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One of the persistent Christian criticisms of Freemasonry is that it advocates a [[deist]] or [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalist]] view of creation. Whilst it is recognised that Masonry is not atheistic (Masons are asked if they believe in God before joining)<ref name="askbelieve">"We do ask a man if he believes in God and that is the only religious test." [http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/textfiles/religion.html Freemasonry and religion], from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon</ref>, its references to the "Supreme Architect of the Universe" are seen by some Christians as contending that God created the Universe but did not intervene in the world after this.<ref name="april19sup">"The nature of the Masonic God is best seen in their favorite title for him: the Supreme Architect. The Masonic God is first of all a deistic God, who is found at the top of the ladder of Masonic wisdom", Jolicoeur and Knowles, pp. 14-15 cited in THE PASTORAL PROBLEM OF MASONIC MEMBERSHIP, sent out as a part of the [http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=5285 Letter of April 19, 1985 to U.S. Bishops Concerning Masonry] by Cardinal Bernard Law</ref> This was a common [[heresy]] that arose in the [[Enlightenment]]<ref name="englos">[http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/DEISM.HTM Deism], in the European Enlightenment Glossary</ref>. Freemasons - especially Christian Freemasons - deny this claim.
One of the persistent Christian criticisms of Freemasonry is that it advocates a [[deist]] or [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalist]] view of creation. Whilst it is recognised that Masonry is not atheistic (Masons are asked if they believe in God before joining)<ref name="askbelieve">"We do ask a man if he believes in God and that is the only religious test." [http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/textfiles/religion.html Freemasonry and religion], from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon</ref>, its references to the "Supreme Architect of the Universe" are seen by some Christians as contending that God created the Universe but did not intervene in the world after this.<ref name="april19sup">"The nature of the Masonic God is best seen in their favorite title for him: the Supreme Architect. The Masonic God is first of all a deistic God, who is found at the top of the ladder of Masonic wisdom", Jolicoeur and Knowles, pp. 14-15 cited in THE PASTORAL PROBLEM OF MASONIC MEMBERSHIP, sent out as a part of the [http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=5285 Letter of April 19, 1985 to U.S. Bishops Concerning Masonry] by Cardinal Bernard Law</ref> This was a common [[heresy]] that arose in the [[Enlightenment]]<ref name="englos">[http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/DEISM.HTM Deism], in the European Enlightenment Glossary</ref>. Freemasons - especially Christian Freemasons - deny this claim.


A specific charge<ref name="cathencold">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm Masonry (Freemasonry)]</ref> against Freemasonry is that the introduction of speculative Masonry in the early eighteenth century specifically aimed at dechristianising the old operative masonry lodges. Whereas the constitutions of previous lodges of operative Masonry stated that "''The first charge is this that you be true to God and Holy Church and use no error or heresy''"<ref name="builders">Quote from [http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/bui/bui11.htm The Builders] by Joseph Fort Newton, 1914</ref> in 1723 the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England<ref name="anderson">Article I of [http://www.adam.com.au/jrigano/AncientCharges.html The Ancient Charges of a Freemason], James Anderson, 1723</ref>:
A specific charge by newadvent.org [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm] against Freemasonry is that the introduction of speculative Masonry in the early eighteenth century specifically aimed at dechristianising the old operative masonry lodges. Whereas the constitutions of previous lodges of operative Masonry stated that "''The first charge is this that you be true to God and Holy Church and use no error or heresy''" [http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/bui/bui11.htm] in 1723 the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England states: [http://www.adam.com.au/jrigano/AncientCharges.html]


:''A Mason is obliged by his Tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were charged in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the Centre of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remained at a perpetual Distance.''
:''A Mason is obliged by his Tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were charged in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the Centre of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remained at a perpetual Distance.''


This change is seen by US Cardinal Bernard Law as moving towards a Deist view. [http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=5285]
This change is seen as moving towards a Deist view.<ref name="april19sup">"The nature of the Masonic God is best seen in their favorite title for him: the Supreme Architect. The Masonic God is first of all a deistic God, who is found at the top of the ladder of Masonic wisdom", Jolicoeur and Knowles, pp. 14-15 cited in THE PASTORAL PROBLEM OF MASONIC MEMBERSHIP, sent out as a part of the [http://www.catholicculture.org/docs/doc_view.cfm?recnum=5285 Letter of April 19, 1985 to U.S. Bishops Concerning Masonry] by Cardinal Bernard Law</ref>


==Clash with the Catholic Church==
==Clash with the Catholic Church==
Line 15: Line 15:
{{main|Catholicism and Freemasonry}}
{{main|Catholicism and Freemasonry}}


The most persistent critic<ref name="RCChurch">The Catholic Church has continually prohibited members from being Freemasons since [[In Eminenti Secula]] in 1739</ref> of Freemasonry has been the Catholic Church, which bans members from becoming Freemasons. The Church argues that Freemasonry's theology discourages Christian dogmatism and that it is at many times and places anti-clerical in intent. It further argues that some of the ceremonial is anti-Catholic.
The Roman Catholic Church has continually prohibited members from being Freemasons since [[In Eminenti Secula]] in 1739. This Church argues that Freemasonry's "theology" discourages Christian dogmatism and that it is at many times and places anti-clerical in intent.{{fact}} It further argues that some of the ceremonial is anti-Catholic.{{fact}}


==Non-Catholic discouragement of Freemasonry==
==Non-Catholic discouragement of Freemasonry==
Line 58: Line 58:
==Separation of Church and State==
==Separation of Church and State==


