The Self Indictment Of Freemasonry
False doctrine and religious error seldom present themselves in their actual and true colors. Error is invariably based upon a network of fabrications and falsehoods, being essentially a lie in the guise of truth. Often fashioned into an "angel of light," favorable sentiment and acceptance are gained that never would have been accorded otherwise. It is under such a circumstance, being protected under false colors, that Freemasonry prospers.
Most men who enter the lodge are assured that it is not a religion and will not in any way conflict with their being a Christian. However, this soothing overture of encouragement is misleading on both counts. A presentation of some of the facts is in order.
Masonry Is A Religion
"It (the Masonic altar) is a sacred utensil of religion, intended, like the altars of the ancient temples, for religious uses, and thus identifying Masonry, by its necessary existence in our lodges, as a religious institution. Its presence should also lead the contemplative Mason to view the ceremonies in which it is employed with solemn reverence, as being a part of a really religious worship." (page 65.)
Yes, Masonry is a "religious institution" and its ceremonies should be viewed "as being a part of a really religious worship." It is true that not all Masons so regard it, but the lodge and the ceremonies are not changed by their ignorance. And if they would but contemplate the significance of calling a man "worshipful master," and of speaking of "the grand lodge in heaven," as well as of a religious "altar," they would not remain ignorant of this fact.
Substitutions For The Bible
When you turn to the word "Bible" in the Masonic encyclopedia, you read: "The Bible is used among Masons as the symbol of the will of God, however it may be expressed. And therefore, whatever to any people expresses that will may be used as a substitute for the Bible in a Masonic lodge." The Bible is just a symbol! The altar is sacred, but the Bible may be replaced! This is the doctrine of Masonry, but it certainly is not the will of God. Let no one misunderstand, or imagine that we have misinterpreted the encyclopedia, for it further states: "Thus, in a Lodge consisting entirely of Jews, the Old Testament alone may be placed upon the altar, and Turkish Masons make use of the Koran."
This logically means, and Masonry further teaches, that even though Jesus said "I am the way," he is not the way. Masonry offers other ways to the Father and to heaven (take the revelation, God and religion of your choice; it makes no difference). That this is an indisputably correct and accurate representation of the true doctrines of the system, the rest of the quotation proves: "Whether it be the Gospels of the Christian, the Pentateuch to the Israelite, the Koran to the Muslim, or the Vedas to the Brahman, it everywhere conveys the same idea -- that of the symbolism of the Divine will revealed to men."
Blasphemes Jesus
In ten thousand ways, Masonry undermines true religion and Jesus Christ, being itself a religion based on pagan legends and holding forth promises of spiritual blessings and light, and even of eternal life. And all of this it offers out of Christ. Jesus is become an unnecessary savior. The honor that is rightly due unto Jesus is accorded to Hiram Abiff by the Masons. In discussing "The Redeemer," the Kentucky Monitor says, "The belief was general that He was to be born of a virgin and suffer a painful death. The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kiountse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus; Plato, Love; the Scandinavians, Balder; the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram." There you have it! (Page xv)
Conclusion
The Christian is to have no fellowship with "unfruitful works of darkness," but is to rather "reprove them." (Eph. 5:11). After all, "what agreement hath the temple of God with idols... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord..." (2 Cor. 6:14-17.)