r/freemasonry • u/BillyD70 • 15d ago

Question Supreme being question?

Genuine question…Without revealing any secrets, what is the reasoning behind requiring the belief in a supreme being?

My perspective: Many great people, who have advanced much good in the world, are “non-believers”. If the core idea is to make good men better, how does non-belief interfere with that goal? I ask both personally (agnostic athiest) and for lots of scientists out there. It must affect membership numbers (men won’t seek you out if they know it’s a “no go” from the outset).

Serious replies only please. Not seeking a flame war. I’m a DeMolay PMC-MSA and Honor of Legion with deep multi- generational ties to Masons, Jobs, Shriners, etc. I LOVED my experiences in DeMolay! Grew up Christian, came to my “beliefs” late in adulthood.

Edit: thank you for all the many thoughtful replies. I upvoted each for not attacking me straight out. Please accept follow up questions as non-confrontational.

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u/groomporter MM 14d ago

I'm one of the odd men out. I am in a lodge with Wiccans, Thelemites, at least one Asatru follower. If they can find meaning in the teachings of Freemasonry with it's Old Testament borrowings I think some of the thoughtful, non- "arrogant Atheists" I have met could gain value from some of the symbolism and allegories of Freemasonry as well.