MASONIC EDUCATION
Religion and Freemasonry:
A Third Approach
Masons are well-known for their conviction that Freemasonry is not a religion. This is well founded, considering how Masonry does not have a specific system of faith, a doctrine, or a unified concept of worship. While Masonry has a strong ritual identity that often is confused with the liturgical actions of a religion, the goals and purposes of Masonry’s rituals are very different from those of worship.
Nonetheless, every Mason must affirm his belief in a higher power; our altar is graced by a Volume of Sacred Law; and we pledge our Obligations upon the honor of our faith. To these ends, even though Freemasonry is not a religion, Masons themselves are fundamentally “religious.”
As a pastor, who spent much of his undergraduate work studying the world’s religions, I have noticed that much inter-faith work and dialogue take two basic (and ultimately unsatisfying) approaches. The first is exemplified by the phrase “to each his own.” This kind of pluralism lies at the root of the American experience. The second is resorting to the “lowest common denominator.” In other words, if we cut out everything that we disagree with in one another’s religions, what is the “lowest common denominator” that we can all agree on? Usually, the answer is something like “love” or “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

In my view, Freemasonry takes a third, and very different, approach. Masons don’t just “live and let live” or settle for cutting out the beautiful—and sometimes controversial—aspects of the faith systems we are a part of. Instead, Masonry expects us to be educated in the beliefs of our brothers, sensitive to the unique aspects of their faiths, supportive of their belief systems, and encouraging of their growth and development.
Education is a fundamental aspect of the Masonic life and, I believe, it extends to the topic of religion. Unlike the world around us, we are committed to intelligently and deeply learning about what our brothers’ religions actually teach. This means not relying on media portrayals, political caricatures, or even the (sometimes well-intentioned) descriptions of other religious leaders. For example, as a Protestant pastor, I can do my best to describe Islam or Hinduism with grace and intelligence, but I always would describe it as an outsider, rather than as someone who truly lives and believes them.
As Masons, we are sensitive to the unique aspects of our brothers’ faiths and supportive of their belief systems. For example, we would never require a Sikh or Jewish brother to uncover his head in the lodge. We graciously plan our collation menus to provide options for those whose religions include dietary restrictions. Our rituals, prayers, and music are non-sectarian and—if done correctly—both respect and reflect the diversity of the brotherhood.
Most importantly, Masons encourage one another’s individual growth and development without sacrificing the tenets of our own beliefs. As a Mason, and especially when serving as a chaplain, I have the privilege and responsibility to help my brothers engage the depth and profundity of their faiths, even when different from my own. This is what makes our approach different from the way much “interfaith work” is done.
Masonry doesn’t approach religion with a naïve pluralism or settle for a watered down “lowest common denominator.” Quite the opposite! Even though it is sometimes confusing and complicated (and we are guaranteed to make mistakes in the execution of our well-meaning attempts), it is a beautiful testament to the Craft when brothers stand alongside one another in respect, support, and encouragement of each other’s growth and convictions.
Written by: Bro. Tim TenClay
Bro. TenClay is a Grand Chaplain in the Grand Lodge of New York; Secretary of Jephtha Lodge 494; member of his mother lodge, Pultneyville 159; and an honorary member of San Giacomo 1411 in Palermo, Italy. He a father, pastor, labyrinth facilitator, and life-long learner with a deep calling to walking alongside individuals on the journey toward wholeness in mind, body, spirit, and circumstance.
