Master's Message
May 1999

Brethren:

Have you ever heard the following questions? Is Freemasonry a religion? Mason's have their own God whose name is "The Great Architect of the Universe," don't they? Don't you have a Masonic Bible? And I'm sure that you have other questions pertaining to the fact that some people feel that Masonry is a religion. Let's take a look at some facts about Masonry.

When a man decides to become a Mason, he files an application, or "petition," with a local Masonic lodge. In signing that petition he asserts that he believes in God, the Supreme Being, and in the immortality of the soul. In the lecture accompanying the initiation rites of the first degree, he is told that how he chooses to worship God is up to his own conscience.

The religious experience in the lodge is prayer. Every meeting of Masons opens and closes with prayer. As is done so often by the federal government, all prayer is addressed to God the Father, so that a mixed audience of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists, for instance, can relate that prayer to their own worship. Masons also offer prayers for charitable endeavors, for bereaved Masons and their families, or for a departed brother.

Clearly, one can easily assert that Freemasonry is not a separate religion. It promotes no heaven, no hell, and no means of salvation. There's no "witnessing" or arguing over religious beliefs in the lodge. There is no religious dogma. It can't be a religion.

So why do we use the name "The Great Architect of the Universe" in lodge? The architect is one who plans and brings a structure into being. Historians refer to the "Founding Fathers of our Great Country" as the "Architects of the Constitution." As a designation for God, "The Great Architect of the Universe" makes sense, and it means precisely the same thing as the universally popular "The Creator." The slight difference is that the Masonic designation implies that God created the world according to a plan, although there is no Masonic description of what that plan may be.

How about those "Masonic Bibles?" A Masonic Bible is a King James version of the Bible traditionally a Protestant version of the Bible with a brief history of Masonry, or a concordance to relate certain Masonic ritual to scriptural passages. Masons who are not Protestants bring their own holy books for their initiations.

So is Freemasonry a religion? No, Masonry is not a religion. It has no intention of being a religion. It doesn't want to be a religion. Masonry leaves religion up to the individual to choose his pathway to God, and that policy naturally includes no rules, advice, or admonitions as to the means of salvation. A Mason is expected to get spiritual guidance from his own denomination, which he is encouraged to support with both his energy and his personal finances.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you. Why not come out to lodge and get involved in our work. We strive for excellence but only God is perfection. I hope to see you soon.

Fraternally,

John Lacki Jr.
Worshipful Master