As we have noted in this book, though many Masonic authors state categorically that Freemasonry is a religion, they go on to claim that Masonry in no way conflicts with other religions. For example, Mackey in his Encyclopedia has written:
 

"The religion of Freemasonry is not sectarian. It admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom, rejecting none and approving none for his peculiar faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend the Jew; it is not Christianity, but there is nothing in it repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and primitive revelation handed down to us from some ancient and patriarchal priesthood-in which all men may agree and in which no men can differ."
 

    This statement reveals that Masonry does have a problem with Biblical Christianity. The reason is because the Bible says, "And there is salvation in no one else {other than Jesus Christ}; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
    It is nonsense to say a Christian can hold to two different religious beliefs at the same time, especially when they conflict. The Masonic Lodge says it is acceptable for men to worship God outside of Christianity. Jesus disagrees. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
    Jesus Christ teaches that He is the way to God-not Masonry, that He is the truth-not Masonic religion, and that spiritual life is found only in Him-not in Masonic doctrine and Ritual (John 14:6). In John 15:4,5 (NIV), Jesus teaches, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,"
 

    If a person agrees with the teachings of the Masonic Lodge, he logically must deny Christ. A person is forced to choose between the Lodge and Jesus. He cannot hold both at the same time.
    In conclusion, we have clearly documented that Masonic authorities themselves say Freemasonry must be considered a religion because it fits any standard dictionary definition of "religion." We’ve also seen that Freemasonry does teach, through its emblems, its working tools and its Ritual, how a man may go to heaven-which means Masonry has its own plan of salvation. We have noted Masonry has a distinct creed, its own confession of faith, a definite theology, and a special Ritual of worship. Its symbols are comparable to those symbols found in any church.
    Henry Wilson Coil in his 15,000-word article proving Freemasonry is a religion correctly concludes: "Nothing herein is intended to be an argument that Freemasonry ought to be religion. Our purpose is simply to determine what it has become, and is."
    Freemasonry obviously is a religion. Whether you are a Christian, a Jew, or of another religious persuasion, if you are also a member of the Lodge, do you realize that you are actively participating in a conflicting religion? If so, then how can you also participate in the religion of Freemasonry?
 

John Ankerberg & John Weldon