Most people are familiar with the "Shriners" and their funny tall maroon hats with long tassels. Some have seen them in clown outfits in parades, driving around in miniature cars (go-carts) in precision formation. Perhaps you heard of the Shriners Hospitals. But who really are the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine? What do they do besides the aforementioned? Why do they meet in "temples?" What goes on behind the closed doors of these Shriner temples? These are just a few questions that will be answered during this presentation. Additionally, you will learn:
•What it takes to become a Shriner
•Details contained in their secret ritual and initiation process
•The difference between A.A.O.N.M.S. and A.E.A.O.N.M.S.
5. To become a Shriner one use to have to pick one of the Rites to wear the Fez
6. History of the A.A.O.N.M.S. Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine On September 26, 1872, these two men met with 11 others in New York's Masonic Hall, 114 East Thirteenth Street, for the purpose of formally organizing the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America. Together they became charter members of the New York temple, named Mecca. The Arabic Shrine was born. Walter Fleming William Florence Michael G. Severe Current Imperial Potentate of Shriners International
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20. Prince Hall Recognition Source : Masonic Recognition Issues by Paul M. Bessel (www.Bessel.Org)
29. GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE JEHOVAH ALLAH JESUS CHRIST KRISHNA LUCIFER BAAL BUDDHA VISHNU RA A Generic Deity In lodge, a Mason may offer his devotions to the Deity he reveres, using the Masonic title Great Architect of the Universe , no matter what name he may use in his private religious worship. Thus, Freemasons worship the Great Architect of the Universe - a symbol of Deity as named and worshiped in all lodges. Could a Christian worship a symbol which is supposed to represent Baal, Allah, Ra, Buddha, Jehovah, Vishnu, Lucifer, and Krishna, as well as Jesus Christ, and actually be worshiping only the God of the Bible? Fraternal Worship
Candi Strecker, once said “THEY ROAMED THE EARTH, PROUD AND FREE. Mighty herds of Moose and Elk, great flocks of Eagles, pride after pride of Lions. But finest of all were the Shriners. Romping, gamboling & driving miniature cars in precision formation, the gold-and-rhinestone trim on their bright red fezzes sparkling in the sun; truly, they were the most playful of all fraternal organizations !” While they're not yet extinct , these days the Shriners could be called an endangered species. At the turn of the 20 th century, millions of men - possibly one out of every five adult males in the United States - belonged to one or more fraternal lodges. But as times and attitudes change, and the truth is revealed these all-male social organizations are literally dying out. "The Black Camel is advancing on us" say the Shriners, who have lost over one-third of their membership since 1980. And it's hard to see where they'll find young replacements for the members who are leaving either in a hearse, or in droves from their breeding ground called the blue lodge. I am one of those men who have left the temples of the Noble of the Mystic Shrine. I, like many other men, walked away from the Shrine for one simply, yet vitally important reason, because its foundational teachings violate, assault and undermine biblical Christianity. Today, I will share with you about the Shriners, the boldest and most in-your-face of all the fraternal organizations. M ost of us at least have some idea about the Shriners: that they wear those funny hats, that they support a network of charity hospitals for children, that they've organized themselves around a hokey Arabian Nights theme. And most of all, we know them from their public appearances in parades and such, dressed as clowns, or teetering on tiny mini-bikes, or tooling around in go-karts decked out as miniature cars or trucks. To a person with a post-modern perspective, the red-fez Shriners present a fashionably nostalgic image. Though most of us have some idea what they look like, not many know what the Shriners actually are. I will share with you in greater detail as we move on, but in a nutshell, their Arabian Nights theme is carried on behind the closed doors of Shriner Temples, surrounding themselves with Ali Baba trappings of pyramids, camels, palm trees, and scimitars. New Nobles are initiated in a symbolic journey across a desert's burning sands to an oasis emblematic of the city of Mecca. While real Moslems shun alcohol , the play-Arabs of the Shrine have a reputation as party-hearty drinkers. The Shrine's annual conventions are famous for bringing together thousands of jolly, tipsy, boys-will-be-boys carousers for a week of seemingly innocent good-natured mayhem. While there is some question about the origin of the Fraternity's name, it is probably no coincidence that its initials (A.A.O.N.M.S.), rearranged, spell out the words "A MASON," a not-so-subtle clue that one must first be "a Mason" in order to become a Shriner. Yet, if you're seeking a dark side to the Shriners' frisky tomfoolery, then look no further, because today we are going to demystify the Mystic Shrine.
