The current H2 asks whether the Masonic Bible can be used for Christian worship. This is an online articlefrom theChristian Research Journal. Resurrection Accounts Resurrection of Christ, Thus says the LORD, Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me . In general, the Masonic Bible emphasizes morality and ethical behavior within its interpretation. The Masonic Altar is based around a holy book which can change depending on the personal religion of the mason performing the ritual. Furthermore, while some Christian denominations accept certain parts of the Masonic Bible into their services (such as hymns), it is not considered suitable for general Christian worship. 2023 Freemasons Community | All Rights Reserved. Its teachings include stories of Jesuss birth and life on Earth as well as descriptions of moral guidance from prophets throughout history. Since the Free Masons have biblical foundations, it is obvious that they to would have a bible. They do this to get the blessings of the creator. My King James Bible is embossed with the Masonic emblem and filled with free mason symbolisms. Due to historical tensions between the Masonic Order and the Catholic Church, it is highly unlikely that a Bible beloved of Catholics would have anything to do with the Freemasons, John Dickie, a historian at University College London and author ofThe Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World, told Reuters via email (johndickie.net/). Masonic Altar The FreeMasons essentially use the Bible for the masonic altar, and they have used several bibles through the centuries for their rituals. Third, the adverb thereby in the common gavel lesson implies a way of salvation; it signals that in order to reach heaven, one must do what precedes it, namely, divest his heart and conscience of the vices and superfluities of life. The Bible is used only by Christian when other masons of various faiths perform. Finally, with the common gavel lesson the Lodge wrenches two biblical passages out of context, 1Peter2:5 (living stones, spiritual house) and 2Corinthians5:1 (house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens), and applies them to all Masons regardless of what deity they (as individuals) profess. Henry Pirtle, arr., Kentucky Monitor, 13th ed. These texts include scriptures from the Christian Bible, as well as other religious works that are considered to be of spiritual significance to Freemasons. Symbolic teachings in rituals and/or monitors of each state, province, or geographic area are in essence the same for Grand Lodges that are part of Regular Masonry. From Grand Lodge to Grand Lodge, rituals and monitors vary slightly, only in wording. The Masonic Bible is a collection of sacred texts used by members of the Freemasonry fraternity. Pierre-Eugne-Marcellin Berthelot, (born Oct. 27, 1827, Paris, Francedied March 18, 1907, Paris), French organic and physical chemist, science historian, and government official. The masonic bible contains many variants of stories and passages which are not present in the holy bible, making it a unique variant of the traditional text. ed. This term is used to emphasize the importance and centrality of these sacred writings in the lives of members of the fraternity. Official Monitor and Ceremonies (The Grand Lodge of A.F. The Masonic Bible follows a loose, free-flowing structure that often symbolically alludes to certain teachings or lessons. These books represent a timeline that spans thousands of years, from Creation to Jesus Christs death and resurrection. It consists of two main sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament, and is considered by Christians to be the inspired word of God. All Rights Reserved. Before that, the Bible was available in handwritten manuscripts. However, its popularity declined in subsequent years due to its perceived links with Christianity. Trilogy in 1975, described here by the New York Times in its 2007 obituary for Wilson as a mind-twisting science-fiction series about a secret global society that became a cult classic., In the years since, Illuminati believers have claimed the secret groups responsibility for events like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 (here). The availability of the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible is an important factor to consider. The designs interpretation as a Masonic omen was popularized in 1975 with the publication of The Eye in the Pyramid, the first book in Wilson and Sheas The Illuminatus! Search the history of over 806 billion It also has at its forefront illustrations of Biblical events, places, and personages (King Solomons Temple, etc. In the days following U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, posts on social media claimed that the Bible he used during his swearing-in ceremony is connected to the Masonic Order . Why? belief and ordered the Bible to be kept from Priests because it might be Valuable Bibles are (often) dated 1800 or earlier According to the Encyclopdia Britannica, the Douay-Rheims translation was the only authorized Bible in English for Roman Catholics until the 20th century. (here). Is it wrong to own a Masonic Lodge Bible? Rare / Antique Books First Editions Vintage Hollywood Postcards & Ephemera Militaria / War Everything! It is to be noted here that many other Holy Books from all of the languages reside upon the various Masonic altars around the Globe, for the Freemasons who are English speaking. Paul establishes this important principle before proceeding with his discussion in verses 14-31. The Creator, the Great Geometrician of God as we know him, is the Supreme Being and is worshipped through various rituals that are performed by the Free Masons in their secret lodges. The presidents use of this family heirloom, which he used twice while being sworn in as vice president in 2009 and 2013 ( here. What is a Masonic lodge? Freemasonry & Hollywood: Famous Actors Who Were Freemasons, 10 Secret Societies, Clubs & Groups Like The Freemasons. