Ahiman Rezon

Now, I am not expert on the Ahiman Rezon. In fact I haven't even bothered with it until recently. Personally I do not hold it in any special place other than a historical curiosity. However, it is still very important especially how South Carolina GL (and I have heard Pennsylvania but I am not certain) identify themselves a Ahiman Rezon Grand Lodge.

For those who don't know, the Ahimon Rezon is a book of constitutions written by Bro. Laurence Dermott the Grand Secretary of the Antient GL of England. It was written in 1756.basically, it is the Antients answer to the Moderns Anderson's Constitutions.The name Ahiman Rezon was supposed to mean "will of selected Brethren" in Hebrew. It doesn't, in fact it doesn't mean anything in Hebrew it seems that the words are made up.

Overall IMHO it is not that interesting. A lot in common with the previous and better known work of Anderson. There is though one specific difference. Where Anderson's is religious yet specifically creed-less, it appears not to be the case with the Ahimon Rezon.

Ahimon Rezon: Concerning God and Religion

"A Mason is obliged by his Tenure to believe firmly in the true Worship of the eternal God, as well as in all those sacred Records which the Dignitaries and Fathers of the Church have compiled and published for the Use of all good Men: So that no one who rightly understands the Art, can possibly tread in the irreligious Paths of the unhappy Libertine, or be induced to follow the arrogant Professors of Atheism or Deism; neither is he to be stained with the gross Errors of blind Superstition, but may have the Liberty of embracing what Faith he shall think proper, provided at all Times he pays a due Reverence to his Creator, and by the World deals with Honour and Honesty ever making that golden Precept the Standard-Rule of his Actions, which engages, To do unto all Man as he would they should do unto him: For the Craft, instead of entering into idle and unnecessary Disputes concerning the Different Opinions and Persuasions of Men, admits into the Fraternity all that are good and true."

I find the specific exclusion of Deists quite shocking actually. This would eliminate many famous Masons of the period. It also seem from my interpretation to be strictly monotheistic. Not my cup of tea.

My question, does anyone know if the self identified Ahiman Rezon follow the document letter for letter as it's established book of Constitutions? Does that mean that only Monotheists are allowed entry into South Carolina mainstream Masonic lodges?

I must admit that I am ignorant of the answers and I would love the opportunity to learn.

S&F,
Raum