A Supreme Being - Thinking Instead of the Box

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A Supreme Being

For my inaugural post on philosophy (not counting my introduction to the website itself), I'll

share the discovery that this site comes up as, roughly, the 10th result for a Google search for

the word "philosophization"and that's before I even posted a single article on the topic. The

"Recent philosophization" page is responsible for this. I guess that means either that keyword

optimization is easy, or that relatively few people use the word "philosophization" on the

internet. Ironically, but incidentally, this post might just improve that ranking further.

To the topic at hand: From my brief (and possibly superficial) reading about Freemasonry, my

understanding is that one of the prerequisites to becoming a Freemason is a belief in a

"Supreme Being." Freemasons, however, expressly do not question or discuss the nature of the

Supreme Being, the details of a member's belief, or other matters of religion, at least in their

lodges or in the context of their organization. This means that they are, by design, open to

individuals of any religion or school of philosophy, as long those individuals are of the desired

moral character.

This rule leaves open the possibility of beliefs in any kind of God (or gods): a sentient God, a

personal God, a natural Godany of the countless conceptions of God discussed in the study

of religion and philosophy. It would support individuals who are atheists in the usual sense but

still believe in something divine, such as Thoreau's understanding of the divinity of nature. The

beliefs of many Buddhists would also be included. No conditions are placed on the idea of a

Supreme Being; only a belief in a Supreme Being is required.

Since I read about this, I've been pondering where exactly the boundary falls between belief in

a Supreme Being and beliefs that don't quite meet that description. Certainly, there are atheists

who fall on both sides, depending on their spiritual beliefs, or lack thereof. But how about

someone like, say, Nietzsche? He might or might not have acknowledged any sort of divinity,

but his views on humanity and life itself do point to something supreme (whether or not you

take the idea of the Overman in a literal sense).

Now, how about Taoism? Since the Tao Te Chingis all I know of Taoism, I'll speak in terms of

the Tao Te Ching: The Tao, although its meaning varies in the same way that the meaning of

"God" does, is not a being. Some interpretations of the Tao, however, would characterize it as

something universal and divine. On the other hand, I personally interpret the Taothat is, this

is only my interpretationas something limited to an individual person, bounded by oneself, but

not universal. It is just as powerful and profound as it is in its other versions, but it has nothing

to do with nature as a whole, nor does it relate to a universal energy. It is simply a way of being,

thinking, and living. I see this as closely related to Kierkegaard's notion of faith, a subjective

relationship with the "infinite," because that is, too, ultimately a way of believing and living.

These sorts of beliefs are far from any conventional faith; they do not involve a Supreme Being

in the senses described above. But they could still be described as beliefs in a Supreme Being

that is, a supreme way of being. In other words, take the word "Being" as a gerund:

Buddhists, Nietzscheans, Taoists, and Kierkegaardians could all say, "Yes, I believe in a

Supreme Being."

Admittedly, this amounts to wordplay on the Freemasons' term "Supreme Being." However, my

aim is not to find a loophole in their policy nor to belittle the intent behind that requirement. For

Nietzsche or for a Taoist of the type suggested above, "way of being" receives a truly religious

focus and effort; it is not simply an excuse for atheism. At the same time, the idea of a "way of

living," whether its connotation is primarily spiritual or merely practical or utilitarian, is an

important part of many religions and belief systems, not to mention a core piece of the wayFreemasons see their role in society. It can be an essential aspect of faith. The question is

whether or not a belief in Supreme way of Beingin absence of literal faith would be considered

August

By Dan

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a belief in a Supreme Being.

I realize that, out of the context of Freemasonry, this question would be meaningless. However,

in an attempt to understand the non-denominational belief system and organization of the

Freemasons, it's a worthwhile question. It is possible, though, that I misunderstand their rules.

On one hand, the original, 18th-century intent behind the rule was probably to make sure the

organization was non-denominational, while a relatively narrow understanding of faith was

assumed. On the other hand, it's possible that Freemasons today generally wouldn't care if an

individual's "belief in a Supreme Being" is objectively on the border-line as long as the individualconsiders himself to have the right kind of belief. (Maybe I'll go down to the Pennsylvania Grand

Lodge and find out.) In the latter case, that would truly reflect an embrace of the subjectivity of

faith. Either way, I think the question would be interesting to explore.

Comments

The exact definition of Supreme Being is not something even the

Grand Lodge could tell you; Masons mean it when we say "it's up

to you." However, the candidate is required to seek counsel fromHim before each degree, and to believe in the resurrected life.

While Masons are not required to believe in the God of Abraham,

He is described in Masonry to be a very close approximation.

Thanks for the comment!

That's why I find this so interesting. The meaning of this belief is

up to each individual, yet there is an implicit limitationa

minimum, if you willon what that belief can be.

Maybe the right question is: if a person says "I believe in a

Supreme Being," under what conditions can he feel he is being

honest? Is thatup to him as well?

(I'm not saying there's a definitive answer to that, either.)

