The exact same Bible, not owned by Elvis Presley, is worth $10 or less. seriously anymore, the Masonic scriptures have overtaken Catholic Dogma In a Masonic Lodge, however, the Mason will find the name of his Deity within the Great Architect of the Universe.7. Masonic Bibles are heirloom editions of the Bible; they do not serve as a separate version or translation. Follow along on a brief tour of ritual, keeping in mind the previously mentioned syncretism. In fact, just one page from the Gutenberg Bible could be expected to fetch $100,000 or more! The Masonic Bible is a specific version of the King James Version of the Holy Bible, which has been tailored to meet the needs of masonic readers. Most of the Freemasonry has relied upon the biblical characters and scriptures. might be worth considering that the Bible is not what people think it There are a few questions that we can address in this piece of writing regarding the Bible. Q: Is a Freemason Bible any different than a regular Bible? This is an online-exclusive Viewpoint from the Christian Research Journal. In whatever we do, we are to give glory to God through our actions. Click here to learn more . (The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Florida, 1992),39-40. According to research, more than 180 million copies of the Holy Bible have been printed since its first publication in 1611. as the authoritative teaching of the Catholic Religion and have caused that the "Mormon bible was printed and sent forth to the world, from a masonic printing office."4 In May 1832, the Geauga Gazette countered Howe's statements by reporting that W. W. Phelps, a prominent Mormon who had been editor of the anti-Masonic Phoenix of Ontario, New York, before his conversion to Mormonism was "one of the most The presidents use of this family heirloom, which he used twice while being sworn in as vice president in 2009 and 2013 ( here. Let no one seek his owngood, but that of hisneighbor. Paul establishes this important principle before proceeding with his discussion in verses 14-31. If your old Bible was published the mid-to-late 19th century, or anytime in the 20th century, its not going to be worth much. Although this Bible was published in the 1880s, it is in wonderful condition with original clasps. It is known that no original manuscripts exist, there are only copies of the copies through translations and there is a possibility of many errors that have invariably sneaked in. A: No. The Masonic Bible is still a popular book among many Masons today and continues to be an important part of Freemasonry culture across the world. The most common question we get is from people who have an old Bible published in the 20th century and are curious about what it is worth. Christians, for these reasons, should not be members of the Masonic Lodge. 1. But you are free to own one as long as you ignore any footnotes and teachings in the margin of the Bible. Bibles are heavily used and often tend to be in poor condition. The first point to note is that both books have been translated countless times over the years. These writings were compiled into what is now known as the Holy Bible during a series called Synods which occurred throughout history. He's also the Distinguished Professor of Comparative . Read more about our fact-checking workhere. The Bible comes from the Greek word Biblia, which is the most sacred book for all of the Christians and also serves as the source of truth and a book that consists of the revelations of the word of God. The Masonic Bible and The Holy Bible both hold great significance to adherents of different religions. And since their mystical origins revolve around the Christian beliefs, they have several revered and holy bibles. Ultimately then, it can be seen that although both bibles have been subject to translation processes over time, there are still some notable differences between them when it comes to how they are interpreted and understood by readers today. Symbolic teachings in rituals and/or monitors of each state, province, or geographic area are in essence the same for Grand Lodges that are part of Regular Masonry. From Grand Lodge to Grand Lodge, rituals and monitors vary slightly, only in wording. Firstly, the Masonic Bible contains a large collection of writings that are specific to Freemasonry. The Masonic Bible is a collection of sacred texts used by members of the Freemasonry fraternity. On Jan. 20, 2021, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th and second Roman Catholic president of the United States after taking his oath of office using a 1893 edition of the Douay Rheims Bible (see around the 4:15 mark here). 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. The Masonic Symbols are part and parcel of their rites and customs and the holy symbols include the Ark of the Covenant and Kings Solomons Temple. For instance, Elvis Presley's personal Bible, published in 1977, sold for $94,000 at auction in 2012. So, Masonry is: - A religion but not Christian in nature - A religious system requiring secret oaths demanding allegiance and silence - Universalistic Closing Thoughts It consists of two main sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament, and is considered by Christians to be the inspired word of God. Their work was to be performed in Egypt. On the other hand, the Holy Bible contains scripture from various religions and serves as a source of spiritual guidance for Christians. It contains scripture readings, sacred ceremonies, and worship services that are used to help believers connect with God in meaningful ways. Bibles like these have value only as reading material. Some of the viral Facebook posts ( here , here ) include a screenshot of a WorthPoint.com listing for a RARE 1883 ANTIQUE FAMILY BIBLE DOUAY RHEIMS ILLUMINATI MASONIC 22KT BID AT .99! Join our mailing list to receive periodic email alerts on our upcoming online auctions. Masonic rituals involve symbolic gestures and language that are used to convey certain meanings. Its extremely unlikely that any of us have a loose leaf from the original Gutenberg stored up in the attic, but it certainly is mind-blowing to think about the value of just a single page. I hope that one day, my own children will value the information contained within its covers not only about the Christian principles contained therein, but also about their own family history. Freemasonry is a cult and its core teachings are not Christian. The differences between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible are striking, like a lightning bolt from the sky. Over the years, many publishers have produced and marketed versions of the Bible with added content in introductions that refers to Masonic ceremonies. 