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Who are the Shriners?
There are two separate fraternal organizations under the heading of "Shriners". Although they have different historical roots, charities, and demographics being a master mason is a prerequisite to joining either organization.
Both groups are usually recognized by the red fezzes they wear. As I understand it Prince Hall Shriners fezzes often display the name and number of the specific temple the person belonged to. Shriners International fezzes do not traditionally do so.
Shriners International (AAONMS).
The acronym stands for the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a fraternity founded in 1870 that historically originated with Caucasian Freemasonry and is often called the "Shrine". The chief executive officer of Shriners International is the Imperial Potentate, who serves a one-year term.
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. With nearly 200 local chapters and thousands of clubs on six continents, Shriners are known for their fellowship, brotherhood, compassion and generosity. The fraternity established Shriners Hospitals for Children as its official philanthropy in 1922, and continues to support it today, while striving to make the world a happier, better place. [01]
Today, there are approximately 400,000 Shriners, belonging to 191 chapters in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and the Republic of Panama. [02]
History
Two Master Masons, Walter M. Fleming, M.D., ( a prominent physician and surgeon) and William J. “Billy” Florence, a well-known actor, founded Shriners International in 1872. Legend has it that Florence was inspired while attending an Arabian themed party in Marseilles, France, during a time when the mystique of the near East was fashionable worldwide. He was intrigued and impressed by the colorful pageantry and suggested the fraternity adopt a Near-Eastern theme, and Dr. Fleming agreed.
This decision influenced the imagery, attire, activities and naming conventions of the fraternity; many of which are still used today. For example, Shriners wear distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear. Local Shrine Centers have names like Egypt, Sahara, Morocco and Oasis. Images used in the fraternity's regalia include camels, pyramids, the Sphinx and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian iconography. [03]
More about this below
Affiliated Organizations for Women
Although women aren't eligible to join Shriners International, "there are several organizations for women that support the fraternity and the philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children. In most cases, these organizations are open to the wives, widows,
daughters, granddaughters, sisters and nieces of Shriners. They include Daughters of the Nile, Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, Shrine Guilds of America, and Order of the Eastern Star." [04]
Prince Hall Shriners (A.E.A.O.N.M.S).
The acronym stands for the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. It is a predominantly African American Masonic organization. Prince Hall Shriners are led by the Imperial Potentate and wear a red Fez - the Imperial Court for women who wear a white Fez is led by the Imperial Commandress.
Prince Hall Shrinedom embraces all of the basic fundamental concepts of the Masonic Order,
but is more colorful... [05]
They traditionally support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and various local causes.
History
The organization was founded by John George Jones, who is said to have been introduced to the ritualistic mysteries of the Order during the World’s Colombian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Within days he, along with 13 other Prince Hall Masons, "would organize Palestine Temple in the Apollo Hall on State Street, which would lead to the establishment of the Imperial Grand Council of Prince Hall Shriners, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.) on June 10, 1893". [06]
The Good - Philanthropy
Shriners International.
There are 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children providing care for orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. These hospitals have helped approximately 835,000 children – at no cost to parent or child – since the first Shriners Hospital opened in 1922. [07]
Shriners International founded Shriners Children's as its official philanthropy in 1922. What began as one hospital is now a world-renowned healthcare system with permanent locations in three countries (U.S., Canada and Mexico) and additional patient connections through outreach clinics and telehealth sites around the world. One hundred years after its founding, the fraternity continues to support Shriners Children's, which provides pediatric specialty care, regardless of the families' ability to pay or insurance status. [08]
All children, up to 18 years old, may be eligible for treatment at Shriners Hospitals if they, in the opinion of the hospital's chief of staff, could benefit from the specialized care available at Shriners Hospitals. This includes specialized care that might not be available elsewhere. Eligibility is not based on financial need or relationship to a Shriner". [09]
For example, Kosair Charities in Louisville, Kentucky is said to be "the largest charity for children in the history of Kentucky and Southern Indiana".
