Do Masons Worship in a Temple?
Is Temple University a place of worship? Absolutely not. While temples are often a place of worship, it is not always the case. The use of this word comes into Masonry from two sources: the first involves the symbols and history of the organization, which used an example of the Mason's art, the building of King Solomon's Temple. The second comes from the English usage of the word "temple" as a place of learning such as "Temple of Education" These terms are used more so in American than in other countries and thus attracts the attention of religious intolerants. Here is a brief excerpt from an anti-Masonic web site and authored by Ron Campbell:
What goes on behind the closed doors of the more than 13,000 Masonic temples in the United States? Most Americans assume these buildings represent a harmless fraternal organization that encourages men to help local communities. But is there more to the hidden rituals of Freemasonry than meets the eye?
Most of us certainly don't understand Freemasonry's esoteric tradition, which is characterized by strange symbols such as the coffin, the all-seeing eye, the pyramid, and the compass and square. These mysteries are revealed only to those who are initiated into the Masonic lodge. Its members are sworn to silence about their meaning.
Yet the secrets of Freemasonry really are not hidden at all. They are in plain view everywhere, especially in capital cities of Europe, Latin America and the United States. Masonic symbols can be found in the designs of our national monuments and public buildings, in the layout of city streets and squares, and on our currency.
As you can see, the enemies of Freemasonry will go to any length to misrepresent the truth. Mr. Campbell apparently believes that the Masons brought a curse on this nation by placing symbols of Freemasonry all over Washington D.C. He would have his readers believe that Masonic temples are places were paganistic symbols are worshiped. First of all, the symbols are not paganistic. The All Seeing Eye, which is on our dollar bills, is a reference to the All Seeing Eye of God found in the Holy Bible. You will have to look else where if you think we believe in an "Evil Eye." The Masonic meeting hall is simply a place of opening and closing our meetings by way of a simple ritual. It is a place where work and charity is planned. In a very real sense it is a place of education, where new Masons are taught their degrees and something of the Masonic history. The Lodge is not a sinister place of demonic activity, as some would like to picture it. It is nothing more than a place of education, planning and fellowship.
It is my understanding that many of the Grand Lodges throughout the United States are now changing their description of buildings used by Masons to "Masonic Hall" rather than "Masonic Temple". Nevertheless, this accusation will probably continue from those who are seeking to find fault with the organization.
While Freemasonry clings to the very roots of religion, it takes a very firm position that it is not a religion (as most of us would think of a religion), and always prefers to leave interpretation of religion up to each member’s religious institution to define. It strongly affirms that there is nothing contained within freemasonry that would conflict with any religious duties or beliefs.