Since you must be a Mason in order to become a Shriner , it’s important to understand where the Mystic Shrine fits within Freemasonry, which is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations. Every degree within Freemasonry is laced with grandiose speechifying rituals about returning to lost, mysterious, ancient truths. The Masonic Lodge, often known as the Symbolic Lodge , Blue Lodge , or Craft Lodge receives and acts upon petitions for the first three degrees in Freemasonry. These degrees are: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Each lodge is headed by a “Worshipful Master” , who’s leadership falls under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge within a state or province headed by a “ Grand Master .” There is no higher degree than that of the Master Mason (the Third Degree). However, for those men who would like to receive additional instruction and explanation regarding the allegory and symbolism learned in the Masonic Lodge there are three additional Appendant or Concordant bodies that can be entered. These are: The York Rite, the Scottish Rite, and the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed to supplement and amplify the Blue Lodge degrees, affording historical background on the work and meaning of Freemasonry. The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of York. Freemasonry is quick to claim that in no area or body of the Order is it a religion in itself, it does however, develop themes, philosophy, and a theology that is very much religious. The theme of the York Rite is based on the Medieval Crusades. In the York Rite, A Master Mason may become a member of three bodies - The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, The Council of Cryptic Masons (Royal, Select, and Excellent Masters), The Commandery of the Knights Templar. The Scottish Rite work is also designed to amplify and elaborate on the lessons of the Blue Lodge degrees. And, like the Blue Lodge, it requires a belief in a Supreme Being, yet also adamantly claims not to be a religion. A Master Mason may achieve 29 degrees - the fourth through thirty-second - in the Scottish Rite. Degree structure organization differs somewhat within the Northern and Southern jurisdictions throughout the world. However, the basic purposes and principles remain the same. A 33rd Degree is bestowed on men who have given “outstanding service to Freemasonry or to their communities,” which is opened to interpretation. Please note that, traditionally after a Master Mason has achieved either the Thirty Second Degree in the Scottish Rite or the Knights Templar Degree in York Rite, he can petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine . However, because of the fact that Shriner membership has been dropping so dramatically in recent years, in July 2000, the Shrine dropped the requirement for membership in the York and/or Scottish Rites as necessary for admission—the steps indicated here are no longer required. As indicated here, with the exception of Prince Hall and Canadian Masons, to become a Shriner, it is merely necessary that you be a Master Mason in good standing.
In 1870, several thousand of the nearly one million residents of Manhattan were Masons. Many of these Masons made it a point to have lunch at the Knickerbocker Cottage, a restaurant on Sixth Avenue. At a special table on the second floor, a particularly jovial group of men used to meet regularly. The Masons who gathered at this table were noted for their good humor and wit. They often discussed the idea of a new fraternity for Masons, in which fun and social fellowship would be stressed more than ritual . Two of the table regulars, Walter M. Fleming, a physician and William J. Florence, an actor, took the idea seriously enough to do something about it. It was Fleming's idea to establish a fun fraternal order for men who had completed their requirements in the Scottish or York rite Masonic organizations. The actor, Florence, after becoming the toast of the New York stage, toured London, Europe and Middle Eastern countries, always playing to capacity audiences. While on tour in France, Florence was invited to a party given by an Arabian diplomat. The entertainment was something in the nature of an elaborately staged musical comedy. At its conclusion, the guests became members of a secret society. Florence, recalling the conversations at the Knickerbocker Cottage, realized that this might well be the vehicle for the new fraternity. He made copious notes and drawings at that initial viewing and on two other occasions when he attended the ceremony, once in Algiers and again in Cairo. When he returned to New York in 1870 and showed his material to Dr. Fleming, Fleming agreed. On September 26, 1872, these two men met with 11 others in New York's Masonic Hall, 114 East Thirteenth Street, for the purpose of formally organizing the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America. Together they became charter members of the New York temple, named Mecca. The Arabic Shrine was born.
