The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.), better known as the Shriners, began in New York City in 1870 as a fraternal arm of Freemasonry to foster camaraderie. Much about the Shriners is secret and known only to Shriners, though we do know this order is only open to men who reach the third degree, or are considered master Masons.
"Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness and jollity without coarseness" is a cornerstone for Shriners. Many consider Shriners to be quasi–religious. Though some of the Shriner clothing or uniforms, and some designs associated with the Shriners, are Middle Eastern, leading some to believe it has ties to Islam, there is no known connection.
Freemasonry, shrouded in mystery and conjecture by outsiders, is a social and fraternal organization. Shriners support many social causes, chief among them Shriners Hospitals. Though they should be applauded for their generosity, Shriners should be avoided by Christians due to their connections with Freemasonry. Freemasons do not recognize Jesus as God. To learn more, we recommend the website Ex-Masons for Jesus.
Copyright 2011-2024 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
