Which category is explicitly disqualified from being made a mason according to the obligation?

• A. An atheist.
• B. A Christian who belongs to a denomination.
• C. A person with a pending legal matter.
• D. A person who has not completed a probationary period.

Answer: (A)

Belief in a Supreme Being is required by the Mason’s obligation. An atheist denies the very existence of a higher power, which directly contradicts the vows taken in Masonry. Because that foundational belief is essential to being a Mason, an atheist is not eligible to be made a Mason under the obligation.

A Christian who belongs to a denomination affirms belief in God, so they meet that fundamental requirement. The same holds for most others who acknowledge a higher power.

A pending legal matter isn’t addressed by the obligation itself; it might affect conduct or lodge decisions, but it doesn’t constitute an explicit disqualification in the oath.

Not completing a probationary period is a procedural step in the initiation process, not an inherent disqualification imposed by the obligation.