Freemasons were consistent advocates of the [[separation of church and state]]<ref name="billjones">"Freemasonry Does Not Support any particular political position. It has long stood for seperation of Church and State, and has been a champion of Free Public Education." From a [[speech given by Bill Jones]] Grand Master of Arkansas, 1996]]</ref>, which was seen especially by the Catholic church as a veiled attack on the Church's place in public life.<ref name="etsi1">[[Pope Leo XIII]] [http://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/L13ITL.HTM ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy)], Item 2</ref> The church also saw this separation of the state from the church as manifesting a "Religious Indifferentism" which did not accept any religion as true or revealed.<ref name="bloc">"If the Bloc has been established, this is owing to Freemasonry and to the discipline learned in the lodges. The measures we have now to urge are the separation of Church and State and a law concerning instruction. Let us put our trust in the word of our Bro. Combes" from quoted as footnote 158 in the article [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm Masonry (Freemasonry)] in the Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> Some specific areas which freemasons were accused of aiming for a separation of church and state were:
Freemasons are consistent advocates of the US Constitution in [[separation of church and state]]<ref name="billjones">"Freemasonry Does Not Support any particular political position. It has long stood for seperation of Church and State, and has been a champion of Free Public Education." From a [[speech given by Bill Jones]] Grand Master of Arkansas, 1996]]</ref>, which was seen especially by the Catholic church as a veiled attack on the Church's place in public life.<ref name="etsi1">[[Pope Leo XIII]] [http://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/L13ITL.HTM ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy)], Item 2</ref> The church also saw this US Constitutional separation of the state from the church as manifesting a "Religious Indifferentism" which did not accept any religion as true or revealed.<ref name="bloc">"If the Bloc has been established, this is owing to Freemasonry and to the discipline learned in the lodges. The measures we have now to urge are the separation of Church and State and a law concerning instruction. Let us put our trust in the word of our Bro. Combes" from quoted as footnote 158 in the article [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm Masonry (Freemasonry)] in the Catholic Encyclopedia</ref> Some specific areas Freemasons, advocates of Liberal Democracy as enjoyed under the US Constitution, were accused of aiming for:


* State supported secular education<ref name="etsi2">"the position of the religious authorities as to the education of the young utterly ignored" Pope Leo XIII [http://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/L13ITL.HTM ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy)], Item 2</ref>
* State supported secular education<ref name="etsi2">"the position of the religious authorities as to the education of the young utterly ignored" Pope Leo XIII [http://www.ewtn.com/library/ENCYC/L13ITL.HTM ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy)], Item 2</ref>
Line 95: Line 95:
===Sons of Noah===
===Sons of Noah===


Noah is refered to in the Twenty-first Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Knight from the Scottish Rite. In the early years of speculative Masonry the central legendary figure of many lodges was Noah<ref name="21degree">"Although it is less discussed in Freemasonry today, in the 1700s and early 1800s there was a strong Masonic tradition which placed Noah as one of the Craft's major patrons involved with the preservation of the knowledge of antediluvian arts and sciences during the Flood and its transmittal to the generations which followed. Some systems went so far as to make Noah the central legendary figure rather than Hiram." from [http://www.bakersfieldscottishrite.org/21st_degree.htm Twenty-first Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Knight] from the Scottish Rite Journal</ref>. This is seen as placing all Freemasonry in a pre-Christian ethic<ref name="cenoah">"In the text of 1738 particular stress is laid on "freedom of conscience" and the universal, non-Christian character of Masonry is emphasized. The Mason is called a "true Noahida", i.e. an adherent of the pre-Christian and pre-Mosaic system of undivided mankind." From [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm Masonry (Freemasonry)] in the Catholic Encyclopedia</ref>.
Noah is refered to in the Twenty-first Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Knight from the [[Scottish Rite]], in the early years. <ref name="21degree">"Although it is less discussed in Freemasonry today, in the 1700s and early 1800s there was a strong Masonic tradition which placed Noah as one of the Craft's major patrons involved with the preservation of the knowledge of antediluvian arts and sciences during the Flood and its transmittal to the generations which followed. Some systems went so far as to make Noah the central legendary figure rather than Hiram." from [http://www.bakersfieldscottishrite.org/21st_degree.htm Twenty-first Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Knight] from the Scottish Rite Journal</ref>. This is seen as placing all Freemasonry in a pre-Christian ethic by the ''Catholic Encyclopedia''. <ref name="cenoah">"In the text of 1738 particular stress is laid on "freedom of conscience" and the universal, non-Christian character of Masonry is emphasized. The Mason is called a "true Noahida", i.e. an adherent of the pre-Christian and pre-Mosaic system of undivided mankind." From [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm Masonry (Freemasonry)] in the Catholic Encyclopedia</ref>.


===Hiram Abiff===
===Hiram Abiff===


In Masonic myth, Hiram Abiff is a grand master of Masonry and master builder of Solomon's Temple<ref name="hiramgls">[http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/HA.htm The Legend of Hiram Abiff] J Mason Allen, Grand Lodge of Scotland</ref>. The legend of the death and raising of Hiram Abiff is seen as being a mockery of the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.<ref name="511resurrect">"Certainly, they would not explain the Masonic teaching they have embraced concerning the death, burial and resurrection of Hiram. That would cause others to doubt their Christianity." [http://www.ephesians5-11.org/hiram.htm Who is Hiram Abiff?]</ref> Some Christians<ref <ref name="511resurrect"/> maintain that the third degree in most Masonic rites<ref name="511resurrect"/> involves a recitation of the death and resurrection of Hiram Abiff<ref name="511resurrect"/>. Others have stated that the ritual tells of the murder, burial, and re-internment of Hiram Abiff, and does not mention anything about resurrection. <ref name="realhiram">John J. Robinson, A Pilgrim's Path, M. Evans and Co., Inc. New York, p.36 </ref>
In Masonic myth, Hiram Abiff is a grand master of Masonry and master builder of Solomon's Temple<ref name="hiramgls">[http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/HA.htm The Legend of Hiram Abiff] J Mason Allen, Grand Lodge of Scotland</ref>. The legend of the death and raising of Hiram Abiff is seen by Ephesians 5:11 Inc. who coordinate the annual Ministry to Masons conferences, as being a mockery of the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.[http://www.ephesians5-11.org/hiram.htm] Others have stated that the ritual tells of the murder, burial, and re-internment of Hiram Abiff, and does not mention anything about resurrection. <ref name="realhiram">John J. Robinson, A Pilgrim's Path, M. Evans and Co., Inc. New York, p.36 </ref>


