SEPARATE
Come out from their midst and be separate.
2 Corinthians 6:17a
As Durnbaugh observes (Brethren Encyclopedia, vol.2, p.1163), Brethrenism has traditionally frowned upon its members associating with Freemasonry. Very early (1804), Annual Meeting sternly denied church membership to Masons. While modernity has downgraded the standards of various Brethren bodies, the fact remains that the giants of our heritage spoke with unanimity upon this matter. Dr. McClain himself penned a well-known treatise entitled Freemasonry and Christianity. But why did our fathers feel this way about a society that accurately boasts of so many prominent, upstanding Americans?
I refrain from judging subjective motives; men join the Lodge for various reasons. And yes, some genuine Christians are found within the Lodges. But our question is: “SHOULD a Christian be a Mason?”
Here are sufficient reasons why Freemasonry and Christianity are incompatible:
1) Masonry’s own classic interpreters define it as a religion (demanding faith in a Supreme Being). Masonic Christians are thus unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14) with unbelievers (Muslims, Hindus).
2) The “god” that Masons invoke is therefore an ill-defined deity that “stands behind” the gods of all the world’s religions (Ex. 20:3).
3) The Masonic Apron symbolizes the purity of life and conduct that allegedly establishes a basis for salvation. Likewise, Masonic Funeral Services extend salvation-hope through good works (Eph. 2:8-9).
4) Masonry demands horrid—and frivolous—blood oaths (Matt. 5:33-37).
5) Masonry offers “light” while ignoring JESUS—the Light of the World (Jn. 8:12)!!! As Christians, we have light (1 Thess. 5:4-5).
6) As “furniture,” the Bible only symbolizes Divine authority (foreign Lodges similarly employ the Koran or Vedas).
7) Freemasonry’s message is hidden, but Christianity’s Gospel is open (Mark16:15)!
8) Some of its ritual is pagan and blasphemous (Deut.12:30).
9) Masonry affirms the false Universal Fatherhood of God doctrine (Jn. 8:42-44).
Terry L. Reese