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The Deadly Deception

The Deadly
Deception

by 33rd Degree
Past Master of all
Scottish Rite bodies

APPENDIX  A    Pages 126-141

MASONIC DOCTRINE
VERSUS
CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

The following is a brief comparison of the doctrines and practices of Freemasonry with the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith and its foundational source, the Bible.

Masonic doctrines summarized here are, in every case, based upon the consensus of the most revered and widely accepted Masonic philosophers, writers and sourcebooks. Any knowledgeable Mason will know at a glance that this is true. He has taken oaths to lie if necessary in order to conceal such things, and so will probably deny some things, and try to justify others. But the Masonic writers, and common practices in the Lodge, will verify it all.

Although most Masons have never read some of the sourcebooks cited, and have been deliberately deceived as to some of the facts in them, they could read them if they would. All these Masonic sourcebooks are in the libraries of most local Lodges and the libraries of all the Grand Lodges of the states. In addition, they can be purchased from Masonic publishing companies or in bookstores. But most Masons have never read them.

Many, many more similar references could be cited in addition to the ones included here but these will suffice. Capitalization and other means of emphasis are as the Masonic originals; nothing has been added or changed.   [Underlining and some bold have been added by web site editor.}

1. JESUS CHRIST

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Jesus was just a man. He was one of the "exemplars," one of the great men of the past, but not divine and certainly not the only means of redemption of lost mankind. He was on a level with other great men of the past like Aristotle, Plato, Pythagoras and Mohammed. His life and legend were no different from that of Krishna, the Hindu god. He is "the son of Joseph," not the Son of God.
  1. "Nor can he (the Christian Mason) object if others see (in Jesus) only the Logos of Plato, and the Word or Uttered Thought or first Emanation of Light, or the Perfect Reason of the Great, Silent Supreme, Uncreated Deity, believed in and adored by all " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 26th Degree, p. 524)
  2. "And the Divine Wise Intellect sent teachers unto men... Enoch, and Noah, and Abraham, and Moses the son of Imram, and the Prophets, and Pythagoras, and Plato, and Yesus the son of Joseph, the Lord, the Messiah, and his Apostles, and after these Mohammed the son of Abdulla, with his law, which is the law of Islam; and the disciples of truth followed the law of Islam. " (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "25th Degree, p. 34)
  3. "In his private petitions a man may petition God or Jehovah, Allah or Buddha, Mohammed or Jesus; he may call upon the God of Israel or the First Great Cause. In the Masonic Lodge he hears petition to the Great Architect of the Universe, finding his own deity under that name. A hundred paths may wind upward around a mountain; at the top they meet. " (Carl H. Claudy, "Introduction to Freemasonry, " p. 38
  4. "It has been found that every act in the drama of the life of Jesus, and every quality assigned to Christ, is to be found in the life of Krishna" (Sun god of India) (J. D. Buck, 'Mystic Masonry, "pp. 119, 138)
  5. "We meet this day to commemorate the death (of Jesus), not as inspired or divine, for this is not for us to decide, " (Maundy Thursday Ritual, Chapter of Rose Croix)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Jesus Christ is divine, eternal and the second Person of the Godhead. When He was living on earth as a man, the only begotten Son of the Father, He was God incarnate, truly God and truly man. He was and is the only means of redemption of fallen mankind. Anyone who denies or rejects Him or His preeminent position as sole Redeemer also denies and separates himself from God the Father.
  1. "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. " (John 1:1-4)
  2. "Jesus said unto them, 'Verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am : " (John 8:58)
  3. "And now, 0 Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I (Jesus) had with thee before the world was." (John 17:5)
  4. "Jesus saith unto him, °1 am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me' " (John 14:6)
  5. "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name (but Jesus) under Heaven given among men, whereby ye must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
  6. "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. " (1 John 5:12)
  7. "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. "(1 John 222,23)
  8. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. " (I Tim 2:5)
  9. "I and my Father are one. " (John 10:30)
  10. "... he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.. " (John 14:9)

