Thoughts on Freemasonry

I recently wanted to learn more about Freemasonry, and what better way to learn about an organization than from its own writings, particularly one about its core beliefs and how it teaches them. So I picked up a book entitled "Symbolism of Freemasonry", by Albert G. Mackey, M.D.. I have no first hand exposure to the organization and only know a little about it from items I received when relatives passed away who had been members. Anyway, the following are some of my thoughts.

Freemasonry defines itself as "a science of morality, developed and inculcated by the ancient method of symbolism." Stated another way, this means the science (the search for divine truth), is built upon precepts acquired by its adherents through the study of teachings incorporated in veiled allegories and illustrated by symbols. Much of this material is derived from Solomon's Temple but Masons believe the teachings predate the Temple period, originating with Noah and his direct dependents. They believe that divine truth was in its complete form at the time of Noah only to be corrupted and lost afterwards, but surviving in a fragmentary state in the teachings and ceremonies of dependent religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism.

As I understand it, Freemasonry was born at the coming together of these groups in the construction of Solomon's Temple. Where the craft, as its adherents call it, was operative, meaning physical structures were built. Now it is speculative, meaning Freemasons now erect symbolic temples of virtue within themselves as they search for divine truth. Along the way they examine their lives for vices which they cast away into symbolic dungeons.

As an organization, it is hard to describe what it means to be a Freemason judging by this one book. On one hand they seem philosophical, almost like modern day Judaism with respect to moral and ethical teachings. On the other hand, they strike an almost Christian chord with teachings about an ultimate divine creator, an immortal soul, and the idea that we are the temple of God, etc. But the book was clear that the organization should not be considered Christian or of any other particular religion, even when some teachings may sound very similar to a particular religion. What they are preserving, they believe, are truths found in most all faiths. I also have to say that I did not pick up any animosity towards any particular faith either, which makes them very PC in this day and age.

Perhaps Freemasonry is a remnant of what we read in Acts 17:23 when Paul finds an alter dedicated "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD". Certainly none of us will fully understand devine knowledge until we are in the presence of the devine, but it would seem equally unlikely we must grope about searching for hidden truths like the Gnostics of the past either.

Still, some of the precepts and their presentation through symbols and allegory were quite interesting and the comparisons made among the religions would have made Joseph Campbell proud. It is certainly an organization I would like to learn more about one of these days.

The Dead Sea Scroll Stone

There has been some hubbub in the press recently about a stone referred to as "Gabriel's Vision" that purportedly casts doubt on the resurrection story. Being something of a Dead Sea Scroll enthusiast myself I trolled around for more information, something more down to earth and less headline driven. There is a pretty good article here from the Biblical Archeology Review with indications of more to come, but more importantly is an English translation of the transcript of the text linked in the article found here.

It is missing text in places, and much of the existing text is fragmentary, as is often the case in material such as this. It appears to me there is as much twisting done with this text by the media as was done by those who quote works from the Nag Hammadi Library to support a married Jesus, but I'll let the reader decide.