Rizal's Romances

There are nine (9) recorded women in Rizal's life, however some historians suggest that there have been more.  Below are brief accounts of Jose Rizal's romances:

SEGUNDA KATIGBAK: RIZAL'S FIRST LOVE

Segunda Katigbak

Jose Rizal was only a young boy of sixteen (16) when he first fell in love, and it was with Segunda Katigbak, a girl from Lipa, Batangas and two years his junior.  According to Rizal, "She was rather short, with eyes that were eloquent and ardent at times and languid at others, rosy-cheeked, with an enchanting and provocative smile that revealed very beautiful teeth, and the air of a sylph; her entire self diffused a mysterious charm."

Stolen Glances

Rizal went to Trozo, Manila one day to visit his grandmother.  His friend, Mariano Katigbak, accompanied him.  Mariano's family were close with Rizal's grandmother, and upon arrival at Lipa, Mariano's sister Segunda was there at the old woman's house along with other guests. Rizal was drawn to hear instantly.  

Some of the other guests knew that Rizal was a skilled painter and asked him to draw a portrait of Segunda.  He obliged, and reluctantly worked on a pencil sketch of the girl.  "From time to time, she looked at me, and I blushed."

A Blossoming Love

Rizal's sister Olympia was a close friend of Segunda and a student at La Concordia College, and Rizal went to visit her every week, during which he came to know Segunda more intimately.  Their affection for each other grew deeper with every meeting, one that began with "love at first sight." 

Hopeless from the Beginning

Unfortunately, Segunda was already engaged to be married to her townmate, Manuel Luz, and although Rizal had gotten hints of the lady's affection for him, he timidly decided to back away and did not propose.  Years later Segunda returned to Lipa and wed her betrothed, leaving a frustrated Rizal to the mercy of his nostalgic memories.  Rizal said while recording his first romance three years later, "Ended, at an early hour, my first love! My virgin heart will always mourn the reckless step it took on the flower-decked abyss.  My illusions will return, yes, but indifferent, uncertain, ready for the first betrayal on the path of love."

LEONOR VALENZUELA: PRIVATE LETTERS

Leonor Valenzuela

When Rizal was a sophomore at the University of Santo Tomas and was boarding in the house of Dona Concha Leyva in Intramuros he met Leonor "Orang" Valenzuela, his next-door neighbor and daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela. She was a tall girl who carried herself with grace and elegance.

Exchanging Love Notes

Rizal was always welcome at the Valenzuela home.  He eventually courted Leonor by sending her love notes, which he wrote in invisible ink made from a mixture of water and table salt.  He taught Leonor how to read his letters by heating them over a lamp or a candle to allow the words to surface.

Unfortunately, as with his first love, Jose failed to ask for the lady's hand in marriage.

LEONOR RIVERA: THE FIRST ENGAGEMENT

Leonor Rivera

Leonor Rivera was a young lady from Camiling, and a cousin of Jose Rizal.  Leonor's father had provided room and board in Casa Tomasina, Intramuros for Rizal when the youth was still starting his third year at the university. The young girl was then a student at La Concordia College where Soledad, Rizal's little sister was also studying.

A Secret Relationship 

 

Leonor was "tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes."  She and Rizal eventually became engaged.  In her letters, she signed her name as "Taimis" in order to hide their intimate relationship from the girl's parents.

A Lady's Infidelity

In the autumn of 1890, however, Rizal received a letter from Leonor telling him of her coming marriage to a man whom her mother chose to be her mate -- an Englishman -- and begged for his forgiveness.  This broke Rizal's heart deeply.

CONSUELO ORTIGA Y PEREZ: A SACRIFICE FOR FRIENDSHIP

Consuelo Ortiga y Perez

In 1882, when Rizal was a student at the Universidad Central de Madrid, he frequented the home of Don Pablo Ortiga y Rey, the former city mayor of Manila.  He lived with his son Rafael and his daughter Consuelo.