2. THE BIBLE

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

The Bible of the Christian is merely one of the "holy books" of man, no better than the Koran, the Hindu scriptures or the books of the Chinese and Greek philosophers. It is not to be taken literally, for its true meaning is esoteric (hidden from all but a small number of "enlightened," elite leaders); the literal, obvious meaning is only for the ignorant masses. It is right to remove references to Jesus in passages used in the ritual. Masonry, contrary to popular belief, is NOT based upon the Bible. Masonry is actually based on the Kabala (Cabala), a medieval book of magic and mysticism. [Web Editor Insert: (Merriam-Webster 1986: 1: a medieval and modern system of Jewish theosophy, mysticism, and thaumaturgy marked by a belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture.)]
  1. Masonically, the Book of the Law is that sacred book which is believed by the Mason of any particular religion to contain the revealed will of God... thus to the Christian Mason (it is) the Old and New Testament; to the Jew the Old Testament, to the Musselman (Muslim), the Koran; to the Brahman the Vedas; and to the parsee the Zendavesta. " ("Masonry Defined, "a compilation of the writings of Albert Pike and Albert Mackey, pp. 78, 79)
  2. "Masonry makes no profession of Christianity... but looks forward to the time when the labor of our ancient brethren shall be symbolized by the erection of a spiritual temple... in which there shall be but one altar and one worship; one common altar of Masonry on which the Veda, Shastra, Sade, Zend-Avesta, Koran and Holy Bible shall lie... and at whose shrine the Hindoo, the Persian, the Assyrian, the Chaldean, the Egyptian, the Chinese, the Mohammedan, the Jew and the Christian may kneel... " ("The Kentucky Monitor, " Fellowcraft Degree, p. 95)
  3. "What is Truth to the philosopher, would not be truth, nor have the effect of truth, to the peasant. The religion of many must necessarily be more incorrect than that of the refined and reflective few.. The truest religion would, in many points, not be comprehended by the ignorant.. The doctrines of the Bible are often not clothed in the language of strict truth, but in that which was fittest to convey to a rude and ignorant people... the doctrine. " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 14th Degree, p. 224)
  4. "..the literal meaning (of the Bible) is for the vulgar only. "(Albert Pike, "Digest of Morals and Dogma, "p. 166)
  5. "To all this (error of stupidity) the absurd reading of the established Church, taking literally the figurative, allegorical, and mythical language of a collection of Oriental books of different ages, directly and inevitably led. " (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, " 30th Degree, p. 818)
  6. "The Jews, the Chinese, the Turks, each reject either the New Testament, or the Old, or both, and yet we see no good reason why they should not be made Masons. In fact Blue Lodge Masonry has nothing whatever to do with the Bible. It is not founded on the Bible; if it was it would not be Masonry; it would be something else. " ("Chase's Digest of Masonic Law," pp. 207-209)
  7. "Beautiful around stretches off every way the Universe, the Great Bible of God. Material nature is its Old Testament... and Human Nature is the New Testament from the Infinite God, "(Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "28th Degree, p. 715)
  8. "Masonry is a search after Light. That search leads us back, as you see, to the Kabalah. In that ancient and little understood (source-book) the Initiate will find the source of many doctrines; and (he) may in time come to understand the Hermetic philosophers, the Alchemists, all the Antipapal Thinkers of the Middle Ages, and Emanuel Swedenborg. " (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "28th Degree, p. 741) "All truly dogmatic religions have issued from the Kabalah and return to it; everything scientific and grand in the religious dreams of the Illuminati, Jacob Boeheme, Swedenborg, Saint Martin, and others is borrowed from the Kabalah: all Masonic associations owe to it their secrets and their symbols. " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 28th Degree, p. 744)
  9. The removal of the name of Jesus and references to Him in Bible verses used in the ritual are "slight but necessary modifications." (Albert Mackey, 'Masonic Ritualist " p. 272)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

The Bible is the only written revelation of, and from, the only true God. The Bible, as contained in the Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God, inspired and preserved by Him, and is the only valid rule of faith and practice for His people, the church. No part shall be added to, or taken from the Bible as delivered to us in the Old and New Testaments.
  1. "If they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them. " (Isa. 8:20)
  2. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. " (II Tim. 3:16)
  3. "The Words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shaft keep them, 0 Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever. " (Ps. 12:6, 7)
  4. ". . . whose hope is in the Lord his God, which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever. " (Ps. 146:5, 6)
  5. "Every word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. " (Prow 30:5, 6)
  6. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. " (Matt. 24:35)
  7. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever. . . But the word of the Lord endureth forever And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. " (I Pet. 1:23, 25)
  8. "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we declared unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty... Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. " (II Peter 1:16-21)
  9. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it... " (Deut. 42)
  10. ".. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life... " (Rev 22:18, 19)
3. GOD

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

God is, basically, whatever we perceive Him to be; our idea or concept of God becomes our God. Usually referred to with the vague and general term, "Deity," the god of Masonry can be the one of our choosing, spoken of generically as "The Great Architect of the Universe." However, those who pursue the higher studies in Masonry learn that God is the force of nature, specifically the Sun with its life-giving powers. To the "advanced, enlightened ones," the adepts at the top, this nature worship is understood as the worship of the generative principles (i.e. the sex organs), particularly the phallus. Human Nature is also worshipped by some as "Deity," as are Knowledge and Reason. Since Masonry is a revival of the ancient pagan mystery religions, its god can also be said to be Nature, with its fertility (sex) gods and godesses representing the Sun and Moon (in Egypt, Osiris and Isis).
  1. ". . .Since every man's conception of God must be proportioned to his mental cultivation, and intellectual powers, and moral excellence. God is, as man conceives Him, the reflected image of man himself. "(Albert Pike, `Morals and 'Dogma," 14th Degree, p.223)
  2. ". . .every religion and every conception of God is idolatrous, in so far as it is imperfect, and as it substitutes a feeble and temporary idea... of that Undiscoverable Being who can be known only in part, and who can therefore be honored, even by the most enlightened among His worshippers, only in proportion to their limited powers of understanding and imagining to themselves... " (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "25th Degree, p. 516)
  3. "The only personal God Freemasonry accepts is humanity in toto... Humanity therefore is the only personal God that there is. " (J. D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry, " p. 216)
  4. "Phallus: a representation of the virile member (male sex organ) which was venerated as a religious symbol very universally... by the ancients. It was one of the modifications of Sun-worship, and was a symbol of the fecundating (impregnating) power of the luminaries. The Masonic point within a circle (important Masonic symbol) is undoubtedly of phallic origin. " (Albert Mackey, "Symbolism of Freemasonry, " p. 352)
  5. "These two divinities (the Sun and the Moon, Osiris and Isis, etc) were commonly symbolized by the generative parts of man and woman; to which in remote ages no idea of indecency was attached; the Phallus (penis) and Cteis (vagina), emblems of generation and production, and which, as such, appeared in the Mysteries (the ancient religions of which Masonry is a revival). The Indian Lingam was the union of both, as were the boat and mast and the point within the circle (important Masonic symbols). " (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "24th Degree, p. 401)
  6. "Masonry, successor to the Mysteries (the pagan religions of Isis, Osiris, Baal, Mythras, Tammuz, etc.), still follows the ancient manner of teaching. " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," Fellowcraft Degree, p. 22)
  7. "Though Masonry is identical with the ancient Mysteries, it is so only in this qualified sense: that it presents but an imperfect image of their brilliancy, the ruins of their grandeur.. " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " Fellowcraft Degree p. 23)
  8. "The Absolute is Reason. Reason IS, by means of Itself. It IS because IT IS. .. If God IS, HE IS by Reason. " (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "28th Degree. p. 737)
  9. "This is the immutable law of Nature, the Eternal Will of the Justice which is God. "(Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 32nd Degree, p. 847)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

