While I understand freemasons are not to talk about politics in Lodge, I must ask if can one be both a anarchist and a Freemason? I ask this question for a specific reason; there is the mason idle of the “Good Citizen.” What is meant by the term “Citizen?” Commonly a citizen is a subject of the state, but as I find the state to be a illegitimate organization, the idea of being a good subject seems incompatible. DeMolay makes quite clear there position on this, but Blue Lodge seems less clear on this point.

The second problem is that many lodges open with a Pledge of Allegiance. I don’t feel much need to expand on this issue.

Thank you for your question.

As you point out, discussions about politics, religion, and other issues considered to be divisive are discouraged in lodge because it is contrary to our goal of promoting harmony and fellowship among the members.  As a private citizen however, our members are free to engage in politics, hold office, rally for a cause, etc.

Your question is a little deeper than that though.  As for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, all potential applicants are required to sign a document prior to receiving a petition that states, among other things:

“Loyalty to one’s country is an essential qualification in Freemasonry, and only those men who cheerfully
conform to the laws of his country, state, and community may join the fraternity. Disloyalty to the country and its
laws, in any form, is inconsistent with Masonic teachings.”

While a member who chose not the pledge allegiance to the flag would be tolerated, an anarchist probably wouldn’t.
-Robert

These are interesting thoughts on loyalty toward one’s country as a requirement to join the Masons:  Many of the keystone members of the American Revolution were revered members of the Masons.  I’m certain they did not harbor a strong loyalty to England. 

“Disloyalty to the country and its laws, in any form, is inconsistent with Masonic teachings.”

While it is true that discussion of politics is “taboo” in the lodge, prospective Masons are required to be persons of good moral character.  How this is defined, varies from state to state, and from lodge to lodge. Normally, convicted felons are not permitted to petition freemasonry.  If your personal feelings are that you are not subject to the laws of your nation/state/city, you may not meet the requirements to petition freemasonry.

Many of the founders of the USA were disloyal to England, and committed high treason, by signing the Declaration of Independence, and fighting on the American side in the Revolutionary war. I am certain that some of the men who plotted to kill Hitler in the July 1944 plot, were Masons.

Some, but not all lodge meetings in the USA, are opened with the pledge of Allegiance to the US flag. All citizens present at the meeting, are invited, but NOT required, to participate.

If you feel that your personal political beliefs and philosophy are at variance with Masonry, then I suggest you re-consider any ideas of joining.