Brethren I have started this topic to have a discussion regarding this matter for the benefit of the less informed. You can share your views here as well as reply to opinions of other members. But always remember to preserve the harmony in this forum to avoid confusions in the temple. Thank you and happy posting.
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.:. : :. "Time and Perseverance will Accomplish All Things" .:. : :.
"No, Masonry is not a religion. It has no intention of being a religion. It doesn't want to be a religion." But those replies rarely have any impact on non-Masons for the simple reason that the defense of Masonry is usually directed at other Masons, not at the masses who are the targets of the anti-Masonic evangelists. What is obviously needed is a broader audience for the defense.
The religious experience in the lodge is prayer. Every meeting of Masons opens and closes with prayer. Every meal begins with prayer. As is done so often by the federal government (as, for example, with "In God we trust"), all prayer is addressed (or should be) to God the Father, so that a mixed audience of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists, for instance, can relate that prayer to their own worship. Masons also offer prayers for charitable endeavors, for bereaved Masons and their families, or for a departed brother.
Clearly, one can easily assert that Freemasonry is not a separate religion. It promotes no heaven, no hell, and no means of salvation. There's no "witnessing" or arguing over religious beliefs in the lodge. There is no religious dogma. It can't be a religion.
Not once did I encounter the question, "If Masonry is Not a Religion, How come you call your Masters Worshipful?"
First and foremost, we should define "Worshipful", Webster's Dictionary defined it as "Someone to be Respected, or Worthy of Respect." Since the WM is the presiding officer inside the lodge, he is Worthy of our respect. We all know the importance of his office and the great task and important undertaking that he carries on his shoulders. We call our District officers Very Worshipful because of an even greater responsibilities, and Our Grand Masters Most Worshipful because of a much bigger task and responsibilities.
We do not give them these titles to venerate them to the position of the Deity. I also read on the internet that these titles are Titular remnants when the Grand Lodge of England was formed, the first officers who are members of the Royal family, they retain the titles accorded to them and thus, through the succesion of ages, was carried over until today.
Bro Rogel Corral, (my twin brother and a brother Mason from Juan Sumulong Memorial Lodge No. 169) had this to say. "When a Man devotes most of his time Praying, he is called Prayerful. When a Man serves God, Prays to Him and Worships Him, Should be called WORSHIPFUL."
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Bro. Rommel S.J. Corral, PM
Rafael Palma Lodge No. 147
