Here are Bill’s comments/questions which followed my post, A Practical Theology of Brewing:

Friend, I just posted above and then read some of your other posts. I was surprised to read that you were entering Freemasonry. You should seek the advice of some of the men whose blogs you read on this. I’ll not rehash what you have surely already studied on the subject, but if God is the focus of Freemasonry, why keep it secret? Also, why can Masons use a Quran or a Book of Mormon instead of a Bible? Do all paths lead to God or is Jesus the only way? I can’t help but think that your tagline should be reversed and that you are going back into darkness.

Bill

And my reply,

Bill, thanks for your thoughtful questions.  You are correct to assume that I’ve studied quite a bit on Freemasonry, including Christian and secular perspectives, both pro and con.  Freemasonry is unique, interesting and hard to define.  There is nothing else quite like it.  It has been described a “beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”  It is religious without being a religion.  I believe that most people find contention with freemasonry as a system philosophy and ethics rather than the fraternal aspects.
To answer some of your other questions…

If God is the focus of masonry, why keep it secret?
 I don’t believe God to be the focus of Freemasonry.  However, expressed belief in God is required.  In my experience, I have found the focus of Freemasonry to be friendship, fellowship, benevolence and ethical development.  There are secrets in masonry.  Well, not really.  Even the most basic search on the internet or in the library will find the “secrets.”  Masons do oblige themselves not to reveal the “secrets” and for good reason, I believe.   I’m presently reading a book called “Born in Blood:  The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry” by historian John J. Robinson.  It’s a good book.  The origins of freemasonry have truly been lost.  No one truly knows whether modern speculative masonry developed from medieval operative stonemason guilds or from some other source.  However, Robinson makes a good argument for a connection between freemasonry with the disbanded and outlawed templar knights.  If Robinson is correct in his theory, many of the “secrets” and other aspect of masonry are easily understood.  He believed that the templar knights, on the run from both the church and the state found the mobility and secrecy of the stonemason guilds to be ideal for forming a “hidden network” within which they could survive.  This also leads into your other question…

Why can masons use a Quran or a Book of Mormon instead of a Bible? 
If the templar connection were to be true, we are referencing a period of time in which a belief in God is necessary to undertake any kind of obligation.  Given that masonry seems to have developed in late medieval to early modern England and Scotland, it seems that a belief in the Christian God would have been a necessity.  However, there could have been problems even with choosing your christian perspective of God in a time when the country transitioned repeatedly between catholic, anglican and protestant monarchs.  An expressed belief in God seems sufficient for men who were under persecution from the church, had already lost peers to the inquisition and were facing the same tortures themselves if captured.  This tradition has survived in modern freemasonry and candidates must only declare their belief in God as atheists are not admitted (except in France, but that’s a much more extensive subject).  I’ve never been in a lodge that has used a Qur’an, Book of Moron, Talmud, Hindu Veda, Baghavad Gita, or the Five Classics.  I imagine without a doubt that such lodges exist in more diversely populated areas of the country than where I live.  I don’t have a problem with this.  Just as I don’t have a problem with the military, hospital or disaster relief chaplain who publicly prays in “the name of God” without specificity.  Whether in the lodge or in the public forum, the message conveyed is usually an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty over man’s affairs.  It is the same way in a masonic lodge; God and His sovereignty and provision are publicly acknowledged before engaging in the business of the lodge.  This is much different than the forum of a church service for which the attendees are there for the stated purpose of worship. 

