bridge

Bridge to Light

In 1993 the Southern Baptist Convention considered a report from their Home Mission Board (HMB) on the subject of Freemasonry. On of the criticisms that they had about Freemasonry was on the book "A Bridge to Light," by Rex Hutchens. "A Bridge to Light" is officially published by the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite Organization.

The Scottish Rite Organization (see www.masonicfax.com/scottish.htm ) allows a Master Mason to go from 3 degrees in Masonry to 32 degrees. It, along with the York Rite, is called appendent bodies (that is, they are in addition to the basic 3 degrees of Masonry). Before becoming a 32-degree Mason a copy of "Bridge To Light" is given to the candidate as a gift. Because a candidate is given the book does not mean that he has to accept everything that is contained therein. As a matter of fact there is a disclaimer in the book that states: Every one is entirely free to reject and dissent from whatsoever herein may seem to him to be untrue or unsound. It is only required of him that he shall weigh what is taught, and give it fair hearing and unprejudiced judgment."

The Report from the Home Mission Board supposedly labeled "Bridge To Light" as "undeniably pagan and / or occultic." It is believed by some that the Scottish Rite is teaching religion in one form or another. Let's take a look at this book and find out if it is a bridge to light or a bridge to darkness.

Charge #1

A "Bridge To Light" denies the certainty of religious truth claims (p.9). It endorses the idea that religious truth is relative (p.69) and teaches that dogmatic certainty is impossible ("perfect truth is not attainable anywhere" p. 107).

Christian Response

While Scottish Rite Freemasonry claims that certainty in matters of truth is impossible, the Bible teaches otherwise. Jesus, for example, taught that while the Samaritans worshiped a false religion, God’s salvation would come from the Jews (see John 4:22). Likewise, Peter and Paul warned their readers of the errors of the pagans and taught the possibility of religious certainty (see Rom. 1:18,25; 2 Thess. 2:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:8; 1 Pet. 4:3). The apostles not only taught the possibility of religious certainty, But they also claimed to have found truth in the Person of Jesus Christ. Scottish Rite Freemasonry teaches that "perfect truth is not attainable anywhere" [p.107]. But Jesus claimed to be both "the way, and the truth" (John 14:6). (1)

Rebuttal

There is a subtle twist in Dr. Gordon's next charge, which is possibly the result of an accidental misreading. He says that "A Bridge to Light Denies Certainty in Religious Truth Claims." He suggests the Scottish Rite teaches that religious truth is "uncertain and relative." He says that A Bridge to Light makes that claim on pages 9, 69, 103 and 107. Again, he should have looked a little closer. A Bridge to Light does not say there is no certain religious truth. It says human understanding of religious truth is imperfect. And it says that, since human understanding of religious truth is imperfect, no one should hate someone else just because one person's imperfect understanding is different from another person's imperfect understanding.

This interpretation should not come as a surprise to the writer of "A Closer Look." The Bible relates the same idea in these words:

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). (2)

Charge #2

A Bridge to Light Argues Against Fearing God.

A Bridge to Light teaches that God is a God of love Who should not be feared. "‘I put my trust in God,’ is the protest of Masonry against the belief in a cruel, angry, and revengeful God, to be feared and not reverenced by is creatures" [Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, p. 196, quoted in A Bridge to Light (BTL), p. 85]. According to A Bridge to Light, the belief that God should be feared belonged to a primitive time. In these enlightened times, Scottish Rite Masons are taught that a God of love should not be feared [p. 92].

Christian Response:

There is no incompatibility between the biblical teaching that we are to fear God and the biblical teaching that God is loving. Scottish Rite Freemasonry has set up a false dichotomy. The Bible clearly teaches that we are to fear the Lord God (see 2 Chron. 19:7; Pss. 19:9; 34:11; 111:10; Prov. 14:27; 15:16). The biblical principle of "the fear of the Lord" is also found in the New Testament. Jesus taught that we are to fear God (see Luke 12:4-5). The denial of this biblical principle by Scottish Rite Freemasonry is contrary to the teachings of Christ. (1)

Rebuttal:

"A Closer Look" then makes a strange charge: "A Bridge to Light teaches that God is a God of love who should not be feared. 'I put my trust in God, is the protest of Masonry against the belief in a cruel, angry, and revengeful God, to be feared and not reverenced by His creatures.'" [The inner quotation is taken from Morals and Dogma by Do. Gordon.] It is rather unusual to be accused of teaching that one should love God. But the writer of "A Closer Look" then lists Biblical quotations to prove that God should be feared.

