Who are the Shriners?

Origins and Historical Background

The Shriners, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.), trace their roots back to the late 19th century. In 1870, a small group of Freemasons, most notably Dr. Walter M. Fleming and William J. Florence, sought to develop a new fraternity. They combined social fellowship, theatrical pageantry, and strong philanthropic values to form an organization that quickly gained membership in North America.

Established in New York City, the fraternity adopted Islamic-inspired titles and ceremonial trappings—though it is important to note that it does not profess Islamic faith. While the organization’s exotic motifs and ceremonies lent a distinct flair, its philanthropic goals soon defined its public reputation. Over time, the organization spread across the United States and Canada, establishing local “temples” or “shrines,” and the members came to be popularly known as “Shriners.”

Connection with Freemasonry

To become a Shriner, one historically was required to be a Master Mason. Freemasonry itself is a fraternity with centuries-old rituals and teachings, though the Shriners have introduced their own unique practices. Through elaborate rites, they encourage camaraderie and belong to a widespread network of shrines. Some local temples maintain attendance requirements based on Masonic affiliation, while others have adjusted membership criteria, but the historical connection to Freemasonry remains prominent.

From a biblical vantage, believers who adhere to Scripture as the supreme authority (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16–17) often voice concerns that certain spiritual or esoteric principles within Freemasonry may conflict with a Christ-centered gospel message. Classical Masonic teachings, sometimes seen as syncretistic, differ from the central tenets of Christian confession regarding salvation exclusively in Christ (John 14:6).

Beliefs and Practices

Though elements of the Shriners’ ritual reflect Middle Eastern stylings—with fezzes, crescent symbols, and references to “mosques” or “temples”—the group does not require adherence to a particular religious system. Many members consider it largely a social and philanthropic fraternity. Nonetheless, the Shriners use of certain borrowed symbols and texts may appear incongruent or contradictory to Christian doctrine that holds Scripture alone as authoritative and rejects secrecy in spiritual matters (John 18:20).

In practice, Shriners typically engage in parades, fundraising events, and community outreach. Membership also includes a code of fellowship and mutual support, common to fraternal organizations.

Philanthropic Mission

Perhaps the most publicly recognized hallmark of the Shriners is their philanthropic commitment to pediatric healthcare. Shriners International operates a network of children’s hospitals across North America that provide specialty care for conditions such as orthopedic problems, burns, and spinal cord injuries, often regardless of a family’s ability to pay. This charitable model has garnered widespread respect and admiration.

Such benevolent acts align, in principle, with the biblical call to show kindness to those in need (James 1:27). Indeed, many can affirm these charitable endeavors as praiseworthy. However, biblical teaching also counsels believers to weigh any organizational association against the central truths of Scripture (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Potential Concerns from a Biblical Perspective

1. Oaths and Rituals

Historically, initiation into the Shriners (and broader Freemasonry) can include secret oaths and symbolic rituals. In referencing wisdom from passages such as Matthew 5:34–37, many believers caution against taking or endorsing any oath that might overshadow a simple commitment to live truthfully before God.

2. Syncretism and Symbolic Inconsistencies

The Shriners’ use of Islamic and Middle Eastern imagery, while largely ceremonial, can blur lines for those committed to a biblically exclusive understanding of worship. Scripture teaches that God alone is the proper object of reverence, and believers are admonished to avoid practices that might cloud that distinction (Exodus 20:3–5).

3. Primary Allegiance to Christ

While philanthropic work is commendable, the believer’s identity and mission should remain rooted in the gospel of Christ (Galatians 2:20). Commitments in fraternal organizations must not rival or distort the primacy of faith in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Historical Critiques and Modern Reflections

From time to time, critics raise the question: Do Shriners adopt teachings that conflict with biblical Christianity? Historical research—including some from Christian scholars examining Freemasonry—suggests that elements within the broader Masonic family might diverge from historic Christian doctrines on salvation and the nature of God.

Archaeological studies validating events and places found in Scripture (e.g., the Tel Dan Inscription regarding the “House of David,” or excavations confirming details of first-century Jerusalem) underscore the Bible’s historical reliability. These discoveries remind believers of the importance of anchoring truths in Scripture, which consistently directs worship only to the Creator (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). In contrast, any institution mixing spiritual concepts and universalizing teachings stands in tension with the biblical insistence on the uniqueness of the gospel (Acts 4:12).

Scriptural Considerations

• 2 Timothy 3:16 underscores the foundation of Scripture as “God-breathed,” the ultimate guide for doctrine.

• Matthew 5:34–37 cautions against the taking of elaborate oaths, often a component of fraternal rites.

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 exhorts believers not to be “unequally yoked,” indicating wisdom in carefully discerning ties with organizations whose foundational beliefs may contrast with biblical teaching.

• Joshua 24:15 reminds believers to choose to serve the LORD faithfully, indicating that worship should never be compromised.

Summation and Applicability

The Shriners function as a fraternal organization with roots in Freemasonry. Their philanthropic work, especially with children’s hospitals, is widely recognized as beneficial and altruistic. However, from a biblical perspective, careful discernment is advised regarding any group with esoteric or layered rites, traditions that could blur Christian convictions, or values that do not align fully with scriptural revelation.

Ultimately, engagement with the Shriners—or any similar fraternity—should be weighed in the light of Scripture. Individuals committed to biblical teachings often emphasize total reliance upon the atoning work of Christ (Romans 5:1–2), wholehearted devotion to the Creator, and the uncompromising truth of God’s word as revealed in the Old and New Testaments.