God is a Spirit, eternal, self-existent, unchanging, almighty and sovereign. There is one God who created all things, existing in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father is revealed in His Son, Jesus Christ, and is perfect. He is holy, and requires holiness of His people.
  1. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. " (Gen. 1:1)
  2. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. " (John 4:4)
  3. "Hear, 0 Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord. " (Dent. 6:4)
  4. "Before the mountains were brought forth, or even thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God "(Ps. 90:2)
  5. "For I am the Lord, l change not,-" (Mal. 3:6)
  6. "There is none other God but one... the Father, of whom are all things. " (I Cor 8:4, 6)
  7. "But the Lord is the true God, he is the everlasting God, and an everlasting king. " (Jer 10:10)
  8. "Thy throne, 0 God, is forever and ever. " (Ps. 45:6)
  9. "For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. " (I John 5:7)
  10. "... Ye shall be holy: for/ the Lord your God am holy. " (Lev. 19:2)
  11. "God said unto Moses, `I am that I am...'" (Ex. 3:14)

4. REDEMPTION

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Redemption is a matter of self-improvement, morality, and good works, including obedience to the Mason's obligation and all higher Masonic authorities.

Faith in the atonement of Jesus has nothing to do with it; it is rather a matter of enlightenment, step by step, which comes with initiation into the Masonic degrees and their mysteries.
  1. "By the lambskin the Mason is reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which are so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. "(Albert Mackey, "Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, "'Apron")
  2. "...and in Thy favor, may we be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, in union with the souls of our departed friends, the just reward of a pious and virtuous life. Amen. So Mote it Be. "("Texas Monitor, " Masonic Burial Service, p. 10)
  3. "In Egypt, Greece and among other ancient nations, Freemasonry was one of the earliest agencies employed to effect improvement and enlightenment of man... and make them comprehend the true principles of morality, which initiate men into a new order of life. " (Daniel Sickles, "Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide, " p 57)
  4. "The rite of induction signifies the end of a profane and vicious life, the palingenesis (new birth) of corrupt human nature, the death of vice and all bad passions and the introductions to the new life of purity and virtue. "(Daniel Sickles, 'Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide, " p. 54)
  5. These three degrees (1st, 2nd, 3rd) thus form a perfect and harmonious whole, nor can it be conceived that anything can be suggested more, which the soul of man requires" (Daniel Sickles, "Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide, " p. 196)
  6. "If we with suitable true devotion maintain our Masonic profession, our faith will become a beam of light and bring us to those blessed mansions where we shall be eternally happy with God, the Great Architect of the Universe. " (Daniel Sickles, 'Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide, "p. 79)
  7. "Acacian: a term signifying a Mason who by living in strict obedience to obligations and precepts of the fraternity is free from sin. "(A. Mackey, "Lexicon of Freemasonry, "p. 16) (8) "When you shall have become imbued with the morality of Masonry... when you shall have learned to practice all the virtues which it inculcates; when they become familiar to you as your Household God; then will you be prepared to receive its lofty philosophical instruction, and to scale the heights upon whose summit Light and Truth sit enthroned. Step by step men must advance towards Perfection; and each Masonic Degree is meant to be one of those steps." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 8th Degree, p. 136)
  8. "The dunces who led primitive Christianity astray, by submitting faith for science... have succeeded in shrouding in darknesss the ancient discoveries of the human mind; so that now we grope in the dark to find again the key... "(Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "28th Degree, p. 732)
  9. "... salvation by faith and the vicarious atonement were not taught as now interpreted, by Jesus, nor are these doctrines taught in the esoteric scriptures. They are later and ignorant perversions of the original doctrines. "(J. D. Buck, 'Mystic Masonry, "p. 57)

b.  CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

All have sinned and fallen short of the perfection God requires; none is righteous in his own virtue and our own righteousness is as filthy rags compared with the righteousness of God. However, Jesus, God's only begotten Son, lived a sinless life for us, and laid down His life a perfect sacrifice to make atonement for our sins.

By faith in Him and His provisions for us we can be made the righteousness of God and be born of the Spirit of God into everlasting life, becoming a part of the family of God. There is no other way to be reconciled to God and live in His presence forever. We cannot, by our own efforts, redeem or perfect ourselves.
  1. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not One:" (Rom. 3:10)
  2. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God:" (Rom. 3.23)
  3. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;" (Isa. 64:6)
  4. "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. " (11 Cor. 5:21)
  5. "For ye (Christians) are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. " (Gal. 3:26)
  6. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "(John 3:16)
  7. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. " (Eph. 2:8, 9)
  8. "Neither is there salvation in any other (than Jesus): for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved. " (Acts. 4:12)
  9. "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. "(1 John 5:11,12)

