Scoops
Registered User
I agree with that you say - when I applied and my proposer presented a petition form - I got to "acknowledge my belief in a Supreme Being and offer myself as a candidate for Freemasonry" I stopped and said I could have to take the form away and reflect before I could sign it. It did not take long and I signed.. but I guess it is one way Freemasonry brings us closer to our faith - we have to affirm it and being men of character, we only affirm what we beliefs- and hence we have to reflect on our beliefs.. I use the same approached, telling a candidate he will have to reflect and search his heart, but also that Freemasonry is not a Religion, but , like Parliament, it opens with a pray, and as Parliament is not a religions proceeding but acknowledges that there is a God, so do Freemasons lodges open with a prayer and acknowledge the existence of a Higher Power, and the whole thing will ring false to an atheist and (regular) Freemasonry is not really an organisation for them..
I agree with you totally. When I was filling out my petition I ticked the box fairly routinely (although certainly not just for the sake of ticking boxes and being accepted) and handed it in. However, afterwards I reflected on the question and actually took some time to form my belief into something that I could outwardly express to others rather than simply an internal feeling.
As to the question of how jurisdictions phrase it, mine (in the document Aims and Relationships of the Craft) uses
The first condition of admission into, and membership of, the Order is a belief in the Supreme Being. This is essential and admits of no compromise.
And in Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition says
That a belief in the G.A.O.T.U. and His revealed will shall be an essential qualification for membership.
Visiting Brethren from foriegn jurisdictions should be prepared to
acknowledge that a personal belief in T.G.A.O.T.U. is an essential Landmark in Freemasonry.
(All these can be found in the attached PDF)