TrevorMH
Registered User
I need some advice. I am very interested in Freemasonry, and am getting ready to visit the local lodge with my friend on Monday. I have concerns about the necessity to believe in God.
If someone was to ask me directly if I believe in God, I cannot offer a simple "yes" or "no", I have to explain.
I was raised without religion - my first instinct is to identify as irreligious. I went to different churches on my own and had a strong belief when I was a teenager. That was an experience that left me with some issues with religion I'm trying to get over. I found Humanism, and Humanist philosophy, which is not necessarily atheistic but more like non theistic.
The "God" character of Christianity, Judaism and Islam doesn't really fit into the way I see the world and understand my relationship with others. However, I believe in a consciousness that connects humanity. This is to be conscious of the suffering of others, and of how our own actions influence those around us. This is important for me. I believe in a conscious force that not only unites all people, but which inspires people to goodness and drives humanity in the way of progress. When it comes to life after death - I do not know, and it doesn't figure into my spirituality. I enjoy attending meetings of a Buddhist meditation group at the local Center for Inner Peace, with whom I explore consciousness and other related concepts.
Also - I believe in prayer. I believe in the power of vocalizing ones needs or goals, and asking the universe to "make it work" (my own prayer). This may help - it also may not. I'm not concerned about that, only with the action itself.
I like to refer to this conscious force as "God". So, if I may define God in my own terms, then yes, I do believe in God.
Is this understanding satisfactory for the Colorado Masons? Or do the Freemasons require belief in the Judeo-Christian God?
If someone was to ask me directly if I believe in God, I cannot offer a simple "yes" or "no", I have to explain.
I was raised without religion - my first instinct is to identify as irreligious. I went to different churches on my own and had a strong belief when I was a teenager. That was an experience that left me with some issues with religion I'm trying to get over. I found Humanism, and Humanist philosophy, which is not necessarily atheistic but more like non theistic.
The "God" character of Christianity, Judaism and Islam doesn't really fit into the way I see the world and understand my relationship with others. However, I believe in a consciousness that connects humanity. This is to be conscious of the suffering of others, and of how our own actions influence those around us. This is important for me. I believe in a conscious force that not only unites all people, but which inspires people to goodness and drives humanity in the way of progress. When it comes to life after death - I do not know, and it doesn't figure into my spirituality. I enjoy attending meetings of a Buddhist meditation group at the local Center for Inner Peace, with whom I explore consciousness and other related concepts.
Also - I believe in prayer. I believe in the power of vocalizing ones needs or goals, and asking the universe to "make it work" (my own prayer). This may help - it also may not. I'm not concerned about that, only with the action itself.
I like to refer to this conscious force as "God". So, if I may define God in my own terms, then yes, I do believe in God.
Is this understanding satisfactory for the Colorado Masons? Or do the Freemasons require belief in the Judeo-Christian God?
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