Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Whilst it is recognized that Masonry is not atheistic (Masons aligned with the United Grand Lodge of England are asked if they believe in God or another supreme being before joining and only accept candidates that do), [17] its use of the expression Supreme Architect of the Universe—a term attributed to the Protestant theologian John Calvin ...
An illustration of God as the architect of the universe can be found in a Bible from the Middle Ages [6] and the comparison of God to an architect has been used by Christian apologists and teachers. Thomas Aquinas said in the Summa : "God, Who is the first principle of all things, may be compared to things created 'as the architect is to things ...
Freemasonry has attracted criticism from theocratic states and organised religions that believe it is in competition with religion or perceive the fraternity's views or practices as heterodox; it has also long been the target of conspiracy theories that assert Freemasonry to be an occult and evil power. [163]
The Vatican has confirmed a ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, a centuries-old secretive society that the Catholic Church has long viewed with hostility and has an estimated global membership ...
In keeping with the geometrical and architectural theme of Freemasonry, the Supreme Being is referred to in Masonic ritual by the titles of the Great Architect of the Universe, Grand Geometrician or similar, to make clear that the reference is generic, and not tied to a particular religion's conception of God. [7]
In "Regular" Freemasonry, which follows the Anglo-American style, a candidate for initiation must generally meet the following criteria: Be a man [5] Come of his own free will, either by his own initiative or by invitation in some jurisdictions [6] Believe in a Supreme Being, although any specific religion is not specified and not required [6]
For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
The operative myth has long been alive in the imagination of Freemasonry, making speculative Masons the heirs of the cathedral builders. According to a fairly simple hypothesis, speculative Freemasons, while no longer using the tools of the operative Masons in a practical way, have inherited them and the symbols, rules and secrets that go with ...