He is missing the point. Pike and Hutchens were simply trying to correct an error which has crept into thinking because our language has changed. The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that, at the time the King James Translation of the Bible was made, a primary meaning of the word "fear" was "to hold in awe and respect." Over time, "fear" has developed the primary meaning it has now -- "be terrified of." Pike was simply saying that God is a God of love, you need not be terrified of Him. Hold him in awe and respect certainly, but do not assume that He is a malignant being who is looking for a chance to do you harm. (2)

Charge #3

A Bridge to Light Falsely Claims That Christianity Affirms Dualism.

A Bridge to Light misrepresents Christian doctrine in several areas. For example, it claims that Christianity accepts the principle of dualism as taught by Zoroaster [p. 311]. Zoroaster was an ancient Iranian false prophet who founded the religion called Zoroastrianism. He taught that there are two equal and mutually hostile forces in the world. One is the source of all good, while the other is the source of all evil. [Walter A. Elwell, ed. Evangelical Dictionery of Theology, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House Co., 1984), p. 334]. Scottish Rite Freemasonry embraces belief in this type of dualism. According to A Bridge to Light, dualism is found in both the teachings and symbols of the Scottish Rite [pp. 18, 81, 133].

Christian Response:

While finite human beings will never fully comprehend the infinite God, it is not true that we are "utterly powerless to form any conception of what He is" [p. 218]. The Bible not only indicates that we can formaccurate conceptions about God, but it also teaches that we can know God to the point of having a personal relationship with Him. The Bible uses many adjectives to describe God. God is portrayed as light (see 1 John 1:5), love (see 1 John 4:8,16), eternal (see Deut. 33:27; Rev. 4:8-10), immortal (see Rom. 1:23; 1 Tim. 6:16), almighty (see Gen. 17:1; Ex. 6:3), all-knowing (see Ps. 139:1-6; Prov. 5:21), unchanging (see Ps. 102:26-27; Jas. 1:17), wise (see Rom. 16:27), perfect (see Deut. 32:4; Matt. 5:48), holy (see Ps. 99:9), just (see Deut. 32:4; Isa. 45:21), true (see Jer. 10:10; John 17:3), good (see Pss. 25:8; 92:15), righteous (see Ezra 9:15; Pss. 119:68; 145:17), gracious and compassionate (see Ex. 34:6; Ps. 116:5), and faithful (see 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Pet. 4:19). Adjectives that A Bridge to Light calls dangerous "even to attempt" are regularly used in the Bible. (1)

Rebuttal:

The next point gets a little abstract, and I apologize for dragging the reader through it, but it is important. According to the writer of "A Closer Look," A Bridge to Light claims that Christianity accepts the principle of dualism as taught by Zoroaster (page 311). But, that's not what A Bridge to Light says.

Dualism is a doctrine, which says that both a good and an evil force exist in the universe. Dualism, as taught by Zoroaster, involved two essentially equal gods, one good and one evil, who contested for control of the universe. Dualism, as it appears in many Christian denominations, teaches that there are two forces, but that they are not equal. The good force is God, who is omnipotent. The evil force is Satan, who is not omnipotent. Dr. Hutchens is referencing Pike, who observed (as have many Christian theologians) that Zoroaster seems to have originated the idea of dualism, and the idea has found echoes in many Western religions, including Christianity. Dr. Hutchens was not suggesting, as "A Closer Look" implies, that Christianity believes in a good God and an evil God.

Again, I wish the writer had taken a closer look at page 218 of A Bridge to Light. He says the Scottish Rite teaches that man cannot have a knowledge of God. Had he read more carefully, he would have realized that the book says the Koran teaches that man's limited intellect cannot form a true conception of what God is like. That's hardly a surprising statement. The book also says that when we start describing God, we limit our idea of Him because words are limited. So we should remember that when we try to describe God, there is a danger that we will overlook part of His greatness. Again, that's obviously true. It's just another version of "For now we see through a glass, darkly." (2)

Charge #4

A Bridge to LightTeaches a False Trinity:

