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03/04/2013 12:42 ..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
Permali
Short li
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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.rss7/30/2019 A Supreme Being - Thinking Instead of the Box
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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
http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-100444http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-83744http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-83743http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-3103http://www.insteadofthebox.com/journal/a-supreme-being/#comment-29187/30/2019 A Supreme Being - Thinking Instead of the Box
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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
#
http://beautifulhomede.ucoz.com/
Monday, Feb 18, 2013
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