The issue of whether a Christian should join a secret society is an important one that deserves careful consideration according to biblical principles. There are various viewpoints on this issue among Christians, so it is wise to examine what the Bible teaches to come to a thoughtful conclusion.
What Are Secret Societies?
First, it is helpful to define what we mean by “secret societies.” In general, these are organizations that require members to take an oath of secrecy about the group’s activities, practices, rituals, membership rolls, and other inner workings. Examples of well-known secret societies include Freemasonry, college fraternities like Skull and Bones, and various esoteric groups. Their secrecy means it is difficult for outsiders to truly know what happens behind closed doors.
Secret societies often have initiation rites, hand signs and gestures, and rankings that distinguish members. Higher-level initiates gain access to more of the society’s secrets. Secret societies may claim to have noble aims, such as enlightenment, promoting brotherhood, or gaining hidden knowledge. But their core element is secrecy.
Biblical Principles on Secrecy
The Bible emphasizes transparency, honesty, and accountability among God’s people. Secrecy frequently enables sin and wrongdoing to flourish unchecked (John 3:20). Jesus told his disciples:
“What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (Luke 12:3)
The apostle Paul wrote that ministry leaders must not be “lovers of money” or have “secret sins” (1 Timothy 3:3,8). He said Christians should “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). As children of the light, believers should be transparent, not shrouded in secrecy (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Problems with Secret Societies
Several issues arise when evaluating secret societies from a biblical perspective:
- Secrecy – Secret societies require oaths of secrecy about their practices and teachings, but the Bible discourages such secrecy among believers.
- Exclusivity – Access to secret societies is limited to select individuals deemed worthy, but in Christ there are no barriers between people (Galatians 3:28).
- Gnosticism – Secret societies promise access to special knowledge, which goes against God’s revelation being open and accessible to all.
- Syncretism – Secret societies often blend religious ideas from many traditions, which conflicts with loyalty to Christ alone.
- Oaths and Rituals – Secret societies use oaths, rituals, symbols, and the like that can conflict with believers’ commitments to Christ and biblical faith.
- Spiritual Deception – Without transparency, it is easier for false teaching and demonic deception to spread undetected in secret societies.
Based on these factors, many secret societies are incompatible with Christian commitments according to biblical standards. Secrecy conflicts with godly transparency; exclusivity conflicts with Christian inclusiveness; syncretism contradicts devotion to Christ; and pagan rituals oppose biblical teachings.
What Does the Bible Say?
Beyond general biblical principles, are there specific verses that address secret societies? Consider these relevant passages:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
These verses warn believers to avoid spiritual compromise with worldly ways that conflict with devotion to Christ. Many secret societies require moral compromise and blend belief systems in a syncretistic way.
Should Christians Join Secret Societies?
Based on the above considerations, here are some reasons why Christians should not join secret societies:
- Secrecy about inner teachings and practices conflicts with biblical transparency.
- Exclusivity goes against Christian inclusiveness where all are welcome to know Christ.
- Syncretism and gnosticism found in some societies contradict the exclusivity of faith in Christ and God’s revealed Word for all.
- Oaths and rituals can align one with spiritual forces opposed to God’s Kingdom.
- Fellowship with unbelievers in secret societies can lead believers into compromise and even open doors to spiritual deception.
At the same time, here are two instances where Christian involvement may be permissible:
- Benevolent groups that function more as social clubs than religious societies.
- Infiltration of organizations to share one’s faith and expose concerning practices.
However, these cases require caution, spiritual discernment, and guidance from God’s Word and Spirit to avoid compromise.
Dangers of Secret Societies
It is important for Christians to be aware of the potential dangers of becoming involved in secret societies:
- Idolatry – loyalty can subtly shift from Christ to the society and its teachings
- Influence – peer pressure can exert control and hinder faithfulness to biblical truth
- Syncretism – mixing of truth and error makes discernment difficult
- Compromise – gradual moral concessions can lead to quiet sin and apostasy
- Deception – secrecy breeds false teaching away from godly accountability
- Distraction – time given to secret societies takes away from serving Christ
While not always overtly sinister, secret societies can draw Christians away from wholehearted commitment to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Discernment is needed to detect subtle patterns of compromise that may lead to spiritual ruin.
Practical Considerations
How should these biblical principles apply in practical everyday life? Here are some thoughts:
- Be cautious about joining any club, organization or lodge that requires secret oaths, hand signs, rituals, and the like. Such trappings signal potential spiritual compromise.
- Be wise in choosing social organizations, knowing that some fraternal orders have religious roots. Seek groups that do not require compromising your faith.
- Look out for recruitment efforts. Secret societies are often eager to have influential members and may pressure achievers and leaders to join.
- Avoid relationships becoming platforms for improper recruitment. Break off relationships that insist on drawing you into secret societies.
- Guard your time and attention. Be careful of groups that demand increasing time commitments that detract focus from Christ.
Staying alert and applying biblical wisdom can help Christians avoid entanglement in secret societies that lead to compromise and spiritual danger.
Conclusion
What does the Bible teach about secret societies? Scripture emphasizes transparency, inclusiveness, faithfulness to Christ, and avoiding spiritual compromise. Many secret societies fail these biblical tests by requiring secrecy, exclusivity, syncretism, rituals, and oaths that conflict with loyalty to Jesus Christ and biblical truth. While not all secret societies may be overtly sinister, they can subtly draw believers away from wholehearted commitment to God’s Kingdom. Christians should exercise caution to avoid these spiritual pitfalls according to the guidance of God’s Word.