Taken by Charm

Rizal, though he wasn't a handsome man, possessed a great deal of charisma and was gifted with many talents and a deeply noble character.  For this reason, it is of no surprise that Consuelo, the prettier of Don Pablo's daughters, was very taken with him. 

An Escape from Loneliness

Being lonely and somewhat isolated in a foreign country, Rizal found comfort in Consuelo's vivacious company.  He wrote her a poem entitled A La Senorita C.O. y P. (To Miss C.O.y P.), in which he expressed his great admiration for the lady.

Backing Out

Rizal's romance with Consuelo did not turn into a serious affair; he decided to take a step back for two reasons:  first, he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera at that time; and second, he was aware of his friend's (Eduardo de Lete) affection for the girl and he did not want to ruin their friendship over her.

O-SEI-SAN: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

O-Sei-San

When Rizal was in Tokyo a few days after he had moved to the Azabu district in 1888, he spotted a pretty Japanese girl walking past the legion gate.  He was captured by the lady's regal air and charisma and endeavored to find ways to meet her.  The girl's name was Seiko Usui.  She lived with her parents and often took afternoon walks by the legation.  Rizal waited by the gate one afternoon and introduced himself.

An Exploration of Beauty

Rizal and O-Sei-San, as he fondly called her, met almost daily.  They toured the beautiful city spots, enjoyed the scenery, and visited the picturesque shrines.  Rizal was then a lonely young physician, disillusioned by his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera and burdened by soured hopes for justice in his country.  O-Sei-San provided the beautiful escape that he deeply needed, and he saw in her the qualities of his ideal woman.  He was her first love.

Sayonara

Because of his deep affection for her, Rizal was almost tempted to settle down in Japan.  Conveniently enough, he was also offered a good position at the Spanish Legation during that time.  Rizal, however, had set his sights on other matters.  He decided to leave Japan and forget his romance, which pained him gravely as attested by an entry in his diary. His 45-day sojourn in Japan was one of the happiest interludes in his life.

GERTRUDE BECKETT: A CHISELED BEAUTY

Gertrude Beckett

In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a short time, boarding the house of the Beckett family: Mr. & Mrs. Beckett, their two sons, and their four daughters.  The eldest daughter was named Gertrude.

The Artist's Right Hand

Gertrude was a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair.  She fell in love with Rizal and gave him all of her attention during the family picnics and gatherings.  When Rizal stayed indoors during rainy days painting and sculpting, she helped him mix his colors and prepare his clay.

Rizal enjoyed her company.  Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a blossoming romance.  He affectionately called her "Gettie," and in return she called him "Pettie."

Leaving for a Higher Cause

Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could become more serious, realizing that he had a greater mission to fulfill and that in order to accomplish it he could not yield to the option of marrying her.  He suppressed the yearnings of his heart and decided to leave so that the lady may forget him.  Before he did, however, he finished a number of sculptural works, one of which was a carving of the heads of the Beckett sisters.

SUZANNE JACOBY: A LOVE UNREQUITED

Suzanne Jacoby

On January 28, 1890, Rizal left for Brussels, Belgium.  He stayed for a considerable time, paying for room and board.  His landladies had a pretty niece named Petite Suzanne Jacoby.  She was taken by Rizal's charm and gallantry, and provided him good company.  Rizal could have flirted with the lady, considering that his beloved Leonor was far away and he was a lonely man in a strange and foreign land, but he realized he could not deceive her.

A Broken Heart

Suzanne fell in love with Rizal, and wept when he left for Madrid in July 1890.  She wrote to him in French: 

"Where are you now? Do you think of me once in a while? I am reminded of our tender conversations, reading your letter, although it is cold and indifferent.  Here in your letter I have something which makes up for your absence.  How pleased I would be to follow you, to travel with you who are always in my thoughts.

You wish me all kinds of luck, but forget that in the absence of a beloved one a tender heart cannot feel happy.