Don't take the relative openness to concepts of a Supreme Being

to mean that God has no part in Masonry. Deity plays a

particularly important part in Masonic ritual, as does the concept

of the afterlife; the true Masonic penalty (the physical

punishments you may have heard of are figurative) applies in

one's placement in the latter, and the goal of Masonry is service

toward the former.

The God of a Freemason is One that would hold him to the

obligations he takes upon himself in each degree, with

corresponding reward/penalty in the afterlife.

This has been my question for quite some time. I was asked to

leave my lodge after revealing I was a Pantheist. My desire to join

was based on tradition as I would have been a fourth generation

Freemason. When I asked to substitute the Bible with something

more spiritually in-tuned to my belief, an investigation ensued.

The result was that my spiritual views were too "atheistic" in

nature, and I was asked to leave. Prior, I was asked if I believed

in one Supreme Being, and I do; the totality of everything. Part of

me thinks their investigation was unorthodox per Masonic policy

not to discuss. If I said I believe, I believe and case closed.

This Guy

Thursday, Aug 5, 2010

Dan Zollman

Thursday, Aug 5, 2010

This Guy

Monday, Aug 9, 2010

Descendent

Sunday, Oct 10, 2010
http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-73http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-15http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-4http://www.insteadofthebox.com/abouthttp://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-2http://www.pagrandlodge.org/http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#addcommenthttp://www.insteadofthebox.com/feeds/comments/a-supreme-being.rss


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Another part wonders if I was dunce for requesting something out

of the "norm" and needlessly drawing attention, opening the door

in the first place. Perhaps a great deal of the question at hand

rests with the tolerance level of the particular lodge and its

members in which you belong.

HI, At present I am trying to find if there can be a connection

between pantheism and freemasonary, my understanding of

pantheism is every thing is god or all is god.

As a freemason, I belive in a supreme being which can be called

God, how the make up of that being is as each person percieves

his own belief. Now pantheism basic make up is everything is

god, to place with in a biblical phrase unto any name will i

answer, this implies to me that the bible is a source of pantheism

and that each componant of god is each animate and inanimate

object, is a part of that God (a supreme being).

This being the case then Taoisim fits the requirements of being a

free mason.

The members of my lodge know I am not a Christian, I am quite

vocal about that, they understand that my concept of a supreme

being is complex and they further know that i will question all the

paradoxs of belief.

This they accept as part of my charge in understanding the areas

of study we are commended to apply as we progress through the

different degree levels.

When we consider the rebirth after death then this can equated to

the circle of reincarnation.

Regards Adrien

Adrien Barlow, am I am too a Freemason with some underlining

beliefs in pantheism. I feel as I qualify as believing in a Supreme

being by my personal precepts and spiritual outlooks. I amrereading the Tao myself and some of what is inscribed in it can

be found in the secrets of the Masonic Trestle Board; that being

the two pillars being masculine and feminine, day and night

related, and dualism that leads to the trinity (3) by use of the all

seeing eye, which some consider the eye of god, or to others of

more of the occult, the third eye, used throughout other cultures. I

would post some links to other sites but I dont want to advertise,

but rather give insight.

Interesting post and discussion on pantheism. The discussion

leads to more questions such as : Can one have a personal god

/ believe in a supreme being and still believe that god is

everywhere and in everything? Do polytheists qualify within the

definition of masonry, as they have many gods, yet believe that

there is a supreme being in charge and ultimately let the

individual decide? The ancient Greeks were polytheists, yet

believed in an ultimate god, xeus. So ,uch to think about. Thanks

and have a wonderful new year.

In my comment I was referring to Hindus as the pantheists.

The rules of Freemasonry are quite clear on this matter: all that isrequired from a candidate is that he profess a belief in a supreme

being. Although, the ritual is heavily based on Judeo-Christian-

Adrien Barlow

Tuesday, Oct 4, 2011

Bro. G.K.

Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011

sam

Sunday, Dec 30, 2012

sam

Sunday, Dec 30, 2012

WBro. RSaturday, Feb 16, 2013
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Islamic story, there is no requirement to be a member of these or

any other organized religion. Only that you profess a belief in a

supreme being. But, Descendent, you pressed the issue by

requesting something other that the Holy Bible or the Koran

which are generally present in our meetings and were challenged

to be more specific. I suspect that your answers to their questions

were not convincing and probably led them to believe that your

core beliefs were as non-specific as your answers and they gave

you a vote o non-confidence. Perhaps you can firm up your beliefsystem and decide on a scripture that represents your beliefs and

reapply once you can increase your level of specificity. Perhaps

Zoroastianism aligns with your core beliefs? ...just a suggestion.

I really think this blog post , !A Supreme Being Thinking

Instead of the Box!", relatively engaging and also the post was a

fantastic

read. I appreciate it-Dominick

Where exactly did you actually end up getting the suggestions to

post !!A Supreme Being Thinking Instead of the Box!"?

Thank you ,Mai

http://www.dailymotion.com/interior-

design

Monday, Feb 18, 2013

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http://beautifulhomede.ucoz.com/

Monday, Feb 18, 2013

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A Supreme Being - Thinking Instead of the Box