoyable one. We have no intention of dictating to Lodges what to say or how to express themselves online. But we have found it useful to have such policies in place to avoid any misunderstandings. Within the parameters of these guidelines, we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs. If you have any questions, ask!

Each Lodge will be entitled to one and only one directory on the calodges.org domain. You may, however, maintain additional sites for your Lodge on other domains.

Banner advertisements of any kind are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, banners from free guest books and other services. Please contact us if you have any questions about this policy.

Under no circumstances will any of the content of your site contain or link to anything containing immoral, unethical or otherwise "adult" content. Good judgement and discretion are the key.

Lodges are strongly discouraged from placing personal address and phone information on their sites. This is for the protection of our members. Remember that your site may be seen by anyone. We cannot control who visits a website. Therefore as a part of this policy the Grand Lodge will not host a Lodge web site that contains any personal address and/or phone numbers. General Lodge telephone numbers and personal email addresses are fine.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel service for any Lodge which fails to adhere to the above guidelines.

These policies are subject to change with or without notice, but every effort will be made to notify our Lodges of any significant changes to these guidelines.

If you have any questions about the above policies, please direct your inquiry to the Grand Lodge technical support team.

Grand Lodge of California

But nevertheless, thanks for showing us yet another Grand Lodge where the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" DOES NOT represent Jesus Christ in Freemasonry.

Rev Wayne · Jul 13, 2011

It has nothing to do with any and everything their subordinate lodge put on their respective websites, which is what you are falsely implying. In full context the readers can see your error for themselves

What "error?" Did you even READ what you just posted?

(1) They are entitled to one directory;
(2) No banner ads of any kind on the site;
(3) No immoral, unethical, or "adult" links or content;
(4) As a protection for their members, no personal address or phone information;
(5) Rights reserved to refuse or cancel service for those not adhering to the above guidelines;
(6) Policies are subject to change without notice, but efforts will be made to notify lodges if SIGNIFICANT changes are made.

Exactly WHAT do you see in that, which "DICTATES to Lodges what to put on their websites?" And exactly why do you highlight "within the parameters of these guidelines," as though you thought it actually meant something? Heck, there aren't but FOUR of them, the last two are not even guidelines or policies at all, just general notices about the status of the guidelines. Given the innocuous nature of these policies as regards the point at hand, he MOST that can be shown by these policies, is a few common sense directions about what they CANNOT do: they can't have more than one directory; they can't have banner ads; they can't have anything immoral or unethical; and they are "strongly discouraged," though not prohibited, from posting personal information of members.

In other words, those policies have exactly nothing to do with the content of what they posted under the heading of "Masonic Education."

Which means your response has exactly nothing to do with what I just stated. The San Diego Lodge #35 is perfectly free to post what they wished under that heading, and they chose to post something that does not reflect their own Grand Lodge publications on the matter of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah."

Apparently the same thing is true of the Grand Lodge of Michigan--which was the GL originally being addressed concerning the matter of whether subordinate lodges are "dictated to" on the matter of website content.

So your attempt to try to suggest that the content on a subordinate website in Michigan, can somehow "supersede" what is found in their ritual, does not hold water--ESPECIALLY when that content is from ANOTHER subordinate lodge of ANOTHER jurisdiction, and the content found there REPRESENTS NO GRAND LODGE'S EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL.

That claim was convoluted from the start, and you have done nothing to rescue it with THIS response.

But nevertheless, thanks for showing us yet another Grand Lodge where the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" DOES NOT represent Jesus Christ in Freemasonry.

Wrong again. You apparently missed the earlier post:

Although the skin slips from the flesh, and the flesh cleaves from the bone, there is yet strength in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the brother shall be raised by the strong grip of the lion's paw, and on the five points of fellowship. (California ritual, 1990)

As already noted, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" has only one referent, and that is found in Rev. 5:5, and it is Jesus Christ. All the Masonic glossaries cited confirm this, as well as confirming that the "lion's paw" reference also refers to Christ. Also, the "raising" that takes place in the described action is interpreted in most of Masonry as a teaching on "resurrection of the body," a distinctly Christian doctrine; and the five points of fellowship are interpreted in some Masonic documents as representing five aspects of Christ's incarnational ministry: birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension (this is taught in Royal Arch as well).

