TLEM
True Light Educational Ministry
Then
you will
know the Truth and the Truth will set you free ( John
8:32)
|
|
|
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
|
|
Send mail to webmaster@tlem.net with
questions or comments about this web site.
|