Ah, but it has not always been that way correct?
Earliest Masons would have been very religiously connected right? At times I suspect it has taken a bit sway to and from, as lodges felt compelled? (as the topic indicates Christianity in FM)
Same with politics. I assume that in America during the revolution, lodges and Masons would have been very politically active. I am assuming there would be a good deal of plotting and planning taking place during what should have been scheduled lodge meetings?
So we all have to understand, that politics and religion are not discussed during open lodge, as we seek to build on what is the SAME about us, and not fight over what is different. I fully believe many Masonic rules, policies, practices and traditions must be observed and even defended by current membership. But I think when the situation warrants it, some rules SEEM to be guidelines and not so strict?
(still learning)
I'm still learning too
I think there is an idea Jacobitism(movement to restore Stewart Throne in Scotland and England) was connected with the Craft there and in France looking at England as a political opponent- and later with the Secret Societies Act (English) saw our masonic ancestors distance themselves from politics. Whether perception or reality, i'll let you do your own research and draw your own conclusions. Me, I think Scottish nationalism might have played a role, but as Coach says, there is a lot of romanticism and speculation in that. In the States, you had the Anti-Masonry Political Movement - another pressure which saw our masonic ancestors distance themselves from politics. This is one of the steps we took to ensure Freemasonry was seen as a peaceful, lawful and legitimate organisation and not a group of agitators which in turn did attract respected members, including Protestant Clergy - but also high profile Catholics like Dan O'Connell in the 1700's.
What is interesting to contemplate, is if you think Speculative Freemasonry predates the Protestant Reformation ( but bearing in mind Freemasonry was not a religious institution) was it catholic or heretic in nature ? I dont think will ever know... but I've never seen a "ancient charge" to obey the Pope.... all very interesting.
One thing for sure: people present speculation as fact in this space, but what we would call irregular European Freemasonry has engaged in religious politics and action in ways inconceivable to the regular Freemason. What's also interesting is several early founders of the Craft in South America were Catholic Clergy, something Rome seems to ignore, but I've only read a bit about the origins on Freemasonry in Sth America.
All interesting stuff. Where Axioms often prove false
And its full of "facts" like wonderful Masons at the Alamo - which fail to mention Santa Anna was also a Freemason