A thousand things serve to distract your mind, my friend; but in my case, I am sad, lonely, always alone with my thoughts -- nothing, absolutely nothing relieves my sorrow.  Are you coming back?  That's what I want and desire most ardently -- you cannot refuse me.

I do not despair and I limit myself to murmuring against time which runs so fast when it carries us toward a separation, but goes so slowly when it's bringing us together again.

I feel very unhappy thinking that perhaps I might never see you again.

Goodbye! You know with one word you can make me very happy.  Aren't you going to write to me?" 

NELLIE BOUSTEAD: A FAILED PROPOSAL

Nellie Boustead

In 1891, Rizal took a vacation in Biarritz in order to find reprieve from his troubles in Madrid.  He was a guest of the Boustead family in their winter residence, Villa Eliada.  Mr. and Mrs. Boustead had two beautiful daughters, Adelina and Nellie.

An Emotional Rebounce

After having lamented his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera on account of the lady's engagement to another man, Rizal came to develop considerable affection for Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of Mr. Eduardo Boustead.  He found her to be intelligent,  morally upright, and full of life.  Rizal wrote to his closest friends about his intention to marry her.

Consent from the Lady's Past Love

Rizal's friends were delighted to hear that he had found a suitable girl whom he at last wished to settle down with.  Even Antonio Luna, who had previously loved Nellie, encouraged Rizal to court her and ask for her hand in marriage.    With all the encouragement from the friends he held dear, Rizal wooed Nellie (also called Nelly) who, in turn, returned his affections. 

A Broken Engagement

Rizal's marriage proposal failed for two reasons:  first, Nellie demanded that he give up his Catholic faith and convert to Protestantism, which was her religion.  Rizal did not like this idea.  Second,  Nelly's mother did not approve of Rizal, as she had no desire to entrust her daughter to a man who was wanting in wealth and  persecuted in his own country.   In spite of the circumstances, Rizal and Nellie parted as good friends.

JOSEPHINE BRACKEN: TRUE LOVE IN EXILE

Josephine Bracken

Rizal's exile in Dapitan was one of the most lonesome and sorrowful periods of his life.  He missed the company of his friends and family, and the death of Leonor Rivera on August 28, 1893 left a gaping void in his heart.

Josephine Bracken arrived at the shores of Dapitan accompanying her blind adoptive father, Mr. George Taufer.  No ophthalmologist in Hong Kong, their home country, could cure the man's blindness and so they sought the services of the famous Dr. Jose Rizal.

Overcoming Barriers

Rizal and Josephine fell in love at first sight.  Their romantic interlude went on for about a month, after which they decided to marry.   The priest of Dapitan, however, refused to conduct the ceremony without consent from the Bishop of Cebu.  

When Mr. Taufer heard of his daughter's plan to marry he became so enraged at the thought of losing Josephine that he attempted to kill himself with a razor to his throat.  Rizal prevented this tragedy by holding the man's wrists back.  Josephine left with her father on the first available steamer to Manila in order to avoid more trouble.  Since Mr. Taufer's blindness was venereal in nature, it was incurable.

Exchanging Vows

Mr. Taufer went back to Hong Kong alone, and Josephine stayed in Manila with Rizal's family.  At length, she returned to Dapitan.  Since no priest would marry them, Rizal and Josephine held hands, exchanged vows, and married themselves before God.  

The Loss of a Child

Rizal and Josephine lived together in Dapitan as husband and wife, and in early 1896 they were expecting a baby.  Unfortunately, Josephine had to go into premature labor after Rizal played a prank and frightened her.  A little boy of eight months was born, who lived for only three hours.  Rizal named him Francisco in honor of his father, and buried the child in Dapitan.

