There are many definitions of “religion.” Not everyone agrees with one description. This misconception may be one of the reasons there is confusion about Freemasonry being a religion or a cult.

First, Freemasonry does require its members to believe in the existence of a Supreme Being. But that is all the extent of the requirement. It does not specify which God and does not interfere with an individual’s way of conducting his religious life. Freemasons are forbidden to talk about religion in the Lodge. Even not explicitly, the rule extends to the life outside Lodge.

The requirement exists to avoid discord between members. When we talk about some religious concepts, we do it philosophically. I’ve met many brothers, and we enjoyed learning from each other about certain specifics of a religion. The discussion was conducted with respect and never with superiority, hate, or proselytism. We did it out of curiosity and the desire to enlarge our horizons, thus helping us to become more tolerant.

My Brother’s belief system is his, and no other human being or organization, not even Fremnasonry, has the right to interfere with it.

Usually, organized religion has a doctrine to keep pure, a creed, and offers a path to salvation. Nothing like this is enforced or suggested in Freemasonry. It does not exist!

One of the Tenets of Freemasonry is “Relief” (charity), helping one in need and practicing good deeds. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:39 KJV

Freemasonry is religious but only in the simple sense as defined in the Bible:

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 KJV

Danut Prisacaru, Senior Deacon, February 2022