Scottish Rite Freemasonry claims to believe in the doctrine of the Trinity [pp. 227-28, 230, 234, 236-37, 255, 316]. A Bridge to Light even refers to the "Masonic Trinity." However, when it describes the Trinity, it becomes clear that it is not referring to the same Trinity believed by Christians [p. 227]. "They may also be seen as symbols of Faith, Hope and Charity, which are the virtues of man. These three virtues are expanded into what Pike calls the Masonic Creed, a concept of Trinity which brings to mind the Nicene Creed of Christianity discussed in the ceremony section" [p. 234]. Scottish Rite Freemasonry views the three Persons of the Christian Trinity as the first three emanations of a Gnostic and occultic manifestation of Deity [pp. 133, 139, 236, 255]. A Bridge to Light redefines the meaning of the Trinity to the point where it claims to find the doctrine within all of the world’s major religions [p. 228]. Scottish Rite Freemasonry uses the assumed existence of the Trinity in other religions to justify teaching its candidates about several non-Christian faiths. The candidate is instructed that several pagan deities are similar to the Christian Trinity. These include such pagan deities as Agni, Indra, Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, the Buddhas, Ahura Mazda, Spenta Mainyu, Vohumano, Mithra, Odin, Frea, Thor, Kneph, Khem, Amun, Ainsoph, Kether, Hakemah, and Binah [pp. 230-31]. This pagan understanding of the Trinity is also seen in its discussion of the 32nd Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in A Bridge to Light [p. 316].

Christian Response:

Christianity does not believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are "emanations" of the Trinity. The three Persons of the Holy Trinity are not the "first three" of 10 emanations as claimed by A Bridge to Light. The concept of emanations proceeding from God is a pagan and Gnostic concept that is not compatible with Christianity. Since Gnosticism believed that the material world was evil, it taught that the Supreme Being could not have created the material universe. Gnosticism, therefore, postulated a series of emanations from the Supreme Being. It was one of these emanations, not the Supreme Being, who created the evil material world [Baker’s Dictionary of Theology, p. 181]. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity is also not the belief that God has three attributes. The "Masonic Trinity" is a complete misrepresentation of the Christian belief. This teaching, found in the lessons of the 26th Degree, is false. Christianity is the only religion that believes in the Holy Trinity [Christian Theology, p. 321]. The only way Scottish Rite Freemasonry can claim that the Trinity is not unique to Christianity is to redefine the doctrine so that it becomes something Christians have never believed. This misrepresentation of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity is very objectionable. To compare the Triune God of Christianity with the Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva is not only blasphemous, but also completely misrepresents Christian doctrine [pp. 230-31]. The Bible teaches that followers of the true and living God are not to follow after the false gods of the pagans (see Gen. 35:2; Ex. 23:13; Josh. 23:7; Ezek. 20:7; 1 Cor.10:20). Scottish Rite Freemasonry not only misrepresents Christian doctrine, but it also distorts non-Christian religions when it falsely claims that they also believe in the Trinity. A Bridge to Light is incorrect when it argues that the doctrine of the Trinity is a universal truth of man [p. 236]. To maintain this position, it has to misrepresent the beliefs of both Christianity and the pagan religions. Its contention that the Trimurti of the Hindus is similar to the Christian Trinity is again both simplistic and false [Geoffrey Parrinder, "Triads," The Encyclopedia of Religion 15, ed., Mircea Eliade (New York: Macmillian Publishing Co., 1987), p. 40]. The Trimurti of the Hindus has nothing in common with the God of Christianity. (1)

Rebuttal:

The writer then distorts the references to the Trinity so badly that it is truly offensive. What A Bridge to Light actually says is that many religions have conceived of God as triune (three-part) in nature. That is clearly true, as the example given in A Bridge to Light make obvious. But the writer of "A Closer Look" then suggests that masonry teaches that these trinities believed in by ancient religions are the same as the Holy Trinity of Christianity. Nowhere in Morals and Dogma, A Bridge to Light, or any other Masonic writing of which I am aware is such a claim made! Dr. Gordon's reasoning is the same as saying that because a watch has a face and hands and a human being has a face and hands, a watch and a human being are the same thing! (2)

Charge #5

A Bridge to Light Denies the Uniqueness of Jesus:

According to A Bridge to Light, Jesus of Nazareth was not unique. The book teaches that Jesus was just one messiah among the many messiahs found in the world’s religions. Jesus is placed on the same level as the pagan deities Dionysus, Sosiosch, Krishna, and Osiris. "We see references to Dionysius [sic] of the Greeks, Sosiosch of the Persians, Krishna of the Hindus, Osiris of the Egyptians, Jesus of the Christians. The purpose of these varying cultures’ messiahs was to find in human form a source of intercession with Deity; in particular one who, as a human, had been tempted and suffered the daily pangs of life and so could be expected to possess a particular sympathy and understanding; in a word, the messiahs expressed hope" [pp. 112-13].

