Why are Christians in Freemasonary?

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What are your thoughts on Freemasonary? I feel those who are in it think that it's just a good Christian 'club' or towards the other extreme, it gives them a 'connection' of some sort or power to gain an advantage that being sold out to Jesus somehow doesn't quite give. I don't see any scriptural reference allowing participation in this secret order.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 1998

Answers

Based on the masons that I know, they are just playing games. I will not take their toys away from them.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 1998
I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth!!! This is a very good question raised. There are no secrets with God and taking secret oaths are forbidden in our Christian walk. My husband's father is a Mason soon to be out of the society. . .he has suffered a stroke and then a heart attack. While recovering before surgery, my husband continued to minister to his father about the masons and christianity. Well his father is planning to denounce the masons and throw away everything that belongs to the society. My mother-in-law was a eastern star; however, she felt that the things they did were stupid, etc. . .riding around on donkeys etc. Anyway, when we hold demonic objects, it gives satan legal ground to reclaim the territory at any time, etc. . . .so sickness may be frequent, unbelief, etc. . . .. .Anyway, I stand firmly on the fact that the Christians have no place in this secret fraternal order. . . . .the root of the org. began with the Tower of Babel, etc. . . . Whenever we see that a person is a Christian and have those symbols on their car(s) or rings on finger(s) etc. . we minister to them about the organization. It was kept so hush, hush. . . .however, it takes the boldness of the Holy Spirit to discern and care enough for those Christians to witness the truth, according to Jesus Christ. . Amen.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 1999
I have been approached to become a mason, however, no one can tell what the purpose is of such an organization. What is the Mason's mission? Someone please shed some light.

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2000
My father is a freemason, and ever since my early youth, he has allowed me to know probably more than he should have about this institution. It is for this reason that I will join the freemasons, knowing that there are no evils involved, it is simply a society of people from different races and even religions (you can find jews, christians and even muslims) come together in acknowledgement of a one true god, the thing that these religions hold in common.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001
For a different perspective, see http://www.cuttingedge.org/fmcorner.html

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

Richard,

Going on the presumption you are a born again, blood-washed Christian, allow me to please consider these things.

Without question, there is only one God.  His, not my requirement for total devotion to Him should be what moves us, not family association or tradition.  God's word above all.

 



-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

Richard,

Going on the presumption you are a born again, blood-washed Christian, allow me to ASK YOU TO please consider these things.

Without question, there is only one God.  His, not my requirement for total devotion to Him should be what moves us, not family association or tradition.  God's word above all.

 



-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001
I have been a Mason since 1996 and am also a very devout Christian. Most of the members of our lodge are church leaders. My Grandfather was a Mason, and a great man also, and I used to think just as you do that, based on the opinion of narrow minded people who have never been associated with the Masons, the Masonic Lodge was an evil thing. But, after joining and finding out exactly what the Masonic Lodge stands for I have completely changed my viewpoint of the organization. I have since then thrown away all the "false prophet" literature about Masonary. Just a fact you should know, the Holy Bible is the centerpiece of every meeting and each and every time we meet we open and close with a prayer. Join first, then talk.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001
Although I am not personally a Mason, I know of several devote Christians who are and were Masons. Additionally, it should be noted that the history of Freemasonry among African Americans is closely related to that of the A.M.E. Church. I am sure my Masonic friends could further enlighten you but from my own historical research I understand it to be this: Prince Hall was a member of the Free African Society and a pastor of an African Methodist (pre-1816 he died in 1807) congregation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. During the American Revolution, the British Army made him a Master Mason on March 16, 1775. Fourteen other African Americans were also made Masons as well. One day prior to the American Independence--July 3, 1776--they were allowed to operated as an independent unit. They then petitioned the English Lodge and a charter was issued on September 29, 1794 to from African Lodge no.459 in Boston, with Prince Hall as its Worshipful Master. Richard Allen and Absalom Jones then sought--through Prince Hall--to receive a warrant in order to form a lodge in Philadelphia. This warrant was also granted and the second African Lodge no. 459 became effective on June 24,1797 with Absalom Jones as it Worshipful Master and Richard Allen as its Treasurer. The African Lodges then proliferated in Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania with Prince Hall becoming their Provincial Grand Master. Thus, the Grand Lodge was present at the funeral of the Reverend Absalom Jones. Each year, therefore, on Founder's Day three groups come together at Mother Bethel to honor the memory of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones. These are: 1) Members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2) Members of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church whose first pastor was the Reverend Absalom Jones and first members were among those who left Saint George's and 3) The Prince Hall Masonic Lodge which had its roots in the Free African Society and the A.M.E. Church.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2001
My dear uncle recruited me for the masonic lodge but while going thru the process, it became so laughable that I could not go on. However, for those who desire it, I have no quarrel.