It has been alleged by Christian critics of freemasonry<ref name="511hiram">"The Grand Lodge of Kentucky provides unmistakable evidence that Freemasonry teaches, not only that there are many different saviors for various peoples, but that Hiram Abif is considered a savior for Freemasons." from [http://www.ephesians5-11.org/hiram.htm Who is Hiram Abiff?]</ref> that an American Grand Lodge has taught that Hiram Abiff was the direct Masonic equivalent of Jesus Christ<ref name="Kentucky">"All believed in a future life, to be attained by purification and trials; in a state or successive states of reward and punishment; and in a Mediator or Redeemer, by whom the Evil Principle was to be overcome and the Supreme Deity reconciled to His creatures. The belief was general that He was to be born of a virgin and suffer a painful death. The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kioun-tse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus; Plato, Love; the Scandinavians, Balder; '''the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram'''. It is interesting that the "small hill west of Mount Moriah" has been identified as Golgotha, or Mount Calvary." Pages xiv-xv [http://www.geocities.com/avalonianchurch/kyspirit.pdf KENTUCKY MONITOR Complete Monitorial Ceremonies of the Blue Lodge THIRTEENTH EDITION] (PDF). This appears on an [http://www.geocities.com/avalonianchurch/ esoteric Christian website] and not a Masonic source, so it may not be an original source.</ref>.
It has been alleged by Ephesians 5:11, Inc. that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky "provides unmistakable evidence that Freemasonry teaches, not only that there are many different saviors for various peoples, but that Hiram Abif is considered a savior for Freemasons." [http://www.ephesians5-11.org/hiram.htm]Avalonianchurch on www.geocities.com states that an American Grand Lodge has taught that Hiram Abiff was the direct Masonic equivalent of Jesus Christ. "All believed in a future life, to be attained by purification and trials; in a state or successive states of reward and punishment; and in a Mediator or Redeemer, by whom the Evil Principle was to be overcome and the Supreme Deity reconciled to His creatures. The belief was general that He was to be born of a virgin and suffer a painful death. The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kioun-tse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus; Plato, Love; the Scandinavians, Balder; '''the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram'''. It is interesting that the "small hill west of Mount Moriah" has been identified as Golgotha, or Mount Calvary." This appears on an [http://www.geocities.com/avalonianchurch/ esoteric Christian website] and is not a Masonic source.


===The Crucifixion===
===The Crucifixion===


It is alleged [http://www.ewtn.com/ by Fr. William Saunders] that Freemasonry treats the cross as a symbol of nature and eternal life, rather than solely of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
It is alleged that Freemasonry treats the cross as a symbol of nature and eternal life, rather than solely of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ<ref name="saunders">[http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/WHATMAS.HTM CATHOLICS AND THE FREEMASON 'RELIGION'] by Fr. William Saunders</ref>. The invocation "INRI" is said by the Masonic authority Albert Pike <ref name="pikeinri">"To the word INRI, inscribed on the Crux Ansata over the Master's Seat, many meanings have been assigned. The Christian Initiate reverentially sees in it the initials of the inscription upon the cross on which Christ suffered--Jesus Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum. The sages of Antiquity connected it with one of the greatest secrets of Nature, that of universal regeneration." [http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/md/md19.htm XVIII. KNIGHT ROSE CROIX. (Prince Rose Croix.)], Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma</ref> to stand for "Igne Natura Renovatur Integra" ("the fire of nature rejuvenates all) as well as "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum" (Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews).


The invocation "INRI" or "Igne Natura Renovatur Integra", the fire of nature rejuvenates all, is said by [http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/md/md19.htm Albert Pike] in ''Morals and Dogma'' to be inscribed on the ''Crux Ansata'' over the Master's Seat, of the Prince Rose Croix degree. "The Christian Initiate reverentially sees in it the initials of the inscription upon the cross on which Christ suffered - Jesus Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum. The sages of Antiquity connected it with one of the greatest secrets of Nature, that of universal regeneration."
The invocation "INRI" or "Igne Natura Renovatur Integra", the fire of nature rejuvenates all, is said by [http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/md/md19.htm Albert Pike] in ''Morals and Dogma'' to be inscribed on the ''Crux Ansata'' over the Master's Seat, of the Prince Rose Croix degree. "The Christian Initiate reverentially sees in it the initials of the inscription upon the cross on which Christ suffered - Jesus Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum. The sages of Antiquity connected it with one of the greatest secrets of Nature, that of universal regeneration."

Revision as of 22:36, 11 March 2006

Christianity and Freemasonry have had a mixed relationship, with various Christian denominations banning or discouraging members from being Freemasons. Freemasonry has at times and in certain places been heavily Christianised, while in other times and places been thoroughly anti-clerical[1].

Allegations of Deism

One of the persistent Christian criticisms of Freemasonry is that it advocates a deist or naturalist view of creation. Whilst it is recognised that Masonry is not atheistic (Masons are asked if they believe in God before joining)[2], its references to the "Supreme Architect of the Universe" are seen by some Christians as contending that God created the Universe but did not intervene in the world after this.[3] This was a common heresy that arose in the Enlightenment[4]. Freemasons - especially Christian Freemasons - deny this claim.

A specific charge by newadvent.org [2] against Freemasonry is that the introduction of speculative Masonry in the early eighteenth century specifically aimed at dechristianising the old operative masonry lodges. Whereas the constitutions of previous lodges of operative Masonry stated that "The first charge is this that you be true to God and Holy Church and use no error or heresy" [3] in 1723 the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England states: [4]

A Mason is obliged by his Tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were charged in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the Centre of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remained at a perpetual Distance.

This change is seen by US Cardinal Bernard Law as moving towards a Deist view. [5]

Clash with the Catholic Church

Main article: Catholicism and Freemasonry

The Roman Catholic Church has continually prohibited members from being Freemasons since In Eminenti Secula in 1739. This Church argues that Freemasonry's "theology" discourages Christian dogmatism and that it is at many times and places anti-clerical in intent.[citation needed] It further argues that some of the ceremonial is anti-Catholic.[citation needed]

Non-Catholic discouragement of Freemasonry

A number of Protestant and Eastern Orthodox denominations discourage their congregants from joining Masonic lodges, although this differs in intensity according to the denomination. Churches that discourage membership of Freemasons include[5]:


The Church of Scotland does not ban congregants from becoming Freemasons, but in 1989 the general assembly said there were "very real theological difficulties" with Church of Scotland members being Freemasons[22].

