The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge by Ankerberg & Weldon. Though the cover design of Bidens specific Bible is unclear, the eye of Providence seen on some antique Douay-Rheims Bibles has been a Christian symbol for centuries, predating Masonic use. The availability of the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible is an important factor to consider. Paul establishes this important principle before proceeding with his discussion in verses 14-31. Florida Masonic Monitor, 23rd. He's also the Distinguished Professor of Comparative . The first point to note is that both books have been translated countless times over the years. Lastly, some of the ceremonies in the Masonic Bible have different meanings than those found in the Holy Bible; for example, some involve handshakes rather than prayer. For instance, Elvis Presley's personal Bible, published in 1977, sold for $94,000 at auction in 2012. The faithful who enrol in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion (here). 8. This antique Bible dates to 1743 and though it has (contemporary) writing in it, is desirable. The Masonic Order, also known as the Freemasons, are another historic secret society (here). There are thousands of Masonic lodges in the U.S. and many more worldwide. Membership in them remains forbidden. Follow along on a brief tour of ritual, keeping in mind the previously mentioned syncretism. The differences between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible are mainly in interpretation. A 16th century Bible Testamenti Veteris Biblia Sacra in beautiful blind stamped vellum, dating to 1581. The Masonic Bible Explained - My Freemasonry The Masonic Bible is written in a more symbolic and mysterious language, while the language of the Holy Bible is focused on clear communication of its message. Unlike the Illuminati, Freemasonry, a network of secret fraternal organizations that officially began in Europe during the early 18th century, still exists. The Bible is not only the single most printed book in history but its also the most read. Ultimately, both versions are valuable resources for their intended audiences; however, they serve different purposes and should be used accordingly. Please note that we do not provide complimentary evaluations on any Bible dated 1820 or later, unless it has some exceptional characteristic. In general, a Bible published from around 1820 2000 almost certainly has little or no value. 2023 Freemasons Community | All Rights Reserved. It includes religious texts which are important to the teachings and beliefs of Freemasonry. This term is used to emphasize the importance and centrality of these sacred writings in the lives of members of the fraternity. The masonic bible and the holy bible both contain the same core text, though there are some subtle differences in their textual content. This page last updated: February 10, 2023. The existence of Masonic Bibles in no way, shape, or form makes Masonry a religion. How? It is the first book formed utilizing a moveable form. The Masonic Bible is a specific version of the King James Version of the Holy Bible, which has been tailored to meet the needs of masonic readers. if you are in possession of the deceased members' Masonic Bible or Holy Book, the lodge name will, most probably be written into it. Whatever their title and whatever their age, books were, and are, meant to be read. This was followed by other texts such as Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song Of Solomon. Freemasonry: The Bible is only one of seven commonly used Volumes of Sacred Law (VSLs), all of which are deemed equally important: "The Holy Book of any religion may be used as a VSL, provided that it teaches and its adherents believe in a Supreme Being" (https://grandlodgeofiowa.org/docs/Freemasonry_Religion/VolumeofSacredLaworiginal.pdf, In order to be a Mason, a candidate must believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, as the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, for example, states for candidates of the Entered Apprentice (first) degree.4 The specific identity of a candidates supreme being is not of concern to the Lodge initially. The exact same Bible, not owned by Elvis Presley, is worth $10 or less. While the Reuters Fact Check team could not find images clearly showing the full cover of the Biden familys Douay-Rheims Bible, it is true that the covers of some antique Douay-Rheims editions ( www.ebay.com/itm/143919256211 , here ) include the Eye of Providence, an eye inside a triangle commonly seen as a Masonic and Illuminati symbol. This is an online articlefrom theChristian Research Journal. The above-mentioned company Heirloom Bible Publishers alone sells The Original Heirloom Family Bible, the African American Family Heirloom Bible, the Spanish Bible Nuestra Biblia Catlica Familiar, and the Family Record Bible. Freemasons do not have a "special" Bible. When citing Masonic teaching, one should quote from Masonic rituals and/or monitors, both of which are official books produced by Grand Lodges (the highest authorities for Masons in their respective states, provinces, or geographic areas).1 Rituals contain secret handgrips, secret obligations, and symbolic teachings; monitors contain the same symbolic teachings, as well as instructions for funeral services and other ceremonies. Freemasonry | Definition, History, Stages, Lodges, & Facts Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Mormonism's Anti-Masonick Bible - JSTOR In a Masonic Lodge, however, the Mason will find the name of his Deity within the Great Architect of the Universe.7. In