5. SATAN

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Satan, as an enemy of God and his Kingdom, as an evil power seeking to tempt, deceive and destroy, does not exist. Mankind has merely "supposed" this. The usual Christian perception of Satan is merely a distortion of the truth about Lucifer, the "Light Bearer," who is actually good and the instrument of liberty, but generally misunderstood and maligned.
  1. "The true name of Satan, the Kabalists say, is that of Yahveh reversed; for Satan is not a black god...For the initates this is not a Person, but a Force, created for good, but which may serve for evil. It is the instrument of Liberty or Free Will. (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," Master Mason /3rd Degree. p 102)
  2. "Lucifer, the Light-Bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with all its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!" (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 19th Degree, p: 321)
  3. "The conviction of all men that God is good led to a belief in a devil... " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 19th Degree, p: 324)
  4. "All antiquity solved the enigma of the existence of evil by supposing the existence of a Principle of Evil, of demons, fallen angels ... a Satan.:. "("Kentucky Monitor," "The Spirit of Masonry, " p xiv)
  5. "...there is no rebellious demon of Evil, or Principle of Darkness coexistent and in eternal controversy with God, or the Principal of Light:.. " (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma, " 32nd Degree, p. 859)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Satan is a proud, rebellious angel, created by God but fallen, the father of lies, accuser of the brethren, deceiver, tempter and ruler of the Kingdom of Darkness. He blinds the lost to the glorious light of the gospel, and seeks to be worshipped as he also works to steal, kill and destroy. He is the enemy we are to resist and the one whose works Jesus came to destroy.
  1. "How art thou fallen, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High: Yet thou shalt be brought down to Hell:.. " (Isa. 14:12-15)
  2. "... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God, thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire... Thine heart was lilted up because of thy beauty, beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason o1 thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground... " (Ezek 28:13-19)
  3. "Ye are of your father, the devil... he is a liar, and the father of it." (John 8:44)
  4. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him... the accuser of our brethren is cast down... " (Rev. 12:9, 10)
  5. "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil... " (Lk 4:1, 2)
  6. "And if Satan cast out Satan... how shall then his kingdom stand?" (Matt. 12:26)
  7. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil:. For we wrestle. .. against the rulers of the darkness::: " (Eph. 6:11, 12)
  8. "... the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ .. should shine unto them. " (I/ Cor. 4:4)
  9. "The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: " (John 10:10)
  10. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. " (James 4:7)
  11. "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. " (1 John 3:8)
  12. ... Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Pet. 5:8)

6. SPIRITUAL LIGHT AND DARKNESS

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

All "profane" people (non-Masons), including godly, genuine Christians, are wretched, blind and lost in complete spiritual darkness. Only initiation into the degrees and mysteries of Masonry will bring them out of darkness and "into the light," cleansing them and imparting new life.
  1. "In Masonry, the darkness, which envelops the mind of the uninitiated (non-Mason) is removed by the effulgence of Masonic Light. Masons are appropriately called the Sons of Light'" ("Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, "p. 175)
  2. "Freemasons are emphatically called Sons of Light'.:. while the profane or unitiated (non-Masons) who have not received this knowledge ... are said to be in darkness." ("Masonic Dictionary, " "Light, "Consolidated Book Pub, 1963)
  3. Blindfolded ("hoodwinked') and kneeling, half naked and bound by a rope ("cabletow"), the candidate for initiation into the Blue Degrees is asked, by the Worshipful Master, "In your present, blind condition, what do you most desire?" His reply, according to the ritual, must be "Light" (1st Degree), "Further Light" (2nd Degree) and 'More Light" (3rd Degree). (Verbal Masonic Ritual, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Degrees)
  4. "There he (the man to be initiated) stands, without our portals, on the threshold of his new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors, and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, he comes inquiringly to our doors, seeking the new birth, and asking a withdrawal of the veil... " (Albert Mackey, "Manual of the Lodge, " p. 20)
  5. "Applied to Masonic symbolism, it (the darkness) is intended to remind the candidate of his ignorance, which Masonry is to enlighten; of his evil nature, which Masonry is to purity; of the world in whose obscurity he has been wandering and from which Masonry is to rescue him. " (Albert Mackey, 'Manual of the Lodge, "p. 39)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Jesus is the Light of the World; those who follow Him shall not be in darkness. He, and He alone, is the source of spiritual enlightenment. If we are "in Him" we are not in darkness, for in Him is no darkness at all. The life that He alone gives is the light of men.
  1. "I am the Light of the World: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (Jn. 8:12)
  2. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. " (1 Pet. 2:9)
  3. "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:" (Eph. 5:8)
  4. "This then is the message which we have heard of him (Jesus), and declare unto you, that god is light, and in him is no darkness at all. " (I Jn. 1:5)
  5. "In him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men. " (Jn. 1:4)

7. PRAYER

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Prayers are to be offered to "Deity," to "The Great Architect of the Universe" (GAOTU), and are to be "universal" in nature, so as not to offend anyone and so as to apply to everyone. Prayer is NEVER to be made "in Jesus' name," or "in Christ's name"; to do so would offend a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. If a Worshipful Master allows prayers to be made in Jesus' name, his lodge can be closed and its charter revoked by the Grand Lodge of his state.
  1. "All sectarian tenets must be carefully excluded from the (Masonic) system." (Morris, "Webb's Monitor, "p. 285)
  2. "Prayer in Masonic lodges should be of a general character, containing nothing offensive to any class of conscientious brethren. (Ibid)
  3. "The religion then, of Masonry is pure Theism on which its different members engraft their own peculiar opinions; but they are not permitted to introduce them into the lodge... " (Albert Mackey, `Lexicon of Freemasonry, "Religion)
  4. "Every important undertaking in Masonry is both begun and completed with prayer. The prayers given in the hand-books of the Blue Lodge are such as all Masons, whatever their religious faith, may unite in. " (Morris's "Dictionary, " Prayer)

NOTES:

    (a) It is true that in some local lodges, in small communities where all churches are Christian, prayers are made in Jesus' name. However, if this were to be reported to the Grand Lodge of that state they would be required to stop it immediately or have their charters revoked. Jack Harris, Worshipful Master of a Baltimore, Maryland lodge, was told just this. (Harris, Jack: Freemasonry: The Invisible Cult in Our Midst, Daniels Pub Co. 1983, pp ix, x, 121, 122)
    (b) Harmon Taylor, former Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New York, says, "The only instruction I was given as New York State Grand Chaplain, and I was given it repeatedly, was not to end a prayer in Jesus' name. ("Attention Masons!", HRT Ministries, Box 12, Newtonville, NY 12128)
    (c) It is a fact, known to every Mason who cares to know, that in all the prayers printed in his monitors, handbooks and other guides to rituals there is NOT ONE which closes in Jesus' name.

