Is Freemasonry a cult?

Defining "cult"
A term that anti-Masons use carelessly is the word "cult." They often claim Freemasonry is a cult without defining the term "cult." They also fail to give reasons why Freemasonry is a cult.

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines "cult" as: "1: Formal religious veneration: worship. 2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also: its body of adherents."

Does Freemasonry have a "formal religious veneration: worship?" The answer is "no, we do not." We do have our rituals, but our rituals are not a "formal religious veneration." Masonic ritual is not a religious service.

Does Freemasonry have "a system of religious beliefs?" The answer to this question is "no." Freemasonry teaches a man to search his own religion for "a system of religious beliefs."


The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition defines "cult" as: "1a. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader."

Freemasonry is a fraternity and not a religion, therefore, the first part of the definition is not applicable.

Secondly, Freemasons do not live "in an unconventional manner."

Thirdly, there is no one "authoritarian, charismatic leader" of Freemasonry.


Another definition of "cult" is "an elite group: a self-identified group of people who share a narrowly defined interest or perspective." (Encarta)

Freemasonry is made up of millions of men, throughout the world, with different beliefs and belonging to different religions. Freemasons come from all walks of life and different political parties. Freemasonry can hardly be defined as a group of men who share a narrowly defined interest or perspective. There is a group of people who come closer to this definition, that group is the professional anti-Mason. I submit to you that Ephesians 5:11 Inc. and the other anti-Masonry "ministries" are really cults.

Walter Martin, "By 'cult,' we mean a group, relgious in nature, which surrounds a leader or a group of teachings which either denies or misinterprets essentail biblical doctrine. Most cults have a single leader or a succession of leaders, who claim to represent God's voice on earth and who claims to be in harmony with the Bible but denies one or more of the cardinal doctrienes presented therein." (The New Cults, page 16)

1. Masonry does not "have a single leader or a succession of leaders, who claim to represent God's voice on earth." Therefore, Masonry is not a cult.
2. Masonry does not "deny or misinterprets essentail biblical doctrine."


In an article entitled "Is Masonry A Cult?" Anti-Masons John Ankerberg and John Weldon give two definitions for "cult."

The first definition that Ankerberg and Weldon offer is: "If we define a cult as a religious group which claims compatibility with Christian faith but deviates seriously from orthodox Christianity in doctrine and practice, Masonry qualifies."

Freemasonry does not seriously deviate "seriously from orthodox Christianity in doctrine and practice." Therefore, Freemasonry is not a cult.

The second definition of a cult offered by Ankerberg and Weldon is: "Consider the more outlandish characteristics of a cult such as: (1) a more or less complete withdrawal from all non-cultic social and family contact; (2) the physical or spiritual mistreating or abuse of cult members; (3) the inhibition of independent thinking and deliberate cultivation of dependency upon an authoritarian leader; (4) indoctrination reinforced through intimidation such as threats of reprisal by physical violence or severe spiritual consequence."

1. Freemasonry does not teach its members to withdraw from all non-cultic social and family contact.
2. Freemasonry does not physically or spiritually mistreat or abuse its members.
3. Freemasonry does not inhibit independent thinking and deliberate cultivation of dependency upon an authoritarian leader.
4. Freemasonry does not use intimidation such as threats of reprisal to teach its members.

Freemasonry does not fulfill Ankerberg and Weldon's definitions of cult.


Ron Rhodes wrote, ". . . there are five basic doctrines that are particularly pertinent for cultic studies:
1. God -- including the biblical facts that there is one God who is triune in nature and its infinite and eternal
2. Jesus Christ -- including the biblical facts that He is the second person of the Trinity and is therefore eternal God, was virgin born, died for humanity's sins, and was physically, resurrected from the dead
3. Mankind -- including the biblical facts that man was created in God's image, is forever distinct from God, is morally responsible to God, and is destined to live forever with God in heaven or to suffer eternally in hell, depending on whether he has been saved
4. Sin and salvation -- including the biblical facts that all people are born into the world in a state of sin, that people can do nothing to merit their own salvation or earn favor with God and that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, based on the atonement wrought by Christ.
5. Scripture -- including the biblical facts that both the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God, are inerrant, and are therefore authoritative." (Challenge of the Cults and New Religions, pages 22-23)


Anti-Masons John Ankerberg and John Weldon make the following admission, ". . . Masonry may not properly be classified as a cult per se . . ." (The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge, page 77)


July 24, 2007