Freemasonry, Politics, and Religion	

A Past Grand Master of Masons in Kentucky shares, among other
points, the similarities between religious and political
persecution.

        At a recent District Meeting, one of our Brethren brought
to my attention that his religious denomination was going to
"investigate" Freemasonry. My initial reaction was that of the
"Peanuts" comic strip character Charlie Brown: "Good grief!" With
all the problems of society confronting church groups-poverty,
racial tension, the homeless, teenage pregnancy, abortion, drug
abuse-I could think of many more worthwhile ways to occupy one's
spare time. However, I think that it is appropriate for me as a nd
Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky to share with you some of my
thoughts concerning Freemasonry, politics, and religion.

        Freemasonry is regarded as the oldest and largest fraternal
organization- older and larger than many governments and religious
institutions. Because our members come from so many varied
backgrounds, Freemasonry has always avoided discussions of politics
and religion in our tiled communications. We leave these matters up
to the personal persuasions of each individual Brother.

        In regard to religion, one should know that upon the
worldwide altars of Masonic Lodges may be found the holy writings
of at least five major world religions: Judaism, Christianity,
Islam, Buddhism, and Confucianism. For the sake of being able to
obligate him, Freemasonry requires a member believe in a Supreme
Being. However, the interpretation of that Supreme Being is left to
the discretion of each Brother's religious beliefs. Recognizing
major religions without endorsing one is a hallmark of the t e of
Freemasonry. It would be nice if religions were so tolerant.
Perhaps, we would not have had the Inquisition or such turmoil as
has been experienced over the years by the confrontations in
Northern Ireland, the Middle East, and other similar places.

        In regard to politics, one should know that Masonic Lodges
exist in countries all over the world. Some are in monarchies, or
republics, or democracies. As a general rule, Freemasonry
flourishes in free governments and wanes in totalitarian regimes.
Notably, a second hallmark of the tolerance of Freemasonry is that
the Brethren are always admonished to be good citizens of the
country in which they reside. Again, it would be nice if
governments were so tolerant. Consider for example, the persecution
o asons under the Nazi regime or the Communist rule of Eastern
Europe and Asia during the past seventy-five years of world
history.

        In regard to Freemasonry, one should know that there are
Lodges with all manner of ethnic/racial configurations. There is as
much diversity in Freemasonry as there is in politics or religion.
Just as we do not have one world government or world religion, we
do not have one Grand Lodge of Freemasons.

        However, if people are determined to "investigate"
Freemasonry, I would hope that they would look at all the facets of
our Fraternity. First, many good individuals throughout history
have associated themselves with Freemasonry and cited its benefits
in their lives. Great writers, poets, philosophers, artists,
actors, musicians, statesmen, physicians, scientists,
entrepreneurs, jurists, and clerics have all been associated with
the Fraternity.  

        Second, the Fraternity has performed numerous charitable
acts, not for some doctrine of "good works" but as a manifestation
of our service to all humanity and, more especially, to those of
our Fraternity. Consider the fact that in 1990 Masonic philanthropy
in America totaled $525 million or $1.4 million per day, of which
over 58 percent went to the American public.

        Third, a researcher should be aware that reviewing the
ancient rituals of the Craft (as if there were only one ritual!)
would be about as pointless as trying to get a true picture of
society based on the situation comedies or soap operas seen on
contemporary television. Our ritualistic dramas are designed as
teaching techniques and have been used for centuries to convey
thoughts concerning morality, truth, virtue, honesty, etc.

        Fourth, anyone examining Freemasonry through the writings
of Masonic leaders and scholars of past eras can expect to be about
as effective as one practicing medicine or science by the beliefs
and methods used by authorities of those same eras. The mission
statement of Freemasonry today notes:

        The mission of Freemasonry is to promote a way of life that
binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends
all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational
differences; by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love,
Relief, and Truth; and, by the outward expression of these, through
its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, to find ways in
which to serve God, family, country, neighbors, and self.

        If one desires to study Freemasonry today, one must be
prepared for the same amount of research as would be required to
review "Religion" or "Politics." A true study would be a monumental
undertaking!

       As for me, I am pleased that Freemasonry is tolerant of many
national governments and religious beliefs. We only ask the same in
return. Hopefully, we will continue to serve humanity by sharing
the vision statement of the Conference of Grand Master of North
America, "FREEMASONRY: A GLOBAL FRATERNITY UNITED IN BUILDING A
BETTER WORLD."     s

William G. Hinton
is the junior Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F\
& A\M\ He is a member of the West Kentucky Scottish Rite Bodies in
Madisonville, Kentucky, where he serves as Class Director. A senior
DeMolay and Active Member of the International Supreme Council of
the Order of DeMolay, he is also a Past Grand Commander of the
Grand Commandery of Kentucky, Knights Templar. He has served
churches as organist/choir director and was the Dean of Student
Affairs/Registrar at Hopkinsville Community College

        Good works and a strong faith are equally important wings
on the same bird. William Arthur Ward, 32 Scottish Rite Bodies of
Fort Worth, Texas

        A supreme and unchallengeable faith is a deadly enemy to
the human mind. Will Durant, History of Civilization

