The Church and the Lodge Problem

In this age of ecumenicity and worldwide religious brotherhood, we may seem to be out of step in raising once again the question of whether a Christian may hold membership in what is sometimes called a lodge, or more technically, a fraternal organization. But we write this hoping only to serve the interests of God-pleasing ecumenical relations and Christian brotherhood. In this article we propose to cite instances from the teachings and ritual of the Masonic Order (Freemasonry) to show that commitment to this lodge and membership in the Christian church are not compatible. Many of the fundamental claims and demands of Freemasonry cannot be honored by one who would live according to the claim which Jesus Christ has upon him