Christian Response:

The comparison of Jesus Christ to the pagan deities Dionysus, Sosiosch,Krishna, and Osiris denigrates the deity of Christ. The words of Hebrews 2:18 apply to Christ and Christ alone. The Bible teaches that Jesus is unique. He is not just one messiah among many (see John 3:36; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5). A Bridge to Light attempts to read into these pagan religions Christian concepts that never existed. (1)

Rebuttal:

I would also ask the writer to take a closer look at the concept of a Messiah. He claims that the Scottish Rite teaches that Jesus was not unique. The passage he cites doesn't say that. It says that many religions in the ancient world taught that a Messiah would come. Again, that is provably true. But to say that the Greeks taught that Dionysius was a messiah-figure, or that the Hindus taught that Krishna was a messiah-figure is to make a statement about the teachings of those religions -- not to make a statement about Jesus of Nazareth. (2)

Charge #6

A Bridge to Light Confuses Pagan Deities with the One True God:

A Bridge to Light does not distinguish between the true God of the Bible and the deities of the pagan world. It indicates that the only distinction between the God of the Bible and those of the pagans is a difference of terminology [pp. 31, 120]. For example, A Bridge to Light calls Albar of the Druse "the Most High, or the Deity" [p. 219]. In the 31st Degree, Amun-ra is called "this great God." A Bridge to Light quotes the following words in its discussion of the 31st Degree: "they do not behold the great god Amun-ra their eyes do not imbibe the rays that flow from his disk their souls shall not be manifested or made illustrious in the world they shall not hear the voice of this great God, who is exalted far above their sphere" [p. 301].

Christian Response:

A Bridge to Light does not distinguish between the deities of the pagans and the true God of the Bible. The gods and goddesses of the pagans were not just different cultural representations of the one true God. The gods and goddesses of the pagans, and their representative idols, are false deities, which the Bible totally rejects (see Ex. 20:4-5). The Bible also rejects the idea that the pagans simply worshiped the one true God but used different names (see Ex. 32:4-8). No idol or pagan deity is a representation of the true God. They are all false deities and must be rejected by Christians. The differences between the God of the Bible and the gods and goddesses of the pagans are far greater than just a difference of terminology. (1)

Rebuttal:

The same sort of misunderstanding is responsible for the assertion in "A Closer Look" that the Scottish Rite confuses pagan deities with the one True God. It does not. It describes ancient religions as part of an intellectual study. It tells us what people have believed in the past. It does nothing more. (2)

Charge 7:

A Bridge to Light Teaches That Truth Is Found Within:

A Bridge to Light teaches that the soul of man is part of God [p. 220]. Therefore, it claims that religious truth can be found "by seeking ever deeper within ourselves" [p. 90]. Since A Bridge to Light teaches that humanity is part of God, it rejects the idea that human nature is evil or sinful. A Bridge to Light quotes Pike as claiming, "The heart of man craves only justice and love. Men are good. Evil institutions alone have made them bad" [Legenda XIX-XXX, pp. 168- 169, quoted in BTL, p. 292].

Christian Response:

The Bible warns us that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jer. 17:9—see also Pss. 51:5; 53:2-3). Likewise, Jesus cautioned us that evil thoughts and deeds do not come from outside a person but from within (see Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21). The assertion by Pike, that "the heart of man craves only justice and love" directly contradicts the teachings of the Bible [p. 292]. Jesus taught that human hearts have a tendency toward sin and evil. He also instructed His disciples that this tendency toward evil is not only caused by outward influences, but also by the evil desires of the human heart. The Bible warns us that human beings are not good (see Rom. 3:23). A Bridge to Light also errs when it claims that "the soul of man is part of the Divine" [p. 220]. The Bible teaches us that humans were created in the image of God (see Gen. 1:26-27). However, the Bible never instructs us that humans are a part of God. The Bible instead stresses the distinction between God and humanity (see Num. 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29). When God created human beings, He made something that was not Himself. This is the heart of the Christian understanding of creation. (1)

Rebuttal:

This chapter is on the 25th degree. Several things are said about the human soul. It is said that wise faith coupled with sound reason is a conviction which itself is the word of God in the human soul. The author says it is something we ought to be thankful to God for. On page 220 he says "The threefold nature of man- his flesh, his soul and his intellect - combine to form the human. When cultivated properly, the voice of God may be heard in the human mind and heart." This does not seem to imply to me that soul is the same as God. God is outside the soul and speaks to it. All souls belong to God and in that sense may be a part of Him, but that does not mean that souls are not independent of God and my chose their own destiny.

