THE SHRINERS...
and the Islamic Connection
by Larry Hall

The Lord frequently speaks to me in the hot tub! When He does, His voice is usually loud enough to quiet all sounds of air jets, bubbles, and barking dogs. Such was the case this evening when he gave me this message of caution to many of you reading this article. I am writing for the benefit of the Shriners, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

As we examine the structure of your fraternity and identify the god you worship, you should know that it is not too late for you to repair your mistake. The Lord's voice is full of love and patience. He is a merciful God who wishes that not one of us should perish. But He is also stern and uncompromising, at least as far as His plan of salvation is concerned. Take heed that you do not take lightly the God of wrath and judgment: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." ⁽¹⁾

For those of you who are unaware of the Masonic Shrine, a very basic introduction to the religion of Islam is necessary here. The connection between the Shrine and Islam will be clearly seen when we examine the rituals and oaths.

It is not our intention to dictate to our readers about which religious values they should hold. Religious affiliation is a personal choice and should not be subject to the dictates of any man. That conviction is left up to the Holy Spirit. What we intend to show, however, is that the Islamic faith and the Masonic Shrine are not Christian. Any Shriner who attends and worships at a Christian church is splitting his allegiance between two distinctly separate deities.

Such a "double-minded" man should understand that the Christian God is a very jealous God, and He will have no other gods before him!

ISLAMIC BELIEFS

Islam is not a cult; it is a major world religion of more than one billion members. Islam is the Arabic term for "submission," and its followers are known as Muslims (ones who submit). Muslims submit to the will of Allah as revealed by Muhammed. ⁽²⁾ Allah is the Islamic name for god.

Muhammed was born in the city of Mecca in A.D. 570. One night in the year 610, the Muslims believe that the first of many revelations came to Muhammed from Allah by way of the angel Gabriel. The message he received told him that there was but one god, not many gods as most Arabs believed. This god was creator of the world, and he would one day judge mankind. This was not a novel message: Judaism and Christianity were already spreading the idea of one God. Therefore, Muhammed saw his task not as something new, but as a continuation and conclusion. According to Islamic belief, Muhammed was the last in a succession of prophets -- stretching from Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Elijah to Jesus -- who proclaimed the oneness of God.

Islam became a new religion that evolved into a new empire and a new civilization. The revelations that Muhammed received were compiled into a book (the Koran) directing his followers in what to believe and how to live. ⁽³⁾ The Koran is roughly the size of the New Testament and contains 114 revelations, each containing one "Surah" or chapter.

THE ISLAMIC GOD

For the Muslim, Allah is the only true god, and the "trinity" is considered a blasphemy. Their god is unapproachable by sinful man. According to Dr. Walter Martin, "The Muslim's desire is to submit to the point where he can hold back the judging arm of Allah and, perhaps, through the capricious whim of Allah, inherit eternal life in an earthly paradise of gluttony and sexual gratification. Muslims have no concept of God as a loving and compassionate Father." ⁽⁴⁾

THE ISLAMIC JESUS

Muslims also believe that Jesus Christ was a prophet of Allah but is not the Son of God or God Himself (Surah 4:171); Jesus did not atone for anyone's sins, although He was himself sinless; He did not die on the cross, but may have substituted Judas Iscariot to take his place. Most Muslims believe that Jesus Christ was taken bodily into heaven without having died (Surah 4:157).

ISLAMIC SALVATION

Sin and salvation in Islam are associated with two concepts: works and fate (kismet). Every Muslim who hopes to escape the judgment of Allah must fulfill the works of the Five Pillars of the Faith (Surah 10:109). These include: (1) Recitation of the Shahadah ("There is no god but Allah and Muhammed is the prophet of Allah"); (2) Five daily prescribed prayers in Arabic (genuflection and prostration in the direction of Mecca); (3) Almsgiving; (4) Fasting during the entire month of Ramadan; and (5) A pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a Muslim's lifetime. ⁽⁵⁾

THE ISLAMIC HATRED OF CHRISTIANS

The attitude of Muslims (regarding the Christian faith) has been one of hostility and intolerance. In the early Islamic community, this meant the use of force in the form of jihad (holy war). The intent was not to force conversion on anyone; this was forbidden by the Koran. The object of jihad was to gain political control over societies and run them in accordance with the principles of Islam. ⁽⁶⁾

According to Walter Martin, "Holy war used to be a condition of faith, and early Muslims believed it was their sacred duty to murder anyone who would not embrace the one true faith. Contemporary Islam is much more moderate, although Shia'ites talk of restoring Jihad as one of the essentials of Islamic faith." ⁽⁷⁾

An early edition of The Encyclopaedia Britannica states, "It [Jihad] is used to designate the religious duty inculcated in the Koran on the followers of Mahomet to wage war upon those who do not accept the doctrines of Islam. Conquered peoples who will neither embrace Islam nor pay a poll-tax (jizya) are to be put to the sword. ...every one of their [Muslim] number slain in a jihad is taken straight to paradise." ⁽⁸⁾

