The Symbolism of Freemasonry [MOVED FROM UNORTHODOX THEOLOGY]

[ChristianMasonJim]

I am reading a book called, "The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide" written by the noted Freemason, Arturo de Hoyos, a 33 degree Scottish Rite Freemason who is also the Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction. In a chapter on Masonic symbols, he opens with what I consider to be a very articulate exposition of the definition and intent of the symbolism of Freemasonry:

"Throughout history people have used special images to communicate abstract ideas and to present their perspectives and insights into philosophical, scientific, and religious concepts. These potent images, or symbols, both preserve and reveal the essence of the intended notions. Some symbols are intuitive or even overt (for example, the skull and crossbones on a bottle of poison), while others are subtle and demand contemplation, explanation, or the benefit of maturity and/or life experience. Freemasonry is so inetricably bound to the use of symbolism that it has been famously defined as "a system of morality, veiled in allegoty, and illustrated by symbols." In brief, the use of symbolism lies at the heart of our tradition.

As Masons, we metaphorically build out temples in the hearts of men by the use of symbolic working-tools. With this intent we hope to become a mighty and beneficent power in every civilized land, an empire of intellect, reason, philosophy, and wise morality. To further aid us in this great work we, like the great teachers of every age, employ analogy, symbol, and metaphor to impart instruction. This method facilitates the understanding of the concepts which sometimes elude simple expression and/or comprehension. Freemasonry's eclectic use of symbols from a variety of cultures, faiths, and philosophies permits the presentation of a broader tapestry of knowledge and wisdom than would be possible if limited to one source alone. In so doing it does not dogmatically assert or even tacitly imply the superiority of one tradition above another neither does it employ undue syncretism or equate contradictory principles. Rather, it attempts to utilize the most apt symbol necessary, from whatever source, to expound a given concept or express a particular philosophy. Hence, the use of a familiar or even an unfamiliar religious icon or emblem does not mandate, imply, or suggest the acceptance of any creed, doctrine or idea which contradicts personal beliefs of any member. The symbols are merely tools to provoke earnest contemplation and thought, as they encourage us to consider the great questions of human existence by the sum of human experience. Thus, symbols, like scientific tools, may provide different perspectives for understanding the nature of reality." - "The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide" p. 139

Personally, I think this clears up many misconceptions about Masonic symbolism, and it illustrates how many interpretations of the writings of Freemasonry can exist.

 

[visionary]

” To you, Sovereign Instructors of Grade 33, we tell you: you have to repeat to the brothers of inferior grades that we worship only one God to whom we pray without superstition. It is we, initiated in the Supreme Grade, that are to keep the real Masonic religion preserving pure the Lucifer doctrine. ” – Albert Pike

 

[chaoschristian]

” To you, Sovereign Instructors of Grade 33, we tell you: you have to repeat to the brothers of inferior grades that we worship only one God to whom we pray without superstition. It is we, initiated in the Supreme Grade, that are to keep the real Masonic religion preserving pure the Lucifer doctrine. ” – Albert Pike

Was the OP tl;dr for you?

 

[Rev Wayne]

The Taxil Hoax raises its ugly head once again. This was refuted well over a century ago, folks, and the perpetrator published a full confession to it admitting the lies. Don't you think it's about time to put this one to rest? And if Taxil's own confession over a century ago isn't good enough, Morris and deHoyos certainly exposed the true colors of this lie nearly two decades ago:

There are several problems with this quotation, some obvious and some subtle. To start with, about 1 million out of 2½ million American Masons have the 32° in the Scottish Rite, including ministers, rabbis, bishops, and other devout worshipers of God. It is inconceivable that there would not be mass resignations and protests if these men were taught this disgusting "Luciferian doctrine." Is it believable that the millions of Scottish Rite Masons during the last two centuries could be cowed into such total silence? Dr. Robert Morey, an opponent of Masonry, put it well, "Since most Masons in the United States are members of Christian churches and many clergymen belong to the Fraternity, the idea that they are all involved in some kind of devil cult is absurd."