Do all paths lead to God or is Jesus the only way?
All paths do not lead to God.  Jesus is the only way.  Masonry teaches neither because it doesn’t teach how to reach God, but rather how to live among men.  In accomplishing this, masonry uses allegory derived from biblical texts and concepts.  This shouldn’t be surprising considering that masonry developed in a predominantly Christian society.  From my perspective, it would seem that the muslim or hindu would find more objection in the allegory of masonry than would a Christian.  The symbolism of masonry is also an important teaching tool, but relates more to one’s relationship with mankind than with God.  For example, the mason’s tools, created for working in stone, are re-purposed for teaching ethical living which God requires (regardless of the faith to which one subscribes) of all mankind.  Some of these symbols have become common usage in our culture…on the level…on the square and convey the same message.  When we ask someone to “level with us” we are asking for them to be honest with us.  When we say that we got a “square deal” we understand that it means a fair transaction.  By no means to I believe that masonry is in any way superior to Christianity or biblical teaching.  But it can offer different perspectives within which to understand my own beliefs.  As a Christian, I can contemplate the mason’s square and examine whether my dealings with others are fair and consistent with my faith.

Ex Tenebris Lux
You mentioned my current tagline – Ex Tenebris Lux – or – Out of Darkness, Light.  Light is an interesting discussion, particularly to the Christian.  It is a recurring theme in Scripture from beginning to end.  The first recorded words of God are “Let there be light.”  King David says, “For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.” (2 Sam 22:29) and “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Ps 27:1).  The psalmist says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps 119:105).  Christ describes his followers as light when he says, “Ye are the light of the world” (Mat 5:14).  John speaks of Christ, saying, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).  Jesus says, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).  One of the most famous passages in Scripture using the symbolism of light is also from John,

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and  in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:5-8)

Like many words, light can take on different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.  It can be understood to be literal light, knowledge, guidance, revelation, understanding, holiness, and I’m sure many more usages than I’ve listed here.  Light also plays a part in masonic allegory as one “seeks light.”  My understanding of this search is that it is a search for knowledge of oneself through circumspection and self examination.  I have heard some criticism of this aspect of masonry accompanied by the declaration of Jesus, “I am the light.”  I’m always skeptical when someone pulls out a singular statement from Scripture to make a point without placing it in the context of Scripture.  If I were engaged in a difficult task at work and asked my superior to “light the way”, it would not be a challenge to Christ’s claim as “the light.”  It would merely be another symbolic usage of the language.  That is one of the reasons I like the phrase, “Ex Tenebris Lux.”  It can take on many meanings.  It can allude to the light of Christ in whom my salvation is secured.  It can represent the light of Scripture which is the rule and guide of my faith.  It can even represent gaining or sharing knowledge which is new to me, such as personal experiences (like learning to brew) or interesting facts or news.

I hope that this is helpful in answering some of your questions from my perspective.

Technorati Tags: Christianity, freemasonry, masonry, light

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Hold those thoughts for a second…

Ok, that’s better.  I’m settled into the recliner, cold Sam Adams in hand and the sounds of Miles Davis drifting across the room.  This is my relaxing and writing place.  

I’ve been taught my whole life that wine is of the devil.  I can remember very early hearing sermons about the evils of alcohol.  Being educated in a Christian school with strong independent, fundamental baptist ties, I heard chapel speakers, bible teachers, pastors, evangelists, teachers, and administrators preach against drinking with such fervor that one would be led to believe that certainly God meant for there to be an eleventh commandment prohibiting the consumption of alcohol.  My family didn’t drink.  I’ve never seen my parents drink.  I’ve never seen my grandparents or any other extended family drink.  I wasn’t even around anyone drinking until I was well into college.  It was around that time that I began to, as so many do, question what I had been taught; particularly regarding issues of morality (or perceptions of morality).  Yet, I still didn’t drink.  Not because I had a moral objection to it, but only because it was the way I had been raised and I’ve never been one who has been easily swayed to do something merely because someone else is.

I really began to question things when I was in seminary.  There were so many things I had been taught that just didn’t seem consistent with what I read in Scripture.  I believe that Christians should aspire to the testimony of the Bereans in Acts 17:2, who, “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”  I have found in my study that the scriptures and the history of the church teach a much different view of alcoholic drink than what was presented to me.  Volumes could be written (and have been) discussing biblical teaching on alcohol.  But this is a blog, not a book.  So, I’ll hit some highlights that have been crucial to my understanding of this topic.