Blessings Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2001

It's a common response, I'm told about the long tradition behind its existence, I hear of masonry in a nostalgic, historic context.   But why is is avoided from biblical perspective?  I have asked specific questions yet to be answered.  Sincerity is not the issue here, truth is.  How can a brother justify allegiance to organization with a 'fill in the blank' God?  I don't question the use of the bible or prayers to and acknowledgement Jesus as the only begotten of the Father in your meetings.  However, can one be comfortable calling a fellow mason in India who says their Hindu god is the one and only a 'brother?'  The "Great Architect" is not our Savior.  According to scripture, His Name is above all names.  He is the only way to God, the only mediator, the only redeemer.  He does not have a interchangeable identity.  This type of "All roads lead to God" theology is extremely dangerous.  Please brothers and sisters, let's reason together, let's have some substantive dialogue on this subject.



-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001
My question is why not? Are Christians members of any fraternal organization, that is to say, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma etc., etc.? The answer is they most certainly are, as it is their rightful choice to be. Furthermore, before we put down the historical connection of Richard Allen, Absalom Jones and others, we need to remember that "all these have died in the faith", and that they are a "great cloud of witnesses" to that faith. We did not get here alone. It seems to me that we are doing a lot of majoring in minors here. Christianity is not so legalistically bound as some of us tend to make it. That is more reminiscent of Judaism and being justified by the Law. If Jesus is Lord of your life, and He is of mine, and there is no specific Biblical reference to forbid my doing or becoming something I might wish to do or become, the free choice is mine to make. I can then trust that God will lead me as to whether or not it is the right decision for me. It may not be the right decision for you. But that is for you to decide as God leads you. We need to stop condemning and putting down any and everything that we know little or nothing about. "For in Him there is therefore no condemnation". We need to make "Love our Aim". Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, that ye LOVE one another as I have loved you". Note, He didn't say how many crusades you can lead in My name or how many unchristian organizations you can find and beat over the head. To be honest they won't even care or pay you any mind. But when we show love, Jesus said, all men would stop and take notice that we belong to Him.

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001
I am a 4th generation Freemason and have belonged for 39 years. I was raised in the Methodist faith, and 4th generation there also.  I am a 32 Scottish Rite  I am a Shriner For the work we do with children and for the children of this world, I have been told that we are GODS MEN DOING GODS WORK!

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT WE ARE ANGLES SENT BY GOD FOR THE WORK WE DO WITH THE CRIPPLED CHILDREN OF THE WORLD!

The Scottish Rite have learning center around the United State and Canada which specialize in teaching DYSLEXIC CHILDREN and creating a better life for the free of charge to them and their families. One in five people are Dyslexic.

The Shriners donate 2.5 millions dollars a day to the Shriners Cripple Children Hospitals (19) and Shriners Burn centers for children (4). The Shriners have the best hospitals, the best surgeons money can buy! This is free to all the families who need help regardless of their faith, race, nationality or financial status.

I should point out that those of you who put down Freemasons are the first in line to get our help for your children as your Christian religions have no doctors, have no hospitals! But then this is being a outstanding Christian.