It has been charged that on page 90 of Bridge to Light that "religious truth can only be found by seeking ever deeper within ourselves." What it actually says is "with the aid of light (speaking of taking a light down into a cavern) and by seeking ever deeper within ourselves ( a type of unexplored cavern or vault) , the true knowledge of Deity will be found." There is no implication that we can only find God by looking within ourselves. However, there is the possibility of knowing more about God (once you have found Him) by looking more deeply within yourself. Looking within yourself without the aid of the light of God's Word is not fruitful. Since our hearts are deceitful and wicked wouldn't it stand to reason that we do need to look deeper within ourselves to see how we are failing, and then hopefully, repent of it.

The 25th Degree, Albert Pike said "teaches the necessity of reformation as well as repentance, as a means of obtaining mercy and forgiveness." So you see, it is more than just looking deeper within. The idea that the soul was a part of God was an ancient pagan idea that Albert Pike, in Morals and Dogma, was explaining.

Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma (p. 521) quoted the ancient philosopher Porphyry, "flee from everything sensual, that the soul may with ease re-unite itself with God, and live happily with Him." So you see, the argument that Masons believe in the soul being a part of God is foolishness. Some, but not all, of the ancient philosophies believed it, but it has not been incorporated into Masonry. (3)

Charge # 8

Influence of Pagan Religions on Scottish Rite Symbolism and Ritual Admitted by A Bridge to Light

According to A Bridge to Light, the symbolism of Freemasonry has been influenced by several pagan and occultic groups [p. 1]. The influence of these pagan and occultic groups can be found in several Scottish Rite rituals. In its discussion of the 9th Degree, A Bridge to Light claims that one of this degree’s symbols originated in the mystical and occult school of the Jewish Kabalah [pp. 56-57]. Commenting on the 17th Degree, A Bridge to Light quotes Pike, who indicates that two of the colors used in the degree are emblems of the sun and moon, which in turn are representations of the pagan deities Osiris and Isis [Morals and Dogma, p. 202, quoted in BTL, p. 133]. A Bridge to Light also claims that the 24th Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry focuses on the mystery religions of the ancient world. Candidates for this degree are invited to compare the teachings of Masonry with these mystery religions [pp. 206-07]. In the commentary on the 28th Degree, we are informed by A Bridge to Light that the eye of gold is a "symbol of the sun or of the Deity" [p. 247]. The book also explains the symbol of the Gnostic worm as it is used in Scottish Rite Freemasonry [p. 251]. Of all the degrees of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, the 31st Degree probably has the greatest uses of pagan symbolism. As A Bridge to Light explains, the ritual of the 31st Degree is derived from the Egyptian Book of the Dead [pp. 299-300]. According to A Bridge to Light, Isis directs the Masonic candidate to "the altar of the great god Khem, the source of life" [p. 302].

Christian Response:

Isis was the chief goddess in the ancient pantheon of Egypt. Her worship was so popular that the cult of Isis was one of the last mystery cults to survive [Leonard H. Lesko, "Isis," The Encyclopedia of Religion 7, ed., Mircea Eliade (New York: Macmillian Publishing Co., 1987), p. 302]. Christians must reject the statement that the pagan god Khem is "the source of life." The New Testament instructs us that it is Jesus, not "the great god Khem," who is the true source of life (see John 6:35,48,51; 11:25; 14:6). The recognition and respect accorded these Egyptian deities in A Bridge to Light is highly objectionable. Among these deities are gods and goddesses that are condemned in the Bible. For example, the ninth plague in which God brought darkness on the land of Egypt (see Ex. 10:21-29) was an insult directed toward Thoth, one of the moon gods [John J. Davis, Moses and the Gods of Egypt (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1971),p. 128]. It is highly objectionable to Christians that Scottish Rite Freemasonry includes references to these deities in its rituals. The Bible warns its readers that they are to have nothing to do with Egyptian deities. No Christian should ever participate in any ceremony or ritual that involves pagan deities (see Ex. 12:12; Deut. 32:16; Josh. 24:14; Jer. 43:12-13; 46:25). (1)

Rebuttal:

I really wish that the writer of "A Closer Look" had given more depth to his reading before he wrote "Scottish Rite Uses the Occult as a Source of Religious Truth." He cites some instances, including the suggestion that we teach astrology, and then devotes quite a bit of space to showing Biblical quotations that Christianity disapproves of divination by astrology.

