Author: Abu Raef
Freemasonry (Part 45)
MacBride’s Theory on the Purpose of Freemasonry and Its Connection with Judaism
In previous discussions, we examined the relationship and connection between Freemasonry and Judaism. We now turn to the views of another Western Mason who, like Arthur, speaks openly and directly, namely, MacBride.
MacBride considers the primary objective of Freemasonry to be the reconstruction of the “Temple.” In his view—one he presents as reflecting reality—the mission of Masons is to build this Temple. The true lodge of human brotherhood, which he claims was established for this purpose, is a workshop in which human souls are refined and shaped so that they may be harmonized with that great ideal temple.
According to him, this objective represents the very essence and core of Freemasonry. [1]
While his statements emphasize that the fundamental goal of Freemasonry is the construction of the temple, it is surprising that someone with such a perspective would describe the lodge or temple as a place where human souls are molded and formed as if it were a mystical or magical environment, more reminiscent of fictional narratives than reality.
However, if one refers to the Torah and the teachings of Judaism, it becomes clear what this Temple has meant for the so-called “people of the Temple.” Moreover, by examining the statements of the Prophet Jeremiah, as discussed earlier, it can be understood that the Temple did not possess the kind of inherent sanctity or spiritual nature that is being claimed.
MacBride continues by stating:
“The Temple of Solomon represents the highest ideal and the central axis in the symbolic heritage of Masonry. Although its physical existence was brief, its influence on the human mind has surpassed that of anything else. The wandering exiles scattered across the world, who for centuries have been humiliated and persecuted in every land, have nevertheless preserved their distinct identity.
Indeed, because of this remarkable perseverance, they continue to nurture a deep hope of return: that one day they will return to Jerusalem, and once again the magnificent Temple will shine under the radiant sun. Within it, the hymns of Zion will be heard again, and the clouds of incense and sacrifice will once more fill its sacred halls.
This Temple has inspired prophets and poets and has been the subject of study for philosophers and historians; yet it has never held a place comparable to the one it occupies within the rituals and symbols of Masonry.” [2]
Such expressions, rather than presenting an objective and evidence-based analysis, resemble emotional admiration and praise.
It can be said that this individual is a prominent Freemason who has fully absorbed the ideas associated with Zionism and has expressed them in a highly embellished manner. Neither Solomon, the builder of the Temple, nor the Torah, nor even the Jewish tradition itself has spoken about the Temple and its people with such intensity and emotional attachment as MacBride has.
This reflects a form of deep attachment—one that can distort reality and obscure objective truth. If MacBride had been a poet and expressed these ideas in verse, he might well have received significant recognition, as such perspectives are often widely promoted in modern intellectual circles.
It is essential to evaluate writings on Freemasonry in light of the teachings of the Torah in order to clarify facts and realities, as such writings may reinterpret or present issues in a misleading way.
Another point that can be derived from MacBride’s writings to support the connection between Judaism and Freemasonry is his emphasis on the historical persecution of Jews. Like other proponents of this perspective, he highlights the suffering of Jews throughout history across various nations, yet does not address the reasons behind this phenomenon—a matter that will be discussed in the next section.
To be continued…
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References:
[1]. Freemasonry: The Complexity of Its Origin and the Shame of Its End, p. 47, citing Speculative Masonry: Its Mission, Development, and Features, p. 8, by MacBride, Glasgow edition.
[2]. Freemasonry, the Jews, and the Torah, p. 61.