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. Join the 3,000+ Brethren from around the world inside our weekly Masonic newsletter and get our best selling ebook for free (usual value: $20). Masonic book published in America was printed by Brother Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in 1734. Biden is the second U.S. president to be sworn in with a Douay-Rheims Bible, after John F. Kennedy in 1961 (here , here , www.jfklibrary.org/media/2371 ). They have had several bibles in the past. Through these additional symbols, Masonry aims to challenge its members to think more deeply about religious texts from a variety of perspectives. Freemason Bible: The King James Master Reference Edition Masonic Bible, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). The Creator, the Great Geometrician of God as we know him, is the Supreme Being and is worshipped through various rituals that are performed by the Free Masons in their secret lodges. The Bible still maintains to be the most popular books. 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. I had come across a copy of this freemason bible and read the notes, looking for any unique evidence which might be used against the masons. Its teachings include stories of Jesuss birth and life on Earth as well as descriptions of moral guidance from prophets throughout history. I hope that those Masons who subscribe to other religions also get the chance one day to see such editions of their own volumes of sacred law. Official Cipher [ritual] (Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, 1989),34. The answer is by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity (see the prayer). For example, there is an initiation ritual where members must kneel on both knees and take an oath to uphold masonic principles. Some of the questions are as follows: Q: Why there is a need to know the basics about the Bible genealogy significant to a Freemason today? Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. 14. The significance of both bibles for Freemasonry is clear: both provide religious guidance for members of the fraternity. belief and ordered the Bible to be kept from Priests because it might be By contrast, the Holy Bible is a religious text with much more literal interpretations. , here ) and seven times as a U.S. senator, was reported widely on Inauguration Day ( here , here , here ). What is the Masonic Bible? The compilation of the Christian scripture began with the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). Nevertheless, no matter which version you choose both will provide valuable insight into faith-based beliefs and practices. on October 16, 2017. They use their own religious books. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. From holy rituals to scripture readings, both Bibles contain an immense wealth of spiritual knowledge that can be used by seekers of all faiths. In the 1960s, American writers Robert Anton Wilson and Kerry Thornley published gag letters in Playboy magazine from alleged readers regarding a secret organization called the Illuminati (here). The differences between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible are mainly in interpretation. 13. Masonic Bibles are heirloom editions of the Bible; they do not serve as a separate version or translation. Here one person prays to the Great Architect on behalf of all Masons gathered, who in turn see their individual deities represented by the Great Architect: Most Holy and Glorious Lord God! The core values of Masonry also focus on personal development, self-improvement, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. It was written over a period of centuries by various authors, and its contents reflect the beliefs and traditions of multiple cultures. Some individual leaves from truly rare Bibles can make big money. 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 Jesus Christ 126 11. Notably, novelist Dan Brown wrote of the Illuminati as a group driven underground by the Vatican in his 2000 mystery thriller Angels and Demons.. Because Bibles published in that time period are so common today, they are easy to obtain. An heirloom edition is something that can be passed down from parent to child that contains a bit of their family history; to tie this with the Bible shows the importance that the Bible has to ones own life. Should a Christian be a member of a secret society? As noted by Feuerherd, the Freemasons theological views, particularly their Deist vision of God, put them at odds with the teachings of the Catholic Church (here). Although there is no single definitive version, it typically contains varying selections from both Jewish and Christian sources, such as passages from the Torah and Gospel accounts, as well as other works such as The Book Of Job and Ecclesiastes. The Masonic Bible is often referred to as the Freemasons Bible or the Masonic Scripture. To answer this, we must look at the similarities between the two holy books, as well as the differences in which they are interpreted and used. Posts making this claim can be found here , here and here . 