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Prayer is to be made through the Father, in the name of (through) the Son, in the power of, and inspired by, the Holy Spirit. Only through the mediatorial office of Jesus can we approach the throne of God.
  1. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. " (I Tim. 2:5)
  2. "... whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my (Jesus) name, he may give it to you." (Jn. 15:16)
  3. "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ " (Eph. 5:20)
  4. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. "(Col. 3:17)

8. TRUTHFULNESS

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

It is right to lie, if necessary, to protect the "secrets" of the Lodge, or to protect another Mason by concealing his wrongdoing. It can even be "right" to deliberately deceive sincere Masons seeking to learn the lessons and "secrets" of Masonry.
  1. "The Blue Degrees are but the portico (porch) of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall imagine that he understands them... their true explication (explanation/understanding) is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry. "(Albert Pike, `Morals and Dogma, "30th Degree, p. 819)
  2. "Furthermore do I promise and swear that a Master Mason's secrets, given to me in charge as such, and I knowing them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in his own, when communicated to me, murder and treason excepted; and they left to my own election. " (Master Mason's/3rd Degree Oath of Obligation)
  3. "A companion Royal Arch Mason's secrets given to me in charge as such, and I knowing them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in his own, without exception. " (Royal Arch Mason's Oath of Obligation)
  4. "You must conceal all the crimes of your brother Masons ... and should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason be always sure to shield him... It may be perjury to do this, it is true, but you're keeping your obligations." (Ronayne, 'Handbook of Masonry, "p. 183)
  5. "If your wife, or child, or friend, should ask you anything about your initiation — as for instance, if your clothes were taken off, if you were blindfolded, if you had a rope around your neck, etc, you must conceal.. hence of course, you must deliberately lie about it. It is part of your obligation... " (Ibid, p. 74)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
     We must speak the truth at all times.

  1. "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. " (Ex. 20:16)
  2. "Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. " (Lev. 19:11)
  3. "Lie not to one another. " (Col. 3:9)
  4. "... all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. " (Rev. 21:8)

9. SECRECY

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Secrecy is the essence of Masonry, necessary for its very existence, and protected by blood oaths of mayhem and murder.
  1. "Secrecy is indispensable in a Mason of whatever degree." (Albert Pike, 'Morals and Dogma, "4th Degree, p. 109)
  2. "The secrecy of this institution is another and most important landmark... If divested of its secret character, it would lose its identity, and would cease to be Freemasonry... death of the Order would follow its legalized exposure. Freemasonry, as a secret association, has lived unchanged for centuries; as an open society it would not last for as many years." (Albert Mackey, "Textbook of Masonic Jurisprudence, "23rd Landmark, 'Secrecy')
  3. "I... do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hail, ever conceal and never reveal any of the arts, parts or points of the secret arts and mysteries of ancient Freemasonry which l have received, am about to receive, or may hereafter be instructed in... " (Oath of Obligation, Entered Apprentice/ 1st Degree, and included in all subsequent degrees, always on penalty of mayhem and violent death)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

There are no secrets; the truth of God that sets men free is for all who will hear it, and we are to tell it to the world!
  1. "I (Jesus) spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple. .. and in secret have I said nothing." (Jn. 1820)
  2. "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. " (Matt. 10:27)
  3. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. " (Mk 16:15)
  4. "Provide things honest in the sight of all men. " (Rom. 12:17)

10. BLOOD OATHS

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Blood Oaths on penalty of mayhem and violent death are administered at the end of initiation into all Masonic degrees, binding the initiate to protect the "secrets" of the degrees. These oaths of obligation (usually called just "obligation") are considered unbreakable, and are (collectively) the thing that makes a man a Mason. In this way, these oaths are the cornerstone of Masonry.
  1. Question: "What makes you a Mason?"Answer: "My obligation." (question and answer from the Entered Apprentice/First Degree)
  2. "... binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my throat cut from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by its roots, and with my body buried in the rough sands of the sea, a cable's length from the shore, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours... "(from the oath of obligation, entered Apprentice/First Degree)
  3. "...binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my left breast torn open, my heart plucked out, and given to the beasts of the field and fowls of the air as a prey... " (from the oath of obligation, Fellowcraft/Second Degree)
  4. "..binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken out and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven..." (from the oath of obligation, Master Mason/Third Degree)
  5. "...In willful violation whereof may I incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming Sun shall strike me with a livid plague, and may Allah, the god of Arab, Moslem and Mohammedan, the god of our fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same. "(from the oath of obligation, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ["Shriners"])

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

A Christian is enjoined not to take oaths at all, especially oaths of mayhem and murder. It is particularly offensive to God for a Christian to take such an oath, swearing on the pagan Koran, calling upon Allah to sustain and make possible his faithfulness to the terrible oath, confessing Allah is "the god of our fathers." A Christian (or Jew) is not even to speak the name of a pagan god in a way that expresses respect or honor.
  1. "Thou shalt not kill (do no murder)." (Ex. 20:13)
  2. "But I say unto you, swear not at all... but let your communications be, Yea, Yea; Nay, Nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." (Matt. 5:34-37)
  3. "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. " (Jas. 5:12)
  4. ... and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth." (Ex. 23:13)

11. SEEKING AND FINDING

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

Masonry is a never-ending search for "light," always promised but never quite realized.
  1. "It is one of the most beautiful, but at the same time one of the most abstruse doctrines of the science of Masonic symbolism that the Mason is ever to be in search of truth, but is never to find it. "(AIbert Mackey, "Manual of the Lodge, "p.93, Daniel Sickles, 'Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide, "p. 169)
  2. "You have reached the mountain peak of Masonic instruction, a peak covered with mist, which YOU in search for further light can penetrate only by your own efforts. "(Lecture of the 32nd Degree, final earned degree, Scottish Rite)