The point he missed is that the Scottish Rite disapproves of it, too. As any Scottish Rite Mason knows, nowhere in the Rite are you taught how to be an astrologer. The Scottish Rite does teach about astrology by divination, however. And what does Pike say about astrology? He refers to it as "pretended science."

Pike states the study of the heavens was originally a useful means of telling the seasons so that men knew when to plant and when to harvest. This use then expanded to the heavens as a source of inspiration as men and women marveled at the Creator of such perfect order. Finally, astrology deteriorated in the hands of unscrupulous men to nothing more than spurious fortune-telling.

There is more. It really is not worth the space to answer each of the charges. They result from either a misreading or a misunderstanding of the material in A Bridge to Light -- and, of course, from a starting position that all Christianity must conform to the writer's own denominational doctrines.

It is worthwhile, however, to look at the comments of "A Closer Look" on the 31º, because it is clearly a case of misunderstanding the purposes of the Masonic Degrees, and it is possible that a better understanding may help the writer of the leaflet comprehend that here is nothing to cause concern.

He points out that the Degree is set in the Egyptian afterlife and that the candidate is required to swear things in the name of the Egyptian gods. He finds this offensive.

But there are a few things to be remembered and understood.

First of all, the 31º, like all Degrees, is a play. It has a plot and characters like any other play. The candidate is playing the part of a character, like everyone in the cast. In his case, he is playing the rôle of an ancient Egyptian who has died and entered into the after life as conceived by his people. It is a play just as Macbeth is a play, and the actor playing the dead Egyptian is no more engaging in an act of worship of the ancient gods than the actor playing Macbeth is really plotting political assassination.

The 31º is the next-to-last Degree in the basic Degrees of the Scottish Rite. Pike wanted to make the point that the Mason should constantly examine his actions and motives, holding himself to the highest standards of honor and ethics. He wanted a story line which represented the ultimate judgement, when nothing is hidden. He was far too devout a Christian to use a play based on the Last Judgement as seen by Christianity -- he would have considered that sacrilege.

But there is another religion, now dead, which contain such a scene, and that is the religion of ancient Egypt. There are not practitioners of that religion left, and so Pike could draw on an old Degree, without fear of giving offense to a member of that faith. He did. But he did something more wonderful and subtle, and it a good example of the way the Rite teaches.

The Egyptian Book of the Dead contains a sequence usually called the "negative confession." The soul of the departed asserts that he has never moved the landmarks, he has never cheated in trade, he has never broken the law, etc. Pike uses that, but then tells the character played by the candidate that that is not enough. It is not enough to have avoided evil, one must have done good. It is not enough to have not wronged people, one must have helped them.

Pike is saying that productive living involves being active, helping, making a difference in the world. That's the message. One should no more get upset over the fact that the drama of the 31º is set in ancient Egypt than that the opera Aida is. In both cases, it's just a setting which helps to tell a dramatic and important story. (2)

Charge #9

Scottish Rite Uses the Occult as a Source of Religious Truth

In addition to using pagan religions as a source for its teachings, Scottish Rite Freemasonry also has employed several occult sources. For example, astrology, which is a form of occult divination, is spoken highly of by A Bridge to Light. The book even claims that the biblical character Enoch was learned in astrology [pp. 88-89]. According to A Bridge to Light, the 28th Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry studies the occultic practices of numerology, astrology, and alchemy [p. 158]. The book also claims that the signs of the occultic zodiac are found in the 19th Degree and associates them with the 12 tribes of Israel [pp. 163, 165]. A Bridge to Light claims that the occultic symbol of the pentagram is associated with the Greek characters "Alpha and Omega," a biblical title for Jesus (see Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:12-13). Concerning this symbol, A Bridge to Light states, "It is the symbol of the Divine in man" [pp. 205-06].