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 In this article, we will explore how these two great works of literature compare when it comes to translation. So prepare yourself as you step into a world where ancient secrets are revealed and mysteries unraveled. Septuagint:It is a name driven by the 72 Jewish scholars who are responsible for Greek to Hebrew. Third, the adverb thereby in the common gavel lesson implies a way of salvation; it signals that in order to reach heaven, one must do what precedes it, namely, divest his heart and conscience of the vices and superfluities of life. Para ms informacin o para Overcoming the Enemy of Education: A Review of Pete Hegseth with David Goodwin, Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation., Who Was Adam? This antique Bible dates to 1743 and though it has (contemporary) writing in it, is desirable. Additionally, some passages from other texts have been included to further emphasize certain points made within the Masonic Bibles pages. According to the International Society of Bible Collectors, American Bible publishing experienced somewhat of an explosion just after the end of the Revolutionary War. ed. My citation of Roberts buttresses my point, but is not foundational. For further information Este artculo es una exclusiva en lnea de Christian Research Journal. Trilogy, and more recently in 2009 with the publication of Browns novel The Lost Symbol ( here , here ). You can even use the pricing information as a guide to resell the Bible yourself. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. What is the Eastern Star organization, and are they related to the Free Masons? But, a fact that is not be ignored here is that various Bibles have been placed upon the Masonic altar. The Bible in the foreground of the picture, above, is a Geneva Bible from 1581. Due to the relative scarcity of antique Bibles in decent condition which are 200+ years old, their value and collectibility rises. My own Masonic Bible has at its forefront (before the actual Biblical text starts) a place for my name, my genealogy, pages where I can one day record the information of my children and grandchildren. Ultimately, freemasons must decide whether or not to continue using the masonic bible in their rituals but either way, its influence can still be seen in modern freemasonry today. 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. Resurrection Accounts Resurrection of Christ, Thus says the LORD, Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me . Fourth, continuing our tour of ritual, the third degree candidate plays the Masonic hero Hiram Abif in a dramatic reenactment, wherein he identifies with Hiram in Hirams death, burial, and raising.11 Christians should reject such practice and teaching because, first, believers should identify with Christ in His death, burial, and raising from the dead (see 1Cor.15:14), and second, Christ is in fact the only Savior (John14:6; Acts4:12). Thus, while both books contain similar teachings, they differ in terms of their religious importance and usage within Freemasonry and Christianity respectively. These include meditations on faith, morality, duty, and service to others. and (2)Are these teachings at odds with Christianity? . Beginning in verse 19-20 the apostletells us that anything that is sacrificed to an idol is nothing. Ultimately, both versions are valuable resources for their intended audiences; however, they serve different purposes and should be used accordingly. The usage of language in both Bibles can be seen through their structure. Additionally, there is much discussion of masonic allegory within the masonic bible that is not found in its counterpart. We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us! The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge by Ankerberg & Weldon. Finally, with the common gavel lesson the Lodge wrenches two biblical passages out of context, 1Peter2:5 (living stones, spiritual house) and 2Corinthians5:1 (house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens), and applies them to all Masons regardless of what deity they (as individuals) profess. The Masonic Bible uses highly poetic language full of metaphors and allegories to convey its meaning. Each symbol has its own significance in masonry, which serves as a reminder of its core values. From this we can see that for Masonry, the Bible is not a rule and guide for faith and practice, but only a symbol. Henry Pirtle, arr., Kentucky Monitor, 13th ed. Amen.8, Second, the Mason who wears the Masonic white lambskin apron given to him during the first degree is reminded of that purity of life and conduct so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.9, Third, all Masons are taught to use the symbolism of a common gavel for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting [their] hearts and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting [their] minds as living stones for that spiritual buildingthat house not made with hands eternal in the heavens.10. To obtain monitors, see http://www.ephesians5-11.org/monitors.htm. The text inside this edition has been modified from that which appears in standard Bibles; it includes excerpts from writings by prominent Masons such as Thomas Smith Webb, Thomas Dunckerley, and Laurence Dermott. This term is used to emphasize the importance and centrality of these sacred writings in the lives of members of the fraternity. St. Jeromes Vulgate:Talking about the first Latin Bible, it was done by St. Jeromes Vulgate. There is a table that is given below that gives you an idea about the Old Testament Bible Genealogy of the most popular Greek, Hebrew, Latin and English translations of the Bible: There are many translations of the Bible that have been carried out by many since 1952. Generally speaking, one can find a copy of either type of bible at most major book retailers or through online vendors. This is the Master Mason Bible, a book These texts include scriptures from the Christian Bible, as well as other religious works that are considered to be of spiritual significance to Freemasons. 