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

If we sincerely seek truth (light) in Jesus, who declared Himself to be truth and light, we are promised that we will find it. Jesus is the beginning and the ending of our search. Coming unto Him we find life, meaning and understanding, for all that we need and desire, He provides. We are guaranteed, by God who cannot lie, that if we call upon Him we will not be disappointed or ashamed.
  1. "And I say unto you... seek and ye shall find' (Lk. 11:9)
  2. "... he that seeketh findeth; " (Lk. 11:10)
  3. "... him that cometh to me (Jesus) I will in no wise cast out." (Jn. 6:37)
  4. "For Christ is the end (fulfillment) of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. " (Rom. 10:4)
  5. "... whosoever believeth on Him (Jesus) shall not be ashamed (or disappointed): (Rom. 10:11)

12. EXCLUSIVENESS

a. MASONIC DOCTRINE

The "light" of Freemasonry, its "secrets" and its pathway to "perfection" are only for the elite few initiated into its knowledge and wisdom. Excluded are women, Negros, the poor (who haven't the money with which to pay), the cripples, blind and deaf who can't perform the recognition signs (or see and hear them), and the feebleminded who can't receive the teachings or be trusted to protect them. All such people, including the wives, the daughters and some of the sons of Masons, are considered "profane" (unclean, unworthy) and can never be anything else. No references are required here for it is common knowledge and all of the above confirms and establishes it.

b. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

The life, knowledge, wisdom and freedom offered by God in Jesus are for "whosoever will"; anyone can come to Him and receive these priceless blessings, free, just by asking. Everyone who asks, sincerely, receives; none is turned away and none is disappointed or ashamed. God is not willing that anyone should perish, but wants all to come to Him and receive the life that He alone can give.
  1. "The Lord is... not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentence. (II Pet. 3:9)
  2. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and t will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. "(Matt. 11:28, 29)
  3. "And let him that is a thirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17)

APPENDIX B     Page 142-146

MASONIC SYMBOLISM

1. THE ULTIMATE DECEPTION

Masonry is, according to its own philosophers, a system of pure religion expressed in symbols, one which cannot be understood without a knowledge of the true meaning of them. This makes a proper understanding of those symbols terribly important. For the Christian Mason, accepting and guarding those symbols and their "secrets" with his physical life at stake, he must understand them to know that he is doing right.

For the many zealous Masons, trusting their obedience to their obligations to gain them entrance into that "Celestial Lodge Above," those for whom "the Lodge is a good enough religion," the correct understanding of these symbols is the key (they believe) to their eternal destiny. They are trusting in the teachings of the Lodge concerning these symbols with their eternal redemption, or damnation, at stake.

Herein lies the most terrible manifestation of Masonic morality, that philosophy of the elite, which makes whatever they do "right" because it is they (the elite) who do it. Having established and taught the sincere but deceived masses of Masons (the Blue Lodge Masons) that everything depends upon their proper understanding of the symbols of Masonry, they have then deliberately deceived them as to the true meaning of those symbols. Hear the arrogant words of Albert Pike, Supreme Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry, that preeminent Masonic authority: "The Blue Degrees are but the court or portico (porch) of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the initiate, but he is intentionally mis-led by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he imagines that he understands them... their true explication (explanation and understanding) is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry (those of the 32nd and 33rd Degrees)." (Morals and Dogma, page 819).

2. THE FOUNDATION OF MASONIC SYMBOLISM:

                PHALLIC WORSHIP

Since the true meaning of Masonic symbols (and, thus, the true meaning of Masonry itself) is to be known only by the Prince Adepts of Masonry, we must hear what they say concerning them. They (Albert Pike, Albert Mackey, J.D. Buck, Daniel Sickles and others) teach us that Masonry is but a revival of the Ancient Mysteries (the mystery religions of Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Rome and Greece).

These ancient religions had two meanings, or interpretations. One was the apparent (exoteric) meaning, known to the uninitiated, ignorant masses; the other (esoteric) meaning was the true meaning, entirely different, known only to a small, elite group, initiated into their secrets and secret rituals of worship. These mystery religions were forms of nature-worship, more specifically and most commonly the worship of the Sun as source and giver of life to the Earth. Since ancient times, this worship of the Sun (and of the Moon, stars and of nature in general) has been sexual in its out workings and rituals. Since the Sun's rays, penetrating the Earth and bringing about new life, have been central to such worship, the phallus, the male "generative principle," has been worshipped as representing the Sun's rays. In this way, the phallus has been worshipped and the rituals climaxed with sexual union in the mystery religions of Isis and Osiris, Tammuz, Baal, etc. 1  In summary, then, since the Ancient Mysteries (especially those of Egypt) are in fact the "Old Religion" of which Freemasonry is a revival, the symbols of Masonry should be expected to be phallic in true meaning. This, in very fact, is the case. A thorough treatment of this unpleasant reality is beyond the scope of this brief summary; however, some examples, with references to the Masonic authorities, will suffice to illustrate this astonishing fact.

a. THE SQUARE AND COMPASS

Blue Lodge Masons are taught that the Square is to remind them that they must be "square" in their dealings with all men, i.e. to be honest. The Compass, they are taught, is to teach them to "circumscribe their passions," i.e. to control their desires and to be temperate. The real meaning of these "great lights," however, is sexual. The Square represents the female (passive) generative principle, the earth, and the baser, sensual nature; and the Compass represents the male (active) generative principle, the sun/heavens, and the higher, spiritual nature. The Compass, arranged above the Square, symbolizes the (male) Sun, impregnating the passive (female) Earth with its life-producing rays. The true meanings, then are two-fold: the earthly (human) representations are of the man and his phallus, and the woman with her receptive eteis [cteis] (vagina). The cosmic meaning is that of the active Sun (deity, the Sun-god) from above, imparting life into the passive Earth, (deity, the earth/fertility goddess) below and producing new life.2

b. THE LETTER "G"

