Masonic Profane-ity

[Skip Sampson]

On another thread, the question was asked: why do Masons refer to non-Masons as ‘profane?’ The Masonic answer, taken from a Masonic website, was that the term merely meant a ‘non-Mason’ and that nothing derogatory was meant by it. I took issue with the reply in that it 1) used a nonstandard definition of the word, and 2) did not truthfully represent why Masons use it in the form they do. This thread is to more fully address the issue.

I do not expect much in the way of a factual Masonic response in that the Masons on this forum prefer not to discuss things in an open and objective fashion. They prefer closed fora where criticism is heavily frowned upon and that from non-Masons generally prohibited.

The word ‘profane’ is defined as follows:

1: not concerned with religion or religious purposes: secular.
2: not holy because unconsecrated, impure, or defiled: unsanctified.
3a: serving to debase or defile what is holy: irreverent; b: obscene, vulgar.
4a: not being among the initiated; b: not possessing esoteric or expert knowledge. (Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Certain conclusions can be clearly made from that definition. First, ‘non-Mason’ is not part of the definition. Second, 4a&b most appropriately apply to the Masonic use of the term. Third, notice the amount of negativity associated with the definition. In fact, there is no way one can use the term without being negative in its application. So why is it used?

The answer is in how Freemasonry sees itself and, as a direct result, how it views the non-Mason. In the first place, the Masonic lodge is considered a holy place in Freemasonry. It is patterned after King Solomon’s Temple, which was built as the dwelling place for God on earth. Indeed, the Master Mason’s lodge is seen as representing the Holy of Holies, the very place where God was to be found in the Temple. Masons claim that the lodge is ‘erected to God,’ that all events in the lodge is done in the very presence of God and that its purpose is to establish a partnership between the man and God. Masonic author Albert Mackey concisely states the case for the Masonic use of ‘profane:’

But nothing is more undoubted in the science of masonic symbolism than that the temple was the representative of the world purified by the Shekinah, or the Divine Presence. The world of the profane is without the temple; the world of the initiated is within its sacred walls. Hence to enter the temple, to pass within the porch, to be made a Mason, and to be born into the world of masonic light, are all synonymous and convertible terms. (Symbolism of Freemasonry, 1869, pg. 218)

GL’s are not loath to adopt his view:

But nothing is more undoubted in the science of Masonic symbolism than that of the Temple was the representative of the world, purified by the Shekinah, or the Divine Presence. The world of the profane is without the Temple; the world of the initiated is within its sacred walls. Hence, to enter the Temple, to pass within the porch, to be made a Mason, and to be born into the world of Masonic light, are all synonymous and convertible terms. (SC, Ahiman Rezon, pg. 133)

The Pillars represent birth. When you passed between them, it signified that you were no longer a profane, but had now entered the circle of initiates. (NC, LSME, pg. 33)

With that firmly in mind, one can see how Masons view non-Masons in such a negative way. Quite simply, they are outside the pale, and not worthy of being admitted to the sacred spaces in the Masonic lodge. But the negative view of non-Masons is not limited to describing them as ‘profane,’ as Albert Mackey indicates:

The Lodge is, then, at the time of the reception of an Entered Apprentice, a symbol of the world, and the initiation is a type of the new life upon which the candidate is about to enter. There he stands without our portals, on the threshold of this new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness, and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, he comes inquiringly to our doors, seeking the new birth, and asking a withdrawal of the vail which conceals divine truth from his uninitiated sight. (Mackey, Manual of the Lodge, 1891, pg. 20)

Masons prefer to pass this off by characterizing it as a personal anecdote, and not a general statement applying to all Freemasonry. Unfortunately for that view, the remark struck a chord among U.S. Masonry, and we see it used in many GL documents:

In his First Degree, an Apprentice takes his first step into this life; leaves the darkness, destitution and helplessness of the profane world for the light and warmth of this new existence. This is the great meaning of the Degree; not an idle formality, but a genuine experience, the beginning of a new career in which duties, rights and privileges are real. (SC, LSME, pg. 25)