 

 

Jose Rizal as a Mason

Rizal's prime encounter with Freemasonry occurred when he was in Spain, where he made the acquaintance of some liberal and republican Spaniards who were mostly Masons.  He admired the way these Masons scrutinized and criticized the methods of the government and criticized the haughty friars, a freedom which could not be practiced in the Philippines.  Eventually, in 1883, Rizal joined the Masonic lodge in Madrid which was called Acacia.  His central motive in joining the society was to secure the aid of the Freemasons in his battle against the abusive friars in the Philippines.  Since the friars used the might of Catholicism to oppress and persecute the country's patriots, Rizal intended to fight them with Freemasonry.

On November 15, 1890, Rizal became a Master Mason in Lodge Solidaridad in Madrid.  Two years later he was awarded Master Mason in Paris by Le Grand Orient de France.

Some of his comrades including Graciano Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, and Marcelo H. del Pilar, were also active Masons.  Rizal, on the other hand, was more placid.  His only Masonic writing was entitled "Science, Virtue and Labor," which he delivered in 1889.

A portion of this lecture reads:

The duty of modern man, to my way of thinking, is to work for the redemption of humanity, because once man is dignified there would be less unfortunate and more happy men that is possible in this life.  Humanity cannot be redeemed so long as there are oppressed peoples, so long as there are some men who live on the tears of many, so long as there are emasculated minds and blinded eyes that enable others to live like sultans who alone may enjoy beauty.  Humanity cannot be redeemed while reason is not free, while faith would want to impose itself on facts, while whims are laws, and while there are nations who subjugate others.  For humanity to be able to attain the lofty destiny toward which God guides it, it is necessary that within its fold there should be no dissensions nor tyranny, that plagues do not decimate it and no groans and curses be heard in its march. It is necessary that its triumphant career march to the tune of the hymns of glory and liberty with a bright face and serene forehead.

Rizal's Family: Genealogy and Bloodline

Shown below are the genealogies of the Rizal children (pictures taken at Fort Santiago, Intramuros):

Saturnina Rizal's Genealogy

 Saturnina "Neneng" was the oldest of the Rizal children.  Her husband, Manuel T. Hidalgo, hailed from Tanawan, Batangas.

Paciano Rizal's Genealogy

Paciano was Jose Rizal's confidant.  Though he died a bachelor, Paciano had two children by Severina Decena, his mistress.

 

Narcisa Rizal's Genealogy

Narcisa "Sisa" was a schoolteacher.  She married Antonio Lopez, the nephew of Fr. Leoncio Lopez.

Olympia Rizal's Genealogy

 Olympia "Ypia," the fourth of the Rizal children, married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator who hailed from Manila.

Lucia Rizal's Genealogy

Lucia married Mariano Herbosa, who was the nephew of Fr. Casanas, Jose Rizal's godfather.  When her husband died of cholera he wasn't given the honor of a Christian burial because he was Rizal's brother-in-law.

Maria Rizal's Genealogy

 Maria "Biang" married a man from Laguna, Daniel Faustino Cruz.

Jose Rizal's Genealogy

 Jose "Pepe" Rizal had an only son in Dapitan with Josephine Bracken.  The boy, named Francisco after Jose's father, lived only a few hours.

Concepcion "Concha," Jose's younger sister, died at the age of 3 when she fell severely ill.  Her death was Rizal's first sorrow in life.

Josefa "Panggoy" and Trinidad "Trining" both died old maids.

Soledad Rizal's Genealogy

Soledad "Choleng" was the youngest of the Rizal children.  Her husband, Pantaleon Quintero, hailed from Calamba.

Rizal in Dapitan

Rizal lived in exile in far-away Dapitan, a remote town in Mindanao which was under the missionary jurisdiction of the Jesuits, from 1892 to 1896. This four-year interregnum in his life was tediously unexciting, but was abundantly fruitful with varied achievements (Zaide, 2008).