Christian Response:

The Bible warns its readers that they are to have nothing to do with the occult (see Deut. 18:10-13; Ex. 7-8; Lev. 19:31; 1 Sam 28; Jer. 27:9; Ezek. 13:23; Zech. 10:2; Acts 16:16-18; Col. 2:8). The claim made by A Bridge to Light that the biblical character Enoch was learned in astrology is not supported by the Christian Scriptures. The book is disingenuous when it leaves its readers with this impression. It refers the reader to Genesis 5:23- 24, which states that "Enoch walked with God," and then A Bridge to Light states, "We are told he . . . was learned in astronomy and astrology" [p. 89]. The implication of this statement is that astrology is compatible with walking with God. The Bible, however, indicates that this in not true. Astrology is a form of divination, and the Bible warns its readers that God considers divination an abomination (see Deut. 18:10-13). The statements made about Genesis 49 and astrology also falsely imply that Jacob was a practitioner of astrology. A reading of Genesis 49 reveals that astrology is not the subject matter of this biblical passage. The statement found in A ridge to Light that the 12 tribes of Israel are associated with the 12 signs of the astrological zodiac is both false and offensive.

Even more offensive is the claim made by A Bridge to Light that the Greek letters Alpha and Omega are representative of the divine in man. According to the book of Revelation, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega do not represent the divine in man but rather represent the God-Man Jesus Christ. When Jesus claims to be the Alpha and Omega, He is making a unique claim for personal divinity (see Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:12-13). He is not claiming that all humans are divine, as claimed by A Bridge to Light [pp. 205-06]. It should also be pointed out that the pentagram is one of the most common symbols of the occult and is used in countless magic rituals. Masons may use it to symbolize humanity, but other groups give this occultic symbol entirely different meanings. Satanists, for example, use the upside-down pentagram to represent Satan [Anton Szandor LaVey, The Satanic Bible (New York: Avon Books, 1969), pp. 129-30]. (1)

Rebuttal:

The Bible does not say that Enoch was learned in astrology. However, the Book of Enoch, which came to light in modern times, and was mentioned in the Book of Jude, does reveal that Enoch knew a lot about astrology. Some scholars believe that reason people lived for hundreds of years was so they could study the movement of the stars and record it for historical purposes. Is it coincidental that Enoch was on the earth 365 years - the number of days in the year?

The accusation that Masonry is involved in the occult is false. We need to understand what the term "occult" means. In today's modern English we usually use the term to refer to those who practice paganism, the supernatural, magic, or devil worship. However, the first meanings found in the dictionary are " 1. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge; mysterious. 2. Secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated. Masonry is not involved in some supernatural hocus-pocus. Let me assure you that Masonry does not use divination of any kind. Our truth is supposed to come from the Bible that we promise to follow.

The study of numerology, astrology, and alchemy were very popular in the 18th and 19th century. Masonry has borrowed some things from these "sciences" in the sense of utilizing symbols that are found therein. Masonry has not sought to find things that pertain to the supernatural.

The statement about the Bridge To Light claiming that the 12 tribes of Israel are represented in the Zodiac are misleading. Here is what Pike said in Morals and Dogma:

"There is an astonishing coincidence between the characteristics assigned by Jacob to his sons, and those of the signs of the Zodiac, or the planets that have their domicile in those signs."

Pike then goes on to explain those similarities. There is no association made except to note those similarities. Pike went on to mention many other similarities, so there is no declaration that the Zodiac totally representative of the 12 tribes of Israel.

The accusation that Masons believe that the Alpha and Omega refer to the divine in man is totally false. Christians believe that Jesus is the true Alpha and Omega. The reference to the Alpha and Omega in the Degree is pertaining to its location on the pentagram. This was not intended to change the Christian meaning. Its Masonic meaning would be that there is some of the Divine in man. Even the Bible says that "Was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." The Alpha and Omega in this Masonic reference only means "completeness." Man is not complete with the Divine living with him.

