Freemasonry, with its history of secrecy, inclusivity of different faiths, and international network, has long stood in contrast to more singular national and religious ideologies, making it particularly vulnerable to religiously driven nationalist movements. In the current American context, marked by the rise of Christian nationalism, parallels to historical conflicts between Freemasonry and authoritarian regimes like Nazi fascism raise essential questions about how the Masonic tradition might fare under a potentially Christian-dominated government.
The Ideological Clash
At its core, Christian nationalism advocates for the institutional privileging of Christianity in governance, law, and public policy. A vital feature of this movement is its rejection of religious pluralism, favoring a governance structure that reflects Christian values and, in extreme cases, mandates them as the foundation for national identity and law. Freemasonry, however, is a fraternity built on the principles of religious and philosophical tolerance, requiring only that its members believe in a Supreme Being but leaving the specifics of that belief to individual conscience.
Read: Freemasonry’s Resistance to Nazi Fascism and the Post-War Legacy of Persecution
Historically, regimes that have demanded strict adherence to a specific religious or ideological framework have targeted Freemasonry. For example, under Nazi rule, Freemasons were seen as part of a broader conspiracy that included Jews, communists, and liberals, all of whom were considered threats to the homogeneity and control the Nazi state sought to impose. Freemasonry’s global, multi-faith membership and its commitment to free thought and secrecy placed it at odds with the totalitarian state’s need for conformity. Similarly, contemporary Christian nationalist movements could view Freemasonry’s commitment to religious pluralism as incompatible with their vision of a Christian America.
Concerns Over Religious Exclusivity and Political Power
Today, Christian nationalist movements have gained significant momentum in specific segments of American society, with many advocating for a closer integration of Christian moral values into U.S. law and governance. Pew Research Center data reveals that a significant proportion of white evangelical Protestants and Hispanic Protestants believe the Bible should have more significant influence over U.S. laws than the will of the people, a clear indication of a growing movement that prioritizes Christian doctrine in shaping public policy.
Read: Freemasonry In The Face Of Modern Fascism: Challenges, Resistance, And Survival
This ideological shift could have direct implications for organizations like Freemasonry.
If the principles of Christian nationalism become embedded in American governance, Freemasonry’s non-sectarian and inclusive values might be viewed with increasing suspicion. As Masonic teachings draw from a wide variety of religious and philosophical traditions, including those that some Christian nationalists might see as competing or even heretical, Freemasonry could find itself marginalized or accused of subversiveness in a political climate where Christianity, particularly of a conservative or evangelical bent, is privileged.
The Threat of Legal and Social Marginalization
While outright persecution of Freemasons on a level comparable to Nazi fascism may seem unlikely, there are contemporary indications that Freemasonry could face legal and social challenges under a government dominated by Christian nationalism. For instance, movements that seek to diminish the separation between church and state—long a protective mechanism for religious and philosophical pluralism—threaten Freemasonry’s ability to operate freely. A large portion of white evangelicals, for example, express divided opinions about whether the government should stop enforcing church-state separation, with a significant minority actively supporting the erosion of this constitutional barrier.
Read: So What? The Dynamic of Masonic Membership.
A reduction in the enforcement of this separation could lead to legislation that indirectly or directly disadvantages organizations like Freemasonry, especially if their views on religious tolerance and inclusivity come into conflict with a Christian nationalist agenda. Freemasons could be excluded from certain public offices or positions of influence, particularly if policies are enacted that favor members of certain religious groups or require adherence to specific Christian doctrines. Such a shift would parallel the actions of totalitarian regimes that sought to root out ideologies incompatible with the state’s core identity.
Social and Cultural Stigmatization
Beyond the legal realm, the rise of Christian nationalism could lead to broader social stigmatization of Freemasonry. Christian nationalist rhetoric often frames itself in terms of cultural and moral warfare, casting those who do not conform to its vision of a Christian America as outsiders or threats to the nation’s moral fabric. Freemasonry, with its emphasis on secrecy, egalitarianism, and religious diversity, could be demonized as an elitist, globalist force undermining national unity. The framing of Freemasonry as part of a shadowy, anti-Christian conspiracy—echoing historical accusations from Nazi Germany—could see a resurgence, particularly in far-right circles.
Read: United States Masonic Presidents
According to Pew’s research on Christian nationalism, many Americans still view the movement with suspicion, associating it with extremist agendas, racism, and political opportunism. However, the fact that a sizable portion of the population supports the idea of Christianity holding a more dominant position in governance raises concerns for organizations that value pluralism, like Freemasonry.
Potential Paths Forward
In response to these potential challenges, Freemasonry in the U.S. may need to adopt a more public-facing strategy, emphasizing its historical contributions to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which align with many foundational American principles. Freemasonry could also forge alliances with other organizations that champion religious freedom, civil rights, and the protection of pluralistic values to safeguard its ability to operate freely in a potentially hostile social and political climate.
While the rise of Christian nationalism in America presents significant concerns for the future of Freemasonry, the fraternity’s historical resilience suggests it could adapt and survive even in the face of ideological opposition. Drawing on its long tradition of advocating for personal liberty and intellectual freedom, Freemasonry may find ways to navigate the challenges posed by a Christian nationalist government. However, the path forward could require significant adaptation and vigilance to defend pluralism and freedom of conscience.
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The headline seems to imply that we’re somehow on the verge of having this as our reality in America. That’s entirely a “strawman,” in a society that seems, year by year, to slip further and further into the cesspool of a post-Christian…even anti-Christian worldview. Even if there were a significant chance of this occurring, Freemasonry has already proven itself quite capable, throughout our early history, of co-existing…in fact thriving…in a predominantly conservative Christian environment. In fact, historical precedent, worldwide, would indicate that pluralistic views are generally much safer under conservative governance (which in the U.S. would be according to constitutional standards) than under leftist rule, as the latter is much more inclined to ignore the rule of law. The article’s premise must then be that the U.S. would be abandoning our constitutional framework to usher in a scenario threatening to the Craft…hence my “strawman” conclusion.
The data seems to imply that this is closer than some would think:
45% of Americans Say U.S. Should Be a ‘Christian Nation’
Most Republicans Support Declaring the United States a Christian Nation
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Says GOP ‘Should Be Christian Nationalists’ Party
Church with ties to Christian nationalism is hosting Elon Musk’s town hall in Harrisburg
So, the strawman actually has a face (a few of them) and has been public about it’s intent.
I stand by my observation that, whatever the Craft has to fear from the exercise of hostile beliefs, the danger is exponentially greater from those who are hostile to belief and to open observance of the same (i.e., the Left) than from conservative Christianity. I have no reason to believe that any but the most extreme crackpots would countenance suspension of fundamental civil liberties, and modern America will not put them in control. “Can’t happen?” Well, no… hypothetically anything can happen. But projecting this as an existential threat is unrealistic and alarmist. Freemasonry has any number of internal and institutional issues that pose a much greater threat to the future of the Fraternity.
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It seems to me, were Freemasonry to tie itself to the DEI bandwagon, it would finally become completely irrelevant. What exactly do we stand for? Inclusion implies we see ourselves and our ideals as vapid, inconsequential and fluid as society now seems to be. Rather, aren’t we called to a higher purpose? One that requires us to champion living life on the square? This is not a popular stance. Society generally abhors being held to standards. Inclusivity requires compromise. What ideals are we willing to compromise and still call ourselves Men of Faith? That character trait is still required to take the oaths of Freemasonry, at least for now.
How is diversity, equity and inclusion irrelevant? How do you define brotherly love, relief and truth?
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