3. 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. Although both versions are derived from similar sources, they each offer an alternate perspective on scripture that can be used to interpret religious texts differently. Believing He is but one of many ways stands in direct contradiction to the Bible. Please note that we do not provide complimentary evaluations on any Bible dated 1820 or later, unless it has some exceptional characteristic. 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. Bible Markers. The Masonic Altar is based around a holy book which can change depending on the personal religion of the mason performing the ritual. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. on the Internet. Ultimately, these differences between the two Bibles demonstrate why each has been so influential in forming religious thought across cultures around the world for centuries. This raises an interesting question, since Freemasonry and Christianity have somewhat different beliefs. Some of the bibles used by the masons previously are the Septuagint, St. Jeromes Vulgate, and the Wycliffe Bible. To begin with, both are based on Christian worship, and have been translated into many different languages over the years. Why? Freemasonry offers a way to reach the Celestial Lodge above. I receive several e-mails each month from family members asking what they should do with their deceased loved one's Masonic regalia or jewelry. 10. The world is like a vast tapestry, with each thread representing a distinct culture and belief system. Great Bible:Also, to take note, Henry VIII has possession of copies of the Great Bible that was chained for the purpose to foil overzealous worshippers. We get this question a lot about antique Bibles, and though the answer isnt in black and white, the bottom line is that the value of an old Bible very often depends on age, condition and rarity. 15. It was read by common people at that time. These texts include scriptures from the Christian Bible, as well as other religious works that are considered to be of spiritual significance to Freemasons. I am grateful for my Masonic Heirloom Bible. Old Bibles published between 1900-2000 are almost exclusively considered reading material and unless your copy was owned by someone famous, it is not worth further research. Such versions often include illustrations of King Solomon's Temple, for example. The current H2 asks whether the Masonic Bible can be used for Christian worship. Second, because the lambskin apron lesson is given indiscriminately to those who reject Christs substitutionary work, it fosters a false notion that purity of life and conduct is what is necessary for reaching heaven. 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). However, the older the Bible, the less important condition becomes. This makes it suitable for both casual bible readers and those looking for deeper insight into their faith. While the Reuters Fact Check team could not find images clearly showing the full cover of the Biden familys Douay-Rheims Bible, it is true that the covers of some antique Douay-Rheims editions ( www.ebay.com/itm/143919256211 , here ) include the Eye of Providence, an eye inside a triangle commonly seen as a Masonic and Illuminati symbol. It is a specific version of the Holy Bible and has its own distinct history and origin. On the other hand, the structure of the Holy Bible follows a more rigid format, with each chapter having a clearly defined purpose. A special bible for every one including White Bible, OES Altar Bible, Eastern Star Family/Wedding Bible, Master Mason Masonic Candidate Bible, Masonic Gift Bible with emblem, Masonic Altar Bible- Dark Blue with Picture. Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for one. Over time, it has been interpreted in many different ways, but its basic message remains constant: that man should strive for goodness in his life and that faith in God will bring peace and joy. First, lets consider what is similar about the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible: Second, lets examine how these two texts differ in terms of their usage: In short then, while there are similarities between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible in terms of their content and symbolism; ultimately they serve different purposes with one being mainly for teaching moral lessons within Freemasonry organizations while the other is mainly used for religious worship in Christian churches. Furthermore, allegorical stories are used as a method of teaching lessons about morality and ethics within masonry. Those who think that they are sacrificing to a god are not sacrificing to any god. There is also The Founders Bible Heirloom Edition. We offer a valuation service (just $3.99) that will provide you with an estimate of your Bibles worth on todays market. The Freemasons' Community: A first-of-its-kind online community for those looking to learn more about the mysteries of Freemasonry in the company of like-minded men. Lets learn about a few points that will make a difference in the value of your antique Bible. The FreeMasons essentially use the Bible for the masonic altar, and they have used several bibles through the centuries for their rituals. 9. This might be the case relative to those places where it is not published or distributed, but that does not negate the fact that they do exist. Pierre-Eugne-Marcellin Berthelot, (born Oct. 27, 1827, Paris, Francedied March 18, 1907, Paris), French organic and physical chemist, science historian, and government official. So far as I am aware, none of the Masonic heirloom editions of the Bible are published by any grand lodge; they are instead published by private companies.
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