Did
You Know This About Freemasonry?
by Rev. Noah L. Bess
An address given before the
Wisconsin Conference for Masonic Unity
Royal Arch Magazine – Winter 1966
Freemasonry has done far more for me than I can ever
do for Freemasonry. My debt is humbly and
gratefully acknowledged. I have learned that her lessons, tenets
and fundamental principles impressively and
inspiringly emphasize that faith in Deity and the practice of
truth, morality, charity and brotherly love are essential to the
well- being of one's life and also to society in its far
reaching complex organizations. Freemasonry has afforded
me the opportunity to have precious friendships. She has required
of me only that which is required and expected of every member -
to walk uprightly, to do good, and to obey the divine law. As we
all know, she never requires a member to violate his duty
to God, his country or himself. Having said this, it
behooves me to mention another great and forceful promoter and
supporter of morality, integrity and neighborly love - the Church
of Jesus of Nazareth. In my opinion, the Church of God, by
whatever name or sign it is known, and Freemasonry are the two
strongest organized forces in the United States today, and
possibly in the world, for keeping our country and civilization
right side up morally. Both have a profound faith in, and deep
concern for, truth, morality, charity and the brotherhood of man
under the Fatherhood of God. I know of no reason for
conflict between these two organizations. I have given my
wholehearted support to them for the past 40 years and am
resolved to continue this support as long as I may
live. Over the years I have heard various statements
about Freemasonry. By far, the statements have
been complimentary, highly commending the Craft for its
moral influence in promotion of truth, honor and good
citizenship. It is difficult to understand why any intelligent
person would oppose Freemasonry if he were familiar with its
fundamental tenets. The criticisms leveled against
Freemasonry invariably originate with the uninformed and
occasionally with jealous individuals. Frequently, it appears,
the criticisms come from persons who desire to monopolize or
control their groups. It is pitiful to hear criticism from the
ostrich type. He sees a single mistake which he does not like or
understand, made by a Mason or in some area of Masonry - and then
buries his head in the sands of ignorance and proceeds to
criticize the entire Order. Unfortunately such persons do not
desire to become informed. Nevertheless Freemasonry is big
and strong and wise enough to suffer opposition. It is also big
enough and wise enough to continue to practice brotherly love. It
must be kept in mind that Masonry looks with disapproval
upon argumentative refutations in her behalf.
However, Freemasons have the right, if they so choose, to
make certain declarations about the tenets and purposes
of Freemasonry - but always within the bounds of
that fundamental principle of Order, TRUTH! The statements
made in opposition to Freemasonry are often amusing. For example:
(1) Freemasonry is atheistic; (2) It is a church; (3) It is
anti-Christian; (4) It is a secret society; (5) It teaches that
heaven is obtained by good works and not by faith; (6) It has no
right to have an altar and a Holy Bible in the lodge room because
only the church has that right; (7) It denies Christ because it
allows members in other lands, whose religious faiths are other
than Christian, to place their "Volume of Sacred Law" on the
altar; (8) Freemasons have a divided loyalty which prevents
true loyalty to their country and to their church. In
answer to these criticisms, believing it to be within the rules
and practices of the fraternity, and with the hope that it will
be helpful, I venture to state what I have learned to be true
from my reading and personal participation and fellowship within
the brotherhood. FAITH IN GOD
As every Master Mason
knows, no atheist can join a Masonic lodge. In American lodges,
and probably in other countries too, a man's faith in Deity
increases as he advances in Masonic knowledge. As he seeks more
light in Masonry his attention is directed to various scriptures.
Thus the candidate has opportunity to become informed and
to have a personal and well grounded faith in Deity. BOOK
OF THE LAW
It is well to remember that the origin of
Freemasonry as a symbolic lodge was in England, and that it was
oriented under the influence of the established Church of
England. In Scotland it was established under the influence of
the Presbyterian Church. However, in order to extend
the benefits of Freemasonry as a universal brotherhood to
all mankind, it was deemed good and wise to grant to people
of other religious faiths the right to place their Book of
Sacred Law on the altars in their lodges. It was believed that
through the bonds of truth, charity, morality and brotherly love
they would be led eventually into a fuller and more
complete knowledge of God. NOT A CHURCH OR
RELIGION
It must be remembered that Masonry is not a
religion, but it is religious. Primarily, it is a brotherhood
built on morality, truth and charity. These virtues, as well as
the use of Holy Bible and altars, cannot be monopolized by lodge,
church, club or government. It is fundamental in Masonry that
each man be afforded his personal right as a free man to
worship the Supreme Being of the universe, using the name
which he has been taught to use for Deity according to the
dictates of his own conscience and in the light he has received
it. Although I am zealous for the Order, I keep in mind the
fact that Freemasonry is not a church. It does not seek to
usurp the ecclesiastical functions of the Church. Each
Master Mason is encouraged to be reverent and obedient to
the laws of God and to respect the religious convictions of
his brethren. Freemasonry is not a secret society, but it
has a secret. In fact, Masonry is well known. Masonic temples and
halls, the time of meetings and the names of the principal
officers are listed in newspapers. Membership in Masonic lodges
is proudly admitted. Masonic charities and hospitals
are favorably known among non-Masons. Every Mason knows
that his obligation to the fraternity does not interfere with the
duty he owes his country, his family or his God. Masonry
encourages each member to put forth his best endeavor
intelligently, loyally and devotedly for the welfare of his
country, his family and the church of his choice. NOT
ANTI-CHRISTIAN
The attention of the misinformed, who think or
say that the faith and practice of Freemasonry is anti-Christian,
is directed to the words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel
of St. Mark 9:38 "Whoever is not against us is for us." Free
and Accepted Masons are taught to do the will of God, and in
a spirit of brotherly love to give assistance to worthy,
needy people. It can be said that if Freemasonry is
anti-Christian, the Old Testament is also
anti-Christian. Freemasonry is founded upon the sublime
principle of faith in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood
of man. Masonry deplores and strongly opposes bigotry,
selfishness, cheating, conceit, wicked ambition, falsehood and
the slanderous tongue, religious snobbery,
misrepresentation and degradation of character. BE A
LIVING EXAMPLE
Freemasons recognize the fact that all men are
subject to error and that all Masons do not achieve the same
moral and spiritual stature. However, every true Master Mason
strives to so live that his life will reflect his faith in
thoughts, words and deeds. This is in accord with the word of the
apostle James: "Faith without words is dead." It is also in
harmony with the words of Jesus in his sermon on the mount:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and give glory to your Father who is in
Heaven." We cannot combat opposition by argument, but we
can overcome unjust criticism by living a moral and upright
life, by practicing brotherly love and making it real, and
by bearing enthusiastic witness to the benefits and work of
the Order. Do not sell the lodge short. We have good
news. Many await our witness. back to top
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