Is Freemasonry a Religion?

BECOMING A MASON

Learn how to join one of the world’s oldest fraternities built on brotherhood, integrity, and service.

SERVING BEAUMONT

From programs to community events, Beaumont Lodge 286 is dedicated to strengthening Southeast Texas through acts of brotherly love and relief.

Community Impact

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 Sacred Law, is always open at every Masonic meeting. The choice of a holy book may be based upon the predominate faith of the country where the Lodge meets or the particular religious belief of the candidate who is participating in a Lodge ceremony. The Volume of Sacred is an indispensable part of the furniture of the Lodge. There is no such thing as a Masonic Bible. Publishers have produced versions of the Bible with added content referring to Masonic ceremonies. None of these versions are approved by the Grand Lodge. They are the work of private companies.

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.

It has no theological doctrine, and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will not allow a Masonic theological doctrine to develop.
It offers no sacraments.
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.

There is no better explanation of Freemasonry as it relates to religion then that of the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Freemasonry has always been religious in character but subscribes to no particular orthodoxy. It does however demand of its members a belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. It provides no system of faith of its own. Freemasonry is open to men of all religious faiths. The exception is, an Atheists cannot be made a Freemason. The discussion of religion at its meetings is forbidden.