John Ankerberg - The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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Cover Design: Ragont Design

Ankerberg, John

The secret teachings of the Masonic Lodge : a Christian perspective / by John Ankerberg & John Weldon.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN: 978-0-8024-7695-1

1. FreemasonryReligious aspectsChristianity. 2. Freemasonry Religious aspects. 3. FreemasonsUnited States. I. Title.

HS495.A64 1990

366.10242dc20

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Hear us with indulgence, O infinite Deity. Help us to perform all our Masonic duties, to ourselves, to other men, and to Thee. Let the great flood of Masonic light flow in a perpetual current over the whole world and make Masonry the creed of all mankind.

Prayer given in the opening ceremonies

31st Degree of the Scottish Rite

J. Blanchard, Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated, 2:320

I n the 1990s, the teachings of Masonry (also known as Freemasonry or the Masonic Lodge) continue to affect American society and many of its institutions, including the church. The purpose of this volume is to discuss the influence, teachings, and consequences of Masonry.

In Part 1 many important facts concerning Masonry are examined. We look at some official definitions of Masonry and show how one determines authoritative Masonic teachings. The relationship between the various branches of Masonry is presented (the Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite, and the York Rite). Further, we document the great influence of modern Masonry, including the claims of Masonry toward other religions and its influence in the church. We also discuss the origins of Masonry, appendant organizations, why Masonry is attractive to so many people, and the real goals of Masonryshowing why it is more than simply a fraternal organization. Full documentation is given that Masonry is a religion and that its rites are incompatible with Christian belief. Then, too, we discuss the importance of symbolism to the Craft and why secrecy is so critical to its interests. We also question whether or not its humanitarian activities are a form of recruitment.

In Part 2 we proceed to document the theological beliefs of the Lodge. Authoritative Masonic sources are cited to reveal what the Lodge teaches concerning God, Jesus Christ, salvation, man, the Bible, and the afterlife. These are the concerns most critical to an evaluation of Masonic religion.

In Part 3 covers some Masonic religious practices that we are particularly concerned about. These practices flow naturally from the beliefs exposed in Part 2. We examine the frightening oaths that every Mason must swear by. The Masonic claim that it truly unites all religions is evaluated, and we answer the question, Should a Christian church allow members who are Masons to be leaders in the church?

In Part 4 we examine the connections between the Masonic Lodge and the world of the occult. We show how the teachings of Masonry support the occult and can lead individual Masons in this direction. We also document that the spirit world itself is interested in promoting Masonry in order to secure its own goals. Next, we cite the connections between modern Masonry and a particular form of ancient occultic belief: the pagan mystery religions. Finally, we show how a common characteristic of occultic religion is also found in the Masonic Lodge. This concerns the deliberate deception of the profanethose who are considered unworthy to receive the carefully guarded secrets.

Many people buy a book about Masonry because a friend, relative, or family member is already in the Lodge. They want to know what Masonry believes and teaches and whether there are spiritual or other implications of those teachings. Many also want to know if Masonry, as a religion, conflicts with their own particular religionthe Christian faith, for example. We urge these readers to turn to Part 2. This is a self-contained unit designed specifically to answer such questions. But such readers may profit from a prior look at chapters 3 and 4. It is the authors hope that this text will serve a useful purpose to anyone having a need for authoritative information on the Masonic Lodge.

Note: Some note references in this book represent a series of citations by the same author or dealing with similar subject matter. If a quotation is not immediately referenced, therefore, the source information will be listed in the notes under the next-occurring reference.

As a fraternity, we are always ready to be judgedseverely and critically.

Francis G. Paul, 33d Degree,

Sovereign Grand Commander,

The Northern Light, May 1988

M asonry (also known as Freemasonry or The Lodge) is a powerful, old fraternal order that began early in the eighteenth century. According to most Masonic authorities, modern Masonry (also called speculative Masonry) can be traced to the founding of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717.

The Lodge is also a secret society. In fact, the Encyclopaedia Britannica classifies it as the largest secret society in the world. To maintain its secrets, Masonry uses symbolism, secret oaths, and secret rituals to instruct new members called Initiates. Each new member swears during these secret ceremonies to remain loyal to the Lodge and its teachings. The teachings instruct each new candidate how he is to serve and the rewards he can expect.

In addition, Masonry views its mission in life as helping to bring the beliefs of all men into harmonya harmony based primarily on Masonic teachings. Two of these teachings form the foundation of all Masonry.

First is their belief in the universal fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. By this, Masons teach that all menMuslims, Jews, Hindus, Mormons, Buddhists, and Christiansregardless of their personal religious views, are the spiritual sons of God. Masonrys second foundational belief is that reforming personal character and practicing good works will secure Gods favor. In other words, the Masonic Lodge clearly teaches that the good character and good works of a Mason will earn him a place in the Celestial Lodge Above (i.e., heaven).