The Pentagram is an ancient symbol which precedes modern devil worship. For most Masons it is a reminder of that star which announced a new King. It points to the earth as that star of Bethlehem did. If the pentagram is always symbolic of magic and the devil worship then we better warn those veterans who are about to receive the Medal of Honor that they are now devil worshipers. The Medal of Honor is a pentagram. (3)

Charge #10

A Bridge to Light Teaches a Works Salvation:

One teaching of A Bridge to Light that is incompatible with Christianity is "the implication that salvation may be attained by one’s good works" [SBC Annual, 1993, p. 227]. There are many examples of this teaching in A Bridge to Light [p. 92]. For example, the book claims that immortality is "won by suffering and sorrow" [p. 142]. Its discussion on the 19th Degree informs the reader that "a man’s actions are a bridge to his own immortality and to the future of mankind" [p. 165]. Likewise, in the material on the 24th Degree, the reader learns that "reformation and repentance wash away sin" [p. 204]. In the 27th Degree, the reader is told that "honor and service to others" is the "path of salvation" [p. 243]. The 31st Degree recreates the ancient myth of the Egyptian Court of the Dead, where it is determined whether the soul of a dead person will be allowed "to enter into the kingdom of the gods" [p. 299]. In this degree, the Scottish Rite candidate is told that the actions of the dead determine whether they deserve to dwell with the gods in the afterlife [pp. 300-01]. According to the 31st Degree, the hope of eternal life is to live a "most virtuous" life while on the earth [p. 301]. The 31st degree also endorses the belief that one’s eternal destiny is determined by weighing one’s good works and bad deeds to determine whether one is worthy to go to heaven [p. 302].

Christian Response:

The belief that one can do something to make oneself acceptable to God is a belief common to many false religions. Human nature leads people to believe that there is something they can do to earn eternal life. The Bible, however, informs us that this belief is wrong. The Bible warns us that there is nothing that we can do to make ourselves acceptable to God. Salvation is obtained on God’s terms, not by what may appear right to humans. The Bible informs us that salvation is the result of the grace of God and that this grace comes to us when we personally place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible also warns us that the grace of God is incompatible with any type of works salvation (see Rom. 3:27; 4:4; 11:6; Gal. 2:21; 5:4; Eph. 2:8; Titus 3:5). The teaching that salvation is the result of good works (which is found in BTL) is highly objectionable to Christians. It is objectionable because it contradicts the teaching of Scripture. It also gives people the false hope that through their good actions they may be found acceptable in the eyes of God. This teaching of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is incompatible with the Bible because it does not point to faith in Christ as the only hope of salvation (see John 3:16). (1)

Rebuttal:

The writer of "A Closer Look" says "A Bridge to Light Teaches a Works Salvation." To prove this claim, he says that page 142 "claims that immortality is won by suffering and sorrow." It doesn't . The quotation says that the rose on the cross is a symbol of immortality won by suffering and sorrow. It is, for the Christian, clearly a reference to Christ who won redemption for His followers by His suffering and sorrow -- hardly a strange concept.

He says that page 165 "informs the reader that 'a man's actions are a bridge to his own immortality and to the future of mankind.'" But the passage begins, "Will you obey God's law, trust in His goodness and be patient though the appointed time may seem to draw no nearer during your life, nor your labors and exertions produce any fruit?...each man must act as abridge builder to the future, being a good example to his children, peers and brethren. A man's actions are a bridge to his own immortality and to the future of mankind."

Certainly, in most Christian doctrine, a man's actions are a bridge to his own immortality, since it is action to accept Christ. And many Christian denominations teach that one can, by one's actions, destroy one's hope of salvation even after the person has made a profession of faith.

There are other examples, but the point remains the same. Masonry does not teach a "works salvation." It teaches, over and over again, that it is important to do good in the world because we have a duty to make the lives of others better, not because it is some way of "earning" salvation. (2)

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study is that many of the religious teachings presented in A Bridge to Light are incompatible with biblical Christianity.

Rebuttal:

The writer of "A Closer Look" says, in his conclusion, that many of the religious teachings of the Scottish Rite are incompatible with Biblical Christianity. But he has confused "religious teachings" with "teaching about religions." We do not offer religious teachings; we do offer information about religions. The difference between "religious teachings" and "teachings about religions" is like the difference between teaching medicine and teaching about medicine.

Any college survey on social history or economics may well contain a section which teaches about medicine as it relates to the subject matter of the course, but that would hardly make one into a doctor. Again we would ask Dr. Gordon to please look a little closer, look without preconceptions and prejudices. He will see there is nothing to criticize, and even less to fear. (2)

(1) William E. Gordon Jr.

North American Mission Board, SBC

4200 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30022-4176

A Southern Baptist Convention agency supported by the

Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

(2) Jim Tresner

"Please look a Little Closer"

From the website "Is it True What They Say About Freemasonry?"

(3) Ken Hawn

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