Church of the Latter Day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) lifted a ban on members becoming Freemasons in 1984[23]. Some Masonic lodges also banned Mormons from joining [24]. There are claimed to be close links between Masonic and Mormon beliefs.[25]

Separation of Church and State

Freemasons are consistent advocates of the US Constitution in separation of church and state[26], which was seen especially by the Catholic church as a veiled attack on the Church's place in public life.[27] The church also saw this US Constitutional separation of the state from the church as manifesting a "Religious Indifferentism" which did not accept any religion as true or revealed.[28] Some specific areas Freemasons, advocates of Liberal Democracy as enjoyed under the US Constitution, were accused of aiming for:

  • State supported secular education[29]
  • The introduction of civil marriage[30]

Allegations that Freemasonry is a new religion

Although freemasonry is seen as undogmatic and encouraging of religious indifferentism[31], it is said to show many characteristics of a seperate religion:

  • Freemasonry has an altar[32] and a sacred book (The Volume of the Sacred Law, in most cases the Bible, but it could be any sacred book)[33]
  • There are regular ritualistic meetings
  • There are offices of High Priest[34]
  • The Scottish Rite has Cathedrals[35]
  • It has a large amount of iconography and symbolism
  • Some groups of Masons (especially the Scottish Rite) call their meeting places "temples",[36] (a Lodge is a group of Freemasons operating under a charter or dispensation.[37] The place where they meet is sometimes called a temple, but usually, several lodges use the same temple)[38]
  • Dates are sometimes reckoned in Anno Lucis, "Year of Light" or "Year of Masonry" in preference to Anno Domini" or "Year of Our Lord"[39]
  • It has its own name for the Creator - the Great Architect of the Universe[40]
  • It has its own way of saying "amen" ("So mote it be" or "So let it be", which is claimed to be a literal translation of "Amen")[41]
  • It has rituals which are far more developed than those of many organized religions[42]
  • Any person from any religious background can be a member of the Freemasons as long as they accept the belief in some form of a Creator[43]

Religious indifferentism

Freemasonry's refusal to see one faith as being superior to any others, while at the same time insisting on religious-type rituals is said to inculcate an indifference to religion.[44][45] Freemasonic behaviour is seen as a denial of the truth of Christian revelation[46].

The Masonic author Mackey called Freemasonry "a science which is engaged in the search after the divine truth"[47] contradicting the Christian idea that the divine truth has already been revealed.

The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of England says of its members "expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves"[48].

Use of Biblical Imagery

The use of Biblical imagery is seen by some Christian critics [49] as being done in such a way as to deny the revalation of Christianity. The Catholic Encyclopedia Freemasonry articlerelies on a quote from 1738 to emphasaize non-Christian character of Masonry.

Sons of Noah

Noah is refered to in the Twenty-first Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Knight from the Scottish Rite, in the early years. [50]. This is seen as placing all Freemasonry in a pre-Christian ethic by the Catholic Encyclopedia. [51].

Hiram Abiff

In Masonic myth, Hiram Abiff is a grand master of Masonry and master builder of Solomon's Temple[52]. The legend of the death and raising of Hiram Abiff is seen by Ephesians 5:11 Inc. who coordinate the annual Ministry to Masons conferences, as being a mockery of the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.[6] Others have stated that the ritual tells of the murder, burial, and re-internment of Hiram Abiff, and does not mention anything about resurrection. [53]

It has been alleged by Ephesians 5:11, Inc. that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky "provides unmistakable evidence that Freemasonry teaches, not only that there are many different saviors for various peoples, but that Hiram Abif is considered a savior for Freemasons." [7]Avalonianchurch on www.geocities.com states that an American Grand Lodge has taught that Hiram Abiff was the direct Masonic equivalent of Jesus Christ. "All believed in a future life, to be attained by purification and trials; in a state or successive states of reward and punishment; and in a Mediator or Redeemer, by whom the Evil Principle was to be overcome and the Supreme Deity reconciled to His creatures. The belief was general that He was to be born of a virgin and suffer a painful death. The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kioun-tse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus; Plato, Love; the Scandinavians, Balder; the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram. It is interesting that the "small hill west of Mount Moriah" has been identified as Golgotha, or Mount Calvary." This appears on an esoteric Christian website and is not a Masonic source.

The Crucifixion

It is alleged by Fr. William Saunders that Freemasonry treats the cross as a symbol of nature and eternal life, rather than solely of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The invocation "INRI" or "Igne Natura Renovatur Integra", the fire of nature rejuvenates all, is said by Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma to be inscribed on the Crux Ansata over the Master's Seat, of the Prince Rose Croix degree. "The Christian Initiate reverentially sees in it the initials of the inscription upon the cross on which Christ suffered - Jesus Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum. The sages of Antiquity connected it with one of the greatest secrets of Nature, that of universal regeneration."

Links to Esotericism

Certain types of Freemasonry, most notably the Swedish Rite, are said to be connected to Esoteric Christianity[54], which holds that orthodox Christian doctrine is for the duller masses and that "real" Christianity holds to a secret denial of Christ as the Son of God.[citation needed]

Influences from pre-Christian Paganism

The Catholic Encyclopedia says that the Masonic authors Clavel, Ragnon, Pike and Mackey claim Masonic symbolism is rooted in the solar and phallic worship of pre-Christian mystery religion, particularly Egyptian religion.[55]

Rosicrucian Influences

Main article: Rosicrucian

Freemasonry has many links to the overtly heretic[citation needed] Rosicrucian movement. The Rosicrucian symbol of the Rose Cross is also found in certain rituals beyond "Craft" or "Blue Lodge" Freemasonry. A legend found in Masonic literature says that the Rosicrucian Order was created in year 46 when an Alexandrian Gnostic sage named Ormus and his six followers were converted by one of Jesus' disciples, Mark. From this conversion, Rosicrucianism was born by fusing early Christianity with Egyptian mysteries. This is seen by some Christian sources as also being linked to the Templar origins[56].

