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Freemasonry and Religion
Introduction
The
following information is intended to deal with a topic mentioned in the leaflet
'What is Freemasonry'. It
explains the United Grand Lodge of England's view of the relationship between
Freemasonry and religion.
Basic Statement
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It demands
of its members a belief in a Supreme Being but provides no system of faith of
its own. Freemasonry is open to men of all religious faiths. The
discussion of religion at its meetings is forbidden.
The Supreme Being
The
names used for the Supreme Being enable men of different faiths to join in
prayer (to God as each sees Him) without the terms of the prayer causing
dissention among them. There is no separate Masonic God; a Freemason's God remains the
God of the religion he professes. Freemasons meet in common respect for the
Supreme Being, but He remains Supreme in their individual religions, and it is
no part of Freemasonry to attempt to join religions together. There is therefore
no composite Masonic God.
Volume of the Sacred Law
The Bible, referred to by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law, is
always open at every Masonic meeting.
The Obligation of Freemasonry
The Obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on or involve the Volume of
the Sacred Law or the book held sacred by those concerned. They are undertakings
to help keep secret a Freemason's means of recognition and to follow the
principles of Freemasonry. The physical penalties, which are purely symbolic, do
not form part of an Obligation. The commitment to follow the principles of
Freemasonry is, however, deep.
Freemasonry Compared with Religion
Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion:
a) it has notheological doctrine and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings,
will not allow a Masonic theological doctrine to develop
b) it offers no sacraments
c) it does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge or by
any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of
recognition and not with salvation.
Freemasonry Supports Religion
Freemasonry is far from indifferent to religion. Without
interfering in religious practice it expects each member to follow his own
faith, and to place above all other duties his duty to God, by whatever name He
is known. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions. Freemasonry is
thus a supporter of religion.
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