This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). This is an online-exclusive Viewpoint from the Christian Research Journal. This article first appeared in the Viewpoint column of the Christian Research Journal, volume28, number6 (2005). Ultimately, both versions are valuable resources for their intended audiences; however, they serve different purposes and should be used accordingly. Today, many lodges still adhere to the teachings in the masonic bible, although not all lodges do so. In a few of the private Masonic groups of which I am a member on social media, I have, at times, come across comments from Masons in foreign countries stating that there is no such thing as a Masonic Bible. This, combined with the experience dealing with antique books and access to historic auction records help judge the interest for certain types of Bibles in the antiquarian marketplace. The Bible is used only by Christian when other masons of various faiths perform. belief and ordered the Bible to be kept from Priests because it might be Masonic Bible In Antiquarian & Collectible Books for sale | eBay This is an online Viewpoint articlefrom theChristian Research Journal. This became known as the Masonic Bible, and it was first published in 1783 by William Blake & Company in London. In the early 1600s, freemasonry was widely accepted and popular amongst members of the aristocracy and the clergy. They use their own religious books. Freemasonry & Hollywood: Famous Actors Who Were Freemasons, 10 Secret Societies, Clubs & Groups Like The Freemasons. #1. As such, it is important for readers to understand these nuances when comparing these two texts side-by-side. For example, while the holy bible begins with Genesis chapter 1, the masonic bible begins with Paralipomenon chapter 2. Q: Why is a basic understanding of Bible genealogy . Biblical historians and scholars often collect antiquarian Bibles for the various translations that have been printed all over the world. 9. This is an online articlefrom the Christian Research Journal. He's the director and founder of the Christian Research Institute. 8. When we evaluate an antique Bible, these are just a basic points we look at. What do you collect? . To obtain monitors, see http://www.ephesians5-11.org/monitors.htm. It is an embossed KJV Bible. The Rule of Faith and Practice 93 7. Now, we all know what a symbol is. 11. Reuters photographs of the ceremony featuring the Bible can be seen here and here . False. For instance, Elvis Presley's personal Bible, published in 1977, sold for $94,000 at auction in 2012. We would like to know your opinions in the comment sections below. The Great Architect of the Universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces.In Thy name we assemble.And we beseech thee, O Lord God, to bless our present assembling, and to illuminate our minds, that we may walk in the light of thy countenance; and when the trials of our probationary state are over, be admitted into THE TEMPLE not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.5, Here the Great Architect assumes the role of a canopy deity, subsuming all individual deities (including the Bibles triune God) into himself in syncretistic fashion. Please note that we do not provide complimentary evaluations on any Bible dated 1820 or later, unless it has some exceptional characteristic. Take my own Masonic Bible, for example it is Heirloom Bible Publishers Red Letter Edition of the King James Version. In fact, just one page from the Gutenberg Bible could be expected to fetch $100,000 or more! . When a book is easy to obtain and plentiful, its not rare, and most times, not very valuable. Those who consign with us receive a complimentary auction evaluation. Membership in them remains forbidden. The only Masonic Edition of the Bible with all these features: Masonic, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star Records; Masonic Presidents; Freemasonry and the Holy Bible - Taking you through the internal workings of Freemasonry from the first to the thirty-third degree; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry; Order of the Eastern Star; Questions Most of the Freemasonry has relied upon the biblical characters and scriptures. This is the version used in many Masonic Initiation Rites. In fact, second to antique childrens books, thumbed through by little hands, old Bibles tend to suffer the worst when it comes to their condition. From the standpoint of Masonic principles and teachings, there is no such thing as a Masonic Bible. A: No, Freemason Bible is not any different from a regular Bible. As such, although there are differences between them including differing interpretations of scripture there are also many similarities between these two sacred texts. Masonic book published in America was printed by Brother Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1734. The usage of language in both Bibles can be seen through their structure. Heres a list of some of these similarities: Additionally, both books feature stories about Jesus Christ and his teachings, as well as other religious figures featured in the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, David and Solomon. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB). Furthermore, allegorical stories are used as a method of teaching lessons about morality and ethics within masonry. When compared to the Masonic Bible, there are some key differences. Search the history of over 806 billion is. By engaging with its rituals and symbols, it allows them to develop an appreciation for the underlying values behind freemasonry unity, brotherhood and charity that can be lived out in everyday life. and (2)Are these teachings at odds with Christianity? Then Paul tells the Corinthians that he does not want them to share or be involved with demons. The Catholic family Bible pictured above is an exception to the rule. The ones whose Masonic lodges used the Bible, the Bible that exists today is like all of the Bibles, a translated version of the actual Hebrew texts. Many critics of Masonry, unfortunately, quote from books written by Masonic authors such as Albert Mackey, Henry Coil, and Albert Pike to build their cases. Shrouded in enigma, this sacred text has long been seen as something to be revered by its adherents, yet shrouded in mystery to outsiders. A 16th century Bible Testamenti Veteris Biblia Sacra in beautiful blind stamped vellum, dating to 1581. Lets learn about a few points that will make a difference in the value of your antique Bible. So, Masonry is: - A religion but not Christian in nature - A religious system requiring secret oaths demanding allegiance and silence - Universalistic Closing Thoughts However, the older the Bible, the less important condition becomes. 