it, I have recorded important family history events, information pertaining to my own Masonic ceremonies, and I have plenty more space for the information of anything else that I find important enough to preserve. Christians, for these reasons, should not be members of the Masonic Lodge. It is a specific version of the Holy Bible and has its own distinct history and origin. No wonder, then, that the preface of early editions of the Kentucky Monitor teaches of savior figures overcoming evil figures, thereby redeeming their followers: The Hindus called him Krishna; the Chinese, Kioun-tse; the Persians, Sosiosch; the Chaldeans, Dhouvanai; the Egyptians, Horus;the Christians, Jesus; Masons, Hiram.12 This statement (though now expunged from current editions) is expected, given the Masonic teaching of Hiram. The Catholic family Bible pictured above is an exception to the rule. One of the ways that masonic propaganda exposes what they are, is their association with Islam through the Shriners, and how their resources and maps in this book never call the land of Israel by its name, but always Palestine, or Canaan, implying that the Israelites are just thieves of someone else's land. The usage of language in both Bibles can be seen through their structure. Some individual leaves from truly rare Bibles can make big money. The Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible may appear to be similar, but they are intended for vastly different audiences. It is to be noted here that many other Holy Books from all of the languages reside upon the various Masonic altars around the Globe, for the Freemasons who are English speaking. Therefore, we have a principle thatall things are lawful for Christians, unless it involves sin. The Freemasons Are the Oldest Fraternal Organization in the World. Freemasonry and the Afterlife. The Holy Bible is the source of profound spiritual rituals and practices for Christians, as well as teachings that have been passed down from generation to generation. The second difference is that while the Holy Bible focuses on Christian practices, the Masonic Bible also includes teachings from other religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. The Nature of Man 139 The Masonic Bible follows a loose, free-flowing structure that often symbolically alludes to certain teachings or lessons. St. Jeromes Vulgate:Talking about the first Latin Bible, it was done by St. Jeromes Vulgate. . Freemasonry & Hollywood: Famous Actors Who Were Freemasons, 10 Secret Societies, Clubs & Groups Like The Freemasons. Its symbols and messages serve as a source of inspiration for many members of this fraternal organization, providing guidance on morality and spiritual growth. 2023 Freemasons Community | All Rights Reserved. It was assembled around 3300 years ago. It was important because people back then used to understand Greek instead of Hebrew. A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. The flag itself is not freedom, it is only a piece of cloth which symbolizes freedom. Masonic & Freemason Books & Publications for sale | eBay belief and ordered the Bible to be kept from Priests because it might be It also has at its forefront illustrations of Biblical events, places, and personages (King Solomons Temple, etc. The compilation of the Christian scripture began with the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). Found free Mason Bible at thrift shop. Worth anything? This distinction of content between the two bibles has led to much debate among scholars over centuries about which variant has more authority or accuracy than the other. Their work was to be performed in Egypt. In fact, second to antique childrens books, thumbed through by little hands, old Bibles tend to suffer the worst when it comes to their condition. In the 1960s, American writers Robert Anton Wilson and Kerry Thornley published gag letters in Playboy magazine from alleged readers regarding a secret organization called the Illuminati (here). Masonic book published in America was printed by Brother Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1734. A: No, Freemason Bible is not any different from a regular Bible. In this article, we will explore the distinctions between these two powerful works of faith, examining their histories, beliefs, and practices. Ultimately, these differences between the two Bibles demonstrate why each has been so influential in forming religious thought across cultures around the world for centuries. . During this ritual, various symbols are displayed such as a square, compass, level and plumb rule. Something went wrong. This is a question which has been asked for centuries, ever since man began to ponder the nature of both books. Masonic Bibles - The Educator An Introduction This is a valuable weapon to take down the Jews. The Masonic Bible is still a popular book among many Masons today and continues to be an important part of Freemasonry culture across the world. Sometimes, you dont even need the entire Bible to have great value on your hands. Some of the questions are as follows: Q: Why there is a need to know the basics about the Bible genealogy significant to a Freemason today? These texts include scriptures from the Christian Bible, as well as other religious works that are considered to be of spiritual significance to Freemasons. For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal go to: http://www.equip.org. Some of the bibles used by the masons previously are the Septuagint, St. Jeromes Vulgate, and the Wycliffe Bible. Right next to him is Dr. Walter Martin. For example, even an incomplete King James Bible from 1611 can still be worth a considerable amount. The primary difference is that the Masonic Bible does not contain any religious teachings or interpretations of scripture; instead, it focuses on philosophical concepts such as brotherhood and moral education. But today, in a time when those Dogmatic warnings aren't taken It includes notable Masonic phrases and symbolism, such as references to the Supreme Architect of the Universe and the Great Light. When discussing the similarities between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible, there are a few key points to consider. Masonic Regalia and Jewelry 13. This article was written for MasonicFind.com byBrandon Cole, SW. