[Rough Ashlar]

So, this morning, during a Bible study we're doing...my Pastor and I were talking, and I brought up the Craft to illustrate and expand on one of my points... He handled it well, but went on to say he had "Reservations" about Masonry. Now, he admitted as much that his perception is really based on what he hears, and what he sees on TV, and the "cult-like" role that is somehow assigned to us. I explained to him that I could go on and on about it (without violating any 'secrets'), and would be happy to do so--and he seemed like he truly wanted to hear it. He's the type who wants to learn about something before passing judgement. Anyway, I was wondering if anybody had some good go-to statements that they usually issue out in cases like this, or should I just answer his questions as they come up?

[edwmax]

My suggestion is: … make a copy of the Regius Manuscript and give out. High light the requirements for a belief in God. .... Point out during the building of the Great Cathedrals all the Masons (aka; workers) were required to be of the Christian religion specifically Roman Catholic; and after England split from the Roman Catholic/Pope, the Masons & workers were required to be of the Church of England (Christian). … Then in 1717 modern speculative Freemasonry, as we know it today, was formed. The first modern ‘Rituals’ were written by Dr. & Rev. James Anderson, a Presbyterian Minister, and the Dr. & Rev. John Theophilus Desaguliers, an ordained Clergy of the Church of England. Then after about 1725 (???) the requirement to be ‘Christian’ was changed to allow any man who professed a belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality if the sole to join. …

So the question would then be: Why would well-known Ministers of the 1700’s invent a ritual being claimed today as being Occults and/or demonic? … The fact is, these accusations are not true.

You could do this as a Bible class lesson. Then I would have a picture of the Holy Alter with the 3 Great Lights and give the Greats Lights lecture (not a secret).

[Rough Ashlar]

I'm not familiar with the Regius Manuscript, but am familiar with the petition requirement. We're both from GA, so where can I find this document? Grand Lodge, or is it a more widely-used manuscript? The rest of it sounds GREAT!

[Bob Franks]

Originally Posted by Rough Ashlar

I'm not familiar with the Regius Manuscript, but am familiar with the petition requirement. We're both from GA, so where can I find this document? Grand Lodge, or is it a more widely-used manuscript? The rest of it sounds GREAT!

A copy of the Regius Poem, AKA the Halliwell Manuscript, with translation beside it is available at:
Regius Poem with translation

S&F

[edwmax]

The link to the Regius Poem is good. The point here is it was wrote about 1390 AD; and is believed to be a copy of an older manuscript. ... Down about line 497 is specific reference to God almighty and Mary and about line 510 specific reference to Christ by name. Also, this section of the poem is referencing the 'Four Crowned Ones' who are Christian Martyrs put to death because they refused to make a golden idol and renounce their faith. ... This is documentary evidence that operative Masons in Brittan at that time were require to be Christian.

Now, do you have a copy of the Georgia GL Manule? I think what you are looking for will be in the 'Propounded Questions' in the Preparation Room to the Candidate.

[Rough Ashlar]

Not the GL Manual... But, I do recall the questions for the prep room..

[edwmax]

On page 24 of my Georgia Masonic Manual, question number 4, the following is asked:

“ Do you believe in the existence of one supreme and everlasting God, in some revelation of His will and in the immortality of the soul?” (note: the last part is printed in italics)

Affirmative answers to all four questions are required before making a man a Mason. A religious belief in one God is required, as it was in 1390 AD as shown by the Regius Poem.

All of this is to show for more than 800 years, a Mason was required to have a faith & bellied in God. A Mason was of a Christian faith up until about 1725. After, 1725 a Freemason could be of any of the Major Religious faiths, ie Jewish or Muslim, in most GLs. However, the Swedish Rites still require a Mason to be Christian.

You asked for suggestions, this is about all I can help with while trying to keep things simple and provide proof to those willing to listen.

[cemab4y]

Check out this:





Here is an excellent refutation of the silly claims of anti-masonry:

http://jimmymckiel.com/MysteryTeachi...reemasonry.htm

[BukeyeJackson]

Very good read Brothers.

[Rough Ashlar]

Anyway, back to the OP...I printed up the document that was a Q&A between a Brother and a "candidate" and gave it to him this AM, at least as a starting point. We'll see...