The first time I remember being introduced to The Shriners, besides seeing them drive little motorized bikes wearing funny hats in the parade, was after taking my little cousin to the circus a few years ago.
I walked away still clueless as to anything regarding the organization, but thought they produced a pretty good show. That was my last thought, until recently.
During a sermon in the series my church is currently focusing on, Everything Jesus Said, my pastor made me aware that one of the titled roles of being a Shriner is High Priest. I decided to do a little digging.
Here are some of the other titles:
- Imperial Potentate – In 1 Timothy 6:15 this was used to describe Jesus.
- Rabban – Used as a term of address and title of respect for a person ranking higher than a rabbi.
- High Priest & Prophet – The head of a movement or chief exponent of a doctrine or an art is used to describe that of a High Priest. A prophet has several definitions you can view here. The best definition I believe is one who divinely inspired revelations. Jesus became our High Priest according to Hebrews 4. There are many prophets in the Bible, including Abraham, Moses, King David, and Elijah, just to name a few.
Is it just me or do you find this interesting?
Before I go any further, allow me to say that The Shriners have done some wonderful things, including the creation of Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, which have saved many lives.
But…
After doing a little more digging, I came to the Tacoma, Washington branch of the Shriners. Here is their comment regarding religion: “As long as you believe in a God, or some sort of Supreme Being you can join the Shriners. We do not allow people who do not believe in a God, some sort of Supreme Being, or atheists.”
Exodus 20:3 clearly states, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Notice the words gods in the Bible is not capatilized. It is only to be capitlizaed when referring to the only God, the God that created the Heavens and the Earth.
I decided to go one step further and contact the Shriner’s International Headquarters located in Tampa, Florida and ask them this question:
Do you believe there is only one way to Heaven and that the only way is through believing that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and accepting him as your personal Savior?
Unfortunately, after three attempts neither my phone calls or emails were answered.
Your thoughts?
I learned a lot about the Shriner’s through an older gentleman who was the delivery man for the photo lab I used for my studio back in the 90’s. My company even donated to one of their events by collecting teddy bears from my customers. Unless it’s changed since then, it was NOT a Christ-centered organization. And yes, they do a lot of wonderful community oriented things
Thanks for commenting. Definitely seems hard to get an answer to a simple question. They certainly do a lot of wonderful things for the community as well, you’re right.
The Shriners fit more closely to a cult definition than a religious organization. That being said, they do a marvelous work for the community and kids in particular. Would I join the Shriners? No. Do I help them in their fundraising? Yes. I purchase from them and make donations. Its like a lot of places. I’m not sure of their religious theology. McDonalds for instance. I do not know where they stand on God, but they made my kids happy over the years, and their religious beliefs were not interfered with. Much to-do has been made over Home Depot recently and where they spend their money. I do not agree with homosexuality, but I do not go around asking every store owner their beliefs either. I believe rather than avoid people who do not believe as us, we need to go to them and witness where possible. Don’t brow beat the cashier while paying for your 2×4’s, but if an opportunity rises to make a statement about God or your beliefs, do so. Will my money be used for ill? Maybe. But will I use my talents and my resources for God? Definitely. I think we should examine our conscience, and if you are comfortable enough dealing with a business or organization, do it. We can’t shun the people we are supposed to be winning. Some people are scared of Mormons and 7th Day when they come knocking. I will stand there and witness to them. They have to be told the truth. So in closing, I think we should support those who support a cause we believe in (and I believe kids deserve better) and when you get a chance to witness and show someone (a shriner maybe) the error of their ways, then that is what matters.
Rev Moreland,
Great insight. Not sure what is happening with Home Depot.
The Shriner’s have helped many sick children and their circus is great too. I have already had an opportunity to plant a seed in someone within this organization due to my post, so God is already at work.
Have a great week and thanks for posting.
I was taught growing up that the Masonic lodge in any of it’s forms was a cult. At least it is a secret organization. Several years ago, I attended at Eastern Star meeting as a guest with a friend. I was appalled. All the steps they go through. And they pray to the BIble. We are to pray to no one but God. Yes, they read scriptures, yes they do good works. But that does not make them a christian organization. Jesus said that even the heathen do good works. There is nothing Christian about the masons, and sadly, many people think that they can replace church with their mason meetings. Now, by my own experience with it, I believe it is a cult, good works or not.