O.F.F. · Jul 13, 2011

Wayne, you are still wrong! Apparently YOU missed Skip's earlier post:

Skip said:
To repeat: it's all bait & switch. The phrase gets used in ritual and then redefined in training materials. One view for the candidate, another for the Master Mason.

BAIT:

Wayne said:
Although the skin slips from the flesh, and the flesh cleaves from the bone, there is yet strength in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the brother shall be raised by the strong grip of the lion's paw, and on the five points of fellowship.

(California ritual, 1990)

SWITCH:

Wayne said:
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.

(California Grand Lodge website, Masonic Education link)

Notice that they are both from the Grand Lodge of California; post by you. Neither specifically defines the phrase to mean Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, there is one description for the candidate, another for the Master Mason. Thank you for helping to make our point, while refuting your own.

Rev Wayne · Jul 13, 2011

One description for the candidate, another for the Master Mason. Thank you for helping to make our point, while refuting your own.

Valiant effort, Michael, at least you're trying. But next time try sticking to factual information, and quit trying to impress people with bold print and large font, which really accomplishes nothing.

There was no "bait," and no "switch." And you'd do well to start minding your own posts, and quit looking to Skip for your points. With the way he's been all over the map with bizarre claims from the moment he started posting here, that's obviously not a very good idea for you.

In the two citations you just posted, in BOTH instances, they came from the Master Mason degree. One is from ritual, the other is from the Master Mason booklet.

But you're being facetious anyway, since the discussion was not about California anyway, it was about a quote I posted from Michigan ritual, and your response trying to claim that their Grand Lodge says differently than what I posted. You lost that argument, and have been trying ever since then, to substitute the whole issue about California, in which case the only thing they were cited for originally was the subordinate San Diego lodge's use of non-GL material, and the California GL statement which allows for it, as an illustration substantiating that the subordinate Michigan lodge apparently has the same freedom with their own webpage.

Try to stay on point, will you, all this straw man stuff is getting you way o.f.f. track. Talk about bait and switch!

But you don't really seem to have a handle on the old "bait and switch" claims of antimasons. The way I always saw the claim, Masons tell Christians something that sounds like it's okay, and only later does the Christian find out he's been "duped" by something outrageous.

But you are trying to tell us just the opposite, that Masonry says something outrageous to begin with, and only later does the Mason find out it really refers to Jesus Christ. It's a strange claim, yes, but that's basically what you're trying to tell us, since the ritual connects "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" with resurrection of the body.

The problem is in the information being introduced into the LSME system, which is false. Jewish Kings were not referred to by that title, nor can the title be applied to "messiah-figures of other religions." For one, the phrase is biblical, and refers to only one person; for another, those attempts to open it up for "other interpretations" are misguided, and ignore the context, which speaks of "resurrection of the body," which cannot refer to any religion but Christianity. Two phrases, both very specific and limited in their scope, make those suggestions offered in LSME sources impossible.

Neither specifically defines the phrase to mean Jesus Christ.

The ritual I cited doesn't have to, since it contains the reference to Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which we already know is a singular reference to Jesus Christ, and is also defined as such in every Masonic source we can locate which DOES define it specifically--including glossaries on Grand Lodge website pages.

And once again, the California education piece you cited contains false information, as pointed out to you umpteen times already. The kings of Judah were NEVER referred to by that title, and I defy you or anyone else who wishes to try to make that case, to show something in support of it. You simply will not find any such support for it, because none exists. The accounts we have for what took place in regard to Israel's kings and Israel's tribes, are biblical. And there is NOTHING you will find in the Bible that supports any such notion.

O.F.F. · Jul 13, 2011

Wayne said:
The problem is in the information being introduced into the LSME system, which is false. Jewish Kings were not referred to by that title, nor can the title be applied to "messiah-figures of other religions." For one, the phrase is biblical, and refers to only one person; for another, those attempts to open it up for "other interpretations" are misguided, and ignore the context, which speaks of "resurrection of the body," which cannot refer to any religion but Christianity. Two phrases, both very specific and limited in their scope, make those suggestions offered in LSME sources impossible...