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. What is Freemasonry, and what do Freemasons believe? Bill Mankin is also a Christian, He's a 32 nd degree Mason in the lodge in Boise. The masonic bible, for example, has been translated into numerous languages and dialects throughout its history. This is a valuable weapon to take down the Jews. The Bible still maintains to be the most popular books. In Romans 14:23 the apostle Paul said, Buthe who doubts is condemned if he eats, becausehis eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. He refers to our freedom to eat whatever we desire as long as our conscience is not troubled. ed. The Bible is not only the single most printed book in history but its also the most read. It refers to a group of Masons coming together in fellowship, and, at the same time, refers to the room or building in which they meet. Since God has given us theprinciple thatall things are lawful for Christians unless it involves sin, it is okay to own an embossed Masonic Lodge Bible. Finally, if your conscience troubles you because you own the Masonic Lodge Bible, then you need to throw it away. The text inside this edition has been modified from that which appears in standard Bibles; it includes excerpts from writings by prominent Masons such as Thomas Smith Webb, Thomas Dunckerley, and Laurence Dermott. The compilation of the Christian scripture began with the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). Freemasons have long held an interest in the masonic bible and its interpretation, and while there are some differences between it and the holy bible, they are still able to use it as part of their rituals. Der Himmelstern The Masonic Bible is still a popular book among many Masons today and continues to be an important part of Freemasonry culture across the world. For instance, Elvis Presley's personal Bible, published in 1977, sold for $94,000 at auction in 2012. The exact same Bible, not owned by Elvis Presley, is worth $10 or less. Over the years, many publishers have produced and marketed versions of the Bible with added content in introductions that refers to Masonic ceremonies. Despite this fact, however, there are still some notable differences between the two translations. Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for consciences sake; FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORDS, ANDALL IT CONTAINS. Through them, different themes are explored. This is the Master Mason Bible, a book Vintage Freemasons Masonic Edition Holy Bible Holman Company 1925 Pre Owned Blue C $94.87 or Best Offer Vintage 1968 Masonic Bible - King Solomon's Temple w/ Original Box B-1150-M C $33.84 C $28.48 shipping The Bible and King Solomon's Temple in Masonry Masonic Edition Genuine Leather C $32.55 C $50.50 shipping on the Internet. When referring to the Bible, the term edition is most often used in correlation to publication, whereas version is most often used in correlation with its translation. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization with its own set of symbols and rituals that appear in the Masonic Bible but not in The Holy Bible. , here ) and seven times as a U.S. senator, was reported widely on Inauguration Day ( here , here , here ). Some of the viral Facebook posts ( here , here ) include a screenshot of a WorthPoint.com listing for a RARE 1883 ANTIQUE FAMILY BIBLE DOUAY RHEIMS ILLUMINATI MASONIC 22KT BID AT .99! Both Bibles feature stories from the Old Testament and New Testament, The language used in both books is similar, Both Bibles contain teachings about Christianity, There are many versions of each book that have been written over time, The Masonic Bible references God as The Grand Architect of the Universe, The Holy Bible refers to God by several names including Yahweh, Elohim and El Shaddai, Both rely on symbolism and allegory to convey spiritual truths, In Freemasonry, symbols such as pillars, squares, compasses, and other tools are used to represent moral principles, In Christianity, symbols such as bread and wine are used to represent Jesus Christs body and blood that were sacrificed for our sins, Additionally, both books contain stories of how individuals interacted with God, In Freemasonry, these stories often involve figures from history or mythology who exemplify core values like integrity. So prepare yourself as you step into a world where ancient secrets are revealed and mysteries unraveled. Paranoia surrounding the Freemasons partly stemmed from the influence they exercised in the United States, with many of the Founding Fathers having been members (here). The creation of this special edition of the Bible began in the late 18th century with William Preston. The Free Masons are a group that has sprung from the Knight Templars several centuries ago. confusing stories or "parables" of the heretical Jesus, son of the exoteric god of Freemasonry, a talking burning bush fire. As such they remain an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection with God through sacred ceremonies and worship services. Copyright 2023 Regency Antique Books, All Rights Reserved |, International Society of Bible Collectors, condition becomes an important factor in the value, Early 15th 17th century woodcuts, maps, later steel engravings. The above-mentioned company Heirloom Bible Publishers alone sells The Original Heirloom Family Bible, the African American Family Heirloom Bible, the Spanish Bible Nuestra Biblia Catlica Familiar, and the Family Record Bible. Verse 23 is the principle and verses 24-29 give us the example. seriously anymore, the Masonic scriptures have overtaken Catholic Dogma In comparison to the Holy Bible, which remains one of the worlds most widely read books, the Masonic Bible has a much smaller following and readership. The Gutenberg, also known as the 42 Line Bible, was the first substantial book printed around 1455 using moveable type, and is probably the most famous and sought after antique Bible. Old Bibles published between 1900-2000 are almost