Yes, you will find Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Catholics come together in acknowledgement of a one true god, the thing that these religions hold in common.

I am a born again Christian and I truly believe that my way into heaven is though Jesus Christ. However it is not my place or any so called Christian to pass judgement on any other man, ONLY GOD CAN DO THAT, AND MY I REMIND YOU NONE OF YOU ARE GOD, HOWEVER I HAVE MANY A PERSON WHO THINKS THEY ARE.

For those who recite verse and scripture from the Holy Bible the Christian version is incomplete and has been since John Luther left the Catholic Church, he rewrote the Bible then leaving out one complete Book of the Bible.

When you talk to the modern day Churches they all have their own GOD, it is only through their religion, that you can enter into heaven. It is these stupid people who keep the religion wars going.

There is a book titled “How many ways to Spell God” written by a Catholic Priest and Jewish Rabbi, from New York City, I suggest you read it.

For centuries throughout the world, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry, the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life, and the nature of God and man? Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols. It is not a religion but religious in character, it is a philosophy of ethical conduct, which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization. They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary experience and build a "house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry can never conflict with a man's relationship to God or his fellow man. Sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited. Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of his walk in life, and none are turned away because of financial need. The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to deliver a message where "truth abides in fullness," invoking greater understanding of the inward life and a spirit of fellowship in which every Mason can lead a better outward life.

All but one of our nation founding fathers was Freemasons, 13 presidents were and are Freemasons.

It is these men who made it possible for you but down your fellow man all in the name of GOD.

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

In the multiple generations of the Eaton Klan belonging to Freemasonry, comes the following of the Methodist Church. It is my understanding that an Eaton born in England in 1771 became a follower of John Wesley, whom broke away from the Lutheran Church to start his own church.

It is my understanding that this Eaton moved his family to Ireland to spread the word of John Wesley, then around 1832 my great, great grandfather and his brother David moved the Eaton Klan to Giles County VA. David is on record as being the oldest Mason on record to date…living to be 108 years old and in Masonry for just over 79 years.

David grandson was a church builder, Charles Lee Eaton built 3 churches in his lifetime, and all three churches are still in existence and used every Sunday for church services.

They are The Eaton Chapel, The Wesley’s Chapel United Methodist Church, and "Sheffey Memorial" at Staffordsville, VA.

They were all Christians and they were all Freemasons.

So I ask Modern day Christians how far back can you trace your religion? I dare say the ones I know are less than 75 years.

I truly believe that Dr. Bill Graham is the true man sent my God to spread his word.

-- Anonymous, March 03, 2001

Mr. Eaton, I have no problem with the Masons, but I find your entries rather peculiar to say the least. First, by the grace of God, there are many Christian hospitals and doctors throughout the United States. Second, and most important, most Christians trace their church roots back to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit described in Acts. Third, I feel as though your two responses were made by different people? Is this correct? If so, why?

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001
Hotep (Peace)...

Sis Embry, I believe that different spiritual paths lead to the Supreme Creator. You stated that this belief is dangerous thinking. Why? Buddhists, Hinduists, Taoists, Confucianists, and other shaman indigenous religious systems are inclusive of the Christian perspectives. In fact, my research reveals that most of the religious bickering (control issues) stems from Christian, Islamic or Jewish paths.

This is ONE G-D…who is much bigger than any man made religious rituals or dogma. (I don’t know enough about freemasonry to address the question. My daddy was a Mason and he was a spiritual and righteous man.) Why are mortals defining how people worship and which organizations are “religiously” correct?

Neither Jesus nor his disciplines were Christians, they were all Jews. Constantine and his boys developed Christianity based on their interpretation. Why do Christians celebrate pagan holidays such as Winter Solstice (Christmas—Jesus. Where in the Bible does it say to celebrate Jesus birth? ) Or Spring Equinox (Eastre, or Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring and dawn---now known as Easter) Did G- d say that it was (is) okay to merge with seasonal celebrations? If so, where in the Bible does it state this fact? When Constantine was defining Christianity, “he” (not G-d) decided to merge (create) the Christian holidays with the many pagan traditional/festivals of the day. Most Christian churches of today practice these holidays without THOUGHT.

