The conferral of Masonic membership to Joe Biden by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina is viewed by many as highly inappropriate, especially considering the traditional principles of Freemasonry. One of the fundamental tenets of the fraternity is that membership should be predicated on an individual's ability to understand and actively participate in Masonic rituals and duties. Given Biden's age and recent public episodes, like freezing at the podium or falling, there's a strong argument that he might not meet the cognitive standards traditionally expected for initiation, particularly the concept of not initiating someone in "dotage." This action by Prince Hall Masonry appears to circumvent these long-standing practices, potentially undermining the integrity of the Masonic experience.
 

Moreover, the decision to confer membership on Biden "at sight," without the standard initiation process, raises questions about the motivations behind this move. Freemasonry emphasizes personal growth, service, and the pursuit of truth, principles that are meant to be lived through the experience of the degrees. By bestowing membership without the traditional rites, the Prince Hall Lodge seems to prioritize political recognition over the spiritual and educational aspects of Masonry. This has led to criticism from within the broader Masonic community, particularly as it might suggest that membership can be granted for reasons other than a genuine desire to join the fraternity's brotherhood or to uphold its values.
 

Finally, there's the issue of alignment with Catholic doctrine, given Biden's public acknowledgment of his faith. Freemasonry has historically been at odds with the Catholic Church, which explicitly forbids membership under pain of grave sin and excommunication. By making Biden a Mason, the Prince Hall Lodge not only potentially places him in a spiritual conflict but also stirs controversy within both the Masonic and Catholic communities. This act could be perceived as an attempt to make a political statement or to align with a figure of power, rather than adhering to the apolitical and non-sectarian nature Freemasonry is supposed to maintain. The move has thus sparked debate about the propriety and motivations behind such an honor, questioning whether it respects the essence of what it means to be a Freemason.