Religion or Spirituality

I know that within Masonry, we say we do not discuss Religion and Politics. Now that is only in a tyled Lodge as recommended by Anderson Constitutions Article 1 of 1723.  As a summary. Article I of James Anderson’s Constitutions of the Free-Masons (1723) sets the foundational moral and religious obligations of a Mason. It begins with the Mason’s duty to obey the moral law and to be a good, honorable, and honest man, regardless of personal religious beliefs. This is to keep Masonry as a center of Union and not the division of the Brothers.

Even though we say Masonry is not a religion and it honestly offers no true path to salvation, or so it is said, and I would argue that a bit too.  As our chaplain's opening prayer in my jurisdiction talks about our undertaking, our conduct to God's Glory, the advancement of Masonry, and then to our salvation.  I would also like to mention James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” I have read that a couple of different places.

But I will back off from that argument for this one. Masonry may not be a religion BUT it IS a spiritual practice.  Masonry is not what many think it is. While we do charitable work, we are not a charity. While we interact socially, we are not a social club like the Elks, Eagles, Moose, etc. Yes, they are fraternal groups, and there is nothing wrong with them. But they are not Freemasonry.

For the sake of this post, let’s define Spirituality.

Spirituality is the human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection with something greater than oneself, often expressed through personal growth, inner reflection, and transcendent experiences

In other words, if Masonry is a Spiritual Tradition, then I believe it is the teaching of the Fraternity that blends with the tenets of your personal religious faith and assists in making you a better person. It does this by allowing you to grow and reflect on who you are and who you should be. That does not happen overnight.  It is a process that takes time.

We are told and taught that we are living stones. Within Masonry, we discuss the rough and perfect ashlar or stone. If you believe this is a Masonic Secret, I assure you it is not. You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5)

So, Masonry, within the framework of your faith, desires to make you a better person spiritually. I will say this that, despite what the “Anti-Masonic” groups will say, there is nothing within the framework of Masonry that would violate any oath or obligation you have made or will make to Deity.  If anything, the obligations of Masonry will enhance your obligations to God and your fellow man.

Are there rituals? Yes, there sure are. Any group has rituals. The Boy Scouts have many. From joining Cub Scouts, Arrow of Light, Court of Honors, entry into Boy Scouts, and “Tribe of Mic-o-Say”.  Your local church has them, too.  Baby Dedications, baptisms, Confession, and church membership (if separate from Baptism).  Then you have the sacraments of communion and, for some, the laying on of hands by Elders of the church.  All of these are beautiful rituals, but the ARE rituals.

I will say that I have not seen, heard, or experienced anything within Masonry that I did not feel I could talk about. I don’t and won't for two reasons. First, I swore I wouldn’t. The second reason is that I do not want to ruin the experience for you. Because I do not want to say or do something that will hinder your experience.

To get the most out of Masonry. It is my opinion that to get the most out of Masonry, we need to treat it as the Spiritual Practice that it is, the quest for meaning, purpose, and connection with something greater than oneself. Which will be by design, spill over into the rest of the world.

When I close my prayers at Lodge I will always end it with “May we stay sensitive to shine the light of Masonry in to a darkened world, for it is the one thing that can save it”.  I honestly believe that.

 

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly.