Isn Freemasonry deist?
No. Deism is a belief in the existence of a god, without accepting revelation; it is also sometimes termed natural religion or the religion of nature. The father of English Deism, Lord Herbert of Cherbury (d. 1648), endeavoured to explain religion in terms of reason, evoking little or no controversy in his lifetime. John Locke only partly accepted his views: “…reason must be our last judge and guide in everything.” (Essay 14, 9 & 14). John Tillotson, Archbishop of Canterbury 1691-94, championed the use of reason in religion, claiming “Natural religion is the foundation of all revealed religion, and revelation is designed simply to establish its duties. [Works, vol. ii. p. 336. 1857 ed.] The first Book of Constitutions, written by the Rev. John Anderson (1679-1739), a Scottish Presbyterian Minister, refers to “…that Religion in which all Men agree… that is, to be good Men… by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguish’d….” This has been accused of being deis
