cemab4y
Premium Member
I have to say that I do believe Christ's suffering and Resurrection is the only way to salvation
since He said. I am the way the truth and the light and NO man comes to The Father
but by me. This does not mean I run around telling people they are going to hell or disrespect other people in their religion.
I want to join your fraternity badly. I have done countless hours of
research and soul searching. OF COURSE I have come across some very weird
info on masonry most of which is probably false. I have a friend who is a 32°
mason who signed my petition. I am not going to run around and ask everyone in a
lodge what their beliefs are but I just want assurance that Masonry can co-exist
with Christ. I am a Christian first and then a mason should I be raised one.
I also believe salvation is by grace through faith alone. I do however think that
faith produces works and that evidence of faith is found in works. The epistle of
James clearly states faith without works is dead. I have one final concern which I
hope you can answer... In my degrees will I have to take vows to other gods that
I do not believe in? I have read that to be a shiner you must take a vow to Allah etc...
Thank You So Much,
Eric
Masonry is NOT a religion. Of this you can be certain! I have been a Mason for nearly 30 years, and I study comparative religions. There is absolutely no conflict between Christianity, and Freemasonry. This being said, Masonry is composed of men from many different and wildly varying religious beliefs. If associating with men from a whole "rainbow of faiths", presents a problem to you, then you should not pursue Freemasonry.
There is no salvation of any kind, in Freemasonry. Do not have any concerns in this regard.
In the degree ceremonies, you will be required to swear an oath. This oath will in no way conflict with the duties which you owe to God, your family, your neighbor, or your country. Just like when you join the Army, you swear an oath, or when you marry, you swear an "I do". You will take this oath on the Volume of Sacred Law. For a Christian, this will be the Holy Bible (Old and New testaments, most likely the King James Version).
The Shrine is not a Masonic organization. Membership in Freemasonry, is prerequisite to joining the Shrine. If you choose to join the Shrine, you will take an oath on the Volume of Sacred Law for your faith. Please see Home - Be A Shriner Now