The Lodge is, then, at the time of the reception of an Entered Apprentice, a symbol of the world, and the initiation is a type of the new life upon which the candidate is about to enter. There he stands without our portals, on the threshold of this new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness, and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, he comes inquiringly to our doors, seeking the new birth, and asking a withdrawal of the veil which conceals divine truth from his uninitiated sight. (SC, Ahiman Rezon, pg. 61)

As a candidate for the degree of Entered Apprentice Mason takes his first step into the lodge room, he enters into a new world: the world of Masonry. He leaves the darkness, destitution, and helplessness of the world for the light and warmth of a new existence. (CA, EA Candidate Guide, pg. 16)

In taking his First Degree an Apprentice takes his first step into such a life as this; passes through the portals of birth into such a world as this; passes from the darkness, destitution and helplessness of the profane world into the light and warmth of such an existence as this. (FL, LSME, Booklet 2, pg. 4)

In this degree an Apprentice takes his first step into this life, leaving the darkness, destitution and helplessness of the profane world for the light and warmth of this new existence. (GA, LSME, Initiation, pg. 4)

In the First Degree, an Apprentice takes his first step into this life; leaves the darkness, destitution, and helplessness of the profane world for the light and warmth of this new existence. (NC, LSME, pg. 23)

As an Entered Apprentice takes his first step into the Lodge room, he enters into a New World: the world of Masonry. He leaves the darkness, destitution and helplessness of the world for the light and warmth of this new existence. It is not an idle formality, but a genuine experience, the beginning of a new career in which duties, rights and privileges are real. (TN, BMEC, EA, pg. 15)

A Masonic Lodge is not inappropriately represented as a symbol of life; and Masonic work, the symbol of labor of life. The reception of a candidate, therefore, into a Lodge of Freemasons is a type of new life upon which he is about to enter. Without our portals he stands helpless, in darkness and ignorance, on the threshold of this new Masonic life. Upon the first step taken in his researches for light and truth, lessons of fortitude and fidelity are impressed upon his mind, and he is taught that the foundation upon which Masonry rests is the belief in, and acknowledgement of, a Supreme Being in whom we trust. (Alaska Monitor, 1992)

The KY GL expanded that thought fully in their 1946 Monitor. That which follows was removed by the 19th edition (1990) but it shows just how far some jurisdictions were willing to go with the thought:

This opening unto you and your reception within the lodge is a symbol of the disruption from the ties of the world and your introduction into the life of Masonry. It is a symbol of the agonies of the first death and of the throes of a new birth.

There you stood without our portals, on the threshold of this new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness, and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, you came inquiringly to our doors, seeking the new birth, and asking a withdrawal of the veil which concealed the divine truth from your uninitiated sight. And here, as with Moses at the burning bush, the solemn admonition is given, “Put off thy shoes from off the feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” Ceremonial preparations surrounded you, all of a significant character, to indicate to you that some great change was about to take place in your moral and intellectual condition. There was to be not simply a change for the future, but also an extinction of the past; for initiation is, as it were, a death to the world and a resurrection to a new life. And hence it was that among the old Greeks the same word signified both “to die” and “to be initiated.” But death to him who believes in immortality is but a new birth. The world is left behind—the chains of error and ignorance which had previously restrained you in moral and intellectual captivity are to be broken—the portal of the Temple of a Future Life has been thrown widely open, and Masonry stands before you in all the glory of its form and beauty, to be fully revealed, however, only when the new birth has been completely accomplished.” (Kentucky Monitor, 1946, pg. 27)

In the main, the ‘new birth’ offered by Freemasonry utterly changes a candidate in the moral, intellectual and spiritual realms. As the FL GL likes to put it:

When he because a Master Mason, the doors of a vast storehouse of information were opened to him because his mind had acquired the ability to understand it. (FL GL, MM, pg. 26)

The Masonic Formation program offered by the CA GL is based on the same understanding.

