posted on Sep, 4 2008 @ 10:51 AM
Consider this.
As far back as we can tell, it has been a tenet of Freemasonry that so long as one believed in a Supreme Being, no one in a Lodge would ask more. The
doctrine of religious toleration in Lodges predates such a concept in any nation state in Europe, certainly, and possibly in the world.
Think what it might mean in a society, like England, which had just switched "official" faiths twice with resulting loss of life, property, and
status on both sides, to have a place where men of differing views could come together in security, trusting in the best in one another, and setting
aside their differences in their common desire to be better men. Think of what a radical notion this was at that time.
Now, realize that to some, this remains a radical notion. The very question of the OP about Freemasonry accepting someone who has faith in a evil
Supreme Being is highly suggestive. For some, any god who does not conform in every particular to my understanding of my God is a false god and, thus,
a demon in disguise.
If you think I'm exaggerating, check out some of the Anti-Masonic sites on the web.
The notion of religious tolerance was, in its day, both revolutionary and entirely unique. Freemasonry has a long history of insisting on this
tolerance. When the Grand Lodge of Prussia attempted to exclude Jews from membership, it was promptly declared "irregular" by the rest of the
Masonic world --- and in short order came to regret its bigotry and repeal its innovation.