Also, the quotation is riddled with logical inconsistencies. There is not now and never has been a position of "Sovereign Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry." This office is Taxil's invention and alone demonstrates the letter is a forgery. There is no "Confederation of Supreme Councils." Neither Albert Pike, the Mother Supreme Council, nor any grand lodges ever recognized any lodges of adoption (Masonic lodges open to men and women). In the United States virtually every Scottish Rite Mason progresses to the 32°. Why would Albert Pike suggest special treatment for 30°, 31°, and 32° Masons, when that would have included nearly everyone?

The real evidence of a hoax comes in de la Rive's footnote, which neither Lady Queenborough nor anyone else has ever bothered quoting. The footnote refers to Diana Vaughan, the matchless creation of Léo Taxil's twisted mind, who, despite her illustrious pedigree created by Taxil, never existed.

*Ce fut la Sur Diana Vaughan qu'Albert Pike,--afin de lui donner la plus grande marque de confiance,--chargea d'apporter son encyclique luciférienne, à Paris, pendant l'Exposition Universelle.

*It was the Sister Diana Vaughan that Albert Pike,--in order to give her the greatest mark of confidence,--charged to carry his luciferian encyclical, to Paris, during the Universal Exposition.

The hoax is well known and has been explained time and time again for nearly a century. The New Catholic Encyclopedia says this about Léo Taxil.

Taxil purported to reveal the existence of "Palladium," the most secret Masonic order, which practiced devilworship. He recounted the story of its high priestess Diana Vaughan; and ended by publishing the Mémoires d'une ex-Palladiste after her conversion to Catholicism. When doubts began to spread, Taxil realized the time had come to end the deceit. In a conference in Paris (April 19, 1897), he cynically admitted his hoax, whose aim, he said, was to hold up Catholicism to derision.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

I did a quick Google search on the above Albert Pike quote, and it's amazing to see the the sites on which it appears: anti-Masonic sites, Illuminati exposure sites, Conspiracy Theory sites, Christian sites blasting Freemasonry and the Illuminati, Moon landing hoax sites, and countless others. Moreover, it appears seemingly randomly throughout comments on forums and news sites. But in every case, never, repeat NEVER is the source for the quote properly attributed or even available. It's always just the quote attributed either simply to Albert Pike, or to a letter written by Albert Pike.

I can find pretty much any other anti-Masonic quote in countless books and manuscripts by various Masonic authors and critics, but I have not found ANY real source material for this quote other than random claims that it was in a letter. I'd like to see is the actual source of this quote, ie: the actual letter with the quote in context. Given Rev. Wayne's description of the well-known Taxil hoax and of the letter being a counterfeit, I really doubt that anyone can actually produce a copy of the letter. If you can, please do so.

To simply spew a quote and claim that it is by someone without providing any real evidence of the source material does nothing for the credibility of the claim.

 

[Rev Wayne]

I had intended to post the link to the above exposure of this lie. Since I didn't, here it is:

Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?

The piece supposedly "quoting" Pike was published by Abel Claren de la Rive and by Lady Queensborough. The Pike "quote" is attributed to "Diana Vaughn," a fictitious character concocted by Taxil as a part of his hoax. But I noticed in the presentation of both those sources by Morris and DeHoyos, the version of it cited here matches neither of the English interpretations of those two.

Taxil later published a full confession to the whole deception. De la Rive repudiated Taxil in the April 1897 issue of Freemasonry Revealed, and stuck to his claims. But Taxil's full confession to the non-existence of "Diana Vaugh" clearly shows De la Rive to be in error. It is interesting to note that the B.C. Catholic, a publication of the archdiocese of Vancouverr, published the Taxil Hoax in June 19, 2000, but upon discovering it was a hoax, published a retraction and an apology in a later issue.

 

[jburkes80]

” To you, Sovereign Instructors of Grade 33, we tell you: you have to repeat to the brothers of inferior grades that we worship only one God to whom we pray without superstition. It is we, initiated in the Supreme Grade, that are to keep the real Masonic religion preserving pure the Lucifer doctrine. ” – Albert Pike

....

