GRAND COMMANDER'S MESSAGE APRIL 2007
Responsibility to Learn
A responsible man has a duty to inform and educate himself. God expects it from each of us. Freemasonry has established a tradition of leading humankind in the fulfillment of that duty. We have had a tradition bestowed upon us by our predecessors, and we are expected not to be the ones who break it.
The Knight Templar is a Mason who is a Christian as well, although I do know some non-Christian Templars. Regardless of our religious beliefs, all Templars have a responsibility to learn about Christianity. To be a Christian, a man must understand its tradition and doctrine, remembering that doctrine will change across time. "Doctrine," as often implied, is not a bad word. It is merely a set of rules and thoughts gathered in an effort to define the beliefs of a particular group. The American Heritage Dictionary says "it is a principle or set of principles presented (italics mine) for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, scientific, political, or philosophical group; dogma." Its archaic meaning was "something taught; a teaching." (From Latin doctrina, from doctor, teacher, from docere, to teach.)
Acknowledgment of a doctrine does not require us to stop thinking for ourselves, and we should make the effort to understand Christian doctrine. God expects us to use the brain He gave us.
The key word in the American Heritage definition is "presented." Doctrine is a set of man-made rules, which are presented for our acceptance or belief. Christian doctrine is rooted in Scripture as interpreted by men. We can accept their interpretation or not. We can believe their interpretation or not. I think that some doctrine is basic to Christian beliefs, and some may not be.
What is basic Christian doctrine? What is so basic to Christian belief that if it did not exist, neither would Christianity exist? What is not so basic? What part of doctrine could disappear and change little? We have the intellect and free will to decide-an intellect and free will which were given to us by God. When I hear a man say, "I don't attend church because I don't want a priest or minister telling me what to believe," I can only suggest to that man that he think for himself. I would also tell him that a church (meaning the people in it) is a good thing, because it expands the mind, awakens the spirit, provides the support of other people, and presents the opportunity to be in contact with God.
Does Freemasonry have a doctrine? Do we require a belief in a Supreme Being in order to join? A single Supreme Authority of the universe? Do we believe in immortality? Is that a doctrine? It seems to me that it is.
As you read this, Easter may have passed, so I will mention Ascension Day, a day not so familiar to some. I believe that after spending 40 days on earth after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. I once stood on or near the traditional place of ascension on the Mount of Olives. The Book of Luke tells us, "Jesus lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was
blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven." Ascension Day, or "Holy Thursday" as it is also called, occurs this year on May 17, the fortieth day from Easter. Ascension Sunday is May 20 (the seventh Sunday of Easter). I ask you to observe this Christian event in your asylum or with your comrades in your church. Celebrate it in your heart, and seek understanding of its meaning.
Fraternally,
M. T. Bishop
Grand Commander