These types of family Bibles were very common in the Victorian era and for obvious reasons are still collectible today for their beauty as display pieces. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. 12. When we evaluate an antique Bible, these are just a basic points we look at. Masonic Bibles - Freemasons Community In fact, the only thing that makes this Bible a "Masonic" Bible, is that it includes a short . Furthermore, allegorical stories are used as a method of teaching lessons about morality and ethics within masonry. It was once the standard text of the fraternity, and its modern usage has been a source of much debate. It emphasizes individual responsibility and emphasizes knowledge as power. Because idols are not gods and all things are lawful for Christians, unless it involves sin. I am grateful for my Masonic Heirloom Bible. 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. Among other things, it promotes John the 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. . I condemn his condemnation and uphold the importance and beauty of Fascism as the natural state of the Aryan People. In general, the Masonic Bible emphasizes morality and ethical behavior within its interpretation. The Bible in the foreground of the picture, above, is a Geneva Bible from 1581. Some individual leaves from truly rare Bibles can make big money. My King James Bible is embossed with the Masonic emblem and filled with free mason symbolisms. In some areas of the world, they are actually quite common among Masons. 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). There also exist other heirloom editions of the Bible that are not Masonic. In comparison, bible readers from within Christianity will find that all of its content is relevant to them and their beliefs. Some of the bibles used by the masons previously are the Septuagint, St. Jeromes Vulgate, and the Wycliffe Bible. His creative thought and work significantly influenced the development of chemistry in the latter part of the 19th century. Emerging as a countercultural icon, Wilson, along with Robert Shea, published The Illuminatus! 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. 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. Read more about our fact-checking workhere. As such, although there are differences between them including differing interpretations of scripture there are also many similarities between these two sacred texts. (The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Florida, 1992),39-40. While there are some similarities between the two Bibles, their primary difference lies in their purpose. Today, many versions of the Masonic Bible exist, but it is far from as popular as it once was. 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. Is My Old Bible Worth Money? - Regency Antique Books Furthermore, while some parts of both bibles may be similar in terms of content and language, there can still be subtle differences between them due to changes made by translators over time. , here ) and seven times as a U.S. senator, was reported widely on Inauguration Day ( here , here , here ). What is a Masonic lodge? Freemasonry is a fraternal organization with its own set of symbols and rituals that appear in the Masonic Bible but not in The Holy Bible. The Masonic Altar is based around a holy book which can change depending on the personal religion of the mason performing the ritual. Rarity plays a big part in the worth of an old Bible. 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. The Masonic Bible is also available in a variety of formats such as paperback, digital downloads, ebooks and hard cover editions. This page last updated: February 10, 2023. 5. In Romans 14:23 the apostle Paul said, Buthe who doubts is condemned if he eats, becausehis eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. He refers to our freedom to eat whatever we desire as long as our conscience is not troubled. According to research, more than 180 million copies of the Holy Bible have been printed since its first publication in 1611. Those who think that they are sacrificing to a god are not sacrificing to any god. However, due to its smaller circulation it is not as easy to find as the Holy Bible. For instance, Elvis Presleys personal Bible, published in 1977, sold for $94,000 at auction in 2012. 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. Official Cipher [ritual] (Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, 1989),34. By exploring these ancient texts together, Masons strive to become more enlightened individuals who strive for excellence in all aspects of life. From the standpoint of Masonic principles and teachings, there is no such thing as a Masonic Bible. scriptures which were originally penned by Satanic Jews, perhaps it At the back of the volume (after the end of the Biblical text) is a list of strange/interesting Bible facts, a guide to the laws of Biblical peoples, Biblical quotes used by various historical statesmen/orators, a digest of characters, places, and a Bible Dictionary. What is a Masonic Bible? - Quora For examples, the highest authority for Masons in Massachusetts is the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, for Arizona the Grand Lodge of Arizona, and so on. The creation of this special edition of the Bible began in the late 18th century with William Preston. But you are free to own one as long as you ignore any footnotes and teachings in the margin of the Bible. That comment was important because it prepares us for verses 24-29. This allows for easier understanding when it comes to interpreting its contents. Try again The Masonic Bible is written in a more symbolic and mysterious language, while the language of the Holy Bible is focused on clear communication of its message. The Masonic Bible is a collection of sacred texts used by members of the Freemasonry fraternity. As explained by journalist Peter Feuerherd (here) Freemasonry, hasinfluenced American history from its beginnings, capturing the allegiance of much of the early Republics elite, but falling under widespread suspicion in the first half of the 19th century. Henry Pirtle, arr., Kentucky Monitor (Louisville: The Standard Printing Co., 1941),xv. Bibles like these