My point—many of the practices performed in Christian church are borrowed traditions from other religious/spiritual perspectives. There is one absolute “IAM”. How a person develops their G-d consciousness is an individual preference. The Masons fill gaps of services not rendered by the government and church organizations. The group appears to be very cohesive, community minded and inclusive of all people. My sister is this not “Christ” in motion.

In Love and Light, Brenda

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

Ms. Brooks, I am a Gemini, as most people know we are multiple people, so you can take from there. I live by the “City of Churches” strong new generation Dutch, and their motto is “if you aren’t Dutch, Your are not Much” and that is ok, however, you are Dutch and you do not belong to their religion, you still are not much!

My comment about the New World religions was directed at Dutch who left the Netherlands came to West Michigan and settled in Grand Rapids and Holland MI. You ask the first generation why they left the Netherlands and they will tell you that it was because "their religious right were being stomped on". Thus they brought their religion here and formed 2 different religions all the name of Religious Freedom. These religions are called Peace Reform and Christian Reform Church of America.

They each have their own college’s here Hope College in Holland and Calvin in Grand Rapids. They will tell you that your belief is wrong when they find out that you do not belong to their churches, they have been known not to speak to a neighbor because they are Baptist or what ever.

More importantly they fight among themselves stating that the other religion is wrong. We have a fair number of Dutch families as masons and shiners however they belong to all the other religions. When asked by Dutch what their religion is, and if it is not one of these two, they get hell and then they shun them…..all in the name of GOD. Their GOD, they have their own GOD.

Ms. Brooks you are very correct that there are a lot of good Christian hospitals and doctors in the United States. I have question for you, how many of the these Christian hospital charge NOTHING to families who’s of children, who have orthopedic problems a good number of them require extensive care from birth to age 18 years old, or have been burnt in a fire. How many of your Christian Hospitals would stand the cost of air lifting these burnt children to a burn center and then taking care of them until the age of 18 years old…free of charge for children and their families. CHILDREN OF ALL RACES, ALL RELIGIONS, BELIEVERS AND NON BELIEVERS IN GOD

Ms. Brooks, I noticed that you mention nothing about Catholic or Jewish hospitals, is there some reason?

Red Skeleton the comedian would always close his shows with “GOD BLESS”. Red was asked why he never said ‘GOD BLESS YOU” in the closing of his shows, he said that “Only God Can Bless Man, and he is not God”. Red Skeleton was also a Mason.

However, Ms. Brooks the Shriners do take care of CHILDREN OF ALL RACES, ALL RELIGIONS, BELIEVERS AND NON BELIEVERS IN GOD in one of their 18 Shriners Children Hospitals and 4 Shriners Burn Institutes in North American…..from Birth to the age of 18 years of old FEE OF CHARGE TO THE CHILDREN AND TO THEIR FAMILIES. SHRINERS DONATE 2.5 MILLION DOLLARS A DAY SO THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN!

Yes Ms Brooks it is BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT THIS HAPPENS, DAY IN DAY OUR 24 HOURS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

Shriners have 100’s of hospital vans in North America all operated my Shiner Volunteers all from different religious back grounds an nationalities. There are always 2 drivers per van. The families will either come to one of our many Shrine Temples or we will pick them up at their homes. The Shriners, do the driving, pay for the fuel, and buy the family meals. We put in extremely long days for the Children of North America.

Ms. Brooks a few years ago the FBI instructed ALL their personal to be on the look out for families who have children who could use the Shriners Children Hospital help, if they found one, they were to call a Shriner to get this family help.

Yes Ms Brooks this is by the Grace of the Great Supreme Architect of the World.

People who spout Bible Verse always impress me, you can always find some verse in the Bible to fit ones needs for every different cause. There are a lot of different Holy Books written and everyone has their own interpretation I am not the person who you wish to recite verse to.

