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] and Deism.[5] 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.[6][7]
Use of the term in religious contexts
Christian Theology
In Christian Theology, the term Supreme Being can refer to God, the Father almighty.[8] It can also be used to refer to the Christian Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.[9]
Hinduism
Brahman is referred to as the Supreme Being, as the main force, power or energy, and all other forms of divinity are considered to be merely His diverse manifestations.
Islam
Islamic scholars have used the term to refer to 'Allah', the Islamic name for God.[10]
Deism
Use in non-religious contexts
Freemasonry
Candidates for regular freemasonry are required to declare a belief in a Supreme Being.[6]
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.[11]
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.[12][13]
See also
References
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