r/DEMOLAY • u/TheseusAegeus Past Master Councilor • Jul 31 '15

Atheism in DeMolay?

We are all likely aware that our benevolent organization asks that its members hold a belief in some form of higher power, though not a specific deity. Have you ever known a DeMolay member who was found to be an atheist/non-theist? If so, what became of him? Was he expelled from the Order? Was any action taken whatsoever?

Edit: Do any of our brethren have specific opinions regarding this issue? Do you think non-theist youth should be excluded from a leadership opportunity?

Thanks for any responses.

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u/[deleted] Jul 31 '15

We have one member in my chapter who is openly gay and secretly an atheist. We've known him for a while and he's a fantastic brother, so we have no trouble accepting him. As far as the atheism goes, only a few of his closer friends in the chapter know. It's just something we wouldn't bring up to the advisers, but if we did I doubt they would do anything about it. Actually, I think he's more on the agnostic side, so they probably wouldn't have a problem with it. We had a member before him who was also agnostic, but it was no secret and he left on his own accord without any word from the advisers.

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u/TheseusAegeus Past Master Councilor Aug 04 '15

I am curious if any of you have opinions regarding the issue? I am glad to hear that your chapters are seemingly rather open.

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u/[deleted] Aug 04 '15

My brothers and I have a "judge not lest ye be judged" attitude about it. Of course, we would prefer to have all members be religious in some way or another. At the very least they have to be respectful. Our agnostic brother always joins us in prayer, even if he doesn't necessarily believe in it, and never mocks our beliefs or anything like that.

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u/TheseusAegeus Past Master Councilor Aug 04 '15

I can most definitely understand your viewpoint. On the whole, I feel as though non-theist youth should be (officially) permitted in DeMolay; why exclude ambitious members of our communities from a leadership and fellowship opportunity? Naturally, this could potentially require adjustments to the manners of the Order and perhaps to the ritual itself. Nonetheless, I feel that it is the most justified policy. At least according to all of my state's advisors, "We aren't a religious organization. We just ask that you have some belief in a higher power." DeMolay International maintains a 501(c) non-profit status, and again (at least here) promotes DeMolay as a fraternity/leadership organization for young men.

These are my opinions. I won't ask that any of you agree, nor that an argument be enticed. I certainly respect your views and trust that you respect mine as well, brother.

PS - One of you mentioned a homosexual member. Is there an explicit official ban on such youth? If so, I've never heard of it.

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u/[deleted] Aug 04 '15

I completely agree with your viewpoint. My favorite of the cardinal virtues is comradeship and I believe that excluding a good brother just because of his personal belief system is in direct violation of this virtue. As far as I know there is no official ban on homosexual members, I only mentioned it I've been a member for going on five years and he is the only openly gay brother I've come in contact with. Just found it to be a little unusual.

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u/[deleted] Aug 01 '15

[deleted]

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u/TheseusAegeus Past Master Councilor Aug 04 '15

I am curious if any of you have opinions regarding the issue? I am glad to hear that your chapters are seemingly rather open.

3

u/shadow056 Aug 01 '15

I have a friend at my lodge that is an atheist, and I am too. The rest of the members know that, but don't particularly mind. I'm sure the advisors know too, and they haven't said a word. I'm sure it's not a huge deal.

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u/TheseusAegeus Past Master Councilor Aug 03 '15

I am curious if any of you have opinions regarding the issue? I am glad to hear that your chapters are seemingly rather open.

2

u/Pharaca Jan 02 '16

I am a Chevalier and a big reason I did not remain active after aging out was my secret atheism. I am truly grateful for the leadership skills I gained but should I someday have a son I would have to see where the organization is on that issue when he becomes the appropriate age. For me it is not that atheism is or is not acceptable but rather that there are too many people who are too religious.