And once again, the California education piece you cited contains false information, ...

It is utterly amazing to see you point out how Freemasonry makes FALSE CLAIMS, yet you still remain a member of the Masonic Order.

Since the fraternity makes such false claims, why don't you demit and start a new Grand Lodge system called "The United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Christian Masons" (F&ACM). Make it thoroughly Christian in its ritual, symbolism, LSME and definitions, etc. Make belief in the God of the Bible and being an active Christian in an orthodox church, requirements for membership. And have an affidavit stating this signed by ones pastor as part of the application packet. In your charter, declare that ALL other Masonic bodies are heretofore considered "clandestine" (except for the Swedish Rite) since they are not exclusively Christian in their membership requirements, ritual, monitors or symbolism.

Ever thought about doing this? Who knows, maybe you'd find some former Masons who are Christians to want to join too. Just a thought.

Meanwhile, as you ponder that thought, ponder this. In your ritual of South Carolina, and in every Masonic ritual in the U.S., when the lodge is opened in the third degree, the Senior Warden (SW) is asked by the Worshipful Master (WM) the following:

WM: Where were you made a Master Mason?

SW: Within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge of Master Masons, assembled in a place representing the Sanctum Sanctorum of King Solomon’s Temple.

The Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, was NEVER entered into by those operative Masons who built the Temple of God. But that is precisely what Freemasonry teaches its candidate for the third degree. Yet I defy you or anyone else who wishes to try to make that case, to show something in support of it. You simply will not find any such support for it, because none exists.

This was the most Holy place in God's temple and only the High Priest could enter it once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is one of the holiest days of the year for the Jewish people. The accounts we have for what took place in regard to the Sanctum Sanctorum, are biblical, NOT Masonic. And anyone trying to enter it was immediate put to death by God Himself. There is NOTHING you will find in the Bible that supports any such absurd, unscriptural, and ridiculous mockery of the biblical record that Freemasonry tries to claim to its adherents regarding King Solomon's Temple.

If as a Christian pastor, you are going to be so adamant about the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, then you should do the same for the Sanctum Sanctorum, which is just as Holy as He. Come out from among them who make a mockery of it; and share it with worshippers of falses gods, like many of the disobedient kings of Israel did in the Old Testament. To remain a Mason, as is, makes you no better than they were.

Rev Wayne · Jul 13, 2011

It is utterly amazing to see you point out how Freemasonry makes FALSE CLAIMS, yet you still remain a member of the Masonic Order.

Gee, Mike, it's a wonder you still belong to the Christian Church, there are many who make false claims in the name of the church. But if that does not involve YOUR church, then naturally, you will not allow some minority opinion elsewhere to cause you to give up on your Christianity, correct? Well, the same is true in Masonry, a minority of sources have this false information, but that does not affect the huge majority who have it right. So no, a couple of erroneous statements here and there, non-representative of the larger picture in so many other places in Masonry--including some rituals and monitors, unlike the claims made by the two of you--will not be the determining factor in this.

Ever thought about doing this? Who knows, maybe you'd find some former Masons who are Christians to want to join too.

Tsk, tsk. Maybe YOU have the time, have you ever thought of doing this? Given your reluctance to relinquish Masonry, evidenced by your personal creation incorporating their (copyrighted, by the way) logo of square and compasses, this might be right up your alley--especially since you seem to think that the target for it should be "former" Masons. From what I've seen, generally speaking, of former Masons and their companions, they certainly could use some help, but I have to go where I'm led, and you're not my leader.

WM: Where were you made a Master Mason?

SW: Within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge of Master Masons, assembled in a place representing the Sanctum Sanctorum of King Solomons Temple.

The Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, was NEVER entered into by those operative Masons who built the Temple of God. But that is precisely what Freemasonry teaches its candidate for the third degree. Yet I defy you or anyone else who wishes to try to make that case, to show something in support of it. You simply will not find any such support for it, because none exists.

