JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1989

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning one of the many lodges or fraternal orders extant today.

Most of these organizations are based on the idea of the brotherhood of man and mutual cooperation among their members around the world. The idea is to make the world a better place in which to live.

That is certainly a noble idea, but this question remains: Is there any hope of them attaining their goal? The hard truth is, the state of this world cannot be changed by the efforts of any lodge, club, or organization of human origin. Only God can change it.

The idea of improving the world by human means is a misplaced one. The commission given to God's Church is that of preaching and publishing the Gospel to the world before this world's system comes to an end (Matt. 24:14; Mark 13:10). Then CHRIST HIMSELF will change the world and make it a happy place in which to live (Isa. 11:1-9).

You may wish to read two of our booklets which explain these things in greater detail: NEVER BEFORE UNDERSTOOD -- WHY HUMANITY CANNOT SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS and THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOMORROW -- WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE. We would be happy to send you either one or both of these free upon your request.

In addition, such lodges and fraternities embrace people of many religions, whether or not they are obeying God and His Word. Yet, God's people are commanded not to be yoked together with unbelievers in such "brotherhoods" (II Cor. 6:14).

Further, most of these groups will admit that many of their practices, ceremonies, and symbols originated in paganism. For further background information, we suggest consulting the article "Friendly Societies" in the eleventh edition of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." God's Word, on the other hand, warns against adopting pagan ways of worship; please notice Deuteronomy 12:29-32, for example.

Whenever we can assist you further with your study of the Bible, please let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT