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Freemasonry and Religion

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
First off, Freemasonry is NOT a religion, nor will it ever be. I've had the opportunity to associate with Brethren of varying beliefs, faiths, denominations etc. Even though they are "spiritual", I would not categorize them as being participants in your typical organized religion/Sunday crowd. I pose this question, does Freemasonry bring you closer to God and if so, how? Does Freemasonry fill a void that organized religion does not? As a Christian, I believe that Freemasonry reinforced my faith. I think twice before cutting someone off in traffic knowing I proudly display the S&C on my truck..lol. It's the morals of my Christian Faith, reinforced by Obligations of the Craft which keep me in check. Again, we all know that Freemasonry is not a religion, but the morals and teachings run parallel with most religions bodies. How does Freemasonry fit into your life? Even though you may not be "Religious"" per se, is it your rule and guide? All opinions are encouraged.
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Freemasonry for me is a "gentle reminder" to me of my Christian faith. To keep within the guidlines taught to us by the Great Light in Masonry.
 

jonesvilletexas

Premium Member
This is first and foremost to be remembered, [Freemasonry is NOT a religion, nor will it ever be]. I've seen brothers make it one; the fraternity should not and never should take the place of a man’s religion or become a replacement for it. As a Christian and well grounded in my beliefs I see the fraternity as that, a fraternity.
 

rhitland

Founding Member
Premium Member
Freemasonry can seem religous to outsiders and na sayers but when delved into you realize it uses Biblical stories and teaching to convey a form of morality, but none of them relate directly to your salvation; Freemasonry is the art of self improvement. Which if applied correctly will make good men better which only bleeds into every aspect of your life.
 
J

jwardl

Guest
From my perspective, Freemasonry is about improving life on Earth -- making the most of this existence, by seeking a deeper understanding and connection to one's spiritual self. Religion is primarily about the spiritual plane, and our relationship with Deity. I can see how some might confuse Freemasnry with religion, but the way I look at it, it's almost a paired opposite -- sort of like being on the inside, looking out, -vs- being on the outside, looking in... if that makes any sense.

I'm a Deist, and as such, do not generally attend church. Freemasonry helped me realize this, by having to answer question #30 on the petition. I knew that Freemasonry permitted no Athiests (and was certainly not one), nor did it concern itself with one's specific faith -- but before answering that question, "yes," I wanted to be certain it was the absolute truth. Lying on the petition struck me as a poor start!

Will leave out the details of how I arrived to my conclusion, so as not to sound like a "recruiter" -- but the point is, the fraternity did bring me closer to God, and helped to reinforce the good beliefs I've always held.

If and when one is ready to be a member, it'll be one of the best decisions you've ever made.
 
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JEbeling

Guest
often wondered why religons felt threaten by freemasonary.. ! almost all the Masons that I know have been very religous and leaders in their chruches.
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
From my perspective, Freemasonry is about improving life on Earth -- making the most of this existence, by seeking a deeper understanding and connection to one's spiritual self. Religion is primarily about the spiritual plane, and our relationship with Deity. I can see how some might confuse Freemasnry with religion, but the way I look at it, it's almost a paired opposite -- sort of like being on the inside, looking out, -vs- being on the outside, looking in... if that makes any sense.

I'm a Deist, and as such, do not generally attend church. Freemasonry helped me realize this, by having to answer question #30 on the petition. I knew that Freemasonry permitted no Athiests (and was certainly not one), nor did it concern itself with one's specific faith -- but before answering that question, "yes," I wanted to be certain it was the absolute truth. Lying on the petition struck me as a poor start!

Will leave out the details of how I arrived to my conclusion, so as not to sound like a "recruiter" -- but the point is, the fretarnity did bring me closer to God, and helped to reinforce the good beliefs I've always held.

If and when one is ready to be a member, it'll be one of the best decisions you've ever made.

Great answer!
 

bchandlerfinch

Registered User
coming from a wiccan/pagan background, I have a slightly different angle on this. Though we use the bible in our lodge, Freemasonry to me steps outside of the bounds of strict judeo-christian religion. Religion is as someone once stated "Man's attempt to define Deity". Freemasonry to me takes the best ideas of religion and melds them together beautifully without becoming "preachy".
 
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