In my investigation of the Islam-Shriner connection, I was fascinated by the red fez (truncated cone hat) worn by the Shriners. I read a statement by Chick Publications in their tract entitled, The Curse of Baphomet, regarding the fez. It declared, "It [the red fez] is actually a shrine to Allah. In the 8th century, Muslim hords [sic] overran the Moroccan city of Fez and butchered 50,000 Christians. The streets ran red with blood. The Muslim murderers dipped their caps in the blood in honor of Allah." ⁽⁹⁾

Ed Decker, author of The Godmakers, has the same opinion. He says, "The red fez itself was originally a badge of honor worn only by muslims [sic] who had actually killed a Christian and dipped his cap in the martyr's blood." ⁽¹⁰⁾

Historically, the cap was tan in color and made from camel hide. It takes its name from Fez, Morocco, which is predominantly Islamic. Although I was unable to verify the origin of the statements made by Chick and Decker, I did find an interesting article written by the late 19th century world traveler and lecturer Burton Holmes. In his visit to Morocco in 1901, he made this observation in regard to the Islamic attitude toward Christians:

"So great is the hatred of Christians on the part of the lower classes that even the beggars return curses instead of thanks, atoning for the sin of receiving unclean Christian money by calling down the wrath of heaven not only upon our heads, but also upon the heads of all who are dear to us, or related to us, even unto the fourth and fifth generations of those who have preceded us and are responsible for our existence. One simple and popular anathema is, 'May Allah burn your grandmother!' Another expresses the wish that the wife of your great-grandfather may enjoy perpetual torridity in the Nether world." ⁽¹¹⁾

It is interesting to note that the Islamic beggar, in spite of his total demonic hatred for the Christian, still took his money! Apparently, the hatred was so great that a Moroccan Muslim would find it necessary to clear his throat and spit after passing a Christian. Holmes added: "...the presence of a Christian so defiles the atmosphere that good Mohammedans must needs cleanse their mouths and nostrils after he has passed." ⁽¹²⁾

"WHO IS THAT MAN WITH THE FUNNY RED HAT?"

Nearly one million strong, the red-fezzed Shriners are seen by the public at many functions throughout America. Parades and national conventions raise millions of dollars to help fund their 22 hospitals for crippled and burned children. Their work on behalf of the destitute and orphaned children is certainly admirable and should be copied by more church and civic-minded groups.

MEMBERSHIP AND HISTORY

The Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine is not an official Masonic order. The Masonic Lodge is confined to the three Symbolic or Blue-Lodge degrees. However, the Shrine is open for membership to only those men who are Knights Templar (York Rite) or 32nd degree Masons in the Scottish Rite.

The Shrine originated in New York in the early 1870's. A group of 13 Masons met for lunch and expressed their desire for more fun and frolic than American Freemasonry would tolerate. The Shrine was born!

FUN AND GAMES

When the Shrine ritual was finally composed, it was described by Walton Hannah (an expert in Masonic history and rituals) as an "adolescent and occasionally Rabelaisan nadir of driveling tomfoolery and burlesque blasphemies." ⁽¹³⁾

The Mystic Shrine has been appropriately described as "the playground of Masonry." Fun and fellowship are stressed more than ritual and lodge work. Boisterous national conventions have given much credence to their early reputation as "tipplers," and their liquid refreshment is referred to as "camel's milk."

The flippant side of the Shrine is also observed at the conclusion of the formal initiation ritual. New members are hazed in pranks similar to those practiced by college fraternities. In one example, the candidate is instructed by the Conductor:

"This is the place where our brethren stop to sprinkle the Devil's Pass with urine. You will contribute a few drops of urine to commemorate the time and place where all who pass here renounce the wiles and evils of the world to worship at the Shrine of Islam. Only a few drops will do." ⁽¹⁴⁾

To keep from offending your sensibilities, I need not explain the actual wording and embarrassment that surround the various rituals.

THE ISLAMIC CONNECTION...

It is not my intention to condemn the relatively innocent fun and practical jokes of the Shrine. That conviction must be left up to the values and standards of the men involved.

The purpose of this article is to examine and expose the theology and doctrines of a non-Christian group. In this section we will only look at portions of the Shriner's initiation ritual, oath, and penalty for disobedience. Try to imagine the internal conflict that must be going on in the mind of the Christian man as he is confronted with this strange ceremony!

THE INITIATION

Hundreds of candidates each year, in hundreds of Shrine Temples in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama "cross the burning sands" toward initiation.