"...wherever I go I would always be in the hands of God who has in His hands the destinies of man." -Jose Rizal

This monumental work of art is a tribute to all Dapitanons and to those who, in heart and in mind, silently share the same vision of Dr. Jose Rizal for the greater glory of Dapitan.  This serves as a reminder to all - that Dapitan was once blessed with the distinct privilege and opportunity to shelter the greatest Filipino martyr who lived here on exile for four years, thirteen days and a few hours...sharing his noble life, works, and teachings.  The realization of this historical landmark was made possible through the sustainable development efforts and and initiatives of former Cong. Romeo "Nonong" G. Jalosjos, and the City Government of Dapitan concretized by the artistic touch and technical expertise of the following personalities:  Antonio Tuviera (concept and production), Nilo Ajo. Ferraren (architect), Manuel Tolentino (sculptor), and Ronel Roces (installation and bronnzing).  This monument was unveiled during the 4th Handuraw Celebration on December 28, 2009.  -Inscription

 This cross, located across Rizal's landing site at Dapitan, marks the start of Catholicism in the island.

In front of the church, Rizal and Father Sanchez made a huge relief map of Mindanao out of earth, stones and grass. This map still adorns the town plaza of Dapitan (Zaide, 2008).  This artistic manifestation of a well-lived exile was made by Dr. Jose P. Rizal on August 1892 based on the map done by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, a French Jesuit in 1752.  He was assisted by Fr. Francisco Paula de Sanchez, S.J., his favorite teacher at the Ateneo de Manila where he studied in 1872-1877.  Rizal used this map as a motivating device in teaching geography and history to his pupils during his lonely but productive banishment in Dapitan from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896 (Inscription).

St. James Church

St. James Church is located across the Relief Map of Mindanao, and used to be Rizal's place of worship.  The hero used to pray in a corner at the back of the church to avoid the eyes of the judgmental friars who constantly hinted at him during their sermons.

Standing in the spot where Rizal used to stand during masses, one can behold this view inside the church.  "On this spot of Saint James Church constructed by the Jesuits in 1871, Jose Rizal stood while hearing mass every Sunday during his exile in Dapitan in 1892-1896." (Inscription)

RIZAL SHRINE

Jose Rizal's dwelling place in Dapitan is preserved in Rizal Shrine, along with some the hero's works, clothes, and other memorabilia.

"I shall tell you how we live here. I have three houses: one square, another hexagonal, and a third octagonal, all of bamboo, wood, and nipa" - Rizal (Zaide, 2008).  

Casa Cuadrada (Replica of the Pupils' Dormitory and Workshop)

 Rizal effected the construction of the house to accommodate the growing number of pupils in his Talisay School.  The area underneath the hut served as the workshop of his pupils (Inscription).  His exile to Dapitan gave Rizal the opportunity to put into practice his educational ideas.  In 1893 he established a school which existed until the end of his exile in July 1896.  It began with three pupils and in the course of time the enrolment increased to 16 and later to 21.  Instead of charging tuition fees, he made them work in his garden, fields, and construction projects in the community (Zaide 2008).

 Casa Redonda (Replica of the Octagonal Clinic of Rizal)

The octagonal hut served as Rizal's clinic and as dormitory of some of his pupils.  Reconstructed with similar materials as the main house, it now stands as a reminder of the numerous medications performed by Rizal during his exile in Dapitan (Inscription).

 "From my house I hear the murmur of a crystal brook which comes from the high rocks; I see the seashore... In the square house we live, my mother, sister Trinidad, a nephew and I" - Rizal (Zaide, 2008).  

Rizal's kitchen

Talisay Water System (Rizal's Dam and Aqueduct)

Constructed by Rizal in 1895 with the help of his pupils, the water system provided adequate year-round water supply for Rizal's farm and household needs (Inscription).  An American engineer, Mr. H.F. Cameron, praised Rizal's engineering feat in the following words: "Another famous and well-known water supply is that of Dapitan, Mindanao, designed and constructed by Dr. Rizal during his banishment in that municipality by the Spanish authorities... This supply comes from a little mountain stream across the river from Dapitan and follows the contour of the country for the whole distance.  When one considers that Doctor Rizal had no explosives with which to blast the hard rocks and no resources save his own ingenuity, one cannot help but honor a man, who against adverse conditions, had the courage and tenacity to construct the aqueduct which had for its bottom the flutted tiles from the house roofs, and was covered with concrete made from lime burned from the sea coral.  The length of this aqueduct is several kilometers, and it winds in and out among the rocks and is carried across gullies in bamboo pipes upheld by rocks or brick piers to the distribution reservoir" (Zaide, 2008).