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the other hand, different branches of Christianity have varying interpretations of the Holy Bible that range from literalism to more progressive interpretations. My King James Bible is embossed with the Masonic emblem and filled with free mason symbolisms. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. There is also The Founders Bible Heirloom Edition. One of the oldest and most mysterious of these threads is that of Freemasonry and the Masonic Bible. They have had several bibles in the past. Starting in verse 14 of this chapter, the apostle Paul warns Christians to flee idolatry. The Free Masons are a group that has sprung from the Knight Templars several centuries ago. Jesus Christ 126 11. 4. Candida Moss, a professor of theology at Britains University of Birmingham, (here), told Reuters via email that there is absolutely no evidence that ties the Douay-Rheims Bible to the Illuminati or Freemasons., Noting the fact that Freemasons and Roman Catholics are not historical bedfellows, Moss called the idea of Masons using this particular Bible extraordinary.. Amen.8, Second, the Mason who wears the Masonic white lambskin apron given to him during the first degree is reminded of that purity of life and conduct so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.9, Third, all Masons are taught to use the symbolism of a common gavel for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting [their] hearts and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting [their] minds as living stones for that spiritual buildingthat house not made with hands eternal in the heavens.10. Heres a list of some of these similarities: Additionally, both books feature stories about Jesus Christ and his teachings, as well as other religious figures featured in the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, David and Solomon. All these texts are intended to be read in conjunction with one another, providing insight into moral questions and spiritual truths that can help guide Masons in their daily lives. Bibles like these have value only as reading material. Through these additional symbols, Masonry aims to challenge its members to think more deeply about religious texts from a variety of perspectives. For examples, the highest authority for Masons in Massachusetts is the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, for Arizona the Grand Lodge of Arizona, and so on. Then came The Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos and Obadiah. In verses23-28 the apostle tells us that Christians are free to drink or eat anything that is sacrificed to idols. Freemasons belong to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, a group begun during the Middle Ages in Europe as a guild. We accept consignments of high quality antique Bibles (typically dated 1830 or earlier), or those with beautiful, ornate bindings. Of all the antiquities within the Lodge, the Volume of The Sacred Law is the most important.The Great Light in Masonry, and The Rule and Guide for Masonic Faith and Practice is placed on the Master's pedestal when the Lodge is opened, where the meetings are conducted in peace and harmony. In Romans 14:23 the apostle Paul said, "But . Masons simply respond, Thats just Mackeys [Coils, Pikes] opinion! This practice is, therefore, not effective, and I would like to see it become a thing of the past. However, its popularity declined in subsequent years due to its perceived links with Christianity. The Masonic Bible has been around for centuries and its popularity has fluctuated over time. The Rule of Faith and Practice 93 7. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. In 1738, Pope Clement XII excommunicated the Freemasons (here), setting off a long, long history of mutual hostility and suspicion between Masons and Catholics Dickie said. Don't mind the commenter named "whywecanthavegoodthings", he appears to be some minor, uneducated jew trying to shift the attention from the Tribe. 1 Corinthians 10:23-29 (NASB). So, Masonry is: - A religion but not Christian in nature - A religious system requiring secret oaths demanding allegiance and silence - Universalistic Closing Thoughts Masonic Bible for sale | eBay It was written over a period of centuries by various authors, and its contents reflect the beliefs and traditions of multiple cultures. Each symbol has its own significance in masonry, which serves as a reminder of its core values. Those who consign with us receive a complimentary auction evaluation. A previous poster condemned the Nazism of the original poster. The Masonic Bible is primarily used for teaching lessons about morality and ethics within Freemasonry organizations, By contrast, the Holy Bible is primarily used for religious worship in Christian churches. Jeremiah 9:23-24. In the early 1600s, freemasonry was widely accepted and popular amongst members of the aristocracy and the clergy. What do you collect? It