Oath and the Light
By: Shawn J. Gossman
(Masonic Literature)

“The light is the knowledge of which the Mason possesses for his obligation.”

In today’s world, Masonry is better recognized as a Fraternity of brothers and even sisters with the many co-Masonic bodies and programs. Masonry unfortunately is spoke of as a cult or the illuminati by some people that obviously have excessively much time on their hands. In this article, I will present the fact that we are neither a religion nor a cult because of our rituals and that non-Masons practice ritual just as we do in every day life.

Some extremists like to say because we take an oath to Masonry that we are going against God. They often reference the biblical book of ACTS 4:12 which is “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." I agree with this verse and yet I am a Mason? That is okay because when I was raised to a Master Mason, I never took an oath against God, in fact, I remember perfectly telling my brothers that God is that highest that I put my faith and trust into. So why is it that we supposedly go against God by taking an oath? I am confused on it and every time one of these extremist people tries to enlighten me on the issue, their words are even more confusing because there is not fact or even related to fact in them.

MATTHEW 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. This verse is meant by some that we as Masons oath not to talk about Christ in lodge. Since we are not a religion or a political organization, we try to keep religious and political discussions out of lodge. Well this issue reminds me of the verse 1 TIMOTHY 3:10, “They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” The way I see this verse is that if someone is a good worker after being watched or tested, then let him continue or promote him. Being a good worker means following the rules and guidelines of diversity and understanding that an employer has the right to govern his trade. If your employer tells you that witnessing in the workplace is not, allowed because of religious diversity because of right of freedom of religion, will you do it anyways and go against the rules and the verse above? This same thing applies to the lodge asking brothers not to bring up religion and politics since we are not a church or political party.

We all make oaths eventually whether it is an oath to our creator to obey him and worship him. Some people take an oath to be in office for a country or local. Others may take an oath to protect a country or local whether on the streets or overseas. You take an oath to wed another as your mate. We Masons take an oath to be loyal to each other as brothers and to protect our fraternity. Is that is extreme?

The End.
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I am starting to get into Masonic history and research and I am testing out my abilities to write articles on it. Please feel free to give me any review you want even if it is to correct me. Thank you.

I think you make your points of taking oaths very thorough. I would suggest though to keep the biblical refrences to a minimum as not to fight fire with fire with trying to explain topics. Use everyday subjects to explain topics.
For example when explaining about why we call the WM a "Worshipful" Master you could say that a Judge in court is refered to as Worshipful your honour, just type "worshipful" into Google to find out! Or maybe, we are not a secret society but a society with secrets. We keep confidential info from the public just as you would in your family life. We would not tell everyone our house security or alarm codes.
Keeping things simple is the best way not to confuse issues further.
I hope this helps but please post more and keep up the good work. Writing is very difficult to get across what you are trying to convey.

Good ideas! You should write articles as well...

Thanks Bro. I wrote one a few years back but not had the time since. http://freemasonhq.com/forum/index.php?topic=20.0
I will get around to writing more over the summer period if I get time.

Oh I forgot about that one!

It does need updating as I wrote it just after I joined. I have a few more experiences now!

ah, a part 2

Ssshh, its a secret!

Great article. I think you also have to keep in mind that if one wanted to prove or disprove something one could purposely misrepresent words facts or ideas to say what they want instead of truth. As you know, no atheist can be a mason. How can an atheist promise and swear before God? I believe the mysteries of masonry are what attracts one to it, at the same time those same mysteries will repel others. As we are told no great and important journey should be taken on without first invoking the blessing of a Deity. Unfortunately many times people would rather believe what is told to them instead of researching the facts for themselves.
Bro C.J

CJ,

That is a great and correct statement. You got it on the dot there brother.