The "battle" between Antient (conventional) Masonry and Modern (United Grand Lodge of America, a return-to-the-basics organization considered "clandestine" by the Antients) Freemasonry is heating up, with Masonic forums overflowing with discussions, complaints, etc., and more Antient Grand Lodges threatening their members for discussing or supporting the Moderns.For the sake of clarity, I'm posting here a comparison chart showing the main differences between Antients and Moderns. This chart is not original with me; it's from the United Grand Lodge of America.
Antient Freemasonry:
- Has numerous Grand Lodges throughout the country usually divided into jurisdictions by state.
- Most Grand Lodges recognize one another as legitimate but from time to time there are disputes, the most recent in Minnesota.
- Based on Judeo/Christian philosophy but open to men of most monotheistic religions. In rare cases open to polytheists.
- Teaches a form of morality common to that found in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
- Has a multitude of side organizations, some are invitation-only. These organizations claim to be able to teach things that are above and beyond the degree of Master Mason, or in some cases to further elaborate on the Symbolic three degrees.
- Has purely social organizations attached to it such as the Shrine and Grotto.
- Has a multitude of diverse charities.
- Offers little in form of continuing education, Masonic or otherwise.
- Most of its lodges are social in nature and about 75% of the membership is 70+ years of age.
- The Grand Lodges in the Southeastern United States do not accept African-American members nor do they recognize the legitimacy of the primarily African-American Prince Hall Grand Lodges.
- The Antient Grand Lodges do not allow their members to visit Modern lodges and have strict penalties for violators, usually expulsion from their organization.
- Due to some of their side orders being by invitation, not all of their members can join all of their organizations.
Modern Freemasonry:
- One central Grand Lodge oversees the entire United States.
- Based on natural philosophy, science, and a unique system of morality not associated with any known religion.
- Offers only the three Symbolic degrees of Free-Masonry: Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, and Master Mason.
- Does not offer any side orders or purely social organizations.
- Contributes to three charities: Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International, and The Nature Conservancy.
- Accepts men of all races and creeds.
- Offers extensive Masonic, Moral, and Scientific continuing education.
- Its lodges are community focused and are composed of men with an average age of 35.
- The Modern Grand Lodge does not concern itself with whether or not its members visit lodges from other systems.
- All members are able to participate in all degrees.
- Does not have invitation-only side orders.
- The Modern Grand Lodge is the only Grand Lodge in the United States that offers the three Symbolic degrees as they were in 1735 under the original Premier Grand Lodge of 1717.
Masons | United Grand Lodge of America | Modern Freemasonry | Antient Freemasonry | Racism | BurningTaper.com | Prince Hall Masonry
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