Actually, what you'll have trouble finding support for, is this ridiculous claim you just made. Where on earth do you get nonsense like this----Skip Sampson??? I have to admit, something like this sure is right up his alley.

Where your attempt at an accusation fails is, you totally ignored at least ONE word that renders this accusation null and void:

WM: Where were you made a Master Mason?

SW: Within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge of Master Masons, assembled in a place representing the Sanctum Sanctorum of King Solomons Temple.

Nothing is stated, implied, or even remotely hinted about anybody ACTUALLY assembling in the Sanctum Sanctorum. They are said to meet in a place that REPRESENTS it. Lodges were built east to west to model the temple; the dimensions of the meeting space are proportional to the dimensions of the sanctum sanctorum; the degree work is centered around the building of the temple, etc. etc. So sure, there's plenty of focus given to it. But nobody, to my knowledge, has ever tried to claim that Masons ever literally met there.

Man, your accusation account must be bankrupt for you to be grabbing at straws like you are with this one.

If as a Christian pastor, you are going to be so adamant about the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, then you should do the same for the Sanctum Sanctorum, which is just as Holy as He.

Gee, Mike, where to start? You miss so MUCH of this, it's hard to know where to begin showing you what's wrong with your accusations. The big one you miss, of course, is the symbolism of both Christianity and Masonry regarding the Temple. And the HUGE one in that regard is how you totally don't seem to get it regarding what Christ did on the cross. Do you just not pay any attention to it when your Bible tells you that as Jesus hung on the cross, the veil of the Temple was "rent in twain from top to bottom?" Do you totally forget what that signifies? Man, I sure don't. It tells me Christ as Mediator has torn down the barrier preventing entry, and I need none other but Christ who has torn the veil allowing me to have access to the Father. The fact that it was top to bottom and not the other way around symbolizes to me that it was initiated by God and not by human effort, it's a provision of God through Christ, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who has prevailed to loose the seven seals and open the Book. I can go into that holy place in prayer at any moment of any day because of what Christ has done.

In fact, in one of the singing groups I used to belong, to, I sang the lead part of a song made popular by the Christian group Truth:

In the Holy of Holies, behind the heavy veil
Sat the Ark of the Covenant where the Most High dwelt;
And only the High Priest could enter therein
To offer up the sacrifice for atonement of sin.

But the veil was rent in an instant, revealing that holy place,
For on a hill nearby on a rugged cross, justice met grace.

Now I can go into the Holy of Holies;
I can kneel and make my petition known.
I can go into the Holy of Holies and although I'm just a common man,
Because of God's redemption plan, I can boldly approach the throne.

I'm sorry you don't feel you enjoy the same privileges--or do not recognize what Christ has done in regard to the veil of the temple and access to the holy place, or what that symbolically represents to the Christian and his/her faith. You seem to be stuck back in an OT understanding of God, and still have to fear any close relationship with Him. I pray that will change, and somewhere you will get a better theological grip on Christian understanding of it.

Come out from among them who make a mockery of it; and share it with worshippers of falses gods, like many of the disobedient kings of Israel did in the Old Testament.

Gee, Mike, the Lord was the one who led me to join, and you wish to call me "disobedient" because I don't obey you instead of Him? Sorry, He knows what He's doing. You give many indications that you don't know what you're doing, especially with your concept that the veil of the temple is still intact and all.

So I think I'll stick with Him.

To remain a Mason, as is, makes you no better than they were.

There's only one person that Masonry teaches me to try to be better than and that's me. I thank God that I am not what I once was, through the grace of Jesus Christ. And I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for His Spirit who guides me in life, and anything He chooses for me which helps me along that road I seek to walk, of trying to decrease that He may increase, is a welcome companion for the Way.

O.F.F. · Jul 13, 2011

Wayne said:
Gee, Mike, the Lord was the one who led me to join

If I've said it once, since the first time you made this claim, I've said it a thousand times; this is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit! God will NEVER lead anyone to even come close to idolatry which, at the very least, is precisely what Freemasonry does to ALL who join its ranks. Therefore, I am done with you and this discussion.