If you did a little research you would find that Lucifer is a Latin word that is used by pike because the word Lucifer means Light Bearer in Latin. Masons teach the light which in my lodge we pray with the King James Holy Bible!!! We pray at fellowship " In Christ Jesus name...AMEN" Jesus is the light. In my lodge we have a couple local Pastors and I have a hard time believing that Freemasonry is a Religion. We in no way speak of Freemasonry as a religion. Freemasonry teaches Friendship...Morality...and brotherly love.

 

[visionary]

Hidden Camera Exposed Masonic Ritual Satan Worship - YouTube

 

[timewerx]

I am reading a book called, "The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide" written by the noted Freemason, Arturo de Hoyos, a 33 degree Scottish Rite Freemason who is also the Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction. In a chapter on Masonic symbols, he opens with what I consider to be a very articulate exposition of the definition and intent of the symbolism of Freemasonry:

Why would a Freemason say anything bad about Freemasonry?

Even the Church of Satan say they are not evil.

Freemasonry openly acknowledges the incorporation of Hermetic Principles in their group.

And I see the Hermetic Principle as clearly opposed to the Gospel.

 

[Albion]

This discussion belongs in the "Philosophy" section as do all topics dealing with Freemasonry.

MODERATORS: Please move this thread to the Philosophy forum.

 

[Der Alte]

....

If you did a little research you would find that Lucifer is a Latin word that is used by pike because the word Lucifer means Light Bearer in Latin. Masons teach the light which in my lodge we pray with the King James Holy Bible!!! We pray at fellowship " In Christ Jesus name...AMEN" Jesus is the light. In my lodge we have a couple local Pastors and I have a hard time believing that Freemasonry is a Religion. We in no way speak of Freemasonry as a religion. Freemasonry teaches Friendship...Morality...and brotherly love.

Why would Christians need another organization for "Friendship...Morality...and brotherly love?" Doesn't it also teach secrecy? Saying that X number of pastors, rabbis etc. belong to an organization does not prove anything.

 

[Albion]

If you take your question to the Philosophy forum, we could have a good discussion about these matters. Thanks.

Why would Christians need another organization for "Friendship...Morality...and brotherly love?" Doesn't it also teach secrecy? Saying that X number of pastors, rabbis etc. belong to an organization does not prove anything.

 

[circuitrider]

It would make more sense to move this thread to "philosophy." Freemasonry isn't an "unorthodox theology" because it isn't a religion. It is much more of a philosophy of life.

 

[Gospel Guy]

Nah, it's much more fun over here in the irregular doctrines section where departing from sound biblical teaching is common place.

 

[circuitrider]

Nah, it's much more fun over here in the irregular doctrines section where departing from sound biblical teaching is common place.

Other than it is just out of place here. It isn't a theological topic, as Albion has pointed out.

I mean we could decide to discuss car mechanics here too. Or maybe my Kiwanis Club members.

 

[Gospel Guy]

Actually, shriners are like liberals... it IS a religion to them,
it IS their theology, and it IS what they worship.

 

[Andres88]

MOD HAT ON
​

This thread has been moved from Unorthodox Theology. Remember that discussions on the topic of Freemasonry belong to the Philosophy forum.

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[Jipsah]

Nah, it's much more fun over here in the irregular doctrines section where departing from sound biblical teaching is common place.

It would be far less so without your novel "interpretations" of Scripture.

 

[circuitrider]

Actually, shriners are like liberals... it IS a religion to them,
it IS their theology, and it IS what they worship.

What is this statement based on?

The Shrine is most certainly not religious. It is primarily a social and charitable club which requires you to be a Mason to join. I see nothing in it that qualifies it as a religion.

 

[circuitrider]

I'm always amazed how often the Taxil Hoax rears its ugly head in a Christian forum. This is known and well documented lie. Yet some Christians, who are supposed to be sharing truth, repeat this one over and over again simply because they want to believe it.