exclusively considered reading material and unless your copy was owned by someone famous, it is not worth further research. Here are just a few of the most popular: Beauty and quality craftsmanship go a long way in adding to desirability, and these are definitely factors to consider when evaluating an old Bible. Those who think that they are sacrificing to a god are not sacrificing to any god. Biden is the second U.S. president to be sworn in with a Douay-Rheims Bible, after John F. Kennedy in 1961 (here , here , www.jfklibrary.org/media/2371 ). Both of these Freemasonry and the Bible are said to go along. In fact, second to antique childrens books, thumbed through by little hands, old Bibles tend to suffer the worst when it comes to their condition. The Catholic family Bible pictured above is an exception to the rule. On the other hand, the Holy Bible contains scripture from various religions and serves as a source of spiritual guidance for Christians. Let no one seek his owngood, but that of hisneighbor. The FreeMasons essentially use the Bible for the masonic altar, and they have used several bibles through the centuries for their rituals. Freemasonry is a cult and its core teachings are not Christian. For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal go to: http://www.equip.org. There are thousands of Masonic lodges in the U.S. and many more worldwide. I condemn his condemnation and uphold the importance and beauty of Fascism as the natural state of the Aryan People. This is an online-exclusive Viewpoint from the Christian Research Journal. . When we evaluate an antique Bible, these are just a basic points we look at. Freemasons belong to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, a group begun during the Middle Ages in Europe as a guild. All rights reserved. In the early 1600s, freemasonry was widely accepted and popular amongst members of the aristocracy and the clergy. Their work was to be performed in Egypt. Shrouded in enigma, this sacred text has long been seen as something to be revered by its adherents, yet shrouded in mystery to outsiders. The clasped Bible pictured above sold at one of our auctions for $300. Firstly, the Masonic Bible contains a large collection of writings that are specific to Freemasonry. All wise men acknowledge His authority. This is an online articlefrom the Christian Research Journal. Although this Bible was published in the 1880s, it is in wonderful condition with original clasps. This copy was purchased from a seller on Ebay for $16 and In his private devotions a Mason will pray to Jehovah, Mohammed, Allah, Jesus, or the Deity of his choice. He's also the Distinguished Professor of Comparative . How Does Freemasonry Makes Men (& Society) Better? In this article, we will explore how these two great works of literature compare when it comes to translation. For example, even an incomplete King James Bible from 1611 can still be worth a considerable amount. ), a Biblical index to verses that correlate with certain Masonic principles, an index to parables and miracles recorded in the Bible, and a guide for religious workers and Bible teachers. There is nothing in the existing Standard Work and Lectures (SWL) that specifies that the Bible is to be opened to a specific passage of scripture when the Lodge is working in a specific Degree. Claims of Masonic or Illuminati links to this Bible edition are baseless and, similarly to QAnon, relate to the classic conspiracy theory that a secret organization of elites is seeking to establish a new world order. In it, I have recorded important family history events, information pertaining to my own Masonic ceremonies, and I have plenty more space for the information of anything else that I find important enough to preserve. The UK's only Masonic Bible, with bespoke presentation page and special introduction to Freemasonry and the Bible. Each symbol has its own significance in masonry, which serves as a reminder of its core values. Due to the long history of tension between the Masonic Order and the Catholic Church, use of this Bible by the Freemasons is extremely unlikely. The answer is by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity (see the prayer). Try again St. Jeromes Vulgate:Talking about the first Latin Bible, it was done by St. Jeromes Vulgate. Then Paul tells the Corinthians that he does not want them to share or be involved with demons. By exploring these ancient texts together, Masons strive to become more enlightened individuals who strive for excellence in all aspects of life. All false religions and false teachings are demonic in origin (1 Timothy 4:1). Read more about our fact-checking workhere. Furthermore, allegorical stories are used as a method of teaching lessons about morality and ethics within masonry. The flag itself is not freedom, it is only a piece of cloth which symbolizes freedom. Click here to learn more . 14. The Masonic Bible has been around for centuries and its popularity has fluctuated over time. There also exist other heirloom editions of the Bible that are not Masonic. One of the ways that masonic propaganda exposes what they are, is their association with Islam through the Shriners, and how their resources and maps in this book never call the land of Israel by its name, but always Palestine, or Canaan, implying that the Israelites are just thieves of someone else's land. . These rituals and practices are a way for masons to express their faith in God and their commitment to each other. It is my understanding that they are more common in the United States of America, Canada, and Great Britain; I also tentatively add that they might be common in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. In Romans 14:23 the apostle Paul said, "But . When discussing the similarities between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible, there are a few key points to consider. For one thing, the masonic bible is not as literal as the holy bible when it comes to interpretation. Spend $49 on print products and get FREE shipping at HC.com. important to a Freemason, today? Gutenberg Bible:Johannes Gensfleisch Gutenberg of Mainz, Germany, formed a published type of the Latin Vulgate translation. If you have an antique Bible published in America in the very early 19th century, it could possibly have some value. Masonrys good works stem from Masonic teaching, so we must consider its teaching. The American flag is a symbol of freedom. When it comes to language usage, both Bibles have distinct ways of conveying their message. 