Question

BrAPeterson · 02-22-2007, 11:09 AM

Brethren,

I have been considering going into one of the appendent bodies of Masonry. I ruled out The York Rite because you have to swear to support and defend Christianity (so I have been told). I am planning on going through the Scottish Rite in March. However, I have read on another forum that in England and Australia the Scottish Rite is a Christian body as well.

My question is that if Masonry is truly universal, how can these bodies be affiliated with Masonry if they are restricted to Christians?

And, secondly, are there any appendent bodies that are truely universal?

Fraternally,

Br. Arthur Peterson

D. W. Brown · 02-22-2007, 01:33 PM

Hey Hey lookie here we agree Bro Peterson..

I stand corrected .. hahaha

I think the appendent bodies beliefs and restrictions are fine but when they encroach on the Blue Lodge then I have a problem with them. Right now in my opinion I believe the Scottish Rite is getting a little big for it's britches by inferring on national TV that they are the "Supreme Council" of Freemasonry.

As far as what body does not have some of this going on, I'm not really sure. Of course if you look at the UGLA or some of the other non- Antient lodge systems they are more closely following the universal guidelines. However, even those like the UGLA don't allow women so I guess total universality still eludes us.

BrAPeterson · 02-23-2007, 08:34 AM

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

David Herman · 02-25-2007, 09:20 PM

The Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite (covering 35 of the US states) is entirely non-denominational. As is the Blue Lodge - at least, the Blue Lodge here in Georgia. As are the Chapter and Council of the York Rite. See my diagram for a list of which orders require Christianity.

BrAPeterson · 02-26-2007, 08:02 AM

Thanks Bro. Herman. That answered my question perfectly!

David Herman · 03-01-2007, 10:52 AM

Happy to assist.

grandsecretary · 07-27-2007, 05:11 PM

The Ancient and Accepted Rite in England is strictly reserved for those who profess a belief in the Trinitarian Christian Faith.