Freemasonry
Claims that come up in conversation about Freemasonry, with a short answer and the texts to open.
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What you will hear
Freemasonry is a men’s fraternity for friendship and charity, nothing more.
The published rituals include an altar, prayers to the Great Architect of the Universe, oaths on the Bible, and a degree that speaks of being raised to the faith of salvation.
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What you will hear
Grand lodges say Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for religion, so a Christian can join.
Mackey called Masonry an eminently religious institution and Pike called every lodge a temple of religion; most churches that have studied it reject membership.
- Mackey, Encyclopaedia (1874)
- Pike, Morals and Dogma (1871)
- John 14:6John 14:6 · King James Version
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6 · King James VersionOpen source
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What you will hear
Many respected pastors and church leaders have been Masons, so it must be compatible with Christianity.
The 1993 Southern Baptist report named Masonic Baptist leaders and still found many Masonic teachings incompatible with Christianity.