10. These modern 20th century Bibles are the type most of us have. Bibles like these have value only as reading material. Ultimately then, it can be seen that although both bibles have been subject to translation processes over time, there are still some notable differences between them when it comes to how they are interpreted and understood by readers today. Finally there were The Writings: Chronicles I & II; Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther; Job; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song Of Solomon; Ruth; Lamentations and Daniel. Because idols are not gods and all things are lawful for Christians, unless it involves sin. This might be the case relative to those places where it is not published or distributed, but that does not negate the fact that they do exist. While the Masonic Bible is used by Masons to learn about their faith, it does not contain any religious doctrines or official teachings from any religion. Henry Pirtle, arr., Kentucky Monitor (Louisville: The Standard Printing Co., 1941),xv. A: No, Freemason Bible is not any different from a regular Bible. 7. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. It promotes faith in a higher power, obedience to doctrine and dogma, and encourages believers to accept divine guidance from above. 90 Masonic Tattoos For Freemasons [VIDEO]. It includes notable Masonic phrases and symbolism, such as references to the Supreme Architect of the Universe and the Great Light. These types of family Bibles were very common in the Victorian era and for obvious reasons are still collectible today for their beauty as display pieces. As noted by Feuerherd, the Freemasons theological views, particularly their Deist vision of God, put them at odds with the teachings of the Catholic Church (here). As such, it is important for readers to understand these nuances when comparing these two texts side-by-side. It also contains many symbols which represent virtues such as charity and virtue. 2. My own Masonic Bible has at its forefront (before the actual Biblical text starts) a place for my name, my genealogy, pages where I can one day record the information of my children and grandchildren. Florida Masonic Monitor, 23rd. Whereas the holy bible is often viewed as an authoritative source of truth and knowledge, masonic bibles tend to be more interpretive in their approach; they may use metaphors or allegories in order to convey a particular message or idea. Such versions often include illustrations of King Solomon's Temple, for example. Second, because the lambskin apron lesson is given indiscriminately to those who reject Christs substitutionary work, it fosters a false notion that purity of life and conduct is what is necessary for reaching heaven. In 1738, Pope Clement XII excommunicated the Freemasons (here), setting off a long, long history of mutual hostility and suspicion between Masons and Catholics Dickie said. By contrast, the Holy Bible is a religious text with much more literal interpretations. My own lodge has ordered various copies, each one of which is given as a gift to those whom we raise to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Additionally, there is much discussion of masonic allegory within the masonic bible that is not found in its counterpart. In fact, as of 2020 the Bible in its entirety has been translated into 698 languages! 1 Corinthians 10:20 (NASB). So, whether you eat or drink, orwhatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Can You Become a Freemason if You Are Disabled? Baptist as a patron "saint" of Freemasonry and red-letters the So far as I am aware, none of the Masonic heirloom editions of the Bible are published by any grand lodge; they are instead published by private companies. Lets learn about a few points that will make a difference in the value of your antique Bible. No wonder, then, that the preface of early editions of the Kentucky Monitor teaches of savior figures overcoming evil figures, thereby redeeming their followers: The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kioun-tse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus;the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram.12 This statement (though now expunged from current editions) is expected, given the Masonic teaching of Hiram. The Masonic Bible is primarily used for teaching lessons about morality and ethics within Freemasonry organizations, By contrast, the Holy Bible is primarily used for religious worship in Christian churches. and (2)Are these teachings at odds with Christianity? Q: Is a Freemason Bible any different than a regular Bible? From holy rituals to scripture readings, both Bibles contain an immense wealth of spiritual knowledge that can be used by seekers of all faiths. The Holy Bible Freemasonry with Masonic Helps Oxford New York unique with box $58.39 Was: $79.99 Free shipping SPONSORED Holman Holy Bible Masonic Edition 1940 King Solomons Temple In Masonry $25.00 $7.95 shipping or Best Offer HOLY BIBLE MASONIC EDITION 1940 Blue Cover MASON w/ Signatures $19.99 $4.35 shipping Fourth, continuing our tour of ritual, the third degree candidate plays the Masonic hero Hiram Abif in a dramatic reenactment, wherein he identifies with Hiram in Hirams death, burial, and raising.11 Christians should reject such practice and teaching because, first, believers should identify with Christ in His death, burial, and raising from the dead (see 1Cor.15:14), and second, Christ is in fact the only Savior (John14:6; Acts4:12).