According to Jean Pierre Bayard, two rites of Rosicrucian inspiration emerged from the end of 18th century. One was the Rectified Scottish Rite, which was widespread in Central Europe where there was a strong presence of the "Golden and Rosy Cross". The other was the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, practiced in France. During the 18th century, there were several rites practiced in Freemasonry based on the Renaissance universe of hermeticism and alchemy, which was created by the Rosicrucians of 17th century or earlier.

Rosicrucianism is seen as a big influence on the transition between "operative" and "speculative" Freemasonry. Elias Ashmole, one of the earliest speculative Masons was heavily involved in Rosicrucian propoganda. Robert Fludd, another prominent Rosicrucian was also said to be a Freemason[57] and is said to have introduced Rosicrucian themes into Freemasonry[58] although both of these contentions are controversial. Robert Vanloo states that earlier 17th century Rosicrucianism had a considerable influence on Anglo-Saxon Masonry. Hans Schick sees in the Rosicrucian works of Comenius (1592-1670), who was in England in 1641, the ideal of the newly born English Masonry before the foundation of the Grand Lodge in 1717.

A point of similarity between the two groups, in continental Europe, is found during the 18th century. The Masonic circle "Gold und Rosenkreuzer" (Golden and Rosy Cross), published the Geheime Figuren or "The Secret Symbols of the 16th and 17th century Rosicrucians" in 1785 and 1788. This circle, oriented by Hermann Fictuld from 1777 along Masonic lines, had important branches in Russia, which may have introduced Freemasonry and Martinism into that region.

A list of groups linked to both Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism include:

The Masonic author Manly Palmer Hall wrote a book Rosicrucian and Masonic Origins[59] and the Rosicrucian author Max Heindel wrote a book[60] which claims that Catholicism and Freemasonry are two distinct streams in the development of Christianity.

Claims that Freemasonry worships Satan

Many Christian critics of Freemasonry, especially some evangelical Christians, claim that Freemasonry is a religion whose purpose is the worship of Satan. This allegation is well represented on Anti-Masonic websites.[61]

This has been confused with denunciations from mainstream Christian denominations[citation needed], particularly the Roman Catholic Church that Freemasons serve "the kingdom of Satan" (Humanum Genus) or that Masonic Lodges are the "synagogue of Satan" (Etsi multa). The Catholic Church does not believe that Masonic ceremonies are consciously Satanic, but rather that the aims of Freemasons - in that they are accused of aiming to weaken the role of the Church in society or the dogmatic exclusiveness of Christian salvation - are by definition acting against the "City of God" and so are acting for God's enemy. In addition, Catholics - and some Protestant groups such as the Methodist church and the synod of the Church of England[62] - have also objected to what they see as Freemasonry's ritual being a parody of Christian ceremony, and it has been alleged that it may include blasphemy. None of these criticisms should be confused with the idea that Freemasons, even higher level Freemasons, consciously worship Satan.

Below are the some of some of the more common quotes used on the internet to substantiate the claim that Masons worship Satan, and some notes about them:

Mackey

The Masons first face to face encounter with the god of the lodge, with Lucifer, with En Soph, will take place in the thirtieth degree[63]

This is not a quote from Mackey but a misattribution that only appears on one website. It appears on a letter sent by James Holly[64] that criticised Freemasonry.


Levi - Mysteries of Magic

What is more absurd and more impious than to attribute the name of Lucifer to the devil, that is, to personified evil. The intellectual Lucifer is the spirit of intelligence and love; it is the paraclete, it is the Holy Spirit, while the physical Lucifer is the great agent of universal magnetism.[65]

The Masonic Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon[66] states that the book The Mysteries of Magic does not exist. However, on a list of Golden Dawn publications[67] the title does appear - as a digest of Levi's collected writings with "a biographical and critical essay by A.E. Waite" (see below for Waite).

Waite

First Conjuration Addressed to Emperor Lucifer. Emperor Lucifer, Master and Prince of Rebellious Spirits, I adjure thee to leave thine abode, in what-ever quarter of the world it may be situated and come hither to communicate with me. I command and I conjure thee in the Name of the Mighty Living God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to appear without noise and without ....[58]

This is also not a quote from a Masonic source. Waite is not identified as a 33rd degree Mason in this book, as shown on the cover[68], but rather as an individual with an interest in the occult. Here again, there is no Masonic link whatsoever with this material other than a that a Mason wrote it. Furthermore, the book was written before Waite became a Mason. The Book Of Black Magic was published in 1898, four years before Waite was initiated as a Mason.

According to the Masonic research document "The Lie of Luciferianism"[66] Waite was not a 33rd degree Mason, because he never joined the Scottish Rite.

Hall - The Secret Teachings of All Ages

I hereby promise the Great Spirit Lucifer, Prince of Demons, that each year I will bring unto him a human soul to do with as it may please him, and in return Lucifer promises to bestow upon me the treasures of the earth and fulfil my every desire for the length of my natural life. If I fail to bring him each year the offering specified above, then my own soul shall be forfeit to him. Signed..... {Invocant signs pact with his own blood}[69]

The author, Manley Palmer Hall, was also an occultist, and according to one source[70], was a well-established lecturer on the occult and other esoterica by the age of 20, when he was still too young to become a Mason. He is also not identified as a 33° anywhere in this book, nor is there a record of his reception of the 33° cited in any readily available source that does not include the above quote. According to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, Hall was initiated in 1954[71], at the age of 53, and the book was published in 1928[72], when he was 27.

Hall - The Lost Keys of Freemasonry

When The Mason learns that the Key to the warrior on the block is the proper application of the dynamo of living power, he has learned the Mystery of his Craft. The seething energies of Lucifer are in his hands and before he may step onward and upward, he must prove his ability to properly apply this energy.[73]

This quote is a legitimate quote. It appears in Chapter 4 (titled "The Fellowcraft")[74], but the meaning changes when it is put back into the context of the chapter it comes from: it is part of a larger philosophical discussion which can also be read to imply that the improper use of "energies" can make the Mason a tool of Satan. Furthermore, even taken out of context, this passage does not refer to worshipping Satan per se. Most usefully, according to Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?[75], which references the book directly (and as noted above), Hall did not become a Freemason until 1954. The Lost Keys of Freemasonry was his personal opinion as a non-Mason, which is clearly stated in the Introduction to the book[66].

