Christianity and the Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge – Program 1

By: Dr. John Ankerberg, Jack Harris, Jim Flannagan, Bill Mankin, Dr. Walter Martin; ©1985

Adherents claim Masonry is not a religion, but do they teach a way of salvation in their rituals?

Does Masonry Teach Men How They Can Go to Heaven?

Introduction

On this edition of John Ankerberg, we will compare the secret teachings of the Masonic Lodge with Christian belief. You will hear what the Lodge teaches in the first three degrees of Masonry, as well as the higher degrees of the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. Masons are promised in their authoritative Masonic ritual that nothing in the Lodge’s teachings will ever conflict with one’s own religious beliefs. Has Masonry lied to Christians in stating this? Is it really possible for a Christian to embrace the teachings of Freemasonry? Tonight, you will find out.

Invitations for tonight’s program were extended to current leaders, scholars, and Worshipful Masters of the Lodge. But Lodge members declined our invitation to come and be a part of this program – though our invitation remains open. However, you will meet and hear two former Worshipful Masters, Mr. Jim Flannigan and Mr. Jack Harris, explain what they used to believe and teach as leaders of the Lodge.

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Dr. John Ankerberg: Good evening. Tonight we begin a new series in which we will compare the teachings and practices of the Masonic Lodge with biblical Christianity. We will examine the teachings both of the first three degrees of Masonry, known as the “Blue Lodge,” as well as the teachings found in the higher degrees of the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. How did this program come about? Well, some time back a 32^nd degree Mason by the name of Mr. Bill Mankin wrote and challenged us to do a program on the Lodge. We invited Mr. Mankin and Dr. Walter Martin, a Christian scholar, to debate the issues. But many questions were raised during that evening which time did not permit us to answer. During this series we will try to answer those questions and also investigate the teachings of the Lodge in its higher degrees.

Now in preparation for this series we wrote to each of the Grand Lodges in all 50 states, asking them which books and authors they thought most accurately conveyed the essential meanings of Masonry. In fact, we purchased and read more than 100 books they recommended. Another thing: during this series when I tell you what the Lodge teaches, most of the time I will be quoting from the authoritative Masonic monitorial manuals containing the Ritual for the different states. Why? Well, as 32^nd degree Mason Mr. Bill Mankin told us in our first debate, the Ritual is the final authority for Masons in the Lodge. Please listen.

[Excerpt from “Christianity and the Masonic Lodge: Are They Compatible?”]

Mr. Bill Mankin: The authoritative source for Masonry is the Ritual. The Ritual – what happens in the Lodge; what goes on.

Dr. Walter Martin: So there are some basic things, then, that are universal to Masonry.

Mankin: Yes.

Martin: And that you would agree with and that all Masons would agree with.

Mankin: Yes.

Martin: Okay. Now we have established that there is a basic foundation upon which all Masonry rests. Alright.

Mankin: Yes.

Ankerberg: Now, some Masons say that the Ritual in their state differs from the Ritual in other states. Well, the truth is that the manuals or monitors which contain the Ritual may vary a bit in the wording state by state, but the overall meaning is the same for all the states. This can be proved by comparing any two ritual books from different states. When I quote the Masonic Ritual, the same basic thought will be taught in every other state almost word for word.

With this as background, let’s now turn to the first major question that I believe must be answered at the beginning of this series. Masons all across the country say that Masonry is not a religion. Further, they claim that the Lodge does not present a plan of salvation, that is, it does not teach anything about how a man can go to heaven. Therefore, they claim, the Lodge is not a religion and is not in competition with Christianity or any other religion. To show you how adamant Masons are about this, please listen as Mr. Bill Mankin makes the point that Masonry is not to be considered religion.

[Excerpt from “Christianity and the Masonic Lodge: Are They Compatible?”]

Ankerberg: There are many good things with the Lodge in terms of what Walter just mentioned – the hospitals and so on and the different functions, the charities – and I think that there’s no argument on that. We never argue with people on things that are right, but the discussion comes around, let me see if I can frame it for you, and that is that it is not a religion.