have value only as reading material. First, Masonry as an institution prays (for holiness!) This is an online-exclusive Viewpoint from the Christian Research Journal. is. Ultimately, both versions are valuable resources for their intended audiences; however, they serve different purposes and should be used accordingly. The Masonic Bible provides an opportunity for members to connect with each other through shared understanding of these special practices. It was important because people back then used to understand Greek instead of Hebrew. Before its complete corruption, the Catholic Church held to this Now, we all know what a symbol is. The faithful who enrol in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion (here). In 1983, for example, Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger (the future Pope Benedict XVI) announced that the Churchs negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged . He's also the Distinguished Professor of Comparative . on the Internet. This edition also features engravings depicting several scenes from Masonic rituals and ceremonies. As explained here by the BBC, the Eye of Providence was originally a symbol of Christianity, found in religious art of the Renaissance period to represent God, such as Pontormos 1525 Supper at Emmaus (here). 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. belief and ordered the Bible to be kept from Priests because it might be as the authoritative teaching of the Catholic Religion and have caused Rare / Antique Books First Editions Vintage Hollywood Postcards & Ephemera Militaria / War Everything! Lets learn about a few points that will make a difference in the value of your antique Bible. It was assembled around 3300 years ago. The clasped Bible pictured above sold at one of our auctions for $300. This raises an interesting question, since Freemasonry and Christianity have somewhat different beliefs. Since God has given us theprinciple thatall things are lawful for Christians unless it involves sin, it is okay to own an embossed Masonic Lodge Bible. By doing so they can gain a deeper appreciation for both works and obtain insights into how different cultures have interpreted them throughout history. Over the years, many publishers have produced and marketed versions of the Bible with added content in introductions that refers to Masonic ceremonies. . (The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Florida, 1992),3940. It is here that the all-encompassing deity of Freemasonry becomes an issue. important to a Freemason, today? 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 primary difference is that the Masonic Bible does not contain any religious teachings or interpretations of scripture; instead, it focuses on philosophical concepts such as brotherhood and moral education. Because Bibles published in that time period are so common today, they are easy to obtain. In fact, just one page from the Gutenberg Bible could be expected to fetch $100,000 or more! Let no one seek his owngood, but that of hisneighbor. However, there are differences between the two Bibles when it comes to symbols used by Freemasonry. According to the International Society of Bible Collectors, American Bible publishing experienced somewhat of an explosion just after the end of the Revolutionary War. Unless theyre gorgeous display-only works of art, Bibles have typically been heavily used by their owners. Additionally, there is much discussion of masonic allegory within the masonic bible that is not found in its counterpart. These writings were compiled into what is now known as the Holy Bible during a series called Synods which occurred throughout history. 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 masonic bible, for example, has been translated into numerous languages and dialects throughout its history. The usage of language in both Bibles can be seen through their structure. Proper Sources. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Florida Masonic Monitor, 23rd. But if anyone says to you, This is meat sacrificed to idols, do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience sake;I mean not your own conscience, but the other mans. These modern 20th century Bibles are the type most of us have. Please note that we do not provide complimentary evaluations on any Bible dated 1820 or later, unless it has some exceptional characteristic. This became known as the Masonic Bible, and it was first published in 1783 by William Blake & Company in London. The Catholic family Bible pictured above is an exception to the rule. Freemasonry and the Afterlife. In it, I have recorded important family history events, information pertaining to my own Masonic ceremonies, and I have plenty more space for the information of anything else that I find important enough to preserve. all its followers to worship the Beast, exactly as prophesized. 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). An example of a dilapidated spine of a Masonic Bible and how they can look when restored by experts. Therefore, we have a principle thatall things are lawful for Christians, unless it involves sin. web pages They have had several bibles in the past. Finally, if your conscience troubles you because you own theMasonic Lodge Bible, then you need to throw it away. The Bible as we know it today is made up of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Bill Mankin is also a Christian, He's a 32 nd degree Mason in the lodge in Boise. Masonic & Freemason Books & Publications for sale | eBay Then came The Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos and Obadiah. In general, a Bible published from around 1820 2000 almost certainly has little or no value. But today, in a time when those Dogmatic warnings aren't taken . . In this article, we will explore how these two great works of literature compare when it comes to translation. