I have read both threads started by the Grand Commander of Texas and must say that I was both intrigued and startled by the responses in those threads. I am an EA working on my proficiency work but, before I turned in my petition I researched Freemasonry pretty thoroughly and thought that when the time was right, the York Rite would be a no brainer. Unfortunately, the following in this area is nowhere near as strong as the Scottish Rite for reasons I have yet to figure out. If I were eligible at this point in time, costs would be too prohibitive.
For now, I must return to my EA proficiency work but I look forward to more responses in those two threads.
I am a member of Lubbock Scottish Rite and have been for a very long time. Just one thing to remember, the Lubbock Scottish Rite valley is very large so you have members from Midland/Odessa area, not sure where is officially ends, to the top and the Texas Panhandle. Lubbock York Rite is mostly made up for masons from the Lubbock area. This may be the reason it appears to stronger. Many of those members are also York Rite and we discuss both organizations when we are together.
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I have always been lead to believe that the Commandery doesn't require a Sir Knight to be a Christian but be willing to "raise his sword in defense of the Christian religion".
I know several Jewish Masons who are in the Knights Templar and nothing has ever been said about their religious views
You are correct about the Order of the Temple which is the final degree of the Commandery. However, one of the earlier Orders forces you to answer a question that many non-Christians might be unwilling to answer. I work with several members who have roots in both the Christian and Jewish Religions, and no one has ever made any negative statements about them. I my option, if a person is willing to agree to the basic tenants of the organization, either York, Scottish, or Shrine, then they should be allowed to join.
In my Commandery after the Order are completed, religions is never brought up again.
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York Rite having nothing to do with York; nor Scottish Rite having nothing to do with Scotland! WoW!
Ps. The Scottish Rite has always been the larger body of these two organisations.
In the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, we have a program called the Master Craftsman. I would recommend if you have access to it that you would take the exams and complete the course. It explains some of the degrees very well, but does talk about the origin of the Scottish Rite and touches on the origin of the York Rite briefly.
The Scottish Rite earned its name because of the degree it started with were called Scottish High Masons Degree. The rite itself began in France, but was organized into what we know today in the United States. That is why you will hear the Southern Jurisdiction referred to as the Mother Council of the world. Of course the book and exam were published by the Southern Jurisdiction so they can say whatever they want to. However, I have read that in other book as well.
The York Rite was organized in the city of York in England, and later took its name from that city.
