Blog Against Theocracy: There Are Two Pillars In My Lodge

I'm telling no Masonic "secrets" here. In fact, an example of the pillars I am refering to can be seen on the templates for all the individual Lodge Web sites for the Jurisdiction of Connecticut. In fact, many people who are not Masons in the state of Connecticut see such pillars every year when the attend officer installations because a friend or loved one has decided to serve their Lodge in that capacity.

While there are a number of interpretations of what those two pillars sgnify, some given in Masonic ritual, others derived by a Brother's own contemplation of them, I would like to propose a posible interpretation that applies to this weekends Blogswarm Against Theocracy.

I submit that these two pillars could be seen as representing Faith and Reason. While both pillars are beautiful themselves, they stand apart. Neither is taller than the other, and they differ somewhat in their orientation. They are not combined into one gaudy monolinth. Each has their own dignity and each has their own purpose.

Am I suggesting that Faith and Reason cannot be combined? No. What I am saying is that each is capable of being separate from the other and when presented together for a harmonious tableau that is pleasing to the eye just as the ability of faith and reason to exist in the same person, or same society, should be pleasing to the sensibilities of all civilized people.

Theocracy does not allow for this. Theocracy imposes belief on those who chose a different path, will they or nil they. Sadly, many religions define "evil" as "that which is not like us" and seek either to destroy what is considered evil or change it so, (at least in outward appearance), it is "good", (i.e. exactly like us).

The founders of the United States realized that "evil" did not equate to "different". By allowing for the free exercise of religion, or the right to exercise no religion, (i.e. no religious test in order to qualify for public office), they attempted to establish a society where it fell to the individual and not the state to decide what, if any, religious practice they would follow. To quote Thomas Jefferson yet again:

"Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting "Jesus Christ," so that it would read "A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;" the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination."

-Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, in reference to the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom

Do we need further proof that the founders of the United States meant that Church and State?

There are two pillars in my Lodge....




Stay tuned, or not, it's up to you.