Are communism and Freemasonry mutually exclusive?  Can a Communist, who believes in a supreme being, become a Mason?

Wow. Never thought about that before.

Can’t say I could see any reason why not. Though I’m sure as a group we must have had some discussion about it back in the Party days.

Most of the college professors that I know that are Masons are pretty much left wing socialists. I know that’s just the philosophical side, but unless you were intent on overthrowing the government, I wouldn’t see a problem.

We don’t talk politics in Lodge, so it wouldn’t matter anyway.

On the other hand, if you consider yourself an extremist, and talk about it a lot to everyone you meet, you should know that most Masons are intelligent men who are involved in their community and supporters of their country. They might take some umbrage—I don’t know.

Remember, regardless of your beliefs, you still have to have the vote of 100% of the membership to get elected. And the vote is private.

I’m not saying, I’m just saying.

And all I’m saying is that Masons are just men, and communism is a volatile word. In America you can believe what you want, but if that’s all you talk about, I could imagine some members not wanting you as a member of THEIR lodge.

Just my two cents.

Bob Heruska
Columbian Lodge
Boston

BTW, you should know that Freemasonry was outlawed in most communist countries. But many underground lodges continued to meet in these countries—in marked opposition to the government.

I’m not sure that Communism itself is necessarily anti Masonic, but the whole “free” idea does seem antithetical to the concept.

I will do a little research on this and get back to you.

Bob

I really appreciate your help.  This has been a source of conflict for me.  I am vary interested in Masonry, but am also much like the professors you described.  I want to be sure I make the right desision based on good information, otherwise I won’t be serving the lodge or myself to the best of my abilities.  I’m anxious to hear what you have to say.

I once attended a masonic lodge in Moscow. (Phoenix lodge #17, United Grand Lodge of Russia). Freemasonry was outlawed during the communist times (1917-1990). Masonry is not interested in the political beliefs of individual members. Each Mason should be a good citizen of his country, though.  I would have no problem with a man with Communist beliefs petitioning my lodge.

I agree with Brother Martin.

Heavens. I would certainly not be worrying about it. At least in the United States.

Nobody is going to ask you about your political beliefs. No one cares if you’re voting Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or Communist—or if you vote at all.

Again, I was speaking of extremists in any area that might try to come into a Lodge with an agenda—most Masons would shy away from people like that. It’s not what we are about.

As you probably know, there is still a legally formed Communist Party in the United States—though today I believe it espouses a “peaceful transition to socialism,” rather than anything extreme.

Again, we don’t discuss politics at Lodge. But I know (because they are now my friends) that many of my brothers have different political beliefs than I do. That’s one of the great things about Freemasonry - it brings men of every race, religion, and political belief together into a wonderful brotherhood.

I encourage you to visit a Lodge and see for yourself.

Further food for thought. I come from a lodge in a college town. We have democrats, republicans, socialists and everything in between. How are we able to keep a sound lodge together despite such political ideologies? It is very simple, we are all Masons and all brothers. It boils down to the golden rule, respect your brothers and keep politics out of lodge business. Further, these differences in political beliefs, is what makes America such a great country.

Sincerely,

Jacob P. Descheneaux
Pacific Lodge