What is the denominational breakdown of the Masons/Shriners/etc.?

Question

I know that these organization are not a part of any denomination, but statistically, how many members are Baptist, Lutheran, etc? Is it related to the region, or is it more of an alignment of doctrinal beliefs (e.g. More Lutherans because its teachings are more similar to the Lutheran doctrine)? Is there a place to find out this statistical data without having to be a Mason/Shriner?

Answer 1

The Masons in one form or another are world-wide. There are Arabic Masons, Persians, Russians, Taiwanese, and Hispanic. Probably others, too.



But here's your breakdown, apparently just of the Babtists.

http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_292.html



Then there is this:

"Cosmopolitan Lodge was established on 17th May 2003 as part of the Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic, and currently includes Brethren from all countries residing in the Slovak Republic and in neighboring countries.



Without any distinction of nationality, having in mind the prosperity of the Order and desirous to assist in spreading the true principles of the Royal Art, the aim of the Brethren of this Lodge is to provide mutual Masonic instruction, while contributing in a fraternal manner to strengthen the bonds between Slovakia and the international Masonic world.



The Lodge uses Slovak, English, French, and German when at work, depending on the members and the foreign visitors being present at the time. The Lodge meets formally at least four times a year, always on a Saturday but additional meetings are arranged depending on circumstances. Educational lectures and the instruction of the Brethren are organized separately. All meetings are announced in advance by convocation."

http://www.kosmopolis.sk/



They are all over the world.



ADDED

Our Founing Fathers were Deist Masons:

"The Founding Fathers, also, rarely practiced Christian orthodoxy. Although they supported the free exercise of any religion, they understood the dangers of religion. Most of them believed in deism and attended Freemasonry lodges. According to John J. Robinson, "Freemasonry had been a powerful force for religious freedom." Freemasons took seriously the principle that men should worship according to their own conscience. Masonry welcomed anyone from any religion or non-religion, as long as they believed in a Supreme Being. Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Hamilton, Lafayette, and many others accepted Freemasonry."

http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/summer97/secular.html

Answer 2

There are no such stats available. Freemasonry does not collect religious affiliation information of its members.



In our lodge we have Catholics, Jews, Lutheran, Presbyterians, Protestants and maybe a couple others...)



to some others:



* the 33rd Degree Scottish Rite is an honorary degree and has nothing to do with the Shriners

Answer 3

To be a Mason you just have to believe in a Supreme Being or as he is called by the Masons, "The Great Architect of the Universe"



There are various degrees on Masonic achievement, once you have arrived at the 3rd degree, you are a Master Mason.



Once you arrive at the 33rd degree, you become a Shriner.

Answer 4

A bit before my time, but the Lutheran Church I grew up in was a "free" Church, without Synodical affiliation. It was decided that the majority of members were in favor of having the Congregation join the LCMS.



A Pastor from LCMS was called to deal with "the Lodge question". Almost 1/2 of the Congregation either left or were excommunicated. Those who were left pulled together and the Congregation was stronger for it.



Sorry to say, their current Pastor now looks the other way, as do the Elders and Council. Needless to say, that's one of the reasons I'm not there.



Mark



Addendum:

While members of the Lodges, and even some Clergy profess to be Christian, the fact that the Lodges (with the exception of the Orange Lodge; but that's a whole other can of worms) do not Confess Jesus Christ, makes them anti-Christian. Read your Bible.



Likewise, by professing possession of "Secret Knowledge" is no different than the Pope selling indulgences; if it's of benefit to mankind, don't you have the responsibility to share it without cost or obligation?



The Orange Lodge is dedicated to the abolition of Catholicism, and is a hate based organization. Not real Christian either. I know this because my father-in-law is one, and after being to our Lutheran Church, we're just a bunch of "dirty Catholics and Papists" with a different name.



Addendum II:

Sorry for the rant, but this whole issue just rubs me the wrong way.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Just as a note, there will be very few Lutherans involved in those organizations. Within the LCMS and WELS, it is basically forbidden to join any lodges due to various rites and ceremonies used in them that are contrary to our teachings.

Others, such as Kiwanis and Lions club, more fraternal type orgainizations, are perfectly fine.

Answer 7

It's probably region.



Like...out west there are probably a lot of Mormons. Down south a lot of baptists...a lot of United Methodists in the mid-atlantic...a lot of Catholics in New England...



etc. etc.





And you should remember it's not just Christianity. Anyone but atheists can join.