First, Jesus turned water to wine.  Prohibitionist brethren, you can preach to me all you want about low % alcohol content or grape juice.  But those arguments don’t hold up.  Where the Bible says “wine”, it means wine, not grape juice. 

“When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.  John 2:9-11

I don’t see any possibility for this to be a grape juice a la welch’s or a low % alcohol.  However, teetotaling friends, even if I grant you the possibility that Jesus created a low % alcohol, it’s still alcohol and then becomes a question of quality vs. quantity.  Jesus made wine for people to enjoy.

Second,  Jesus drank alcohol.  Hold up!  Stoke up the fires!  Heretic!  Yes, Jesus seemed to be quite fond of both food and wine.  So much so that scripture says,

“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.”  Matthew 11:19

Jesus had a reputation as a social guy.  He liked a good dinner party.  He enjoyed the food, drink and company.  A reputation as a “winebibber” doesn’t come from abstinence.

Third,  God encourages the enjoyment of alcoholic drinks.  Deuteronomy 14 has had a huge impact on my perspective of alcohol.  Go read the whole chapter.  It starts off with a rundown of the animals that God told the Israelites that they could and couldn’t eat.  About midway through the chapter, it transitions into commandments concerning tithing their produce and worshiping God through feasting on his provision at the appointed time and place…

“And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.” Deuteronomy 14:23

But God has blessed some of his children so much that they can’t comply with this command.  They don’t have the means to transport even a tithe of what they have been blessed with…

“And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:” Deuteronomy 14:24

What should they do?

“Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:”  Deuteronomy 14:25

Then these verses, which I believe clearly conveys God’s perspective on whether it’s ok for his children to indulge in alcohol…

“And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.  At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:  And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.”  Deuteronomy 14:26-29

and consider this…

“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that makes the heart of man glad and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.” Psalm 104:14-15

Not only is it permissible to drink, but in these contexts, it is an act of worship and celebration of God’s blessing.  God has provided these drinks for our enjoyment.  It’s interesting to note also that specific instructions are given to share with the Levites, who were the priestly tribe.  So, if we were to apply a modern equivalent of this teaching…If God has blessed you, you probably owe your pastor a bottle of nice wine.  And not only him, but also others who are in need of a good cheery feast.  Could this Old Testament passage be a foreshadowing of the New Testament’s communion or Christian love feast.  When we eat the bread and drink the cup, we do it in rememberance of Christ…It is a celebration of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and anticipation of the blessings to come.

I unashamedly enjoy God’s gift of wine.  My savior is the greatest vinter and it is his example that I strive toward.  On that note, I need to go check on my first batch of mead that is fermenting in the kitchen.  May God bless our wine that we may soon enjoy and share his creation.

If you’re interested in this topic, check out these resources:

God Gave Wine: What the Bible Says about Alcohol By Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. / Oakdown Books Kenneth Gentry presents a balanced, biblical, and easy-to-read evaluation of the arguments, pro and con about Christians drinking alcoholic beverages. Writing in a pleasing and moderate style, Gentry’s approach avoids the common pitfalls of emotionalism, cultural conditioning and ecclesiastical tradition, while remaining distinctively biblical.

and

Drinking with Calvin and Luther: A History of Alcohol in the Church By Jim West / Oakdown Books Have a pint with the Puritans? Luther, Calvin and Zwingli—these men are better known for their theology than their taste in beer. Charles Wesley and George Whitefield—these men are known more for their witness than their wine. Prepared to learn something new? In this completely revised and expanded version of his underground classic, Rev. Jim West takes you through centuries of Christian history, looking at the role alcohol played in the church during the Protestant Reformation, in the American colonies, into the time of Charles Spurgeon and beyond. With humor and wit, West winds through time showing in generation after generation how God’s saints have enjoyed his many good gifts in reverence, thankfulness, and moderation.