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! The Masonic Bible, or the Volume of Sacred Law, is an important part of Freemasonry. Dec 8, 2008. Ultimately, what matters most is that one finds spiritual comfort and wisdom within whichever version they choose to read. The American flag is a symbol of freedom. The compilation of the Christian scripture began with the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). Is it wrong to own a Masonic Lodge Bible? The Nature of God 108 9 The Name of God 119 10. When discussing the similarities between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible, there are a few key points to consider. The masonic bible contains many variants of stories and passages which are not present in the holy bible, making it a unique variant of the traditional text. These texts include scriptures from the Christian Bible, as well as other religious works that are considered to be of spiritual significance to Freemasons. In the days following U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, posts on social media claimed that the Bible he used during his swearing-in ceremony is connected to the Masonic Order . 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. These include meditations on faith, morality, duty, and service to others. PDF The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge - Moody Publishers Finally, if your conscience troubles you because you own the Masonic Lodge Bible, then you need to throw it away. Biblical historians and scholars often collect antiquarian Bibles for the various translations that have been printed all over the world. Uploaded by The Bible is, of course, the standard by which Christians must measure all theological/spiritual teachings. 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. Masonic World View 50 4. Jesus Christ 126 11. But you are free to own one as long as you ignore any footnotes and teachings in the margin of the Bible. All wise men acknowledge His authority. And since their mystical origins revolve around the Christian beliefs, they have several revered and holy bibles. ed. He's the director and founder of the Christian Research Institute. Therefore, it stands to reason why condition becomes an important factor in the value of an antique Bible. To answer the question of whether a Christian should join the Masonic Lodge, we must first answer two questions: (1)What does Freemasonry (Masonry, the Lodge) teach regarding God and salvation? If we consider the first Hebrew texts upon leather scrolls and papyrus, the Old Testament, as we already know about the fact that, today, it is available to us through the ages. Baptist as a patron "saint" of Freemasonry and red-letters the The guiding principle for situations where the demonic is involved is given to us in 1 Corinthians 10:31. Then Paul tells the Corinthians that he does not want them to share or be involved with demons. There is also The Founders Bible Heirloom Edition. It promotes faith in a higher power, obedience to doctrine and dogma, and encourages believers to accept divine guidance from above. Florida Masonic Monitor, 23rd. It is not a god. Masonic Altar The FreeMasons essentially use the Bible for the masonic altar, and they have used several bibles through the centuries for their rituals. He fled to various Low Countries and ended up being strangled over there. Found free Mason Bible at thrift shop. Worth anything? The Gutenberg, also known as the 42 Line Bible, was the first substantial book printed around 1455 using moveable type, and is probably the most famous and sought after antique Bible. 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! This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 44, number 2 (2021). The use of proper sources is critical when evaluating Masonic teaching. We accept consignments of high quality antique Bibles (typically dated 1830 or earlier), or those with beautiful, ornate bindings. What is the Masonic Bible? The Holy Bible is a collection of ancient texts that were written over two thousand years ago. 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. It takes a humanistic approach to faith, emphasizing service to one another rather than reverence for God or other religious figures. Today, digital copies, ebooks and print editions of the Holy Bible can be found in many places including Christian bookstores, online versions and hardcover editions. on October 16, 2017. For example, there is an initiation ritual where members must kneel on both knees and take an oath to uphold masonic principles. These Masonic teachings are why Masonic author Carl Claudy states that true Freemasonry gives to a man a well-spent life, and assurance of a glorious immortality.14 They also account for why Grand Lodges state in their funeral services that brother Masons are in the Celestial Lodge.15 As long as Freemasonry continues such teachings, it will remain at odds with the historic biblical faith once for all given to the saints (Jude3). Furthermore, its interpretations can vary from one person to another depending on their beliefs about how to live out their faith. If Masonry is not a religion, then why do there exist Masonic Bibles? Most of you folks are familiar with Dr. Martin. All things are lawful, but not all thingsedify. However, its popularity declined in subsequent years due to its perceived links with Christianity. Today, many lodges still adhere to the teachings in the masonic bible, although not all lodges do so. Rare Masonic Books Through them, different themes are explored. They do this to get the blessings of the creator. It includes religious texts which are important to the teachings and beliefs of Freemasonry. Der Himmelstern Don't mind the commenter named "whywecanthavegoodthings", he appears to be some minor, uneducated jew trying to shift the attention from the Tribe. 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. We offer a valuation service (just $3.99) that will provide you with an estimate of your Bibles worth on todays market. 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. How? Its existence is largely confined to small groups of freemasons who study and practice it for various spiritual or personal reasons. Should Christians Join the Masonic Lodge What is Freemasonry, and what do Freemasons believe? What is the Eastern Star organization, and are they related to the Free Masons? The difference between the Masonic Bible and the Holy Bible is not only found in their symbols and allegories, but also in the language they use.
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