Mankin: More than that; it’s not a religion, it offers no system of salvation. And I’m going to have to read from this certain point because this is very, very important and something that you should realize, because we have none of the marks of a religion.

Ankerberg: Okay. Let her go.

Mankin: “We have no creed; no confession of faith in a doctrinal statement. We have no theology. We have no ritual of worship. We have no symbols that are religious in the sense of symbols found in a church or a synagogue. Our symbols are related to the development of character, of the relationship of man to man. They are working tools to be used in the building of life. These working tools have been used from time immemorial to build buildings.” And all we are saying is that if you as an individual adopt the principles represented – and we’ll get in to some of that symbolism later on – that you will be a better person, not that you’re going to go to heaven.

Ankerberg: After listening to what Mr. Bill Mankin said, let’s examine the evidence to find out whether or not Masonry is teaching men how to go to heaven, and whether or not Masonry should be considered a religion. Now I know that many of you tonight who are watching this program are Christians and you’re also Masons. Many others of you are from other religious faiths. And I would ask that all of you would consider this question: As a member of the Masonic Lodge, are you willingly or unwillingly participating in another religion – the religion of Freemasonry?

Now, in order for you to answer this question, let’s begin with a basic definition of religion from Webster’s New World Dictionary. Webster defines religion as: [1] “Belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe; (2) “expression of this belief in conduct and ritual.” Now let me ask you, does Masonry fit Webster’s definition of religion? Does the Masonic Lodge demand its members believe in a divine power who is to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe? The answer is, “Yes.” Proof of this can be found in the very first degree of Freemasonry. Here is an exact reenactment by former Worshipful Master Mr. Jack Harris of parts of the first degree of Freemasonry. Listen carefully to the words that are said by every candidate during the initiation ceremonies.

[Worshipful Master bangs gavel three times, approaches candidate, candidate kneels. Worshipful Master then places his hand on candidate’s head:]

Worshipful Master: “Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the universe, to this our present convention, and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service. Endue him with the competency of thy divine wisdom, that by the secrets of our art, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness to the honor of thy holy name. Amen.” Mr. Smith, in times of imminent peril and danger, in whom do you place your trust?”

Candidate: In God.

Ankerberg: Now, after watching that, let me ask you, “Did the Masonic Lodge require the candidate to swear his belief in a divine or superhuman power?” The answer is, “Yes.” In fact, in the manual of the Lodge of many states under the instruction for the Entered Apprentice degree you can find these words: “The candidate’s assent is required to the following declarations: Question: ‘Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you believe in a Supreme Being to whom all men are accountable?’ Answer: ‘I do.’” Well, if this is demanded by the Masonic Lodge, then how can any Mason say they are not teaching religion?

Let me ask you, to whom was the prayer addressed? The prayer was addressed to “the Almighty Father of the Universe.” What did the Lodge ask God to do for the candidate? The prayer was addressed to God requesting that the candidate be allowed to devote his life to God’s service. And at the conclusion of the prayer, the Worshipful Master requested that God would endow the candidate with the competency of divine wisdom so that “by the secrets of our art” – that is, the secrets of Masonry – “[the candidate] may be better enabled to display the beauties of [God’s] holiness.” Now, wouldn’t you say that such a prayer and request fulfills Webster’s definition of belief in God in conduct and ritual?

Further, in the Entered Apprentice degree, each candidate is given this admonition: “A Mason, before entering upon any great or important undertaking, should invoke the aid of Almighty God.” From this we can see that everything Masons do is to be done with God’s help. In another section of the first degree, the Ritual instructs each candidate, “You have this night commenced upon the great task, which in your future Masonic life, should never be discontinued, that of erecting in your heart a temple for the indwelling of God.” Notice here that Masonry wants each man to erect a spiritual temple in his heart for God. Wouldn’t you say that such conduct expresses belief in God?