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

1 Samuel 15:23

So because you have rejected the counsel of the Lord through his saints for nearly a decade now, we will one day see if He rejects you. Until then, I'll be O.F.F. from communicating with you from now on.

Rev Wayne · Jul 13, 2011

So because you have rejected the counsel of the Lord through his saints for nearly a decade now

Mainly because those "saints" keep advising me to pay no attention to the Holy Spirit, and to submit to them instead. And since you say "saints," plural, I have to figure you're including your partner in your claim as well. I hardly think there would be any "counsel of the Lord" that would lead to the more o.f.f.beat conclusions he's made over the course of his tenure here.

But since you wish to conclude your discourse with me, might as well go out on a positive note, and at least try to get back to point. To sum up, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is a reference to Christ, and Masons and Christians alike affirm it to be.

Here is a collection of sources that all affirm Christ as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, some Grand Lodge sources, some not:

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. Johnston, 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 England, 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 intelligence 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)

"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)

Rev Wayne · Jul 14, 2011

AND SEVERAL MORE:

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&#8221

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)

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. (Prince Hall-Washington, GL Website)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah - Emblematically of strength. Refers to Christ, the anointed of God and royal head of God's Kingdom. ("A Dictionary of Masonic Words and Phrases," Waller Masonic Lodge #808, Texas)

The phrase, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah, " therefore, when used in the Masonic instructions, referred in its original interpretation to Christ, Him who "brought life and immortality to light. (Mackey, Encyclopedia)

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 Masonic Trowel)

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. (Stonington Lodge #503, Ohio, Masonic Dictionary)

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. (37th Masonic District, Pennsylvania, Masonic Dictionary)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah - Emblematically of strength. Refers to Christ, the anointed of God and royal head of God's Kingdom. (Masonic Dictionary, NewJerseyFreemason.net)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah - In the tribal benediction pronounced upon Judah, the "lion's whelp" is used emblematically of Strength. Hence, the ensigh 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.
Lion's Paw - A mode of recognition so called because of the rude resemblance made by the hand and fingers to a lion's paw. It refers to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. (Masonic Trowel, Masonic Dictionary)

heterodoxical · Jul 14, 2011

Are you a poor widow's. Son on a recruiting binge?

O.F.F. · Jul 14, 2011

heterodoxical said:
Are you a poor widow's. Son on a recruiting binge?

Let me first say, welcome to the forum! But to answer your question from my perspective, I say he is not recruiting, though that might be a tiny by-product for maybe a small number of naive among us.

After dealing with him for nearly a decade now, I'd say it's more like rationalization and self-deception in order to soothe his conscience from what he knows deep down, as a seminary-trained pastor, to be a heterodoxical fraternity. No pun intended.

It is his way of denying or rationalizing away the relevance, significance, and the importance of opposing evidence and logical argument regarding the biblical incompatibility of Freemasonry.

Rev Wayne · Jul 14, 2011

Are you a poor widow's. Son on a recruiting binge?

No one needs to recruit with Mike & Skip around. Antimasons-gone-Rambo have an inherent gift for pushing people the opposite way of the direction they profess to want them to go.

As for what was posted, it's simply a reminder to all who may actually read the posts here, that the challenge that this phrase does not refer to Jesus Christ has been more than sufficiently countered, since the beginning of the discussion. As for Mike, it's sometimes best to try to pay him no attention, and right now is one of those times. When he's out of arguments, he goes double-down on the ad hominem, and when that doesn't work, starts making empty promises about how he's gonna leave o.f.f. talking to me--only, the way it plays out is, although he leaves o.f.f. talking to me directly, he still carries on conversations with me through third-person third-party dialogues. I'm afraid his obsession with Freemasonry is outgunned only by his obsession with me.

Rev Wayne · Jul 14, 2011

It is his way of denying or rationalizing away the relevance, significance, and the importance of opposing evidence and logical argument regarding the biblical incompatibility of Freemasonry.

Hmmmmm......"opposing evidence" and "logical argument," eh? Let's unpack those just a bit.