Many GL’s connect the ritual itself to the ‘new birth’ the candidate receives. It is very much seen as a transformative process, though by what spirit it transforms is left unsaid.

The object of the first degree is to symbolize the struggles of a candidate groping in darkness for intellectual light; that of the second degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties that encumber the beginner in the attainment of learning and science.

The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light; the Fellow Craft is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. This degree, therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of the ardent mind for the attainment of truth, moral and intellectual, and above all that Divine Truth, the comprehension of which surpasseth human understanding. (TN, Tennessee Craftsman, pg. 39)

The First or Entered Apprentice Degree of Freemasonry is intended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of a man into the world in which he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light. (CA, Mentoring Program, pg. 130)

You can add to all of this the parts of the ritual where the candidate is described upon his entrance into the lodge room. Not all jurisdictions so-describe him, but enough do to warrant the negative view of him that permeates Masonry.

A poor blind candidate who is desirous of being brought from darkness to light, to have and receive a part of the rights and benefits of this Right Worshipful Lodge erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John as many worthy Brothers and fellows have done before.(ME GL, Ritual)

The First, or Entered Apprentice, degree of Freemasonry is intended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of man into the world, in which he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light – not that physical light which springs from the great orb of day as its fountain, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the primal source of all things – from the Grand Architect of the Universe – the Creator of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence the great, the primary object of the first degree is to symbolize that birth of intellectual light in the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is the type of unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward. (FL GL, EA Ritual)

The world thus represented is the world of Freemasonry; the Masonic career from beginning to end including all that lies between. The West Gate, through which the candidate enters, represents birth. In the First Degree the candidate is ushered into Masonic life, poor, blind, helpless, like a newborn babe. The old life with all its encumbrances should have dropped from him completely. He now enters a new life in a new world. (NC GL, LSME, 2010, pg. 22)

In taking his First Degree an Apprentice takes his first step into such a life as this; passes through the portals of birth into such a world as this; passes from the darkness, destitution and helplessness of the unenlightened world into the light and warmth of such an existence as this. (NE, MCEC, pgs. 24 – 26)

So, to state that Masonic use of the word ‘profane’ merely refers to non-Masons, is to truly avoid the truth in the matter. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Simpleman25]

So, you ask a mason what it means and he used a Masonic definition? How dare he answer your question honestly.

All your posturing does is prove that you don't, and never will understand freemasonry.

The real issue at hand is simple. You request open and honest dialogue. When it is offered to you, you refuse to acknowledge it.

Your rhetoric is getting old. No one listens or believes anything you have to say. Your cult site is darn near defunct. Take on a subject that you might have a chance with.

 

[Skip Sampson]

All your posturing does is prove that you don't, and never will understand freemasonry.

Should be easy enough then for you to show me where I have it wrong. But please deal in specifics for a change, not generalities.

The real issue at hand is simple. You request open and honest dialogue. When it is offered to you, you refuse to acknowledge it.

No, the issue is that Masons refuse to honestly discuss what Freemasonry teaches, and for the very simple reason that they can't, either through ignorance or fear. You are the perfect example of that. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Simpleman25]

Specifically I've given you a Masonic definition for a word. You asked why we use this term. I've given it to you yet you refuse to acknowledge it.

While you gave a definition, it's not what you think it means that matters. A mason gave you a Masonic definition for a word. If someone wants to know what you think it means, they'll ask you.

That is being honest without being ignorant or scared.

The issue at hand is that you didn't like the answer that was given to you. Your response was to insult me. Fair enough. It's part of your playbook.

 

[americanvet]

This question was answered here: http://www.christianforums.com/t7770899-31/#post64255150

For those who are looking without an agenda, as you can see even when we (Freemasons) answer the question in a manner that a reasonable person would be satisfied it is never good enough for some.