1 Corinthians 10:20 (NASB). However, there are differences between the two Bibles when it comes to symbols used by Freemasonry. On the other hand, different branches of Christianity have varying interpretations of the Holy Bible that range from literalism to more progressive interpretations. Henry Pirtle, arr., Kentucky Monitor (Louisville: The Standard Printing Co., 1941),xv. The masonic bible is still used by freemasonry today. In 1738, Pope Clement XII excommunicated the Freemasons (here), setting off a long, long history of mutual hostility and suspicion between Masons and Catholics Dickie said. Paranoia surrounding the Freemasons partly stemmed from the influence they exercised in the United States, with many of the Founding Fathers having been members (here). . Its symbols and messages serve as a source of inspiration for many members of this fraternal organization, providing guidance on morality and spiritual growth. Dec 8, 2008. While there may be some differences between how the two bibles are translated, they both provide guidance on living a moral life. Rare / Antique Books First Editions Vintage Hollywood Postcards & Ephemera Militaria / War Everything! There is no real difference between this Bible and your family Bible, where you can write in your family history, or the dates your children were born, married, etc. If you own a King James Bible that is embossed with the Masonic emblem and it contains free mason symbolisms, you are free to own it and keep it in your home, unless it troubles your conscience. This copy was purchased from a seller on Ebay for $16 and The second difference is that while the Holy Bible focuses on Christian practices, the Masonic Bible also includes teachings from other religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. Bibles like these have value only as reading material. Both Bibles feature stories from the Old Testament and New Testament, The language used in both books is similar, Both Bibles contain teachings about Christianity, There are many versions of each book that have been written over time, The Masonic Bible references God as The Grand Architect of the Universe, The Holy Bible refers to God by several names including Yahweh, Elohim and El Shaddai, Both rely on symbolism and allegory to convey spiritual truths, In Freemasonry, symbols such as pillars, squares, compasses, and other tools are used to represent moral principles, In Christianity, symbols such as bread and wine are used to represent Jesus Christs body and blood that were sacrificed for our sins, Additionally, both books contain stories of how individuals interacted with God, In Freemasonry, these stories often involve figures from history or mythology who exemplify core values like integrity. In their lodges, Masons use the King James Version of the Holy Bible in which they add an additional book called The Book of Constitutions. The presidents use of this family heirloom, which he used twice while being sworn in as vice president in 2009 and 2013 ( here. Trilogy in 1975, described here by the New York Times in its 2007 obituary for Wilson as a mind-twisting science-fiction series about a secret global society that became a cult classic., In the years since, Illuminati believers have claimed the secret groups responsibility for events like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 (here). Among other things, it promotes John the The compilation of the Christian scripture began with the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). 11540 New Unused 1991 Masonic Heirloom Family Bible-KJV Master Mason Edition $35.00 1 bid Free shipping 4d 23h Freemasonry 4 Book Lot - Freemasons $14.98 $6.45 shipping or Best Offer Vintage Lot Freemasonry Masonic books HC/PB from mason lodge see all pictures $19.99 0 bids $5.75 shipping 6d 17h Masonic Bibles - Freemasons Community 7. The Masonic Bible and The Holy Bible both hold great significance to adherents of different religions. This is a question which has been asked for centuries, ever since man began to ponder the nature of both books. However, its popularity declined in subsequent years due to its perceived links with Christianity. Thirdly, while Scripture readings are an integral part of both Bibles, the Masonic Bible contains additional texts such as poems and essays which emphasize moral values. Spend $49 on print products and get FREE shipping at HC.com. One of the exceptions to this guideline is if the Bible is finely bound or has some special characteristic which sets it apart from the crowd, it can have more collectibility. Posts making this claim can be found here , here and here . Is it wrong to own a Masonic Lodge Bible? It is an embossed KJV Bible Freemasons do not have a "special" Bible. Gutenberg Bible:Johannes Gensfleisch Gutenberg of Mainz, Germany, formed a published type of the Latin Vulgate translation. It includes religious texts which are important to the teachings and beliefs of Freemasonry. A: The reason is that Freemasonry has biblical foundations. Masonic Bible for sale | eBay Despite this fact, however, there are still some notable differences between the two translations. The history of the Holy Bible is intertwined with that of Christianity, and much of its origin is steeped in mystery. Finally, if your conscience troubles you because you own the Masonic Lodge Bible, then you need to throw it away. Are Beards, Tattoos, Piercings & Body Modifications Allowed in Freemasonry? The Masonic Lodge I. Masonic Nature and Influence 10 2. Try again Such versions often include illustrations of King Solomon's Temple, for example. Before I move to the next point I have four observations regarding the previous three points. It is my understanding that they are more common in the United States of America, Canada, and Great Britain; I also tentatively add that they might be common in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. In Christianity, these stories usually involve Jesus Christ or his apostles. And since their mystical origins revolve around the Christian beliefs, they have several revered and holy bibles. By exploring these ancient texts together, Masons strive to become more enlightened individuals who strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Before its complete corruption, the Catholic Church held to this Asked about the presence of the symbol, which also graces the back of the U.S. dollar bill, on the covers of some Douay-Rheims Bibles, Moss emphasized that the Eye of Providence predates Masonic use. Just think about how people have used and cherished Bibles through the years. The Holy Bible is a collection of ancient texts that were written over two thousand years ago. First, a prayer to the Masonic deity for the candidate of the first degree asks that, by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the honor of Thy Holy Name. Something went wrong. Eventually after hundreds of years their work culminated in what we now refer to as The Holy Bible a collection containing an array of stories, teachings and wisdom that has been passed down through generations since ancient times. . A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. Whatever their title and whatever their age, books were, and are, meant to be read.