Blavatsky - The Secret Doctrine

One of the most hidden secrets involves the so-called fall of Angels. Satan and his rebellious host will thus prove to have become the direct Saviours and Creators of divine man. Thus Satan, once he ceases to be viewed in the superstitious spirit of the church, grows into the grandiose image. It is Satan who is the God of our planet and the only God. Satan (or Lucifer) represents the Centrifugal Energy of the Universe, this ever-living symbol of self-sacrifice for the intellectual independence of humanity.[76]

This is a quote from Helena Petrovna Blavatsky who was the founder of the Theosophical Society, and was an opponent of what she called "Western Freemasonry"[77]. Furthermore, this is a non-contextual quote, as it is culled from six different pages which are widely spaced apart.

Blavatsky - Ancient and Accepted Primitive Rite

Lucifer represents..Life..Thought..Progress..Civilization.. Liberty..Independence..Lucifer is the Logos..the Serpent, the Savior.[78]

It is Satan who is the God of our planet and the only God.[79]

This is conflating two things: one, the Antient and Accepted Primitive Rite was started by John Yarker in the United States, and had nothing to do with the Grand Orient of France. Blavatsky did receive a certificate from Yarker that was not the result of any initiation[66]. The second quote cites the same page numbers as in the quote from The Secret Doctrine.

Pike - Legendas

Wherefore, as we have said before, the Universe is balanced by two forces, which maintain it in equilibrium; and the force which attracts, and that which repels. This is the equilibrium of the mountain of gold, which the Gods on one side, and the Demons on the other, hold tied by the symbolic Serpent of India; and its scientific reality is demonstrated by the phenomena of Polarity, and by the universal law of Sympathies and Antipathies....[80]

Legendas was a work by the Masonic author Albert Pike. As with most of Pike's other works, Legendas draws on other sources, and the purpose of Legendas is to illustrate the sources of the material in the Scottish Rite degrees. This passage seems to be an expansion on a New Testament passage, reflecting on the balance of good and evil, and thereby speaks more to how good (the archangel Michael) prevents evil (Satan), and is in balance with it, than any other possible interpretation.

Pike/Taxil - Instructions to the 23 Supreme Councils of the World

Yes, Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonay is also God. For the eternal law is that there is no light without shade, no beauty without ugliness, no white without black, for the absolute can only exist as two Gods: darkness being necessary to light to serve as its foil as the pedestal is necessary to the statue, and the brake to the locomotive.[81]

This letter was demonstrated to be a forgery. See Taxil hoax.