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    There is a certain amount of discouragement and confusion that I’ve come accustomed to living with as a regular part of my life.  I’m not sure if I have regrets that haven’t been reconciled or if I merely have a personality of discontentment.  Either way, it doesn’t seem to be a healthy way to live.  Most often, the focus of these feelings seems to center on my present vocation. 

For half a decade, I’ve worked as a deputy sheriff.  Most of my time in law enforcement has been spent as a domestic violence investigator.  I’m good at it.  I can identify with the emotions involved for both the victims and perpetrators.  And, I have the patience to listen.  Many officers don’t.  They don’t care about the “story” of the relationship and how it transitioned into abuse.  I do.  I’m fascinated by the story.  I want to understand why people do the things they do.  Perhaps it’s the counselor in me who wants to understand and help “fix” things.  But, maybe it’s something else.  Sometimes I wonder if being privy to the deepest wounds of others allows me to overlook my own brokenness.  For a brief period, at least while working on a case, someone else’s problems take center stage.  Often the shear magnitude of problems in the cases I deal with far overshadows whatever is going on in my life.  In a strange way, the serious problems of others offer a respite from my own concerns.  A distraction of sorts.  But is this healthy?

Spending my time on the problems of another lets me forget mine for a time.  Yet, while I can encourage and reassure others, I seem ill-equipped to do the same for myself.  I am plagued by self-doubt that remains unaddressed.  I question whether I have veered away from directions I should have gone or opportunities I should have pursued.  I often feel as if I am treading water, waiting on something but know knowing what.  I’m not quite sure how I got to this place in life or where to go from here.  I only know that where I am now is far different than where I once imagined I would be.  I’ve been told by some folks that I over-think things.  So, I’ve tried to think less and act more.  That only seems to add to the confusion.  I’m the sort that needs a well-established purpose in order to appreciate the work.  This is a characteristic that seems not to mesh well with much of the “do as I say without questioning, quasi-military” attitude of many law-enforcement supervisors.  I need to understand why and toward what goal I am working.  Lacking purpose, I doubt the value of my work and consequently, myself.  And I wonder, how did I arrive in this place and will I ever find my way elsewhere?  How did a young seminarian, once bound for the ministry, end up strapping a pistol on every morning to fight a different devil each day?  Will the path I’m on ever merge with the path I intended to take?  Where does this journey lead?

I know that many of my readers will say that these questions and doubts can be answered by turning to God.  On that, I have no doubt.  But give space and time to those who struggle.  Don’t condemn them.  Those who have struggled with depression and doubt know that there is often comfort in the familiarity of continued suffering.  And sometimes, there is found contentment in knowing that darkness eventually makes way for light.  It is the hope for something better that makes things bearable.  It is this hope, that God does have more in store, to which I return when the clamor and noise of life becomes so loud that the mind is easily confused and led astray.  May God speak loudly to both you and I when we find ourselves in this place.

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The movie even inspired me to start growing a beard like Sean Connery’s.  I just wish I could grow it out more.  Unfortunately, I have to shave before I go back to work tomorrow.

Why can’t I have a beard and be a cop too?  Take a look at the old photos of police officers and deputies of the last 100 years and many of them had beards.  I vote we turn back the clock a bit and make beards, mustaches or at least some big sideburns requisite for police work.  

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For the last year, I’ve watched and read everything I could find about Freemasonry.  There is a lot of information out there – especially on the internet – and much of it bad.  I was captivated by the History Channel shows on Freemasonry.  I ffinally expressed my interest to a fellow officer and Mason who lent me the book, The Freemasons: A History of the Worlds Most Powerful Secret Society by Jasper Ridley.  It provided a good overview of masonic history without focusing on conspiracy theories.  After Ridley’s book, my interest was piqued even more and I began reading everything I could get my hands on, both positive and negative.  The rich history, philosophy and fraternal aspects of Freemasonry were fascinating to me.  I became convinced that I wanted to become a Mason.  So began my journey in masonry.