"Opposing evidence"

As regards the current discussion, the gist of the "opposing evidence" that has been presented here, consists of, a single statement (or variations of it) that appear in a handful of LSME booklets. At last count, you and Skip together had managed a grand total of less than ten.

The evidence to the contrary, by contrast, is simply overwhelming. Several monitors and rituals have been cited, showing the phrase in a context which must be taken as Christian in bearing, speaking of the "merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" being efficacious for eternal life, and speaking of the Christian doctrine of "resurrection of the body." To this the objection has been raised, that it isn't direct enough to suit antimasons (despite the fact that no other religion would have either of these in its belief system). As a result, the above double post was offered, of ONLY those sources which do contain DIRECT mention of Christ. Objections to much of that material are still raised, though, whining about it not being "monitorial"--despite the fact that that very consideration alone, would wipe out the entirety of the materials the anti's have posted as countering claims.

The evidence speaks for itself. Throughout the Masonic system, there is a general understanding of "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" as a Messianic reference to Christ.

"logical argument"

This, you claim, I have been "rationalizing away." I have so much to say to that irresponsible claim, it's difficult to even know where to start. So, in no particular structured order, here are some points that come to mind showing this for the bizarre claim it truly is:

(1) "Logical argument" would require that we take the evidence for what it represents, and not for what your idealized fantasy world would try to have it to be. So when the sheer volume of sources show a general concurrence with the idea that "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" as found in Masonry, is a Messianic reference to Christ, and only a handful of sources that suggest otherwise, "logical argument" would require that we take the evidence for what it shows, and accept the fact that the generally accepted Masonic opinion is, "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" refers to Jesus Christ.

(2) "Logical argument" would also suggest that in trying to criticize Masonry from a Christian perspective, one must not deny one's own belief system simply because one has an overzealous desire to vilify Masonry. Therefore, since "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is. indisputably and unmistakably a Christian and biblical phrase from Revelation 5:5 that indisputably and unmistakably refers to Jesus Christ, it is ILLOGICAL argument to try to set that aside as if it didn't matter, when one finds that Masonry affirms the same thing about the phrase.

(3) "Logical argument" would also require that if a set of parameters for a discussion have been set in place, as a general guide to help keep all posters at least in the same ballpark; and that if all involved in the discussion express general agreement with the parameters that have been negotiated; then it becomes ILLOGICAL to then try to abandon those parameters, in a puerile attempt by someone who refuses to concede even the least point in ANY discussion, simply because they can't bear to be shown wrong. And it is even MORE illogical to do so, when the parameters that have generally been followed, were created by that very same person.

(4) LAST BUT NOT LEAST--and a no-brainer--"logical argument" requires that the argument one presents should at least make sense. This is the point at which I find it absolutely incredible that you would even DARE make comments about "logical argument," given your recent comments on this particular point:

WM: Where were you made a Master Mason?

SW: Within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge of Master Masons, assembled in a place representing the Sanctum Sanctorum of King Solomon’s Temple.

The Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, was NEVER entered into by those operative Masons who built the Temple of God. But that is precisely what Freemasonry teaches its candidate for the third degree. Yet I defy you or anyone else who wishes to try to make that case, to show something in support of it. You simply will not find any such support for it, because none exists.

That claim, presented only three posts ago by you (#369), is one of the more revealing posts about you and your claims that I have seen in some time, it was "way out there" even for you.

It clearly shows you do not understand Freemasonry, because you couldn't even read what the statement itself says, that the Masonic meeting space is merely designed in a manner which is intended to REPRESENT the Sanctum Sanctorum, and is NOT a claim to actually be meeting there.

It also clearly shows you do not even understand the Christian faith you profess, because it's just plain deficient theology to be addressing the concept of the Holy of Holies in a manner which fails to take into account the rending of the veil, and the significance that event has as a central point in Christian theology.

That being the case, one can only wonder: why are you doing any of this?

And how can you call it "counsel of the Lord," when so many times over the duration of time when we have discussed these matters, your claims run contrary to Christian theological and biblical concepts?