John George Jones was born in Ithaca, New York, September 17, 1860. Little is known of his early life. His death certificate shows that he resided in Chicago for 48 years. He was initiated into Freemasonry in 1880. Jones was said to be a man of some standing in the community. He was an attorney-at-law practicing in Chicago and served as Representative in the 42nd Session of the Legislative Assembly from the Fourth District, which comprised Cook County. Jones was very active in Prince Hall Freemasonry in his jurisdiction, serving as Grand Secretary for the Masonic year 1874-1875, and in the later, was elected to Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. It was he, who was instrumental in the calling of a Congress of Grand Lodges, which was held in Chicago in 1877. This Congress was the forerunner of the present day Conference of Prince Hall Grand Masters. In recording the formation of the “Egyptian” Shrine, we must rely on the words of John G. Jones and others; and the reader will have to decide for himself what he accepts and what he rejects. Jones declared: "I have the honor to be the first colored Mason in the United States who had the Mystic Shrine Degree conferred upon me, and a patent of authority and power was granted me by the Grand Council of Shriners of Arabia. My application was received and accepted by the Grand Council of Shriners of Arabia in 1890; and in June, 1893, in the City of Chicago, Noble Rofelt Pasha, Deputy of the Grand Council of Arabia, assisted by three other Nobles conferred the degrees of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine upon me in imposing ceremonies held at the Masonic Hall, and gave me a patent of power and authority to confer the degree of the Mystic Shrine, institute Temples and organize the Grand Imperial Council, and be the Imperial Grand Potentate of the Imperial Grand Council in the United States of America."
First public endorsement of homosexuality I’ve ever seen from Freemasonry. Comes from a magazine associated with the ‘thinkers’ of the Craft, for what that’s worth. Interesting that such a view comes out now. More interesting because Masons, in some jurisdictions can’t even work in a liquor store or hold a liquor license. But apparently, it’s okay if they’re gay. Neither Masonic morality nor tolerance is absolute.
What does the Bible teach concerning this? Being created by God (in the flesh) make us His creation, not His children. One must be born of the Spirit in order to be a child of God. (John 3:5-7, Romans 9:8) Only by faith in Jesus Christ do we become children of God (Galatians 3:26-29) Only those who are led by the Spirit of God are truly Sons of God. (Romans 8:14) One must receive Jesus as Lord and Savior in order to welcomed into the family of God. (John 1:12)
Black Freemasonry began when Prince Hall and fourteen other free black men were initiated into Lodge No. 441, Irish Constitution, attached to the 38th Regiment of Foot, British Army Garrisoned at Castle William (now Fort Independence) Boston Harbor on March 6, 1775. When the British Army left Boston in 1776, this Lodge, No 441, granted Prince Hall and his brethren authority to meet as African Lodge #1 (Under Dispensation), to go in procession on St. John's Day, and as a Lodge to bury their dead; but they could not confer degrees nor perform any other Masonic "work". For nine years these brethren, together with others who had received their degrees elsewhere, assembled and enjoyed their limited privileges as Masons. Thirty-three masons were listed on the rolls of African Lodge #1 on January 14th, 1779. Finally on March 2, 1784, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, through a Worshipful Master of a subordinate Lodge in London (William Moody of Brotherly Love Lodge No. 55) for a warrant or charter. The Warrant to African Lodge No. 459 of Boston is the most significant and highly prized document known to the Prince Hall Mason Fraternity. Through it our legitimacy is traced, and on it more than any other factor, our case rests. It was granted on September 29, 1784, delivered in Boston on April 29, 1787 by Captain James Scott, brother-in-law of John Hancock and master of the Neptune, under its authority African Lodge No. 459 was organized one week later, May 6, 1787. Today, the Prince Hall fraternity has over 4,500 lodges worldwide, forming 45 independent jurisdictions with a membership of over 300,000 masons.
