Why can’t atheists join Freemasonry?

Because your obligations would be rootless. But Richard Dawkins is ok. I have a few disagreements with things he believes but overall I really like him and I find anything I disagree with to be entertaining if nothing else. (If that is where you got the name Dawkins2010, if not, I apologize)

Back to the point, If you take any obligation without having anything to base it off of, it isn’t really binding.

On another note, I don’t believe people can actually be an atheist.Speaking scientifically, you just cannot know for 100% sure either way. To proclaim atheism takes a lot of faith. I am not speaking about religion itself, just the psychology behind the thinking. I might add though, Religion has nothing to do with freemasonry, nor does worship or anything of any specific doctrine. The only thing that is required is belief in a Supreme Being. The definition of which is left up to you and will not be questioned nor challenged.

Thanks for the quick response. Why can’t I base my obligations on the belief that breaking a promise is wrong and detrimental to one’s self being? On what basis does an atheist take honesty less seriously than someone who swears an oath a Supreme Being?

A wise inquiry. - one that I agree with. I believe in doing what is right simply because it is right. Not because of any watchful eye, human, government, or otherwise. I assure you I am not the most learned of this wise group here and I am certain you will get a response from a more informed Brother. I think my best answer is that this is the way it has been done from the beginning and that while religion takes no part in Freemasonry, not believing in something may leave one feeling like their Masonic travels are incomplete. Though, no Atheist has ever been made a Mason so I am unsure.

I do the best I can to never offend, and I hope I have not. But I will say that compared to these guys, I am way behind in wisdom.

Thanks. You were not offensive in the slightest. I will inquire with other Masons.

Very well, My pleasure. I am sure they can help you.

Have a good one!

Hello Dawkins

Thanks for your question.

We have had many threads delve into this question over the last few years. You can just type atheist into the search bar and you’ll get many.

One of the more lively ones was at

http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/644/

After you get a chance to peruse these a bit, let us know if you have any additional questions.

Thanks again,

Bob Heruska
Forum Administrator.

Very helpful, thank you. To overcome this obstacle in joining freemasonry as an atheist, is it fair/acceptable to personally interpret the meaning of a “Supreme Being” as a mortal man of great virtue whose character holds true to the masonic moral code? Since everyone seems to agree (as far as I’ve heard) that atheists are equally capable as staying true to their word as someone who believes in supernatural forces. Then when I swear an oath to a mortal being, my idol, Ben Franklin, for instance, why can’t I be held equally accountable to honor that oath?

In other words, why can’t my definition of a ‘Supreme Being’ exclude the supernatural? 

Sorry if this is unclear. I’m a little jet-lagged.

Got it. It is a shame though. Atheists are the biggest minority in America. Maybe it’s time to start a chapter that allows Atheists to join, like in France.

I have always believed in a creator of all, but have never really found my place in religion. Currently, I am attempting to find some connection exclusive to one religion in search of the truth or more honestly; something i can believe in. I am wondering, when the term “Supreme Being” is used, is it possible my faith can belong to a supreme being of whom I am uncertain?

It is left up to the candidate to define. I haven’t ever been questioned nor challenged in my answer- “Do you believe in a Supreme Being?” - “Yes”. Period, the end. God comes up, but not in any investigative process. If you believe in a monotheistic Supreme Being, that’s all that is required. No worship or practice, just the belief.

Dawkins…. why should main stream masonry change to allow atheists? Just because you are a big minority. The general thought of Freemasonry is a believe in a God or what ever term you may use. If you dont believe then that will prohibit you from joining. It is a voluntary organization so the rules can be set to attract a certain type of man. Just like other organizations have specific guidlines to be a member and if you dont meet them then you cant join doesnt make them wrong. Just like there are gender specific groups…. me not being a female prohibits me from joining any sorority. It doesnt make them wrong…. it is simply womans group…. just like fraternities (i.e. Freemasonry) only allow men…. so it is the same with athesist….it isnt that Masons dislike you, you simly dont fit into what the group believes.