Your in India? I would think you'd seen a few VSLs... in my lodge I've seen Bibles, Korans, Gitas and Buddhist texts used as VSLs and visited Lodges with the Talmud...Interesting. But then what did you swear on? I have read about two different VSLs used, the Jefferson Bible and a blank book.
Two different issues arise. 1. Not believing in a revealed text does not prohibit taking an obligation on such. 2. In some jurisdictions, membership would be prohibited. For instance, Texas requires on its petition for the degrees a belief in the the divine authenticity of the volume of sacred law (and the US Constitution). http://grandlodgeoftexas.org/assets/uploads/2015/10/26.pdfInteresting.. But what if someone does not believe that there is specifically a revealed text by God? Since the requirement for being a Freemason is having faith in God, and not necessarily belonging to any religion.
Yes, yes, and yes, as seen in the link.Owww.. 1 Yes of course
But for 2, is that allowed? Allowing membership to only those who have revealed scriptures? Or is that upto the Grand lodge?
Masonry teaches us to be better members of our chosen church
Two different issues arise. 1. Not believing in a revealed text does not prohibit taking an obligation on such. 2. In some jurisdictions, membership would be prohibited. For instance, Texas requires on its petition for the degrees a belief in the the divine authenticity of the volume of sacred law (and the US Constitution). http://grandlodgeoftexas.org/assets/uploads/2015/10/26.pdf
Are u saying because u r Australian you dont believe in the authority of the US Constitution? what about if unwere visiting the US? Would u follow our laws? To me that is believing in the constitution.....Wow. Thank you for that link Bro Glen.
"Firm belief" in the Divine Authenticity of the VSL... i did not know that. If we had that here, we'd have A LOT less Freemasons. If that had of been a requirement, I would not have been able to join.. or would have spent a long time Soul Searching... All other questions, including components of that one and even belief in the USA Const are okay but if you put the form in front of me right now, I would not be able to sign it. I'd cross that out and take my chances. Would the same be true for affiliation ? Looks like I can't be a Texan Freemason under that GL..
Are u saying because u r Australian you dont believe in the authority of the US Constitution? what about if unwere visiting the US? Would u follow our laws? To me that is believing in the constitution.....
Are u saying because u r Australian you dont believe in the authority of the US Constitution? what about if unwere visiting the US? Would u follow our laws? To me that is believing in the constitution.....
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Actually... requiring a firm belief in the "divine authority" of a VSL kinda conflicts with the right to Religious Freedom protected in the Constitution.... that Constitutional clause is the sort of thing which makes the USA Constitution a great document.....No my friend, I'm saying I would have not problem saying (or swearing) I have a firm belief in the US Constitution .... my issue would be solely on the "Firm belief " of the devine authenticity of any VSL, even the Bible, which is the Holy Text of my faith.
No, not really. The Constitution constrains the government from interfering in religion, it does not constrain private organizations from having rules.Actually... requiring a firm belief in the "divine authority" of a VSL kinda conflicts with the right to Religious Freedom protected in the Constitution.... that Constitutional clause is the sort of thing which makes the USA Constitution a great document.....