by Ed Decker
1. The prevalent use of
offensive concepts, titles, and terms such as "Worshipful Master" for the
leaders of the lodge; references to their buildings as "mosques,"
"shrines," or "temples"; and the use of such words as
"Abaddon" and Jah-Bul-On," the so-called secret name of God. To many, these
terms are not only offensive but sacrilegious.
2. The use of archaic, offensive rituals and so-called "bloody oaths" or "obligations," among those being that promised by the Entered Apprentice: [not listed for lack of space] or that of the Fellow Craft degree: [not listed for lack of space] Or that of the Master Mason: [not listed for lack of space] Or that of other advanced degrees with required rituals considered by many to be pagan and incompatible with Christian faith and practice. Even though these oaths, obligations and rituals may or may not be taken seriously by the initiate, it is inappropriate for a Christian to "sincerely promise and swear," with a hand on the Holy Bible, any such promises or oaths, or to participate in any such pagan rituals.
3. The recommended
readings in pursuance of advanced degrees, of religions and philosophies, which are
undeniably pagan and/or occultic, such as much of the writings of Albert Pike, Albert
Mackey, Manly Hall, Rex Hutchins, W.L. Wilmhurst and other such authors; along with their
works, such as Morals and Dogma, A Bridge to Light, An Encyclopedia
of Freemasonry and The Meaning of Masonry.
4. The reference
to the Bible placed on the altar of the lodge as the "furniture of the lodge,"
comparing it to the square and compass rather than giving it the supreme place in the
lodge.
5. The prevalent use of the term "light" which some may understand as a reference to salvation rather than knowledge or truth.
6. The implication
that salvation may be attained by one's good works, implicit in the statement found in
some Masonic writings that "Masonry is continually reminded of that purity of life
and conduct which is necessary to obtain admittance into the Celestial Lodge above where
the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides." (Louisiana Monitor, page
79)
Even though many
Masons understand that the "purity of life and conduct" can only be achieved
through faith in Jesus Christ, others may be led to believe they can earn salvation by
living a pure life with good conduct.
7. The heresy of
Universalism (the belief all people will eventually be saved), which permeates the
writings of many Masonic authors, which is a doctrine inconsistent with New Testament
teaching.
8. The refusal of most lodges (although not all) to admit for membership African Americans.
As reported by the
Southern Baptist Home Missions Board,
SBC 1350 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30367-5601 (1993)