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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?

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