In 1923, the (Kosair Charities) committee incorporated and purchased six acres of land on Eastern Parkway for a children's hospital. On May 12, 1926, the first ten patients were admitted to Kosair Crippled Children Hospital - a facility for the treatment of crippled children regardless of condition or financial standing. The active and associate medical staff was composed of 102 physicians and surgeons who were recognized as leaders in their particular fields. Initially, the hospital had 50 beds, an operating room, kitchen and brace shop. Kosair Crippled Children Hospital grew quickly and by 1939 reached a capacity of 100 beds. During the same year the hospital became accredited by the American Medical Association.
They
support agencies around the state that provide crucial medical care to children. Kosair Charities also provides grants for rent-free office space for non-profits including CASA of the River Region, Epilepsy Foundation, The KIDS Center, Huntington’s Disease Foundation, Louisville Metro Police Foundation, Spina Bifida, Trust for Life and the University of Louisville Autism Center, Pediatric Center and Pediatric Dental Clinics. This same year, the Face It Movement was founded with a goal of ending child abuse and neglect. [10]
Prince Hall Shriners
Heading the list of recipients is the NAACP, the Legal Defense Fund, the Urban League, and United Negro College Fund, along with Annual Grants to several institutions of higher learning and hospitals throughout the land, for medical and other research projects.
Substantial grants are awarded to colleges annually to supplement the education of economically deprived youth, along with a program of financial aid to fight drugs, crime and delinquency. There is also a national scholarship grant program for young ladies between the ages of 17 and 24 to attend colleges and universities of their choice. They also strongly endorse the Assault on Illiteracy (AOIP), amid an engagement in development programs with Third World Countries. [11]
Quite simply words are insufficient to praise the Shriner's altruistic concern for human beings especially children. They have achieved what few others have in humanitarian causes and mere accolades do not do it any justice However, there is another side to the shrines that does not bode well for them personally.
The Bad
When I first heard about the Shriners I dismissed the name (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) as more quirky than anything else. However, their adoption of much that is typically Muslim including their headgear, the greeting that they use, the names of their chapters or shrines and, above all, thee completely anti-Christian initiation ritual of The Prince Hall Shriners.
If becoming a Shriner involves any form of respect or esteem of a false god or his emissary, then Christians are duty bound not participate. There is no room for compromise
Shrine Names:
International
Many of the names of the Shrines are connected with the Muslim world.
In fact, Mecca Shriners the first chapter first met in New York City in 1872.
Others include the Al Koran Shriners in Broadview Heights - Ohio, the Medinah Shriners in Addison, Illinois, the Mohammed Shriners in Bartonville, Illinois, the Moslem Shriners in Southfield, Michigan, and the Wahabi Shriners in Jackson Mississippi.
The web site of a 'branch' called Heart of Illinois Shriners in Bartonville, Illinois is the Mohammed Shriners.
And just to keep it interesting lets not forget the Osiris Shriners in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Prince Hall
Jeddah Temple in Orangeburg, South Carolina. (Jeddah is a major port near Mecca and s where the majority of Muslim pilgrims once landed on their way to Mecca and Medina)
Mut'im Temple in Fredericksburg, Virginia. (Although a non-Muslim Mut'im supported Islam and Mohammed)
Alcazar Temple in Sacramento, California. Any of various Spanish fortresses or palaces built by the Moors between the 8th and 15th centuries. (Note: The Alcazar Shrine in Montgomery Alabama is part of Shriner's International)
The Fez:
A red Fez decorated with crescent, star and scimitar is the headgear of for both organizations. It was chosen as part of the Shrine's Arabic theme, around which the color and pageantry of the Shrine were developed. (Emphasis Added)
The red fez with a black tassel, the Shrine’s official headgear, has been handed down through the ages. It derives its name from the place where it was first manufactured – the holy city of Fez, Morocco. [12]
Holy city???????
The Fez is to be worn by all nobles at "stated meetings, ceremonials, Shrine parades, caravans, special events and any other Shrine related activities. The fez is never worn at a Masonic Lodge communication or meeting. [12b]
The Crescent
was adopted as the Jewel of the Order. Though any materials can be used in forming the Crescent, the most valuable are the claws of a royal Bengal Tiger, United at their Base in a gold setting. In the center is the head of a sphinx and on the back are a pyramid, an urn and a star. The Jewel bears the motto, "Robur et Furor" which means "Strength and Fury". Today, the Shrine emblem includes a scimitar from which the crescent hangs, and a five-pointed star beneath the head of the sphinx. [13]
Prince Hall Shriner's Jewel of the Order are specialized emblems worn by officers and members, frequently featuring triangular designs, the crescent, and scimitar.
