Is Masonry Really Occultic?
Mysterious symbols. Secret rites. Hidden teachings.
Is this an accurate portrayal of what Freemasonry is all about? Is Masonry
really occultic?
With close to 34,000 lodges around the globe
and a membership numbering upwards of 6 million, it is obvious why the
Encyclopedia Britannica would dub Freemasonry as the largest world-wide
secret society. But just because something is secret does not necessarily
mean that it's occultic. In fact, the majority of Freemasons contend
that their organization has no occultic elements whatsoever. However,
the deeper we dig into the recesses of Masonic teaching, the more reprehensible
the picture becomes.
Christian author John Weldon lists five ways
in which Freemasonry fosters occultic involvement among its members:
First, Freemasonry supports the now-popular
New Age dictum that man houses within himself unlimited power that
can be unlocked using specific procedures.
Second, Freemasonry espouses a philosophy
and a system of symbols which bear a striking resemblance to many
of the occultic arts - for example kabbalism, Rosicrucianism, and
hermetic philosophy.
Third, Freemasonry encourages its members
to discover the deeper significance (or "esoteric truths") lying beneath
its ceremonies and symbols.
Fourth, Freemasonry promotes the development
of altered states of consciousness, an exercise rooted in mysticism.
Finally, a number of Masons regard their
organization as the vehicle that will lead the world into an age of
occultic enlightenment.
"Why are so many Masons unaware of this side
of Freemasonry?," one may well ask. The reason is that a large portion
of Masons seldom strive to advance beyond the initial ranks or degrees
offered within their organization. But as one progresses to higher degrees,
more and more details about the underlying foundations of Masonic ideology
are gradually revealed, including its occultic dimensions. It is therefore
imperative that we warn others about the dangers brewing beneath the
surface of the Masonic Lodge.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CRI has available a pamphlet entitled:
Freemasonry and Christianity by Alva McClain (P066/$0.25). The most
comprehensive Christian critique to date is by John Ankerberg and John
Weldon, The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge (Moody Press) (B118/$11).
These resources are available through CRI. For shipping and handling
information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place
a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free
copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (714) 858-6111 or write us with
your request at P.O. Box 7000, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-7000.
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