Anti-Masonic Examples: Skip Sampson

 

[Skip Sampson]

Specifically I've given you a Masonic definition for a word. You asked why we use this term. I've given it to you yet you refuse to acknowledge it.

In the future, I'd suggest you read my post before complaining about its contents. Had you done so, you'd have found this (emphasis added):

On another thread, the question was asked: why do Masons refer to non-Masons as ‘profane?’ The Masonic answer, taken from a Masonic website, was that the term merely meant a ‘non-Mason’ and that nothing derogatory was meant by it. I took issue with the reply in that it 1) used a nonstandard definition of the word, and 2) did not truthfully represent why Masons use it in the form they do.

While you gave a definition, it's not what you think it means that matters.

True enough. It's what the word actually means and not the spin Masonry wants to put on it. You can use all the words available in the English language, but you cannot arbitrarily change their meanings.

The issue at hand is that you didn't like the answer that was given to you.

Ah, perhaps you did read it after all, and just forgot about it. At any rate, my reasons for not 'liking' it are backed up by specifics, as noted.

Your response was to insult me.

And this from the guy that claims I am part of a cult. Amazing how you demand perfection from me, but not from yourself. Not surprising, of course, but still amazing. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

For those who are looking without an agenda, as you can see even when we (Freemasons) answer the question in a manner that a reasonable person would be satisfied it is never good enough for some.

Well, I'm different than the average reader in that I know when responses by Masons are neither truthful nor complete. In this specific instance, my case is out for all to see, but none of you have cared or dared to dispute it. Nothing new there. Cordially, Skip.

 

[keith99]

So a rather old organization uses rather old terminology and this is some great surprise?

Historically profane simply meant not holy. No big deal.

 

[Simpleman25]

This is hopefully my last post concerning this topic. The claim that we're being dishonest is very wrong. You don't have to agree, but there is no reason to attack our honesty.

Perfect? Very far from it. I hold you to the standard you have set for yourself thru the internet. As far as the cult comments go, I stand behind what I've said.

Interesting side note. Per many conversions I've read of yours, it doesn't shock me to see how many of my points have been side stepped. Or completely ignored. Part of the playbook you were taught.

 

[Skip Sampson]

So a rather old organization uses rather old terminology and this is some great surprise? Historically profane simply meant not holy. No big deal.

The issue is their obfuscation of the term's meaning, which is, as you say, 'not holy.' It's ok with me if they wish to characterize non-Masons as such, but they don't want to do so openly and honestly, which makes it an issue with me. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

but there is no reason to attack our honesty.

I think there is, as I've demonstrated. As additional proof, check out the web site for which americanvet provided a link. The charge they made against me was unfounded and totally untrue, yet it remains on their website even now. Masons, it seems, are simply incapable of reasoned discussion and factually based conclusions. They prefer to slander and mislead.

As far as the cult comments go, I stand behind what I've said.

And what proof have you offered to back up those comments? If memory serves, I've asked about that and received no answer. Let's have your facts in open forum and see if you have anything beyond generalities.

it doesn't shock me to see how many of my points have been side stepped. Or completely ignored.

Such as? Cordially, Skip.

 

[Simpleman25]

The issue is their obfuscation of the term's meaning, which is, as you say, 'not holy.' It's ok with me if they wish to characterize non-Masons as such, but they don't want to do so openly and honestly, which makes it an issue with me. Cordially, Skip.

Why does this put a twist in your knickers?

 

[Skip Sampson]

Why does this put a twist in your knickers?

It doesn't affect my clothing at all, only my sense of right and wrong. Since truth is supposedly one of the great tenets in Freemasonry, I'd like to see some of it from the Masons on this forum. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Simpleman25]

It doesn't affect my clothing at all, only my sense of right and wrong. Since truth is supposedly one of the great tenets in Freemasonry, I'd like to see some of it from the Masons on this forum. Cordially, Skip.

