reflections of a Presbyterian Freemason

on a decision of the General Assembly of Victoria

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria has declared that Freemasonry is totally incompatible with Christianity and therefore sinful, because: it transgresses the first three commandments; it denies the exclusive claims of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man; it undermines the teaching of Scripture in relation to Sanctification. In considering this declaration of the General Assembly regarding Freemasonry, it is important to keep in mind three Presbyterian principles: There are truths with respect to which faithful Christians may differ. The decisions of Church bodies may be in error. God alone is Lord of the conscience. Any decision of a General Assembly merits the earnest and prayerful consideration of every Presbyterian. Every Presbyterian freemason knows this decision of the General Assembly to be in error, as no Presbyterian could in good conscience either join Freemasonry or remain a member if they were true. The fact is that since the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717, Presbyterians have been active freemasons. The following reflections are offered to allay the concerns of many faithful Presbyterians whose fathers, husbands, brothers and sons have been both Elders and freemasons.

The General Assembly is incorrect in stating that Freemasonry transgresses the first three commandments. Specifically: Freemasons believe in the Lord God of Israel, who gave the ten commandments to Moses as there is no other Supreme being. Without this belief no man can be made a freemason. Pantheists, Atheists, Agnostics, and Pagans are specifically excluded for Freemasonry. Freemasons do not make for themselves idols. There is no object in a freemasons lodge which could be considered an idol and no objects in a lodge room are worshipped Freemasons are specifically instructed to treat the the name of God with the greatest reverence. Freemasons respect that members will address God in different ways when they pray. Freemasons are encouraged to pray frequently to ask the assistance of God in all their undertakings. To avoid disagreement between members about how to address God in prayers offered in lodge rooms, freemasons refer to God as the Great Architect of the Universe. In this we follow the example of John Calvin as Professor Wallace McLeod, of the University of Toronto, pointed out in his book, The Grand Design.

If freemasonry denied the exclusive claims of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man it would constitute a serious problem for many Christians. Freemasonry offers no alternative mediator. Freemasonry directs Presbyterian freemasons to the Presbyterian Church and the Bible for a knowledge of the means of Grace and salvation. Indeed freemasonry continually reminds members both of the importance of religion and the fact that religion has a central role in their life and provides answers to questions which are not answered in a freemasons lodge. Many Christians who have examined freemasonry have overlooked the constant reminders to freemasons that freemasonry is incomplete and does not have all the answers. Any Presbyterian who is familiar with the King James Version of the Bible, will realise how extensively it is quoted in a freemasons lodge. Many of those references are to Jesus Christ and His role as the sole mediator between God and man.

Freemasonry does not undermine any aspect of the teaching of Scripture. In relation to sanctification, freemasonry like any organisation or business expects certain standards of ethical behaviour of its members. It is completely wrong to suggest that freemasonry offers anything in return other than the continued enjoyment of membership of a well ordered society. Good parents encourage their children to behave well, but nobody would suggest that in this they undermine the teaching of Scripture on sanctification. Any attempt to undermine any of the teachings of Scripture would be completely inconsistent with Freemasonry. Freemasons are specifically instructed to read the Scriptures, to understand them and to live in accordance with them. All Freemasons know that Presbyterians who are Freemasons are expected to continue to adhere to the Apostles' Creed, just as those Freemasons of other religions are expected to continue to adhere to their unique creeds. Freemasonry does not interfere with any religious beliefs, nor does any Masonic creed exist what-so-ever. JAMES HOBAN, the architect who designed and supervised the construction of "The White House" was a freemason. He was a devout Catholic. Under his leadership, a group of Irish Catholics and Scotch Presbyterians organized "Federal Lodge" No. 1 in Washington D.C. and he was the first Master. This sort of communciation should be applauded!

Comments of Some Well Known Ministers of Religion

Canadian Perspective Scottish Perspective Freemasons / Reverends Freemasonry is Good