After their clothing has been changed to fit the ritual, their hands are handcuffed or tied loosely at the wrist. After a certain amount of ceremony, the candidate is presented to the Most High Prophet and Priest by the Guide. During his questioning, the candidate is then greeted:

"By the existence of Allah and the creed of Mohammed; by the legendary sanctity of our Tabernacle at Mecca, we greet you, and in commemoration of the Arab's faith in purity and innocence, we accept your answers as sincere, and you will now be permitted to proceed in the rites and ceremonies of the Mystic Shrine." ⁽¹⁵⁾

THE OATH

The Chief Rabban, Grand Potentate, and Priest recite short verses to the candidate, and he is asked to kneel at the Altar of Obligation. The altar contains a Bible, a Koran, the Black or Holy Stone, and two crossed swords. The candidate is then asked to repeat the following oath (not given in its entirety):

"I, _____, of my voluntary desire, uninfluenced and of free accord do hereby assume, without reserve, the Obligations of the Nobility of the Mystic Shrine, as did the elect of the Temple of Mecca, the Moslem and the Mohammedan. I do hereby, upon this Bible, and on the mysterious legend of the Koran, and its dedication to the Mohammedan faith, promise and swear and vow on the faith and honor of an upright man,... that I will never reveal any secret part or portion whatsoever of the ceremonies,... to any person in the world, except it be known to be a well-known member of the Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,...

"...I will protect and defend the unsullied honor of any Noble of the Mystic Shrine, when absent, if assailed; and now upon this sacred book, by the sincerity of the Moslem's oath I here register this irrevocable vow, subscribing myself bound thereto as well as binding myself by the obligation of the prerequisite to this membership, that of a Knight Templar or that of a 32nd degree A. and A. Scottish Rite Mason." ⁽¹⁶⁾

THE PENALTY

Immediately following the oath, the candidate is required to repeat and accept the following blood-chilling penalty upon himself for willful violation of it:

"In willful violation whereof may I incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming sun shall strike me with livid plague, and may Allah, the god of Arab Moslem and Mohammedan, the god of our fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same. Amen. Amen. Amen." ⁽¹⁷⁾

A MESSAGE TO THE SHRINERS...

I have great admiration for the philanthropic enterprises of your group. Thousands of youngsters have benefited from the free medical treatment at your hospitals. For the most part, you are industrious, honest, and generous men.

But as a "Christian Defender of the Faith," I must warn you that you are in great danger of losing your souls.

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not...in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22-23)

You are in violation of 2 Chronicles 33:3 by worshipping at strange and shameful altars. "...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations." (Ezekiel 14:6)

You are in violation of Matthew 5:34-37 by swearing blood oaths: "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."

I know that many of you have entered into this "Masonic playground" in a spirit of fun and fellowship; but in your mockery of God, you have become vulgar, offensive, and blasphemous.

Some of you have questioned: "I attend both the Shrine and the Christian church. Don't I have the right to worship under both systems if I want?"

Sure, you have the right to worship as you please. But if you are serious about either system, your efforts will be futile. I'll tell you why. Islam is a completely monotheistic religion. It provides for the worship of one god only. Go back and recite your Islamic Shahadah again: "There is no god but Allah and Muhammed is the prophet of Allah." Islam will not accept another god; if you violate their most fundamental doctrine, you cannot be a Muslim. Period!

Now look at the other side. Christianity is also a completely monotheistic religion. 1 Samuel 2:3 says "... the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." The Christian God is omniscient. He knows everything! Nothing escapes Him! Now read His own proclamation in Isaiah 44:8, "...Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any."

What a strange paradox you now have. The all-knowing Christian God does not know of a god by the name of Allah! If you violate the Lord's rock-solid commandment of Exodus 20:3 (Thou shalt have no other gods before me), you cannot be considered Christian. Period! "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14)

There is only one good answer to your question regarding allegiance to both Christianity and Islam: You can claim one system or the other (or neither), but you cannot honestly belong to both! I pray earnestly that you search your hearts and choose the LIVING GOD!

References:
(1) Revelation 3:19
(2) Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, 1985, p. 364
(3) Excerpted from Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, 1994, 1995, 1996, SoftKey Multimedia Inc.
(4) Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, 1985, p. 366
(5) Ibid., pp. 366-367
(6) Excerpted from Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, 1994, 1995, 1996, SoftKey Multimedia Inc.
(7) Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, 1985, p. 367
(8) The Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Vol. 15, (1910-1911)
(9) The Curse of Baphomet, Chick Publications, Chino, CA.
(10) Ed Decker, A Biblical Look at the Lodge, (Masonic Tract)
(11) Burton Holmes, The Burton Holmes Lectures, Vol. 1, 1901, pp. 40-42
(12) Ibid., pp. 126-128
(13) William J Whalen, Christianity and American Freemasonry, 1987, p.104
(14) Ibid., p. 112
(15) Ibid., p. 109
(16) Ibid., pp. 109-110
(17) Ibid., p. 111.

[Copyright 2001 by Sword of the Spirit Apologetics. This data file is the sole property of Sword of the Spirit Apologetics and may not be altered, edited, or changed in any way. It may not be used without permission of Sword of the Spirit Apologetics for any purpose of resale, with the exception of a few brief quotations not to exceed more than 300 words. Reproduction of this file as “freeware” circulation in its entirety must contain this copyright notice. Brief quotations for reviews or scholarly works should include source credit: Sword of the Spirit Apologetics, P. O. Box 40452, Grand Junction, CO 81504]