Notes and references

  1. ^ "The Church had placed itself in opposition to the Craft. The manner in which it was done fostered a virulent anticlericalism within Italian and French Masonry." The Miter and The Trowel by William Madison, Albert Pike (Masonic) Lodge #1169
  2. ^ "We do ask a man if he believes in God and that is the only religious test." Freemasonry and religion, from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon
  3. ^ "The nature of the Masonic God is best seen in their favorite title for him: the Supreme Architect. The Masonic God is first of all a deistic God, who is found at the top of the ladder of Masonic wisdom", Jolicoeur and Knowles, pp. 14-15 cited in THE PASTORAL PROBLEM OF MASONIC MEMBERSHIP, sent out as a part of the Letter of April 19, 1985 to U.S. Bishops Concerning Masonry by Cardinal Bernard Law
  4. ^ Deism, in the European Enlightenment Glossary
  5. ^ "Many Protestant and Eastern Orthodox denominations have similar prohibitions for their communicants. In the U.S. the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which have a combined membership of 3 million, and all other major Lutheran denominations warn against lodge affiliation, but not all enforce the ban. Among the other antilodge churches are the Christian Reformed Church, Church of the Brethren, Assemblies of God, Society of Friends (Quakers), Mennonites, Church of the Nazarene, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), United Brethren, Wesleyan and Free Methodist churches, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. General Booth condemned it for the Salvation Army. The National Christian Association was formed in 1874 to coordinate Protestant opposition to secret societies. On a worldwide basis the majority of Christians belong to denominations that absolutely forbid membership in a Masonic lodge or similar secret society. It must be admitted, however, that many of these Protestant condemnations have never been enforced and are dead letters today."Freemasonry – article from New Catholic Encyclopedia © 1967, Volume 6, pages 132 through 139 inclusive, quoted on this site
  6. ^ "For example, the constitution of the Lutheran Church in America (the LCA) says that "no person, who belongs to any organization which claims to possess in its teachings and ceremonies that which the Lord has given solely to his church, shall be ordained or otherwise received into the ministry." This deliberately vague and arrogant regulation is designed to deny lodge membership of any kind (including Masonic) to LCA clergy, but it does not apply to LCA lay members." The Truth About Freemasonry by The Rev. Baron Dr. Lloyd Worley
  7. ^ "It is safe to say that our most vehement opposition comes from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod whose campaign against Freemasonry is organized, missionary, fanatical, and perhaps even maniacal." The Truth About Freemasonry by The Rev. Baron Dr. Lloyd Worley
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "An overwhelming number of Christian denominations have condemned Freemasonry, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church of England, the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Synod Anglican Church of England, the Assemblies of God, the Church of the Nazarene, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Christian Reformed Church in America, the Evangelical Mennonite Church, the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, Grace Brethren, Independent Fundamentalist Churches of America, The Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Baptist Union of Scotland, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and the Presbyterian Church in America. " FREEMASONRY AND THE CHRISTIAN, Eddy D. Field II and Eddy D. Field III, The Master's Seminary Journal, Fall 1994, pp. 141-157
  9. ^ "The CRC has also gained members who were unhappy with and left the RCA for various reasons. For example, some people who were unhappy with the RCA's decision to permit members to join the Freemasons united with the CRC in the 1880s (Lippy & Williams, 514-15). On the other hand, the CRC also lost several congregations in 1882 who supported the Freemasons (Queen & Prothers, 116)." History, Christian Reformed Church in America
  10. ^ "The Brethren objected to the oaths required of the mason, and even more to the evidence of heathen beliefs about Jesus Christ incorporated in the higher levels of this secret society. Joining such was forbidden" from Brethren Life
  11. ^ "In consideration of the foregoing, all ministers affiliated with us should refrain from identifying themselves with any of the secret orders which we recognize as essentially of the world, worldly, and we advise any who may have identified themselves with such orders to sever their connections therein (2 Cor 6:17). Furthermore, our ministers are requested to use their good influence among our lay members to dissuade them from such fraternal affiliations (1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 2:24-26)." Revised Constitution and Bylaws of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, 47th General Council, Indianapolis, Indiana, August 5-10, 1997, Section 4: Membership in Secret Orders, quoted in the Saints Alive website
  12. ^ "The Quakers will not join secret societies, such as Freemasonry, which specialize in oaths." The Quakers, or Our Neighbors, The Friends by William J. Whalen, 4:Practices, republished by the Friends General Conference
  13. ^ See New Catholic Encyclopedia
  14. ^ "Therefore, United Brethren members must not be members of any other church, group, or organization which teaches a way of salvation incompatible with the United Brethren Confession of Faith, such as a Masonic lodge or the Order of Oddfellows.", Art. 119 Lodges and Other Heretical Groups, CHAPTER 4 Membership Standards, 2005-2007 Discipline, Church of the United Bretheren in Christ, USA
  15. ^ "They found the main body of the church disinterested in their reforms and broke away to form the Free Methodist Church, which survives to this day as a small group which does not permit its members to join any lodge." FOUR FACETS of FRIENDSHIP THE SHORT TALK BULLETIN Short Talk Bulletin - April 1972, by George Helmer, hosted on the Masonic Leadership Center
  16. ^ "She talked of Free Masonry and the impossibility of a man's being a Free Mason and a Seventh-day Adventist at the same time.", Ellen White, the founder of the Seventh Day Adventists, quoted in Chapter Eight, God Revealed Secrets Through Ellen G. White
  17. ^ "Other groups hostile to Lodge membership include many branches of Lutheranism, the Christian Reformed Church, most Pentecostals, the Church of the Nazarene, the Seventh-day Adventists, the Holiness churches, the Quakers, the United Brethren in Christ, the Mennonites, the Free Methodists, the Church of the Brethren, the Assemblies of God, the Wesleyans, the Regular Baptists, the Salvation Army and significant minorities in such mainline churches as the Episcopal." The Pastoral Problem of Masonic Membership, Report For The Bishops' Committee For Pastoral Research And Practices, American (Catholic) Bishops Conference
  18. ^ a b Fr. Alexander Lebedeff, 1996, Orthodox Jurisdictions in America reprinted in Orthodox Christian Information Center"
  19. ^ "membership in the Masonic fraternity is inconsistent with Christianity", Christ or the Lodge? A Report on Freemasonry, Committee on Secret Societies, ninth General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, June 2–5, 1942
  20. ^ Wikipedia entry of 10 January 2006
  21. ^ "However, the clear conclusion we have reached from our enquiry is that there is an inherent incompatibility between Freemasonry and the Christian faith. Also that commitment within the movement is inconsistent with a Christian's commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord." From [Baptists and Freemasonry, date and author unknown, published by the Baptist Union of Scotland and endorsed by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland
  22. ^ Many Kirk members still Masons despite earlier call to 'think again' Saturday 15 Feb 2003
  23. ^ "In 1984, President Spencer W. Kimball removed the prohibition against Latter-day Saints becoming Freemasons" from An Introduction to Mormonism and Freemasonry by Nicholas S. Literski
  24. ^ "In time, not only did the Utah lodges prohibit Mormons, but Mormons prohibited Masons from holding priesthood leadership positions in the Latter-day Saint Church." from An Introduction to Mormonism and Freemasonry by Nicholas S. Literski
  25. ^ Mormon Endowment and Masonry from an anti-Mormon site