Note: Although the crescent moon and star symbol pre-dates Islam by several thousand years, they became affiliated with the Muslim world during Ottoman Empire and became a prominent symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Today it is an internationally-recognized unofficial symbol of Islam featured on the flags of several Muslim countries including Algeria, Pakistan, Turkey etc.
Shriner's (International) Greeting:
The Facebook page of the Tangier Shrine in Omaha says
Shriners greet one another with the traditional phrase:
"Es Selamu Aleikum!” — meaning “Peace be with you.”
The customary response?
This exchange was developed by Dr. Walter Fleming and his colleagues — the same men who designed the Shrine's emblem. It is is usually spelled as salam alaykum in English
Although there is nothing wrong with using this traditional greeting, it is just one more example of the wholesale adoption of Arab (read Muslim) customs, dress etc.
Compromised Christianity
A statement on one of the Shriner's web sites reads thus,
"Despite its Arabic theme, the Shrine is in no way connected to Islam. It is a men's fraternity rather than a religion or religious group. [15]
And I have no doubt that the above statement is true.
However, that is not good enough.
To begin with their connection to Freemasonry with its underlying beliefs and practices raises concerns. Although very commendable, good deeds do not justify or make up for any participation in or connection with any other religion or pagan beliefs and practices.
The Ritual of The Prince Hall Shriners
A reading of the Rituals of the Prince Hall Shriners leaves the mind reeling. Here are a few excerpts. (All Emphasis Added).
Illustrious Potentate: (Emphasis Added)
"In the name of God, our Father, and by the existence of Allah, the creed of Mohammed, and the legendary sanctity of the Temple of Mecca, I now proclaim this Temple regularly opened for business and ceremony, and hereby forbid any discord that might mar our mystic rites.
If Allah exists at all he is nothing but a demonic spirit. See Idol Worship.
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21 NASB)
And how can any Christian allow the words "legendary sanctity of the Temple of Mecca" pass his lips.
Candidate (repeating after the Illustrious Potentate) (Emphasis Added)
" I, ..., of my voluntary desire, uninfluenced and of free accord, do here assume, without reserve, the obligation of the Nobility of the Mystic Shrine, as did the elect of the Temple at 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...
And upon this sacred book, by the sincerity of a Moslem’s oath, I here register this irrevocable vow, in wilful 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 Mohammed, and the God of our fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same. Amen, Amen, Amen." [16]
NOTE: Allah was not the god of your forefathers unless you happen to be of Islamic descent.
Prince Hall Shrine Lecture on Initiation (Emphasis Added)
Nobles, you have just completed your rugged trek across the hot sands of the desert in search of the great Moslem capital, Mecca, which unfolds in the wilderness of the Arabian desert, halfway between Yemen and Syria. This city in which you now stand is the Holy City of Islam...
The Altar
In the heart of this city is the great Mosque, BAIT ALLAH (House of God) (the Altar), which is situated, according to Arab tradition, in the center of the world and immediately beneath the throne of the Almighty.
Upon the BAIT ALLAH, Altar, are a Bible and Koran. The Koran is the unique history of our founder Mohammed. The work is absolutely unique in its origin and in its preservation, upon the authenticity of which no one has ever been able to cast a serious doubt.
The Koran is the actual text as dictated by Mohammed himself, day by day and month by month, during his lifetime. It is the reflection of this master-mind, sometimes inartistic and self-contradictory, more often inspiring and lyrical, and always filled with great ideas which stand out as a whole. [17]
Christian Shriners
There is little question that faith without works is dead and the Shriners demonstrate plenty of good works. On the other hand, if you profess to be a Christian apparently a simple reading of the Scriptures has not made clear to you that the God you profess to serve is a jealous God, one that will brook no association with false gods.
