Monday, September 1, 2008

Freedom of Conscience

There are some misunderstandings regarding the position of the Grand Orient of the United States regarding freedom of conscience. Of course this idea provides for the admission of atheists which seems to be a bone of contention for some. This also allows for deeply religious people. The Grand Orient in and of itself is a non-dogmatic organization. It promotes neither atheism or deism. It is a secular administrative organization.

That being said there are certain rites of Masonry that lend themselves well to Brothers who are atheist. The "Restored" Modern Rite for example is one of these rites. The Rectified Scottish Rite on the other hand leans a great deal more towards a mystical outlook which an atheist Brother may not be comfortable with.

Within the Grand Orient both hypothetical lodges could exist side by side. The secular nature of the central organization permits a vast diversity within the organization. One lodge could be wholly mystical in practice and outlook while another could be entirely secular in its works. The Grand Orient itself takes no part in that decision.

Freedom of Conscience does not encourage nor permit anti-social or dangerous behavior. The fundamental foundation of Free-Masonry prohibits anti-social and behaviors that are damaging to society in general. Those prohibitions are actually a part of a social contract to which all citizens do (or should) adhere to. Without this understanding and respect for the rights of others society tends to decay. It is necessary for one to be unhampered by dogma in order to explore and grow.

Frat.·.
Brandt

7 comments:

Prexy said...

Nice post, Brother. I think many people mistakenly have the idea that Cosmopolitan Freemasonry is somehow anti-religion and encourages Atheism. Nothing could be further from the truth. To me, one of the beauties of this style of our Craft is that it can allow such diversity of thought, and bring together in unity many different types of Brethren. Plus, the variety of rituals and systems practiced gives each Brother the opportunity to tailor his Masonic journey to his own particular needs. How can anyone be against this?

Anonymous said...

If each lodge under the Grand Orient is free to operate under the ritual they see fit how would brothers be able to effectively travel and visit other lodges under the Grand Orient that practices a different rite without be the equivalent to a profane?

I know that in the GL the ritual may vary between states but the core of the ritual is the same and therefore a brother visiting outside of their GL would still be able to participate and understand what is going on.

John Galt said...

Good question sir, amongst the "Craft degrees" the signs are pretty much similar. If you were to come from a Scottish Rite lodge (for example) you would not feel too out of place in a Modern Rite lodge or Rectified Lodge for that matter.

There are modes of recognition within Grand Orient style Free-Masonry that change per semester. Thost modes would be communicated in one's lodge. Good security really.

The most interesting part of it is not some much the similarities between the different rites, it is the differences. It is the differences that make for a very rich experience. Enjoy it, learn from it, and grow from it.

Frat.·.
Brandt

Anonymous said...

If each lodge under the Grand Orient does not seclude, deny, exclude, or ignore an atheist of thought. Nor does it remind its members to delve into the universe of non-partisan belief in a higher being, god, or otherwise. Where do you stand as a man, mason, or renegade? I took an oath, promise, my master mason obligation, to believe in my higher being. I cannot see otherwise. Damn you sir, this is utter non-sense!

John Galt said...

I am not sure what an "atheist of thought" is, nor do I believe that you took an oath to believe in supreme being.

Do you not think that damning me is a bit harsh and over the top.

Brandt

Magus Masonica said...

The entire degree and ritual is speculative allagory and metaphor. This includes the obligation.

In regards to different workings and understand "what is going on" all Masonic Rites and Ritual share the same cadence and rythmic language. This is not a coincidence. It is spiritual alchemy.
S&F,
BC

Anonymous said...

Spectulative and allegorical? How to you explain "so help me God?"