  26. ^ "Freemasonry Does Not Support any particular political position. It has long stood for seperation of Church and State, and has been a champion of Free Public Education." From a speech given by Bill Jones Grand Master of Arkansas, 1996]]
  27. ^ Pope Leo XIII ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy), Item 2
  28. ^ "If the Bloc has been established, this is owing to Freemasonry and to the discipline learned in the lodges. The measures we have now to urge are the separation of Church and State and a law concerning instruction. Let us put our trust in the word of our Bro. Combes" from quoted as footnote 158 in the article Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
  29. ^ "the position of the religious authorities as to the education of the young utterly ignored" Pope Leo XIII ETSI NOS (On Conditions in Italy), Item 2
  30. ^ Oscar J. Salinas Mexican Masonry- Politics & Religion
  31. ^ "The peculiar, "unsectarian" (in truth, anti-Catholic and anti-Christian) naturalistic character of Freemasonry, by which theoretically and practically it undermines the Catholic and Christian faith, first in its members and through them in the rest of society, creating religious indifferentism and contempt for orthodoxy and ecclesiastical authority." From Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
  32. ^ http://www.freemasoninformation.com/esoterica/themasonicalter.htm The Masonic Altar] from freemasoninformation.com
  33. ^ "The central piece of furniture in any well governed Masonic Lodge is the Holy Bible or Volume of Sacred Law (VSL)." from phoenixmasonry.org
  34. ^ [http://www.yorkriteofcalifornia.org/royalarch/hpcalendar.htm Grand High Priest's 2005/2006 Schedule]
  35. ^ For example in Indianapolis, Dallas and Detroit
  36. ^ The Historic Masonic Temple of Detroit
  37. ^ See for example Charter Ye Olde Lodge of Dumfries
  38. ^ For example ten craft lodges use the Detroit Masonic temple
  39. ^ Anno Lucis et al by Harry Mendoza, 1980, Ars Quatuor Coronatorium
  40. ^ The Meaning of "the Great Architect of the Universe"
  41. ^ SO MOTE IT BE from masonicworld.com
  42. ^ Masonic Rituals for the Blue Lodge from Ephesians 5:11, Inc. This is a debatable point.
  43. ^ "Members can come from any religious background, but they all must profess a belief in God and possess a sincere desire to serve all their fellow creatures." Abe's rule and guide by Charles Brame a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of San Bernardino
  44. ^ "The March 11, 1985, issue of L'Osservatore Romano carried an article titled "Irreconcilability Between Christian Faith and Freemasonry" as a comment on the Nov. 26, 1983, declaration. In part the Vatican newspaper said a Christian "cannot cultivate relations of two types with God nor express his relation with the Creator through symbolic forms of two types." Quoted in the THE PASTORAL PROBLEM OF MASONIC MEMBERSHIP in the Letter of April 19, 1985 to U.S. Bishops Concerning Masonry by Cardinal Bernard Law
  45. ^ "The truth of the matter is, Freemasonry espouses universalism, embraces religious pluralism and has effectively created a unique syncretistic religion." Order of Former Freemasons
  46. ^ "No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)
  47. ^ Mackey, Symbolism of Freemasonry, 1869, 303, Cited in the article Masonry (Freemasonry) from the Catholic Encyclopedia
  48. ^ Article I of The Ancient Charges of a Freemason, James Anderson, 1723
  49. ^ For example "ammends the infallible teaching of the New Testament by foolishly removing the matchless NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ from His own Word, thus corrupting the infallible teaching of God's holy unchanging Word and denying the only Saviour of mankind in the most blatant manner possible" from the Evangelical Truth website and
  50. ^ "Although it is less discussed in Freemasonry today, in the 1700s and early 1800s there was a strong Masonic tradition which placed Noah as one of the Craft's major patrons involved with the preservation of the knowledge of antediluvian arts and sciences during the Flood and its transmittal to the generations which followed. Some systems went so far as to make Noah the central legendary figure rather than Hiram." from Twenty-first Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Knight from the Scottish Rite Journal
  51. ^ "In the text of 1738 particular stress is laid on "freedom of conscience" and the universal, non-Christian character of Masonry is emphasized. The Mason is called a "true Noahida", i.e. an adherent of the pre-Christian and pre-Mosaic system of undivided mankind." From Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
  52. ^ The Legend of Hiram Abiff J Mason Allen, Grand Lodge of Scotland
  53. ^ John J. Robinson, A Pilgrim's Path, M. Evans and Co., Inc. New York, p.36
  54. ^ "In the Swedish system, practised by the German Country Grand Lodge, Christ is said to have taught besides the exoteric Christian doctrine, destined for the people and the duller mass of his disciples, an esoteric doctrine for his chosen disciples, such as St. John, in which He denied that He was God." Findel, "Die Schule der Hierarchie, etc.", 1870, 15 sqq.; Schiffmann, "Die Entstehung der Rittergrade", 1882, 85, 92, 95 sq. Cited in Masonry (Freemasonry), from the Catholic Encyclopedia
  55. ^ footnotes 113 and 114 in Masonry (Freemasonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
  56. ^ "Soon after 1750, however, as occult sciences were ascribed to the Templars, their system was readily adaptable to all kinds of Rosicrucian purposes and to such practices as alchemy, magic, cabbala, spiritism, and necromancy." From Freemasonry (Masonry) in the Catholic Encyclopedia
  57. ^ From Rosicrucian#Influence_on_Freemasonry "There is no documented evidence for Chistopher McIntosh's speculation that Robert Fludd (1574-1637) may have been a Mason."
  58. ^ a b From Rosicrucian#Influence_on_Freemasonry "Neither is there any documented evidence to suport Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942) speculating that Fludd may have introduced a Rosicrucian influence into Freemasonry." Cite error: The named reference "Waite" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  59. ^ Rosicrucian and Masonic Origins by Manly Palmer Hall, 1929
  60. ^ Freemasonry and Catholicism
  61. ^ The search satan worship masons showed 64,200 pages when searched on 4 March 2006
  62. ^ John Hamill, Grand Librarian and Curator of the United Grand Lodge of England, Contemporary Anti-Freemasonry
  63. ^ [1]
  64. ^ The Southern Baptist Convention and Freemasonry, by James L. Holly, MD
  65. ^ Eliphas Levi The Mysteries of Magic page 428 - as cited in John-Lee Ministries
  66. ^ a b c d The lie of luciferianism, retrieved 11 January 2006
  67. ^ The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, retrieved 11 January 2006
  68. ^ The cover of A E Waite's book, retrieved 11 January 2006
  69. ^ Manley Palmer Hall 33° The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Page CIV - cited by Choosing Truth Ministries
  70. ^ The Secret Teachings of All Ages, retrived 11 January 2006
  71. ^ Manly Palmer Hall, retrieved 11 January 2006
  72. ^ 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages', by Manly P. Hall,retrived 11 January 2006
  73. ^ Manley Palmer Hall 33° The Lost Keys Of Freemasonry, Page 48 - cited by the http://www.plymouthbrethren.com/success.htm Plymouth Brethren]
  74. ^ 'The Lost Keys of Freemasonry', chapter IV, by Manly P. Hall, retrieved 11 January 2006
  75. ^ Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?, retrieved 11 January 2006
  76. ^ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky The Secret Doctrine, pages 215, 216, 220, 245, 255, 533 - as cited by Freemasonrywatch.org
  77. ^ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky retrieved 11 January 2006
  78. ^ 'Helena Petrovna Blavatsky 32°; Ancient and Accepted Primitive Rite; Grand Orient of France; pages 171, 225, 255 (Volume II) - cited by John-Lee Ministries
  79. ^ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky 32°; Ancient and Accepted Primitive Rite; Grand Orient of France, pages 215, 216, 220, 245, 255, 533, (Volume I) - cited by freemasonrywatch.org
  80. ^ Albert Pike 33° Legendas XIX° ~ XXX° pages 40-44 - cited by Freemasonrywatch.org
  81. ^ 'Albert Pike 33° Instructions to the 23 Supreme Councils of the world Supposedly issued July 14 1889; A. C. De La Rive in La Femme et l'Enfant dans la Franc-Maconnerie Universelle (page 588)- cited by Learnthebible.org

See also

External links

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