Anderson's Constitution Interpretation

D. W. Brown · 05-14-2006, 01:37 AM

What does this quote from Anderson's Constitution mean to you?

"A Mason is oblig'd by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist, nor an irreligious Libertine."

Brother Whatley · 02-07-2007, 01:24 PM

To apply the lessons and teachings. Honor the obligation that you've taken.

BrAPeterson · 02-08-2007, 07:55 AM

Brethren,

The part that has always confused me pertaining to this partiular phrase is "obey the moral law".

Whose moral law are we to obey? by having the word "the" before it, certainly there is but one specific law or set of laws being refered to.

Most that I have asked say it is the Ten Commandments. Of course they were Christian, also.

As I am not a Christian and my own personal beliefs contradict some of the Ten Commandments, Thou Shalt not kill, being one specifically, I find it difficult to imagine that there is one specific law or set being infered.

I have come to accept that this means the moral law of your particular faith.

The rest of the above phrase asserts that if one is truely a Mason and true to his obligations he will live by some form of religious doctrine.

Religion: 1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

My opinions only.

Is there any discussion?

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur

cyberclown · 02-10-2007, 07:43 AM

Brethren,

Though I have not much history within the lodge in terms of "years since being raised," I have given some thought to this phrase since it was posted here.

I understand

Quote:

oblig'd by his tenure, to obey the moral law

as saying:

I must (not just should) apply whatever I have learnt (within the lodge and outside of it) and act accordingly (uprightly, squarely, justly). Knowledge obligates me to use it, and to use it well (to the benefit of all).
It is true that each religion may have specific rules that may conflict with some of other religions, but I also think that all religions (and other moral value systems) have common ground. ... I often see/hear people refer to the Ten Commandments as "Christian" and wonder about their ignorance. Are they not the basic premise of all three religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam)?

(I do know about their connections historically and how they evolved ...) ... (There are other things I could say about "the 10" and Christianity, but I will refrain from it for I don't desire to offend anyone--though that would not be my intention at all anyway.)

"Moral law," thus, stands (in my opinion) for the universal truth to act upon everyone as if he were your brother (and you don't cheat, steal, kill, defraud, wrong etc. your brother if you truely love him--I guess I got there two elements of the law) ...

Maybe more difficult is the second part,

Quote:

if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist, nor an irreligious Libertine

I believe that it is part of "understanding the Art" that we recognize (as many masons often state) that we are part of something bigger (and I don't nevessarily mean here the Freemasonic movement).
We are "only" human. We did not create this world (but, it seems, we are well qualified to destroy it if we don't change some of our attitudes ). There is a higher power operating.
It may take time to gather the necessary knowledge to recognize that there are sublime/supreme rules govern this world, but when one reaches that point one will also recognize that the denial of such a higher power (atheism) or even the twisting of the rules (libertinism) is incompatable ...

(But, please, keep in mind that these are only my thoughts. Additionally, "recognizing that there is a higher power" and "being able to fully understand His implications on my life" are again two different "types of shoes." One may reach the first step more easily (by simply observing) while it possibly takes a life-long journey to arrive at the latter ...)

Bro. Markus

paskashis · 02-10-2007, 10:09 AM

To me this phrase means that the person who wrote lived in 1723 and his beliefs were those of his times; the Anderson Constitutions to-day are obsolete and they are so for several reasons, one of them--being the most important--is that we are not anymore living in the English Enlightenment, which of course, it was a French invention, but we are in a very much different world, now animals and women have rights, then they were almost equal. Thus, thanks to the socialistic european revolutions--starting these withe the French Revolution in 1789--life has changed; even USA had its own revolution back then, its own declaration of principles, and even then they had the wisdom enough to maintain a fine relationship with the Grand Orient of France, to which, Bro:. Lafayette belonged--and remember he was a very close friend to Bro:. Washington.
In fine, live changes and so should we!

BrAPeterson · 02-10-2007, 10:13 AM

Bro. Markus,

Those are very good points you posted. Particularly the one about the Ten Commandments not being solely Christian.

Now if I may stir the pot for no purpose other than to continue the conversation:

"even the twisting of the rules (libertinism) is incompatable ..."

Which rules are we talking about twisting?

I found an interesting definition under Libertine.

1. a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake.

2. a freethinker in religious matters.

Definition one in my opinion hits the nail on the head in regards to the message Anderson was trying to convey. However, definition two seems a bit harsh to apply to Masonry.

Freethinker: a person who forms opinions on the basis of reason, independent of authority or tradition, esp. a person whose religious opinions differ from established belief.

I know many Masons who fit the definition of a Freethinker, myself included. Is that to say we don't understand the art?

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur
New River Lodge #736 AF&AM

BrAPeterson · 02-10-2007, 10:20 AM

Paskashis,

A very interesting interpretation indeed. However, saying they are obsolete is not entirely true. Many Grand Lodges still use some or all of them in their own constitutions. Until they are no longer used they can't be considered obsolete IMHO.

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur

BrAPeterson · 02-10-2007, 10:21 AM

Outdated, perhaps...

cyberclown · 02-11-2007, 10:32 AM

Bro. Arthur,

This is a very good point (regarding the 2nd definition of "libertine"), and I have to confess that (after I had looked up the definition myself before posting my previous lines) I ignored that part and simply focused on the 1st definition ...

I also believe that this part may be "harsh"--especially considering the "fact" that it may sometimes take a free-thinking person to question established rules etc. (And again: "Questioning" in this sense may not mean "to revolt against" but rather "re-examine the necessity" etc.)

Regarding the "twisting of rules": That may go into the same direction as "free-thinking" and may even depend on whether one's religion is rather liberal (open to different interpretations) or conservative/orthodox (insisting on authenticity and tradition). "Questioning" for one may be an attempt to really understand the meaning of a rule while another one may regard it as radical and falsifying etc. ... But where do we draw the line between one ("attempt to better understand") and the other ("falsification")???
(This last question can easily be looked at as simply a rhetorical question or a question for "self-ponderance" ...)

Bro. Markus

BrAPeterson · 02-12-2007, 08:49 AM

Bro. Markus,

After giving it some further thought I have come to this conclusion pertaining to this phrase.

While on the surface it may seem to give clear guidance in how one must act as a Mason, it is obscure enough to leave itself open to individual interpretation (how masonic). Basically, to act as ones conscience and concept of divinity would dictate.

To prevent someone from forcing their concepts on to others within Masonry, we have the ban against speaking of religion in Lodge.

A pretty good system of maintaining Harmony if you ask me.

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur
New River Lodge #736