The book "Christianity and American Freemasonry" by William J. Whalen, Ignatius Press, 1998), discusses the racism of Freemasonry at some length: ******* An organization dedicated to brotherhood, Masonry ironically remains a bulwark of racial segregation in the United States. By 1987, decades after most American institutions had accepted racial integration, only four of the forty-nine Grand Lodges could count even one black member in their jurisdictions. In his scholarly study of black Freemasonry Whalen observes…
37 (out of a total of 51 - 73%) U.S. Grand Lodges have adopted resolutions that say Prince Hall Masonry is "regular." Some have adopted "full recognition," in the same sense they recognize any other Grand Lodge, some have granted "recognition" to the extent of permitting intervisitation but not dual memberships, and some have adopted resolutions supporting Prince Hall Masonry but making recognition subject to something such as adoption of similar action by Prince Hall Masonry. There are 41 states (plus D.C.) in the U.S. that have Prince Hall Grand Lodges (the other 10 states may have Prince Hall lodges, but chartered by a Prince Hall Grand Lodge of another state). Of these 41 U.S. states that have Prince Hall Grand Lodges, 27 have been recognized by the "predominately white" Grand Lodge in that state. These are those states, starting with the state of Connecticut in 1989, more than 200 years after Freemasonry began in America. And, it took the Shriners up until July 14, 2001, despite the landmark, US Supreme Court case of August 1929, which declared Prince Hall Masonry and Shrinedom as legitimate! It is a shame that an organization devoted to promoting the universal brotherhood of Man would deny a man because of his skin color, and declare a lodge of such men as being clandestine, not "real" masons at all, even though the Prince Hall lodges and their Grand Lodges were formed in America in the same manner as white lodges. That is, having received its charter from the Grand Lodge of England, which is exactly what the white lodges had done during the Revolutionary War.
On July 14, 2001, the following resolution was adopted by the "predominately white" Shrine of North America: Robert N. Turnipseed, Imperial Potentate, A.A.O.N.M.S, of Calam Temple, Lewiston, Idaho, along with the Imperial Divan, all of whom are Representatives, propose the following:
There is a much longer version featured in both the Egyptian Shiner’s ritual as well as the Arabic Shriner’s ritual.
In lodge, a Mason may offer his devotions to the Deity he reveres, using the Masonic title Great Architect of the Universe , no matter what name he may use in his private religious worship. Thus, Freemasons worship the Great Architect of the Universe - a symbol of Deity as named and worshiped in all lodges. Could a Christian worship a symbol which is supposed to represent Baal, Allah, Ra, Buddha, Jehovah, Vishnu, Lucifer, and Krishna, as well as Jesus Christ, and actually be worshiping only the God of the Bible?
Isaiah 45:5 says, “ I am the Lord, and there is no other. There is no God besides me.” Exodus 20:3 says, “ You shall have no other gods before me.” What this means is that we are not to have any god in place of, or to be worshipped in addition to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of the Bible.
To give you an idea of just how sublime the 3 rd degree is to Freemasonry… It was the single object of all the ancient rites and mysteries practiced in the very bosom of pagan darkness, ...to teach the immortality of the soul. This is still the great design of the third degree of Masonry. This is the scope and aim of its ritual. The Master Mason represents man, when youth, manhood, old age, and life itself have passed away as fleeting shadows, yet raised from the grave of iniquity, and quickened into another and better existence.
By its legend and all its ritual, it is implied that we have been redeemed from the death of sin and the sepulchre of pollution.
Genesis 21: 14-19
“ Our brother _____ became a Free and Accepted Mason on _____ in _____ Lodge No ____. ( Here insert his Masonic record if desired.) He left our earthly family to unite with the Heavenly familv on _____. While we mourn his loss, we rejoice that we are citizens of two worlds. He has preceded us and has joined our host of brethren in that other world where God who is the Father and Master of us all awaits his coming.”
“… we have the assurance that Thou hast taken to Thyself his soul…Masons believe sincerely that when life on earth comes to a close, the soul is transplanted from the imperfections of this mortal sphere to that all-perfect glorious and Celestial Lodge above.”
“ We firmly believe our Brother has but heard the invitatinon ’ Come thou blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.”
These are fundamental & essential doctrines to the historic Christian faith that in this age of compromise, and in the name of universalism, tolerance, and religious pluralism that’s so prevalent in our society, and in the world today, I have shown how the teachings of the Masonic Order perpetuate such attitudes and violate, assault and undermine the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are we all in agreement that the teachings of Freemasonry are incompatible with biblical Christianity? If you are, than are you will to stand in demonstration of that agreement? Than let us stand out of your seats together at this time. It has infiltrated the church like a malignant spiritual tumor, a cancer; or like an insidious spiritual cyanide, a poison in the body of Christ. More could be said, more will be said, but until then be aware, be alert, be prepared to contend for the faith to give an answer for the reason, and the hope that lies within you with gentleness and with respect. For more information…thank you for you time today and may God…
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