One of the things that I picked up on in my reading is the fact that masonic lodges do not recruit.  I kept coming across the phrase, “To be one, ask one.”  I approached one of my coworkers, who provided me with a petition for membership.  I spoke with several others whom I knew to be masons and they all agreed to provide references for my petition.  A short time after submitting my petition, my wife and I had a meeting with an “investigative committee” at our home.  Despite how ominous that sounds, it’s actually not a bad experience.  A couple of older gentlemen visited with us for an hour or so to tell us more about the organization, learn a bit about who I am, and answer any questions for us.  I learned that they would make their recommendation to the lodge and my petition would be voted upon.  I eagerly waited to hear back from them, only to receive one of the biggest disappointments I’ve ever experienced.  Someone voted against my petition and I was rejected from the lodge.  One of the traditions in masonry is that all voting is done by secret ballot.  Members vote on a petitioner by means of dropping a white or black ball/cube.  The term “blackballed” comes from this practice.  It only takes one black ball/cube to reject someone (I understand that some jurisdictions require three black ball votes to reject a petitioner).  Someone voted against me.  I received a hand delivered letter informing me that I had been rejected and enclosed with it another petition and invitation to petition the same or another lodge after six months.  I can’t explain how terrible it feels to receive that sort of rejection.  I had been told throughout the process that no one could recall anyone being rejected that had great recommendations and had the recommendation of the investigative committee.  Being rejected was something that hadn’t really crossed my mind before I opened that letter.  My mind immediately ran a thousand different directions.  What had I done?  What was wrong with me?  Who had I offended?  I couldn’t think of anyone I knew in that lodge with whom I’ve ever had any personal or professional problems.  Some of my mason friends expressed their disappointment in the vote and some speculated that the black ball came from a coworker and may or may not have had anything to do with me.  I’ll probably never know who or why.  I only wish that if someone voted against me because I have offended or wronged them, they would come to me personally.  I thought that my journey had ended before it started.  I was surprised by the support I received from those who had recommended me and other masons I knew.  Several encouraged me to petition again.  I waited the requisite time and petitioned another local lodge.

I share my experiences in hopes of encouraging anyone that has had a similar experience to mine.  On March 18, 2010, I became an entered apprentice at Thomas M. Holt Lodge No. 492 in Graham, NC.  I completed my 1st degree catechism last week.  I’m scheduled for the 2nd Fellowcraft degree in a few days.  Since joining the lodge, I have been impressed by the kindness and friendship that has been shown to me by its members.  I look forward to working my way through the degrees and learning more about masonry and my new lodge brothers.

I have learned a great deal in my reading and have some recommendations for anyone who wants to know more about freemasonry. 

A Pilgrim’s Path by John J. Robinson – Good intro to Freemasonry, particularly in the U.S.  The author was not a Mason when he began researching for the book, but became a Mason as a result and concludes the book with his thoughts on his experiences.

Born in Blood by John J. Robinson – Interesting examination of Freemasonry origins and possible connections with the Knights Templar Order and revolution in Great Britain.  This book is well written and exciting to read.

The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland’s Century 1590 to 1710 by David Stevenson PhD – The most probable origins of Freemasonry as traced from surviving historical documents.  Not as exciting to read, but thorough and informative.

Solomon’s Builders by Chris Hodapp – This book focuses on Freemasonry’s influence on the the founding fathers of the U.S. and the development of Washington D.C.  This would be a great book to read before taking a trip to D.C.

The Newly-Made Mason: What He and Every Mason Should Know About Masonry by H.L. Haywood – A must read for the “Newly-Made” Mason.  The author does a great job explaining the origins, history, philosophy, symbolism and organization of Freemasonry.

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