Your sense of right and wrong? Comical.

You've been shown honesty here and on other forums. Your inability to accept facts astounds me.

You expect masons to be something different than other members of society. We aren't.

Why don't you go after the evangelical Christians for the harm they are causing to the Christian movement? Ministers cheating on their wives. Ministers engaging in sex with underage people.

Why do you attack us when there are so many other people doing more harm to society?

It just doesn't add up.

 

[americanvet]

I think there is, as I've demonstrated. As additional proof, check out the web site for which americanvet provided a link. The charge they made against me was unfounded and totally untrue, yet it remains on their website even now. Masons, it seems, are simply incapable of reasoned discussion and factually based conclusions. They prefer to slander and mislead.

And what proof have you offered to back up those comments? If memory serves, I've asked about that and received no answer. Let's have your facts in open forum and see if you have anything beyond generalities.

Such as? Cordially, Skip.

Emphasis is mine.

Sounds like something the Masons on here have been saying about other websites for many threads now.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Sounds like something the Masons on here have been saying about other websites for many threads now.

So their falsehoods are justified in your eyes because other people commit them as well? An interesting view.

Still, what Masons say about others isn't necessarily the truth, as your cite clearly shows. In this particular case, they cannot back up what they say, which is not unusual for Masons. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

You expect masons to be something different than other members of society. We aren't.

So Masonry does not take good men and make them better? Glad a Mason has finally admitted that truth, with which I am in full agreement.

Why don't you go after the evangelical Christians for the harm they are causing to the Christian movement? Ministers cheating on their wives. Ministers engaging in sex with underage people.

Who do you have in mind? Do you know any Masons who are guilty of the same sins?

Why do you attack us when there are so many other people doing more harm to society?

Well, I really don't focus on the harm people do to 'society;' rather, I focus on groups whose teachings and practices are contrary to Biblical Christianity. Plus, I'm not 'attacking' anyone per se, but just exposing what exists so others can decide for themselves what to do about it. Cordially, Skip.

 

[americanvet]

So their falsehoods are justified in your eyes because other people commit them as well? An interesting view.

Still, what Masons say about others isn't necessarily the truth, as your cite clearly shows. In this particular case, they cannot back up what they say, which is not unusually for Masons. Cordially, Skip.

I did not say that falsehoods were justified. What I said was you are claiming the same thing we are. I just happen to believe we are correct and you are not. Please stop putting words in my mouth.

 

[Simpleman25]

So Masonry does not take good men and make them better? Glad a Mason has finally admitted that truth, with which I am in full agreement.

Who do you have in mind? Do you know any Masons who are guilty of the same sins?

Well, I really don't focus on the harm people do to 'society;' rather, I focus on groups whose teachings and practices are contrary to Biblical Christianity. Plus, I'm not 'attacking' anyone per se, but just exposing what exists so others can decide for themselves what to do about it. Cordially, Skip.

My point, which was pretty simple is that we are humans like everyone else. We are all open to making bad choices.

You seem to think that we consider ourselves perfect. We don't.

Contrary to whose interpretations of the gospel? If it's yours then the question begs. Who voted you in charge?

The holy spirit moves through each of us differently. It's extraordinarily arrogant to assume to know explicitly what the bible says to each of us.

Then again that's part of the game plan isn't it? Either believe as I do or you're wrong.

 

[Skip Sampson]

What I said was you are claiming the same thing we are. I just happen to believe we are correct and you are not.

There's a critical difference: the website you cited cannot back up their claims; thus, they are lying. And you choose to cite it anyway? Sorry, there is no equivalency there.

In my articles, I've cited GL facts which you choose not to dispute, which to me is a form of intellectual cowardice. In the marketplace of ideas, free flowing discussions are the currency. Masons hate these discussions simply because they hold up a mirror to their Craft which they do not want to look at. That is why most Masons do not want to defend their organization except through half-truths and distortions. Cordially, Skip.