Identity: “The Lodge” in this evaluation has reference to secret societies and organizations that include religious themes, teachings and practices in their initiation rites, regular meeting activities, and funeral rituals. Freemasonry serves as a primary example of such an organization that espouses and promotes teachings and practices that conflict with the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith. The concerns raised concerning Freemasonry apply also--though usually to a lesser degree— to other lodge organizations such as the Moose, Eagles, Elks, and Oddfellows, along with the women’s and youth auxiliaries of these lodges, particularly those associated with the Masonic lodge.
Founders: For information regarding individuals who were instrumental in founding each of the lodges in general, and Freemasonry in particular, readers are urged to consult the web sites of these organizations. In addition, a resource such as the following can be especially helpful: Alan Axelrod, The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies & Fraternal Orders (New York: Facts on File, Inc., 1997).
History: The history of lodge organizations [and, in particular, Freemasonry] can be traced to medieval (ancient) Europe and the rise of the craft guilds, particularly the stonemasons who built the large cathedrals in that period of European history. The concept of a lodge comes from the literal establishment of lodging facilities for the itinerant (free) masons as they moved from one building site to another. Over the centuries these “operative” masons began to “accept” those who did not practice the craft of stonemasons into their developing organization and meetings. Hence the expression by which modern Masons are known: Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons.
Modern Freemasonry can be traced to the year 1717 when, under the leadership of a Church of Scotland minister, Dr. James Anderson, four London lodges united to form the first Grand Lodge. The Book of Constitutions produced by Dr. Anderson attempted to formalize the Masonic Landmarks and Charges in existence at that time. Landmarks are aspects of Freemasonry that are not to be changed and Charges are guidelines to Masonic behavior in various life situations. Today the ritualistic degrees and practices of Freemasonry have developed to a point where there is no officially recognized authority accepted by all the lodges. However, the initiation rites and other rituals of Freemasonry and other lodge organizations have become available for study and review by non-lodge members. In addition, numerous books commenting upon and evaluating Freemasonry have been written by highly respected Masonic “authorities” so that an accurate evaluation of concerns from a Christian perspective can be made.
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