As a Mason, you are to regard the Volume of the Sacred Law as the great light in your profession; to consider it as the unerring standard of truth and justice; and to regulate your actions by the divine precepts it contains. In it you will learn the important duties which you owe to God, your neighbor, and yourself. To God, by never mentioning His name except with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator; by imploring His aid in all your lawful undertakings; and by looking up to Him in every emergency, for comfort and support.
While most of the Masons in my Lodge are Christian, we do have men from other faiths represented and I have met Masons from all over representing the world's great religions. When I joined Freemasonry I considered myself a Christian, but I was not a church-goer (symptoms from bad experiences I had in my teen years). Once I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, I didn't race into any concordant or appendant body; I was actually advised against doing that. I waited for nearly 2-years until I had both my Warden's Certificate of Proficiency and my Worshipful Master's Certificate of Proficiency (requirements to sit in the East in Idaho) before I even filed my petition to join the York Rite. I went to the York Rite as the Masons in my Lodge that I admired were heavily involved with the York Rite and I was always fascinated with the Knights Templar.
In the 15-years that I've been a Templar and a Mason, I have felt my Christian faith only strengthen. I see that Freemasonry (and Templary) compliments my faith and my faith completes Freemasonry. However, before I was even initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason, I met a rabid anti-Mason during a flight who made some brazen and defamatory claims. After I joined, I found a small, but loud group of anti-Masons on social media platforms like Twitter who claim and I'm paraphrasing here, but often I see anti-Masons use the "I don't like Freemasonry and I'm a good Christian so, therefore, you're not a good Christian or a true Christian." I've even seen a few over the years say that since they consider themselves true Christians and they don't like Freemasonry that God must hate it as well. Freemasonry and Christianity are often seen as incompatible by some, but the fact remains that many Masons are Christians and there are several Christian orders (organizations) within the family of Freemasonry. I've seen accusations that there is devil worship in Freemasonry, that we're crypto-Jews, and many other sensational but baseless accusations that usually trace back to the Taxil Hoax.
Firstly, it is important to understand the principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that seeks to promote moral and spiritual values through a series of degrees. It is based on a set of moral and ethical principles that are designed to promote good citizenship, charity, and social welfare for all as well as brotherhood and camaraderie among its members. Christianity, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of faith, love, and forgiveness, and seeks to promote a personal relationship with God.
At first glance, it may seem that these two belief systems are incompatible, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there are many areas of overlap between Freemasonry and Christianity. Both systems emphasize the importance of morality, charity, and service to others. Both also seek to promote the development of the individual, both morally and spiritually. It is important to note that Freemasonry, while religious, is not a religion itself.
One of the key areas of compatibility between Freemasonry and Christianity is the emphasis on moral and ethical values. Both systems place a strong emphasis on the importance of leading a virtuous life and on the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. Both also emphasize the importance of self-improvement, and of striving to become a better person.
Another area of compatibility between Freemasonry and Christianity is the emphasis on charity and service to others. Both systems seek to promote the well-being of others, and encourage their members to engage in acts of charity and service. Freemasons are known for their charitable works, and many lodges have established charitable foundations supporting those in need (for both Masons and non-Masons). Similarly, Christianity emphasizes the importance of helping those in need, and encourages its followers to engage in acts of charity and service.
Finally, both Freemasonry and Christianity emphasize the importance of spiritual development. Freemasonry does not promote any particular religion, but it does require its members to have a belief in a Supreme Being. This belief can take many forms, and many Masons are also Christians who see their membership in the lodge as complementary to their faith. Similarly, Christianity emphasizes the importance of spiritual development and encourages its followers to deepen their relationship with God.
Freemasonry and Christianity are compatible belief systems that share many common values and principles. Both systems emphasize the importance of morality, charity, and service to others, and both seek to promote the development of the individual, both morally and spiritually. While there may be some differences in belief and practice, these are not insurmountable. Many Masons are also devout Christians who find that their membership in the lodge enhances their faith. Ultimately, both Freemasonry and Christianity seek to promote the well-being of humanity, and this common goal is what makes them compatible.