Let’s summarize this evidence. Masonry claims it is not a religion. Yet it demands every candidate swear his belief in God. Also, during the Rituals a prayer is addressed to God, the Almighty Father of the Universe. In that prayer, the Worshipful Master tells God that the candidate is asking for the opportunity to devote his entire life to God’s service. Further, in the first degree the candidate is instructed that he should never engage in any undertaking in which he cannot invoke the blessing of deity. And finally, he is told that the great task of his life is to erect in his heart a temple for the indwelling of God.

Now, how can anyone say this doesn’t fulfill Webster’s basic definition of religion, which is, “Belief in a divine or superhuman power to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe” and then, “expression of this belief in conduct and ritual.” There can be no doubt that the Masonic Lodge is teaching religion. We can only conclude that the Ritual instructs men that Masonry’s religious belief be expressed during the Masonic ceremonies. We will see more of this in the weeks ahead. But next, I want to turn to another equally important question: Does the Masonic Lodge teach its members a non-biblical plan of salvation? Does the Lodge tell men how they may go to heaven? We’ll come back and address that question right after this break. Please stay with us.

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Ankerberg: Now, does the Masonic Lodge teach men how to go to heaven? Is their plan in agreement with what Jesus and the Bible teach? Well, to begin, consider what the Masonic Ritual states about God in its description of the All-Seeing Eye. It says, “The All-Seeing Eye, whom the sun, moon and stars obey, discerns the inmost recesses of the human heart and will reward us according to our merits.” Now, what is the reward that Masonry teaches men will get because of their good works, their merits? The Masonic Ritual is very clear in explaining what the reward will be. And I will now prove to you from the first three degrees that Masonry teaches men that the reward they will receive for a life of good works is residence in the Celestial Lodge Above – heaven. I want you to listen as former Worshipful Master Jack Harris reenacts part of the Ritual of the First Degree. This instruction has to do with the presentation of the white linen apron, or the lambskin, which is a very important symbol to Masons. Please listen.

Worshipful Master: Mr. Smith, I now present you with this lambskin, or white leather apron, which is an emblem of innocence and a badge of a Mason, more ancient than the golden fleece or Roman eagle, more honorable than the star and garter or any other order that could be conferred upon you at this or any future period by king, prince or potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason, and which I hope you will wear with pleasure to yourself and honor to the fraternity. The lambskin has always been deemed an emblem of innocence. He therefore that wears the lambskin as a badge of a Mason is continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge Above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.”

Ankerberg: What you just heard taught in the first degree is also taught in the second degree of Masonry. For example, in the Fellow Craft Degree each Mason is told, “Thus you will wear your apron while laboring among us as a speculative Fellowcraft to distinguish you from the Entered Apprentices, ever remembering, that you are to wear it as an emblem of that purity of heart and conscience that is necessary to obtain for you the approval of the Grand Architect of the Universe.” The same instruction is repeated again in the initiation of the third degree. And then at the end of life, when a Mason dies, listen to the words that the Worshipful Master confidently says to his family and friends during the Masonic funeral service.

[Excerpt from “What Goes on Behind Closed Doors?”]

Worshipful Master: “Masons believe sincerely that when life on earth comes to a close, the soul is translated from the imperfections of this mortal sphere to that all-perfect, glorious and Celestial Lodge Above, where God, the Grand Architect of the Universe, presides. When our brother labored with us in Masonic attire, he wore a white apron, which he was taught is an emblem of innocence and a badge of a Mason. By it, he was constantly reminded of that purity of life and that rectitude of conduct so necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge Above. He will now wear that apron forever as the emblem of the virtues it represents.”

Ankerberg: Now I want to ask you, after listening to all of this, what do you think the Masonic Lodge is teaching the reward will be if a Mason lives a pure life and does good deeds? Isn’t it obvious that Masonry is teaching God will reward such men with eternal life in the Celestial Lodge Above? And doesn’t this sound to you like Freemasonry is teaching a way of salvation? And isn’t such teaching religion? If you were to hear these words taught in the Lodge, wouldn’t you conclude that Freemasonry is saying that you can go to the Celestial Lodge Above if you live a pure and honest life? Obviously you would.

Read Part 2