Jay Shed

[Clifford Black]

Jay Shed

August 4 at 10:55pm · Pickerington, OH ·

Freemasonry • Jesus • Fraternities & Sororities
‪#‎illuminatingOurCULTure‬

Because of my affiliations I've been asked more than a few times, "what do Fraternities & Sororities (particularly the Black Collegiate Greek Letter organizations) and Freemasonry have to do with Jesus Christ?" Each time the question was from someone of the Christian Faith who viewed the above mentioned organizations as secret, evil, or as a cult but they were unwilling to explore the CULTure of the organizations they chastise. Being a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and a proud Freemason of more than 20yrs., and having spent years as a Masonic instructor, I will gladly post MY answer to this controversial question in an effort to 'illuminate' the minds of the curious & unenlightened. The above mentioned groups encourage a life of positive morality which can only be achieved by expressing a belief in a deity, a supreme being, a power greater than the physical sense of the word, 'I'. All who are members of the above mentioned organizations agree that such an established deity is the architect & creator of the universe. The above mentioned organizations welcome to their membership people of all races, creeds, religions, faiths & denominations. Their members also express a monotheistic belief in "God" as the creator. Depending on your faith & CULTure, your supreme being may be referred to by many names. In the Christian faith, God has at least 12 names. God's name isn't of importance in this context. However, it is the acknowledgement of God's presence that allows members of the above mentioned organizations to act within the edicts of their organizations. Edicts that require one to have upright moral conduct in their dealings with God & man/woman. You will not find 'Salvation' nor the teaching of such to be written in the bylaws or constitutions of the above described organizations because they are not religions nor do they teach salvation. To answer the original question, the above mentioned organizations have nothing to do with or Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was "Christ-ed." (Sorry to disappoint the few of you that didn't know "Christ" wasn't Jesus' last name). The above mentioned organizations have everything to do with God because one cannot act morally upright without having a belief in God or a deity. From the Masonic view, Freemasonry is a science that teaches morality on a spiritual level, it is not a religion that teaches salvation. For those who may be hung up on the ritual argument, I humbly ask that you research the purest definition of the word 'ritual' and accept it for what it is without any prejudice or preconceived notions. Honestly, symbolically eating a body & drinking blood is a cannibalistic ritual until someone interprets the allegory. But then again, an immature mind will accept this ritual without question, depending on the CULTure, right? The above truth I've given is not readily accepted by some Christians due to the Christian belief in a holy trinity, where it is taught that God and Jesus are one in the same. Each time I was asked the original question, I commended the person for asking because it showed a willingness to search for truth instead of settling for second-hand answers from a neighboring conversation. Only God can give you the exact validation you seek. Don't take MY word as your truth. I arrived upon this as MY truth from, meditation, researching many sources regarding the same question, and relying on my intimate walk with God. If you truly TRUST GOD, then your faith is well founded. Simply rise from your inquisitive state, step out on faith, follow God as your conductor and fear no danger.

Through Love Be A Blessing!
Noble, James 'Jay' Hollingshed, 32nd° P.M.

[Clifford Black]

Namaska Jay, this seems to be THE direction that ONE needs to be heading into!

B.