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The term 'Supreme Being' is often defined simply as "God",^[1] and it is used with this meaning by theologians of many religious faiths, including, but not limited to, Christianity,^[2] Islam,^[3] Hinduism,^[4] Deism^[5] and Scientology.^[6] However, the term can also refer to more complex or philosophical interpretations of the divine. Many fraternal organizations, especially those which admit members of diverse religious backgrounds (such as Freemasonry) use the term as a generic description, allowing the candidate to adhere to whichever deity or concept he holds to be appropriate.^[7][8]

Contents

Usage in Christian Theology

Usage in Hinduism

Usage in Islam

Usage in Freemasonry

References

See also

Usage in Christian Theology

In Christian Theology, the term Supreme Being can refer to God, the Father almighty.^[9] It can also be used to refer to the Christian Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.^[10]

Usage in Hinduism

In Hinduism Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma i.e.: Thrimurthi (Trinity) are considered as the supreme beings.

Usage in Islam

Islamic scholars use the term to refer to Allah.^[11]

Usage in Freemasonry

Candidates for regular freemasonry are required to declare a belief in a Supreme Being.^[7]
Most Freemasons would take the view that the Supreme Being equates to God; others hold a more complex or philosophical interpretation of the term. However, the candidate is not asked to expand on, or explain, his or her interpretation of Supreme Being. The discussion of politics and religion is forbidden within a Masonic Lodge so a candidate or Mason should not be placed in the situation of having to justify the interpretation.^[13]
In Masonic ritual the Supreme Being is referred to as Great Architect of the Universe, which alludes to the use of architectural symbolism within Freemasonry.^[14][15]

References

1. definition according to Miriam-Webster on line dictionary.
2. http://www.actsweb.org/articles/article.php?i=1431&d=2&c=2 and http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/dogmatics/baroudy_god_supreme_being.htm
3. http://www.muhammadanism.com/Revelation/Sacred_Theology01.htm
4. The Hindu Online edition of India's National Newspaper, Monday, Sep 22, 2003
5. website showing usage by Deists during the French Revolution.
6. Theology page on Scietology website
7. Is Freemasonry a religion?
8. http://www.mqmagazine.co.uk/issue-13/p-46.php
9. http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/dogmatics/baroudy_god_supreme_being.htm
10. http://www.actsweb.org/articles/article.php?i=1431&d=2&c=2
11. http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/txh/allah.htm
12. Is Freemasonry a religion?
13. Becoming a Mason - To become one, ask one: What is Freemasonry? accessed 10 June 2007
14. G.A.O.T.U.
15. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, S. Brent Morris, , , Alpha/Penguin Books, , ISBN 1-59257-490-4

See also

★ Demiurge

★ God

★ Names of God

★ Conceptions of God

★ Existence of God