Question #385

What about the freemasons?

I would like to ask a question about the freemasons. I would like information on and about that organization. I have nothing to counter when people bring up a conversation about what I feel is a cult. I have been a member of the church of Christ all 29 of my years, but it is this area that I need much needed help for even some members of the body are being fooled by the freemasons.

The Answer:

You can learn a great deal about the Masons on the internet. One problem that you will find on the internet is that most of it is written by the Masons. That portion that is not written by Masons falls into two categories – greatly biased and questionable and even-handed with greater credibility. When, as here, a party writes its own history it is fairly certain that it will be biased in its own favor. When you read the Mason’s own record that bias is absolutely certain. For example, it contends that it is not a secret society, and seeks to avoid that charge by saying that it is only a “society with secrets.” That is sophistry at best and dishonesty at worst. It claims not to be religious, but requires faith in a “Supreme Being” (or in some jurisdictions a “Creative Principle). Each Mason is free to interpret the meaning of “Supreme Being” for himself, and, for many it does not mean the God of the Bible. If a name is applied it is generally The Great Architect of the Universe. They do not speak of heaven, but of the Celestial Lodge Above. They cannot use terms that are too “Christian” because their Muslim and members of other faiths would be offended. Given the language it uses, the requirements it imposes, and the promises it makes to performing Masons it clearly qualifies as a religion. As a religion it qualifies as a cult because it rejects such orthodox Christian beliefs as the nature of God.

These two websites will give you more background. The first, Masonic History, was written by Masons. The second, Freemasons, was written by a non-Mason. These sites are provided for information and as a suggestion of where you may find more information. This website does not vouch for the accuracy of these sites and it certainly does not agree with all that may be found on them.