The Blue Lodge Mason is taught that the "G" in the basic Masonic symbol represents God. Later on, he is told that it also represents "deity." Later still, he is told that it represents "geometry." In reality, this letter represents the "generative principle," the Sun-god and, thus, the worshipped phallus, the male "generative principle..." In its position (along with the Square and Compass) on the east wall over the chair (throne) of the Worshipful Master, it is the representation of the Sun, thus of the Sun-god, Osiris. Its earthly meaning, then, is of the sacred phallus; its cosmic meaning is of the Sun, worshipped since antiquity by pagans while facing the East. (See c, below).

c. THE "G" AND THE "YOD"

The English letter "G" in Masonic symbolism is inseparable from, and identical with, the Hebrew letter "YOD." This "YOD" is the symbol on the Scottish Rite ring. "YOD" represents deity in general (its cosmic meaning), and the worshipped phallus in particular (its earthly meaning). Albert Pike wrote that the "G" displayed in English speaking lodges is merely a corruption of the "YOD" (with which it should be replaced), and that "the mysterious YOD of the Kabalah" is the "image of the Kabalistic Phallus." 3 The "Kabalah" he refers to here is a medieval book of the occult, a highly mystical and magical interpretation of the Bible,4 and important sourcebook for sorcerers and magicians.5

d. THE POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE

The Masons of the Blue Lodge are taught that the Point within a Circle represents the individual Mason (the Point), contained and restricted by the boundary line of his duty (the Circle). Its real meaning, however, is that of the phallus, positioned within the female generative principle (sex organ) in sexual union, the climactic act of Sungod worship.6

Dr. Albert Mackey, already quoted herein, also writes in his classic work "Symbolism of Freemasonry," page 352, "Phallus, a representation of the virile member, which was venerated as a religious symbol... It was one of the modifications of sun worship, and was a symbol of the fecundating power of that luminary. The Masonic point within a circle is undoubtedly of phallic origin."

The cosmic meaning of this symbol is that of the Sun, surrounded by the Universe; on the following page (353) he writes, "Point within a circle. It is derived from Sunworship, and is in reality of phallic origin. In his "Manual of the Lodge," page 156, Mackey writes, "The point within a circle is an interesting and important symbol in Freemasonry, but it has been debased in the interpretation of it in the modern lectures and the sooner that interpretation is forgotten by the Masonic student, the better it will be. The symbol is really a beautiful but somewhat abstruse allusion to the old Sun-worship, and introduces us for for the first time to that modification of it, known among the ancients as the worship of the phallus."

e. THE VERTICAL LINES

The two vertical lines touching the sides of the circle are represented to the Blue Lodge Mason as "the Holy Saints John." By this is meant John the Baptist and John the Apostle. In reality, the two vertical lines represent the Summer and Winter Solstices, the shortest and longest nights of the year, respectively. These nights are, and have been since antiquity, important periods for pagan worship.

Concerning these two lines, Albert Mackey has written ("Symbolism of Freemasonry," page 352), "The lines touching the circle in the symbol of the point within a circle are said to represent St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, but they really refer to the solstitial points, Cancer and Capricorn, in the Zodiac."

f. THE BIBLE

The Bible, only one of the "Three Great Lights" of Masonry (along with the Square and Compass), is represented to Blue Lodge Masons as symbolizing truth. In reality, the Bible may be replaced with the Koran, the Book of the Law, the Hindu scriptures or any other "holy book," depending on the preferences of the men in the Lodge. In most American Lodges, the members are told that all the Masonic system and its rituals are "based on the Bible." Such, however, is not the case. In Chase's "Digest of Masonic Law," pages 207-209, it is clearly written that "Masonry has nothing whatever to do with the Bible," and that "it is not founded upon the Bible, for if it were it would not be Masonry, it would be something else."

Albert Pike, in writing on the subject of Masonry's source-book said, "Masonry is a search after light. That search leads us directly back, as you see, to the Kabalah." (Morals and Dogma, page 741). The Kabalah, then, seems to be the actual source book of Masonry and the Bible merely (as it is spoken of in the ritual) a piece of the "furniture" of the Lodge.

NOTE: For more information concerning Masonic symbols and their true meanings, see McQuaig, C.F., "The Masonic Report," Answer Books and Tapes, Norcross, GA 1976; Storms, E.M., "Should a Christian Be a Mason?," New Puritan Library, Fletcher, NC 1980; and Mackey, Albert G., "Symbolism of Freemasonry," Charles T. Powner Co, Chicago 1975.

Footnotes

1  "Phallus: a representation of the virile member (male sex organ) which was venerated as a religious symbol very universally... by the ancients. It was one of the modifications of Sunworship, and was a symbol of the fecundating (impregnating) power of that luminary. The Masonic point within a circle is undoubtedly of phallic origin. "(Mackey, Albert G., "Symbolism of Freemasonry,"pg. 352)
2  Pike, Albert, `Morals and Dogma, "pgs. 11, 839, 850, 851.
3  Pike, Albert, 'Morals and Dogma, " pgs. 5, 757, 758, 771, 772.
4  "Cabala (Kabalah) is a medieval and modern system of theosophy, mysticism, and thaumatology (magic), "Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, "pg. 53.
5  Baskin, Wade, "The Sorcerer's Handbook, " New York, Philosophical Library, 1974.
6  "These two divinities... were commonly symbolized by the generative parts of man and woman... the Phallus and Cteis (vagina), emblems of generation and production, and which, as such, appeared in the Mysteries. The Indian Lingam was the union of both, as were the Boat and Mast, and the Point within the Circle... Pike, Albert, 'Morals and Dogma, "pg. 401.

APPENDIX C     Pages 147-149

MASONIC MORALITY

1. UNDERLYING ATTITUDES AND ASSUMPTIONS

There is, underlying all Masonic thinking and writing, an attitude and spirit of elitism which says, "Masonry is not for everyone, just for the select few." At the same time Masonry teaches it is the only true religion and that all other religions are but corrupted and perveted forms of Masonry. This is both elitist and contradictory, in that it leaves no hope for the non-elite to find the "true religion." Freemasonry proudly proclaims it makes good men better; but this makes no provision for bad men to become good.

a.  NO ROOM IN THE LODGE FOR THE BLIND, CRIPPLED, POOR, ETC.

