The Masonic Concept of Liberty

[Tamrin]

The Masonic Concept of Liberty
Freemasonry and the Enlightenment
by Alex Davidson, Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry

(Excerpt)

The great paradox of Freemasonry is that its history is inextricably interwoven with the history of 18th and 19th century revolutions, at the same time as its writings firmly reject political disobedience and condemn subversion and revolt against the government of any land. I intend to unravel this paradox by two approaches; one philosophical, the other historical. For the former, I have adopted the thesis advanced by Giuliano do Bernardo, professor of philosophy, and for the latter, I refer particularly to a volume by Margaret Jacob, professor of history (but not obviously, a mason. The two approaches, as we shall see, are not only compatible but complementary.

[Tamrin]

One shudders at the perversity of being condemned for advocating the ideal of Liberty!? Even so, some anti-Masons, keen to find fault with every aspect of the institution, manage to do just that. While we may quibble about the twisted or baseless arguments advanced, of the overall crime of promoting Liberty, I for one, am proud to plead, ‘Guilty as Charged.’

Masonry - Cult of Liberty
From "Catholic Restoration"
Vol. v, No.1, First Quarter, 1995 Pages 32-47
Editor - 'Father' Donald Sanborn
(2899 East Big Beaver Road, Suite 308, Troy, MI 48083-2400 USA)
<www.biblebelievers.org.au>

(Excerpt)

The cult of liberty has always been a favorite of the Freemasons. The liberty they seek is not the legitimate and due liberty from the burdensome constraints of socialistic governments, which a citizen may rightfully desire, but rather freedom from the authority of God, the "freedom" of the devil, the liberty of perdition, as Saint Augustine called it. They desire not the liberty of the sons of God, but the "liberty" which makes us slaves to sin.

[maximus]

Same here Bro. Phillip. I'd rather be a Free heathen than an oppressed religious fundamentalist any day.

[Tamrin]