And how can you call it "logical argument" and claim that "I" have been "rationalizing it away," when all the illogic in this particular argument has constantly been exhibited by the two of you? Such as, reversing positions on authoritative documents to try to assert LSME's over monitors and rituals; arguing the primacy of a handful of citations as opposed to the overwhelmingly consistent position presented; and ignoring the unsupported claims that are part and parcel of the very same citations on which you keep depending?

No, sir. If you REALLY want to see some "rationalizing away," take an honest look at the arguments you tried to use as a counter to what was presented from the Michigan ritual: first, it was a claim of a counter from the "Grand Lodge" site; second, when shown that was not true, and that it was a subordinate lodge's webpage, your rationalization was, that even though it was a subordinate lodge, the material was still "educational material distributed to all their lodges"; when it was shown that the material actually was NOT Michigan GL material, THEN it was rationalized that "they operate under the auspices of the Grand Lodge," therefore considering it "Grand Lodge" is in order; when it was shown that the material actually came from another GL, and that they apparently have some degree of freedom in what they choose to put on their webpage, THEN the rationalization became "since it's used by some GL somewhere, and since they all recognize one another, then it can STILL be considered 'Grand Lodge' material, even though it comes from another GL"; by that time, you were so far out on the rationalized limb you had created, that your own absurdity was more than obvious--but I still pointed out for you, that even then, your rationalization didn't work, because the material actually was not a direct representation of material from ANY Grand Lodge.

But thanks for your responses. You and Skip always more than adequately demonstrate for us the spurious nature of antimason arguments, when you go to such great lengths to protect one that was sunk before you even started on it, and by doing so, wind up showing everyone by your floundering, that nothing you do can rescue your point.

It must be a truly difficult house of cards that is so delicate that it cannot endure even one argument being defeated, without its builders frantically seeking to rescue it, as if its failing at one point signals its complete collapse.

Johan Henze · Jul 15, 2011

O.F.F. said:
Let me first say, welcome to the forum! But to answer your question from my perspective, I say he is not recruiting, though that might be a tiny by-product for maybe a small number of naive among us.

After dealing with him for nearly a decade now, I'd say it's more like rationalization and self-deception in order to soothe his conscience from what he knows deep down, as a seminary-trained pastor, to be a heterodoxical fraternity. No pun intended.

It is his way of denying or rationalizing away the relevance, significance, and the importance of opposing evidence and logical argument regarding the biblical incompatibility of Freemasonry.

>>Yes ,I share with your burden ! He reminds me of the Scientologist who sells the line of you can still be a Christian ,but you can be a Scientoligist to! Though Im an expert in dealing with JW and Mormons but not Freemasonry it, not hard to read from your responses he does what JW , Mormons and Scientology does all the time !

>>DENY - DENY - DENY!

>>So we can only pray that the Lord will open his eyes to the deception!

O.F.F. · Jul 15, 2011

Johan Henze said:
>>Yes ,I share with your burden ! He reminds me of the Scientologist who sells the line of you can still be a Christian ,but you can be a Scientoligist to! Though Im an expert in dealing with JW and Mormons but not Freemasonry it, not hard to read from your responses he does what JW , Mormons and Scientology does all the time !

>>DENY - DENY - DENY!

>>So we can only pray that the Lord will open his eyes to the deception!

Thanks for your comments Johan, and you are so right! And guess what, since JWs, Mormons and Scientologists all believe in a Supreme Being (albeit a false one) they would be welcomed to join the Masonic Lodge and Wayne (a "Christian" pastor) would accept these believers in false gods as fellow brothers; who worship with him Freemasonry's Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU).

Johan Henze · Jul 15, 2011

O.F.F. said:
Thanks for your comments Johan, and you are so right! And guess what, since JWs, Mormons and Scientologists all believe in a Supreme Being (albeit a false one) they would be welcomed to join the Masonic Lodge and Wayne (a "Christian" pastor) would accept these believers in false gods as fellow brothers; who worship with him Freemasonry's Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU).

>>Interestingly JW believe God to be the Architect and his Son the Master builder!

>>Shalom!

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