It is significant, I think, that those whom Masonry rejects and excludes are the very ones Jesus sought out to accept and minister to.

The Lodge excludes and rejects the blind, for they cannot see to engage in the signs and due-guards; it rejects the crippled and maimed, for they cannot assume the body positions necessary for the signs and due-guards. The deaf are excluded because they cannot hear the "secret" words. The poor are excluded, for they cannot pay the fees and dues. The feeble-minded are rejected because they cannot learn and function in the Lodge. The emotionally ill are rejected because they cannot be trusted with the "secrets." Negroes and women are excluded simply because they are considered unsuitable.

Jesus, on the other hand, proclaims that His gift of redemption is for "whosoever will," and that all may "take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17). He especially reached out to the blind, the crippled, the feeble-minded and mentally ill, the poor and the unwanted — the very ones Masonry excludes and rejects.

b.  EVEN WITHIN THE LODGE THE ELITE SPIRIT RULES.

Even within Masonry the spirit of elitism, the principle of the superiority of the "chosen few," prevails. Those Blue Lodge Masons who lack the money cannot pursue the higher degrees and the Shrine. And, even for those who can afford the higher degrees and the Shrine, there are offices and positions closed to some who haven't the wealth, nice home or social position required.

c.  IT CAN BE "RIGHT" IN MASONIC MORALITY TO DECEIVE SINCERE MASONS.

The deadly danger of this elitist attitude (in any organization or society) is that whatever the elite leadership decides is "right" is then right, regardless of external moral considerations. A significant case in point is the fact that the "ordinary" Masons of the Blue Lodge are deliberately deceived by the Masonic philosophers and writers of doctrine into believing they understand the meaning of Masonic symbols and rituals when they do not.

The masses of "ordinary" (Blue Lodge) Masons who pay the dues and work faithfully to make the entire system possible are deliberately deceived as to the true nature of what they are saying and doing. But this deliberate deception becomes "right" in Masonic morality, simply because the elite leadership decides that it is right. For documentation of this profound deception, see Appendix B, "Masonic Symbolism."

2. SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF MASONIC MORALITY

So much of the morality expressed in Masonic teachings, particularly the oaths of obligation, sound good on the surface but do not stand up under casual scrutiny. Most Masons really believe they are binding themselves to moral standards of behavior. But this is because they have never really thought about what they have said. Their basic assumption that it is all "good" closes their eyes to the reality. Although volumes could be written concerning the flawed morality of Masonry, for the purposes of this brief summary a few examples will suffice. The following are selected examples of the moral standards of Masonry, compared with the teachings of the Bible.

a. FORNICATION AND ADULTERY

The Master Mason swears not to "violate the chastity" of the mother, wife, sister or daughter of another Master Mason, "knowing her to be such." This may sound good superficially, but it permits intercourse with anyone else's mother, wife, sister or daughter (even Masons of the First and Second Degrees), and permits intercourse with those of a Master Mason as long as one isn't aware of their Masonic relationship. It could even permit such illicit intercourse with female relatives of a Master Mason, knowingly, if they are not chaste and, therefore, have no chastity to be violated. The Bible, on the other hand, is very clear concerning the matter. We are told to flee fornication, and are forbidden to commit adultery (Ex. 20:14; Acts 15:20; I Cor. 6:18; et al).

b. CHEATING, WRONGING, DEFRAUDING

The Master Mason swears not to "cheat, wrong or defraud" another Master Mason or a Lodge of Master Masons, "I knowing them to be such." This may seem like lofty morals to the casual observer, but it will not bear scrutiny. This promise permits the cheating, wronging or defrauding of anyone not a Master Mason, or an organization other than a Lodge of Master Masons, and even they may be cheated, wronged or defrauded if the Mason doing it doesn't realize who or what they are.
The Bible is likewise very clear concerning this class of behavior, stating plainly that we must not cheat, wrong or defraud anyone at any time (Ex. 20:15; Lev. 19:13, 35; Prov. 11:1; Eph. 4:28; et al).

c. LYING AND PERJURING

The Mason swears to keep the secrets of another Mason, protecting him even if it requires withholding evidence of a crime. In some degrees treason and murder are excepted; in other, higher degrees, there are no exceptions to this promise to cover up the truth. The obligations, if the Masonic teachings are believed, may require a Mason to give false testimony, perjure himself or (in the case of a judge) render a false verdict in order to protect another Mason. Again, the Bible is quite clear in teaching that we must never lie or bear false witness, and states that liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire (Ex. 20:16; Prov. 19:5, 9; Eph. 4:15; Rev. 21:8; et al).

d. HELPING OTHERS

The Master Mason swears to assist widows, orphans and others in need of help, so long as it is not inconvenient or sacrificial for him to do so ("so far as...my abilities permit without material injury to myself"). He also swears to go to the aid of another Master Mason who gives the "Grand Hailing Sign of Distress," that most extreme call for help, given only when life is threatened. However, he agrees to help that distressed brother Master Mason only if he can do it without unduly risking his own life ("only if there is a greater probability of saving the other's life than of losing my own"). Given the wrong circumstances here, the Master Mason would apparently allow the other Master Mason to die, to say nothing of one in peril who is not a Master Mason. The most casual student of the Bible and its teachings knows that it teaches us to give to those in need, whether or not it is easy, and that we are to consider others' needs, comfort, lives, etc. more important than our own (Prov. 3:27; Matt. 25:31-46; John 15:12,13; Jas. 2:15,16; et al).

NOTE: For a more thorough study of Masonic morality and its flaws, see McQuaig, C.F., "The Masonic Report," Answer Books and Tapes, Norcross, GA, 1976.

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