Freemasonry: A Christian-Born Fraternity with Global Reach and Iranian Exile
By Bobby Darvish
Freemasonry has long been a subject of intrigue and speculation, with its origins often misunderstood and misrepresented. As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim Christian conservative Freemason, I wish to clarify the foundational history of Freemasonry, its Christian roots, and its global influence, while dispelling the myths surrounding its nature and purpose. Freemasonry is not a religion, but a fraternity rooted in theistic principles, and its influence spans England, America, Europe, Australia, and beyond, including the Grand Lodge of Iran, now operating in exile.
The Origins of Freemasonry: England and Beyond
Freemasonry as we know it today traces its formal origins to 1717 in England with the founding of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). This body, often regarded as the "mother lodge" of modern Freemasonry, was formed by the amalgamation of four existing lodges in London. While Freemasonry incorporates many ancient symbols and rituals, its organized structure and global spread began in the Enlightenment era, with its ideals of liberty, fraternity, and equality resonating deeply with many.
The foundational members of UGLE and other early Masonic lodges were overwhelmingly Christian. The structure and ethical teachings of Freemasonry drew heavily on Judeo-Christian values, with an emphasis on charity, brotherly love, and the belief in a higher power. Contrary to conspiracy theories suggesting otherwise, Jews were not among the founders of Freemasonry. The early Freemasons were primarily Protestant Christians who believed in the moral and philosophical teachings of the Bible. In fact, the Holy Bible has been, and continues to be, a central "Volume of the Sacred Law" in most Masonic lodges around the world.
Freemasonry in America and the Participation of Jews
Freemasonry expanded rapidly across the globe, particularly in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of America's Founding Fathers, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, were Freemasons, and the fraternity played a significant role in shaping American ideals of democracy, liberty, and personal responsibility.
While Freemasonry remained predominantly Christian in its early days, Jews eventually joined the fraternity in America. Jewish immigrants in the United States, seeking to integrate into American society and find community, saw Freemasonry as a platform for civic engagement and social connection. Although some conspiracies falsely suggest Jewish control or infiltration of Freemasonry, the fraternity's open nature—inviting all theistic men to join, regardless of race or creed—allowed Jewish men to become part of the fraternity over time. However, the roots and governing principles of Freemasonry remain Christian.
Freemasonry: A Fraternity, Not a Religion
One of the most important misconceptions to dispel is the belief that Freemasonry is a religion. Freemasonry is not a religion. It is a fraternal organization based on the belief in a Supreme Being—referred to in Masonic teachings as the Great Architect of the Universe. This supreme being is defined individually by each member, according to his own faith and understanding.
The principles of Freemasonry emphasize moral living, brotherhood, and charity, and its rituals are designed to instill these values. It does not promote any specific religious doctrine, and its members are encouraged to follow their respective faiths. Freemasonry requires that members believe in a higher power, but it does not interfere with personal religious beliefs or offer any particular religious dogma.
Because of this foundational belief in God, only theist men are allowed to be members of regular Masonic lodges. Atheists are not admitted, as belief in a higher power is a cornerstone of Masonic philosophy. Freemasonry is often misunderstood by those who do not understand its true nature, and its rituals—shrouded in tradition and symbolism—are meant to impart ethical lessons rather than theological teachings.
The Grand Lodge of Iran in Exile
Freemasonry, like many Western institutions, found a home in Iran during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it flourished among the educated elite, intellectuals, and civic leaders. The Grand Lodge of Iran was established in 1969 and quickly became an important institution within Iranian civil society, promoting ideals of human rights, education, and civic responsibility.
However, following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Freemasonry—like many other Western or secular institutions—was banned by the Islamic Republic. The regime, driven by anti-Western and anti-Masonic sentiments, labeled Freemasonry as a tool of Western imperialism and Zionism. This led to the persecution of many Freemasons, and the Grand Lodge of Iran was effectively disbanded. However, despite the crackdown, the Grand Lodge of Iran continues to operate in exile, with many of its members fleeing to Western countries, where they continue their Masonic work in defiance of the regime.
The story of the Grand Lodge of Iran reflects the broader struggle between authoritarianism and the values of freedom, fraternity, and enlightenment that Freemasonry upholds. Like many Freemasons around the world, Iranian Freemasons in exile are committed to the preservation of these ideals, even in the face of oppression.
Global Expansion and Influence
Freemasonry’s spread to Australia, Europe, and other parts of the world mirrors its success in the United States. In each region, Freemasonry adapted to local customs while maintaining its core values of theistic belief, brotherhood, and moral development. In Europe, lodges were established as early as the 1720s, and they played a prominent role in the cultural and political movements of the time, including the Enlightenment and the rise of constitutional governments.
In Australia, Freemasonry was introduced by British settlers and rapidly became a respected institution, with many prominent figures in Australian history being Masons. Freemasonry’s commitment to charity and community-building helped it become a bedrock of civic life in many parts of the world.
Conclusion
Freemasonry, a fraternity founded by Christians, remains deeply rooted in theistic and moral principles. It has expanded across the world while maintaining its core values of fraternity, charity, and belief in a higher power. Despite its Christian origins, Freemasonry has opened its doors to men of all theistic faiths, including Jews in America, who saw it as a way to connect with broader civic society.
Freemasonry is not a religion, but rather a fraternity that emphasizes moral and spiritual development, requiring its members to believe in a Supreme Being. The Grand Lodge of Iran, now in exile, continues the Masonic mission of promoting enlightenment and liberty in defiance of authoritarian regimes. Freemasonry’s influence and ideals continue to shape societies worldwide, uniting men in the pursuit of moral excellence and civic virtue.
Citations:
- United Grand Lodge of England. "History of Freemasonry." https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-freemasonry/history-of-freemasonry
- Mackey, Albert G. The History of Freemasonry. Kessinger Publishing, 2003.
- Tabar, Paul. "Freemasonry in Iran Before and After the Revolution." Journal of Iranian Studies, 2004.
- Jacob, Margaret C. Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Europe. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- United Grand Lodge of England. "Iranian Freemasonry in Exile." https://www.ugle.org.uk
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