Br. Brown,
It isn't so unusual for individuals who widely disagree on somethings to be able to find something that they do agree on. IMHO that is what Masonry is all about.
I do not know of the Scottish Rites claims to being the "supreme council" of Freemasonry. Nor do I know if American Scottish Rite is Christian based. When I read "Morals and Dogma" I did not see anything other than the usual allegories pertaining to Christianity. So, can anyone confirm whether or not it is based on Christianity?
As far as the
UGLA goes (and we already know we disagree on this point, so I will be brief) they are not very universal at all. They espouse "geometrical morality" and "natural Philosophy" as THE meaning behind everything in Masonry, whereas true masonry leaves interpretation to the individual hence it is truely
speculative.
Lastly, women may one day be admitted into regular Masonry. It is not going to happen any time soon though. It is a Fraternal organization afterall. I wonder how they would handle preparing the candidate if it was a woman? I smell a sexual harassment law suit brewing here.
Now to my Christian brothers, please do not think I am anti-christian. I love my Christian brothers very much and find Christianity to be a very beautiful religion. I just believe that all religions have something beautiful to offer mankind. Unfortunately the perception the appendent bodies puts off is "sure you can believe what you want but follow the Moral teachings of Christianity". This is particularly true of the York Rite, and from personal experience the Eastern Star. Please tell me if I am wrong because I have been through neither the York nor the Scottish rites
Only one moral guides my life and it is universal "do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
It is odd that, knowing all this, Christian Fundamentalists have such a hard time with Masonry.
Fraternally,
Br. Arthur Peterson