In which case there is something very very wrong with your understanding of the Great Architect. If you agree to be "a member of the Nobility in the courtyard of Allah" (whether symbolic or otherwise) you may as well take that Bible down from your so called altar and burn it, for all the good it is going to do you.
The Biblical Warnings
Participating in any ritual that has religious roots or any association with a false religion is forbidden in the Scriptures. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians,
... do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB)
You simply cannot glorify God in your body while wearing the trappings of a pagan religion that you yourself say comes from "the holy city of Fez'. (Only Jerusalem can be called a holy city)
Peter wrote,
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9 NASB)
Jesus paid for our redemption with His own life in return for which He asks - nay! demands all our love and loyalty which means we cannot have one foot in two opposing camps - not even symbolically.
Our lives are no longer ours to do with what we please. Much to the contrary our lives now belong to Him.
And how is it even possible to proclaim His excellencies when on our heads we wear the symbols of a religion that is the antitheses of Christianity.
The following verses from 2 Corinthians warns believers not to be "unequally yoked" which has to include any ties with organizations and/or other religions whose foundational beliefs contradict Biblical teachings
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness? Or what harmony does Christ have with Belial, or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "i will dwell among them and walk among them; and i will be their god, and they shall be my people. "therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. "and do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17 NASB)
Not touching anything that is unclean does not mean to refrain from physically touching something dirty but staying away from everything that is unholy in this world. And if believers do touch the unclean thing, God will not receive them; He will not be their God, and they shall not be His people,
In other words, God is calling His people to separate themselves from the world and make no alliance with an unholy person or thing.
There is NO common ground.
And God's promise to whose who do not touch anything unclean - who show that they realize the price He paid for them and strive towards godliness,
... I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 NASB)
Men cannot and will not enjoy the benefit of redemption on their terms. They are warned to be careful how they walk...
But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:6-17 NASB)
And here is what you are risking
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and 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 7:21-23)
The founders of the Shriners may have been fascinated by the "mystique" of the East but they were very deceived sadly deficient in sense, judgment and understanding.
The warning to the Daughters of Isis applies to you as well. Your charitable works will not save you, your circuses will not save you, your shrine will not save you, and that red fez is not going to look quite as perky in death.
The only "Strength and Fury" you will see will be in the form of a very angry God. It is a pity that the Imperial Potentate of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners hasn’t said a word about what happens to those who call Him Lord, Lord, but do not do the things He said.
End Notes
[01] Aloha Shriners. About the Shriners. A Fraternity Defined by Fun, Fellowship and Philanthropy.
[02] Kosair Shrine Center. Louisville, Kentucky. About the Shriners. https://kosair.com/explained/
[03] About the Shriners. https://tinyurl.com/3usmepe5
[04] https://www.syriashriners.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/shriner_primer-optimized.pdf
[05] Prince Hall Shrinedom. https://aeaonms.org/prince-hall-shrinedom
[06] History of A.E.A.O.N.M.S. https://aeaonms.org/history/
[07] Cairo Shriners. https://www.cairoshriners.org/about-us
[08] Shriners International. https://beashrinernow.com/
[09] Aladdin Shrine, Columbus, Ohio. https://tinyurl.com/4mw6f886
[10] Kosair Shrine Center. Louisville, Kentucky Kosair for Kids. https://kosair.com/kosaircharities/
[11] Prince Hall Shrinedom https://aeaonms.org/prince-hall-shrinedom/
[12] https://elriad.org/history-of-shriners-international/
[12b] Shrine Protocol. https://www.alcazarshriners.com/shrine-protocol.html
[13] El Riad Shrine | Sioux Falls, South Dakota. https://elriad.org/history-of-shriners-international/
[14] https://www.facebook.com/tangiershrine/photos/-did-you-know-shriners-greet-one-another-with-the-traditional-phrasees-selamu-al/1305900021743556/
[15] Alcazar Shriners. Shrine History. https://www.alcazarshriners.com/shrine-history.html
[16] Ritual of the Shriners. https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/shriners_r.html
[17] https://www.stichtingargus.nl/vrijmetselarij/shriners_r.html
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