Well then, just for sake of argument, and I love playing Devil's Advocate...
Could Freemasonry stand on its own as a religion? Hear my arguments....
First we should look at the definition of religion...
re·li·gion
/rɪˈlɪdʒən/ Show Spelled[ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
–noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
A) One could plainly see that the tenets of Freemasonry are a set of beliefs. Check
B) I have never come across anything Masonic that discusses the cause if the universe, but judging from the language and flavor, I can deduce that the GAotU built it. Tentative check
C) The nature of the universe is a little more tricky. Freemasonry takes a lot from the old Hermetic philosophy. Their explanation of the nature of the universe was
"As above, so below", could one argue that, the more we align ourselves with the actions and thoughts that we know (or believe) to be in accordance with the tools that the GAotU set forth for us, the more "in line" with the GAotU's designs we are? Tentative check
D) I definitely know that we talk of superhuman agencies. (God, resurrection, invoking the aid of Deity etc.) Check
E) We definitely talk of devotion as it is our devotion to the code of morality is what gains us admission into the House. Check
F) Ritual observances? Check
G) Containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs? Check
Let us discuss!
I am not saying that Freemasonry is a religion. I only using my reasoning abilities to deduce here. If I offend anyone, please let me know.