Presidential Inauguration Bible

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I remember reading some time ago that the Bible that has been used since George Washington's inauguration is actually a Masonic version of the Bible. I was wondering if this is true and what significance it would have on the faith of a Catholic like John Kennedy and others. Personally I think the use of the Masonic Bible as being sacreligious and needs to be addressed as the Masons actually do not recognize the Deity of Christ, GOD the Father and the Holy Spirit. Should this be addressed? What do you think?

-- Fred Bishop (fcbishop@globaleyes.net), March 03, 2002

Answers

I would welcome all answers that are informative. Please no bashing here. Thanks. Praise to You Jesus Christ, Our LORD and SAVIOR

-- Fred Bishop (fcbishop@globaleyes.net), March 03, 2002.

Fred,

My understanding is that when it came time to inaugurate George Washington, at the last second, someone realized that they needed a Bible to use in swearing him into office. A few people quickly scrambled to locate one and the first to arrive was a man who was a Mason who retrieved his nine pound 1767 King James Version Bible. They quickly moved it into place and the ceremony proceeded. At the end of the swearing in, George Washington, in deference to the Holy Scriptures (not the specific Bible), bowed and kissed the Bible and added the words, "I will, so help me God" (or something along those lines).

The Mason who's Bible was used was very aware of the history of the moment and he kept the Bible as an historic souvenir. As subsequent President's were sworn in, they wanted to use the same Bible and the same phrase as George Washington, in deference to him and in an awareness of creating a tradition based on his actions as precedence.

Most, but not all, Presidents have used that Bible. My sense is that the way is came about and the way it is used today, that this is not done to illustrate any link to Masonry or to some distorted version of scripture (though I realize that Catholics disapprove of the KJV). It's really about tradition and how sometimes these things just sorta happen.

David

-- non-Catholic Christian (dlbowerman@yahoo.com), March 03, 2002.


Jmj

I had never before heard about that (partial) Bible used at the Washington inauguration, David B. But I can easily believe that it is a true story and that Washington knew the owner of the book -- because George himself was a Freemason.
Everyone knows about the impressive Washington, D.C., obelisk known as the Washington Monument. But fewer people know that there is a huge and elaborate tower in neighboring Alexandria, Virginia -- known as the George Washington Masonic Memorial.
Despite his Freemasonic connections, Washington may have been a genuine Christian and even seems to have had a respectful attitude toward Catholicism.

God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), March 05, 2002.


The Masonic memorial is a really interesting place to check out if you are visiting in the area. Among other things, they have a portrait of Washington that he (Washington), actually liked, because it was more realistic than the more famous ones.

Doesn't it matter more what you believe in than what you have your hand on anyway? While there are of course differences in the KJV Bible, it's not as if you're swearing on a copy of say, a non-Christian religious book.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), March 05, 2002.


John,

At one point years ago, I read an account of Freemasonry that spoke of Washington and other founding fathers of the nation and their involvement with it. As I recall (which of course may be faulty), when Washington was President the Illuminati and other cultic types were literally just starting to infiltrate Freemasonry in Europe as part of their political agenda. Washington had heard something about it and even commented about his deep concerns over what the organization was becoming. I'll see if I can go back and re-educate myself on those parts.

David

-- non-Catholic Christian (dlbowerman@yahoo.com), March 06, 2002.



Here is a quote from one source:

********************** "Freemasons have paraded the fact that Gen. Washington was a Mason before the public. The following conclusion of a letter from him will speak for him, and show how little he had to do with Masonry. Before his death he warned the whole country to beware of secret societies. The letter alluded to is dated "Mt. Vernon, September 25, 1798." Here we have its conclusion. It needs no comment:

"I have little more to add than thanks for your wishes, and favorable sentiments, except to correct an error you have run into of my presiding over the English lodges in this country. The fact is I preside over none, nor have I been in one more than once or twice within the last thirty years. I believe, notwithstanding, that none of the lodges in this country are contaminated with the principles ascribed to the society of the Illuminate.

"Signed, GEORGE WASHINGTON." ********************

I'll let you know if I come across anything else that seems relevant.

David

-- non-Catholic Christian (dlbowerman@yahoo.com), March 06, 2002.


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