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WHAT ABOUT FREEMASONRY?
Members of the Freemasonry prefer being called an
old fraternal order. They are also known as Masonry
or the Masonic Lodge. Historically, Freemasonry
developed from the early medieval guilds of masons
who built the Gothic cathedrals of Europe. They
formed themselves into guilds that operated as
mutual self-help groups similar to modern trade
unions. To recognize each other, the guilds use
secret symbols, passwords, and a special handshake.
Eventually they accepted outsiders, provided they
could prove themselves to be men of learning, or
those who held high social positions. By the end of
the sixteenth century the lodges of working masons
had largely dispersed and replaced by speculative
Freemasonry. Gradually the symbolism of the craft
came to stand more for spiritual progress and
enlightenment. In London four speculative lodges
came together in 1717 A.D. to form the first Grand
Lodge.
There is no documentary evidence to link Freemasonry
before 1717. Yet the Masonic Lodges teach their new
candidates that the organization dates from the
building of King Solomon's temple. This sets the
stage for saying Hiram Abif, was a Master Mason.
This teaching is important since they relate many of
their secrets and symbols to this legend. The first
question asked a candidate, as he enters the Entered
Apprentice Degree, is if he believes in God. They do
not ask which god, and any will do. The Masons refer
to God as "Supreme Architect of the Universe,
Supreme Grand Master, or the Nameless One of a
hundred Names." At the beginning stages they teach
that God's name was lost with the death of Hiram
Abrif. Then, in the higher order, the Royal Arch
degree (York Rite) they learn his name is Jahbulon.
The name Jahbulon is a composite term, joining
Jehovah with two pagan gods - the evil Canaanite
deity Baal (Jer. 19:5; Judges 3:7;10:6) and the
Egyptian god Osiris. More commonly they use the
initials JBO for the name. Only three Masons of a
higher degree can pronounce the name in a whisper.
Before looking at some of their symbols and
teachings in more detail, an outline of their
organizational structure is important. A person
entering Freemasonry in the United States enters the
Blue Lodge. This lodge has three basic degrees
(Entered Apprentice, Fellow Crafter, and Master
Mason) through which all masons must pass. While
most masons stop at the Blue Lodge Master Mason
degree, there are other options available. The mason
may choose one of two paths to follow. One is the
Scottish Rite, which contains 30 degrees beyond the
Blue Lodge. The last degree is strictly an honorary
award. The other path is the York Rite (Sometimes
called the American Rite) which has 10 additional
degrees.
The last degree of the York Rite, (the Knights
Templar) is equivalent to the Scottish 32 degree.
The Worshipful Master of the local lodge is in
complete control of that lodge. There are over 104
Grand Lodges including one for each of our states.
The Grand Lodge sets the Rites and the
interpretation of that Ritual for the lodges within
its area to follow. However, usually the rites are
very similar with only minor wording differences.
Freemasonry claims not to be a religion. Yet they
call the building they meet in a temple. The temple
contains a sacred altar on which is placed either a
Bible, Koran, or another book called the Volume of
Sacred Law depending on the beliefs of the
membership of the lodge. A Jewish lodge will have
the Pentateuch placed on the altar.
A big letter "G" hangs over the head of the
Worshipful Master of the lodge. They teach that the
letter stands for God or Geometry and signifies the
name of deity. Masons must kneel at the sacred altar
to make their sacred vows. There they swear to be
obedient and do the bidding of their Worshipful
Master.
Masons also swear to secrecy under the most severe
penalties, even before knowing the secrets. For
example, should he reveal a secret, he has given
permission to "have my tongue torn out by the roots,
my left breast torn open, my heart plucked out, my
body severed in twain, my bowels taken from thence
and burned to ashes and scattered to the four winds
of heaven."
At the completion of the Entered Apprentice degree,
the candidate receives the lambskin apron. This
symbol reminds him that purity of conduct in life is
essential and necessary to gain admission to the
celestial lodge above. Thus they teach salvation
through works.
Freemasonry teaches that everything good comes from
Osiris. This includes order, harmony, and the
celestial periods. Osiris was the ancient Egyptian
god whose annual death and resurrection personified
the self renewing vitality and fertility of nature.
"The All Seeing Eye" is a Masonic representation of
Osiris and used to remind the members of god. That
all seeing eye found its way on the back of the
dollar bill with the aid of Masonic members.
Masonry teaches that the Worshipful Master of the
lodge is the source of light, not Jesus Christ.
There is no mention of the name of Jesus even in so
called Christian lodges. Thus Freemasonry does not
agree with Christian teachings. Not only are the
teachings in conflict with Christianity, but a
Christian can not follow the Masonic teachings and
remain a Christian.
Scripture clearly states that man can not serve two
gods (Matthew 6:24; 1 Cor. 10:21). When we compare
the teachings of Freemasonry to Christianity one can
easily see that they are totally opposite.
Freemasonry teaches all gods are the same.
Christianity teaches there is only one true God.
Freemasonry teaches that the Bible is only one
version of the will of God. The Bible of other
faiths are equally valid. Christianity teaches that
the Bible is the Word of God.
Freemasonry teaches a salvation based on good works.
Christianity teaches that salvation is a gift of God
(Romans 4:5; Eph. 2:8,9; 1 John 5:11,12).
Freemasonry teaches that all men live in spiritual
darkness until they enter and become members of the
lodge. Christianity teaches Jesus is the light (John
12:46;8:12; Col. 1:12-14; Eph. 5:8).
Freemasonry teaches that the Worshipful Master (the
head and chief of the Lodge is the source of light,
not Jesus which Christianity teaches.)
Freemasonry blindfolds the candidates during their
initiations. The blindfold is said to be a symbol of
the darkness of his soul. How can a Christian
professing to know Jesus as Lord and Savior wear
such a blindfold? Was their soul not redeemed by
Jesus Christ?
Thus one can either profess to being a Freemason or
a Christian. The Scripture teaches that we can not
serve two masters, for we will soon love one and
hate the other. Freemasonry offers secret rites and
membership. Christianity offers Jesus Christ and
eternal life. The choice is up to each individual.
Which do you choose?
For Additional Information Contact
True Light Educational Ministry
P.O. Box 310
Shirley, NY 11967
Telephone (631) 395-4646
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TLEM