Lovers' Rock

Because they could not be married in a church, Rizal and Josephine Bracken exchanged vows on this rock. Rizal and Josephine fell in love with each other at first sight.  After a whirlwind romance of one month, they agreed to marry. But Father Obach, the priest of Dapitan, refused to marry them without the pemission of the Bishop of Cebu.  Since no priest would marry them, Rizal and Josephine held hands together and married themselves before the eyes of God (Zaide, 2008).

Stairway to Lovers' Rock (constructed)

 Josephine (A Josefina)

Who to these shores have come

Looking for a nest, a home,

Like a wandering swallow;

If your fate is taking you

To Japan, China or Shanghai,

Don't forget on these shores

A heart for you beats high.

-Jose Rizal

El Canto del Viajero (The Song of theTraveler)

El Canto del Viajero (The Song of theTraveler)

 

Like to a leaf that is fallen and withered,
Tossed by the tempest from pole unto pole ;
hus roams the pilgrim abroad without purpose,
Roams without love, without country or soul.

Following anxiously treacherous fortune,
Fortune which e 'en as he grasps at it flees ;
Vain though the hopes that his yearning is seeking,
Yet does the pilgrim embark on the seas !

Ever impelled by the invisible power,
Destined to roam from the East to the West ;
Oft he remembers the faces of loved ones,
Dreams of the day when he, too, was at rest.

Chance may assign him a tomb on the desert,
Grant him a final asylum of peace ;
Soon by the world and his country forgotten,
God rest his soul when his wanderings cease !

Often the sorrowing pilgrim is envied,
Circling the globe like a sea-gull above ;
Little, ah, little they know what a void
Saddens his soul by the absence of love.

Home may the pilgrim return in the future,
Back to his loved ones his footsteps he bends ;
Naught wìll he find but the snow and the ruins,
Ashes of love and the tomb of his friends,

Pilgrim, begone ! Nor return more hereafter,
Stranger thou art in the land of thy birth ;
Others may sing of their love while rejoicing,
Thou once again must roam o'er the earth.

Pilgrim, begone ! Nor return more hereafter,
Dry are the tears that a while for thee ran ;
Pilgrim, begone ! And forget thine affliction,
Loud laughs the world at the sorrows of man.

Freemasonry vs. Christianity: A Clash of Beliefs

Freemasonry, Eastern Star, and other similar "secret" organizations appear to be harmless fellowship gatherings. Many of them appear to promote belief in God. However, upon closer examination, we find that the only belief requirement is not that one must believe in the True and Living God, but rather, that one must believe in the existence of a “Supreme Being”, which includes the “gods” of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion. The unbiblical and anti-Christian beliefs and practices of this organization are partially hidden beneath an outward appearance of a supposed compatibility with the Christian faith. The following is a comparison of what the Bible says with the "official" position of Freemasonry:

Salvation from Sin:

The Bible’s View: Jesus became the sinner’s sacrifice before God when He shed His blood and died as the propitiation (payment) for the sins of all those who would ever believe (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8, John 3:16).

Mason’s View: The very process of joining the Lodge requires Christians to ignore the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. According to Freemasonry, a person will be saved and go to heaven as a result of his good works and personal self-improvement.

The View of the Bible:

The Bible’s View: The supernatural and plenary inspiration of the Scriptures—that they are inerrant and that their teachings and authority are absolute, supreme, and final. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Mason’s View: The Bible is only one of several “Volume(s) of Sacred Law,” all of which are deemed to be equally important in Freemasonry. The Bible is an important book, only as far as those members who claim to be Christians are concerned, just as the Koran is important to Muslims. The Bible is not considered to be the exclusive Word of God, nor is it considered to be God’s sole revelation of himself to humankind; but only one of many religious sourcebooks. It is a good guide for morality. The Bible is used primarily as a symbol of God’s will, which can also be captured in other sacred texts, like the Koran or Rig Vedas.

