**A view from a Freemason**

First let me state that Freemasonry is a fraternity that does not refuse people due to their specific religious preferences with some exceptions.  For an example, an atheist is strictly and universally (under the grand lodge of England) not permitted to join.  Part of the obligation of a Freemason is that we will not participate in the admittance of someone whom we know to be an atheist.  What that means is, even if the rules change, we still have a promise to ourselves to not participate.

On the other side of that, Christians are taught to not to yoke yourself with unbelievers 

**2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV**

> Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness
> and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with
> darkness?

I could also mention the history of the Catholic church and Freemasonry - however you specifically excluded them.

I have several friends who are Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, etc.  In the US, 90% (or more) of the people in the fraternity are Protestant Christian.  I personally take great pride in the fact that I can talk to people of other religions, when appropriate, on level ground.  It has helped me identify what I believe it is to be religious.  Where on Earth can you get people of multiple faiths together, eat dinner, enjoy entertainment, and are friendly with each other?  In my humble opinion, we need more of this today.  For example, the media talks about Jihadist.  Every Muslim is a Jihadist.  If you don't understand what Jihad means to a Muslim, then you truly do not understand them.  In this case, there are two types of Jihad. 

 1. Big Jihad is a persons struggle with the lure of temptation / Satan / evil
 2. Small Jihad is a persons physical struggle and the one most commonly associated

*My use of **Big** and **Small** are not my choice, this is how a Muslim considers them in importance*

I have never met more pastors, rectors, fathers, clergy, etc than before joining Freemasonry.  In my specific lodge, we have Episcopal rectors, a Presbyterian pastor, and a member of the Catholic clergy.  It is important to note that Freemasonry does not attempt to be a religion nor a substitute for a religion.  No matter how many books [Dan Brown][1] writes. 

The "secrets" of the fraternity are ways that we identify each other.  Why do we do this?  The same reason why any other club does it.  Are there other "secrets"?  No.  Anyone can go to a bookstore and pick up a book and read about Freemasonry.  You can read what we do.  The "Freemasonry for Dummies" book is a book that we recommend to people to read.  So why keep the ways to identify each other "secret", well, if we didn't why would you even join?

**TL;DR**

Christians who do not believe you should be friends with non-Christians would have a problem with the fraternity.  However you could apply that to your occupation or gym as well.  If you don't want to work out with non-Christians, then maybe the public gym isn't one that you should join.  

Freemasonry makes obligations or promises.  So for example, I promise to not allow an Atheist to join.  Some Christians feel that you should not make promises like that to yourself or in front of God.  However, the promise of marriage is a promise between you, your partner, and in front of God.  It's ceremony is not defined in the Bible; the promise to God is inserted by man.  It is also a promise that's more frequently broken and forgiveness is then requested.  

If you can be friends with Christians and non-Christians.  If you have no problem promising to be faithful.  Then you can be a good Freemason if you choose.

  [1]: http://www.thelostsymbol.com/