includes important masonic symbols and teachings, with selected passages referring directly to freemasonry. Henry Pirtle, arr., Kentucky Monitor (Louisville: The Standard Printing Co., 1941),xv. The Masonic Bible is not a single book, but rather a compilation of many different texts, all of which are held in high regard by Freemasons. All rights reserved. Many critics of Masonry, unfortunately, quote from books written by Masonic authors such as Albert Mackey, Henry Coil, and Albert Pike to build their cases. To answer the question of whether a Christian should join the Masonic Lodge, we must first answer two questions: (1)What does Freemasonry (Masonry, the Lodge) teach regarding God and salvation? Although there is no single definitive version, it typically contains varying selections from both Jewish and Christian sources, such as passages from the Torah and Gospel accounts, as well as other works such as The Book Of Job and Ecclesiastes. Old Bibles published between 1900-2000 are almost exclusively considered reading material and unless your copy was owned by someone famous, it is not worth further research. Copyright 2023 Regency Antique Books, All Rights Reserved |, International Society of Bible Collectors, condition becomes an important factor in the value, Early 15th 17th century woodcuts, maps, later steel engravings. Instead, they are sacrificing to demons who deceive the naive and the unsuspecting into believing that the idol is a god. Q: Is there any difference between the Freemason Bible and a regular one? Here are just a few of the most popular: Beauty and quality craftsmanship go a long way in adding to desirability, and these are definitely factors to consider when evaluating an old Bible. Finally, it is not surprising to read in some monitors the following exhortation given to newly raised Master Masons: Then let us imitate the good man [Hiram] in his virtuous and amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God; in his inflexible fidelity to his trust; that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.13. The Nature of God 108 9 The Name of God 119 10. But what exactly is the difference between the Masonic Bible and The Holy Bible? My own Masonic Bible has at its forefront (before the actual Biblical text starts) a place for my name, my genealogy, pages where I can one day record the information of my children and grandchildren. Additionally, there is much discussion of masonic allegory within the masonic bible that is not found in its counterpart. Unfortunately, I have never seen such an edition of a Torah, a Quran, etc. ), a Biblical index to verses that correlate with certain Masonic principles, an index to parables and miracles recorded in the Bible, and a guide for religious workers and Bible teachers. It can be said that in millenniums, no other book could replace it. Most of the Freemasonry has relied upon the biblical characters and scriptures. the Luciferian Brotherhood of Freemasonry is so infatuated with the If we consider the first Hebrew texts upon leather scrolls and papyrus, the Old Testament, as we already know about the fact that, today, it is available to us through the ages. In some areas of the world, they are actually quite common among Masons. North Dakota Monitor (Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M. of North Dakota, 1965),14447. The clasped Bible pictured above sold at one of our auctions for $300. The creation of this special edition of the Bible began in the late 18th century with William Preston. Freemasons have long held an interest in the masonic bible and its interpretation, and while there are some differences between it and the holy bible, they are still able to use it as part of their rituals. For further information Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. As such, even those lodges who do not use it have adapted some of its teachings into their own practices. Such syncretistic worship through prayer, coupled with specific teachings of salvation (see next section), is completely at odds with biblical Christianity. Both of these Freemasonry and the Bible are said to go along. Resurrection Accounts Resurrection of Christ, Thus says the LORD, Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me . Although this Bible was published in the 1880s, it is in wonderful condition with original clasps. Now, we all know what a symbol is. 14. Is it wrong to own a Masonic Lodge Bible? The answer is by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity (see the prayer). Unfortunately, no known existing original bibles or holy texts exist, and there are only copies are in existence. There are a few questions that we can address in this piece of writing regarding the Bible. Before that, the Bible was available in handwritten manuscripts. The Masonic Bible is a collection of sacred texts used by members of the Freemasonry fraternity. We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us! The differences between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible are striking, like a lightning bolt from the sky. Search the history of over 806 billion Bible Markers. Wait a moment and try again. I had come across a copy of this freemason bible and read the notes, looking for any unique evidence which might be used against the masons. This book contains several versions of religious texts, such as The Old Testament and The New Testament, as well as some other works that are considered to be important to Freemasonrys teachings. Due to the long history of tension between the Masonic Order and the Catholic Church, use of this Bible by the Freemasons is extremely unlikely.