The Doctrine of God:

The Bible’s View: There is one God. The various names of God refer to the God of Israel and reveal certain attributes of God. To worship other gods or to call upon other deities is idolatry (Exodus 20:3). Paul spoke of idolatry as a heinous sin (1 Corinthians 10:14) and John said that idolaters will perish in hell (Revelation 21:8).

Mason’s View: All members must believe in a deity. Different religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc.) acknowledge the same God, only call Him different names. Freemasonry invites people of all faiths, even if they use different names for the ‘Nameless One of a hundred names,’ they are yet praying to the one God and Father of all.

The Doctrine of Jesus and the Trinity:

The Bible’s View: Jesus was God in human form (Matthew 1:18-24, John 1:1). Jesus is the second person of the trinity (Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:9-11). While on earth, He was fully human (Mark 4:38, Matthew 4:2) and fully divine (John 20:28, John 1:1-2, Acts 4:10-12). Christians should pray in Jesus’ name and proclaim Him before others, regardless of offense to non-Christians (John 14:13-14, 1 John 2:23, Acts 4:18-20).

Mason’s View: There is no exclusivity in Jesus Christ or the Triune God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; therefore there is no doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. It is deemed to be un-Masonic to invoke the name of Jesus when praying, or mention His name in the Lodge. Suggesting that Jesus is the only way to God contradicts the principle of tolerance. The name of Jesus has been omitted from biblical verses that are used in Masonic rituals. Jesus is on the same level as other religious leaders.

Human Nature and Sin:

The Bible’s View: All humans are born with a sinful nature, are totally depraved, and need a Savior from sin (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:1). The Bible denies that because of the Fall, humanity has within itself the capacity for moral perfection (1 John 1:8-10, Romans 1:18-25).

Mason’s View: Through symbols and emblems, Masons teach that man is not sinful, just “rude and imperfect by nature”. Human beings are able to improve their character and behavior in various ways, including acts of charity, moral living, and voluntary performance of civic duty. Humanity possesses the ability of moving from imperfection toward total perfection. Moral and spiritual perfection lies within men and women.

When a Christian takes the oath of Freemasonry, he is swearing to the following doctrines that God has pronounced false and sinful:

1. That salvation can be gained by man’s good works.
2. That Jesus is just one of many equally revered prophets.
3. That they will remain silent in the Lodge and not talk of Christ.
4. That they are approaching the Lodge in spiritual darkness and ignorance, when the Bible says Christians are already in the light, children of the light, and are indwelt by the Light of the World—Jesus Christ.
5. By demanding that Christians take the Masonic oath, Masonry leads Christians into blasphemy and taking the name of the Lord in vain.
6. Masonry teaches that its G.A.O.T.U. [Great Architect of the Universe], whom Masonry believes is the true God of the universe, is representative of all gods in all religions.
7. Masonry makes Christians take a universalist approach in their prayers, demanding a “generic” name be used so as not to offend non-believers who are Masonic “brothers”.
8. By swearing the Masonic oath and participating in the doctrines of the Lodge, Christians are perpetuating a false gospel to other Lodge members, who look only to Masonry’s plan of salvation to get to heaven. By their very membership in such a syncretistic type organization, they have severely compromised their witnessing as Christians.
9. By taking the Masonic obligation, the Christian is agreeing to allow the pollution of his mind, spirit, and body by those who serve false gods and believe false doctrines.

As you can see, Masonry denies and contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture and numerous issues. Masonry also requires people to engage in activities which the Bible condemns. As a result, a Christian should not be a member of any secret society or organization that has any connection with Freemasonry.

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