I am a Polio Survivor for 60 years, with Post Polio Syndrome

I am a Prostate Cancer survivor 4 ½ years now

I have Huntingtons Disease (you can find out about this on the Internet) it is genetic, it is passed from parent to child, and since there is no cure for this either my body is on lone to researchers to help find a cure. Ms. Brooks with your last name you had best be checking this out, as the Brooks Klan are big passer of this dreaded disease. My mother was a Brooks, she and on of her brother died in nursing homes, my mother spent 6 years in one, her father, and her grandfather Brooks both died in mental hospitals.

Ms. Brooks do you do any thing other than site bible verses? Please don’t get me wrong this is a very important thing to do.

What do you do for the Children of our great nation?

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2001

I read most of the comments and answers. All I can say is that Freemasonary is ruining the face of true Christianity. If I am a Chriatian then let this be, why should I join freemasons and other stupid organisations. freemasonary is called an ORGANISATION! Christianity is a faith, a community with a goal and that is to spread the word of God... it is not an organisation for making money and being prestigeous...

freemasonary is a stupid practice that belive on SATAN, Evil and the single eye... they are using the Chriatian faith as to cover their dirty acts... so I say to all freemasons: "leave us Christians alone. It's enough we are abused and threatened by many Muslims and other extremist organisations and terrorists...

I lived in the Middle-East and faced so much discrimination and prejudice....

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2001

I read most of the comments and answers. All I can say is that Freemasonary is ruining the face of true Christianity. If I am a Chriatian then let this be, why should I join freemasons and other stupid organisations. freemasonary is called an ORGANISATION! Christianity is a faith, a community with a goal and that is to spread the word of God... it is not an organisation for making money and being prestigeous...

freemasonary is a stupid practice that belive on SATAN, Evil and the single eye... they are using the Chriatian faith as to cover their dirty acts... so I say to all freemasons: "leave us Christians alone. It's enough we are abused and threatened by many Muslims and other extremist organisations and terrorists...

I lived in the Middle-East and faced so much discrimination and prejudice.... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

GO AWAY FREEMASONS AND STAY AWAY FROM CHRISTIANS... INFACT STAY AWAY FROM EVERYONE WITH YOUR EVIL STUFF...

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2001

I have a boyfriend who was a mason before I met him. I am a Christian and I strongly believe in the power of pray. I told him how I feel and of course he denied all accusations of what goes on with masons, but I prayed for him and still is continuing praying for him and he no longer participates with the masons. I misplaced his ring he had on purpose. I know it is not Godly like to be in masons.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2001
Dear Ms Jessica Mcclary

What of the 10 Comments don’t you understand? Thou Shall Not Steal Thou Shall Not Lie

You have stolen some property and then lied about.

Jessica did you still his Holy Bible to? Every Master Mason receives a HOLY BIBLE WITH HIS NAME INSIDE is a King James Version! Printed by “World Publishing”

As we continue our education and learn additional degrees we are once again given New HOLY BIBLES and just below our name this message is printed. “BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN, THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THOUGH HIS NAME”. St. Johns 20-31

You have lied to your boy friend and stolen his Masonic Ring and you call your self-a Christen.

Somewhere in my Christen up bring I have missed that it all right to through The TEN Comment’s out the window and then say that what your boy friend is doing is UN-GODLY!

I will pray for your Salvation!

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2001

Mr. Eaton--

I am curious as to why at different levels/stages of Freemasonry you receive a whole new bible.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

from the book [the lost keys of freemasonry] by manly p. hall 33 degree mason.when the mason learns that the key to the warrior on the block is the proper application of the mystrey of his craft. the seething energies of lucifer are in his hand.also from the book [morals and dogma] by albert pike 33 degree mason. is lucifer the light? doubt it not! page 321.[ the lost keys of freemasonry, page 48] so who is the light of the lodge? it is not christ our LORD. if you are a chriatian who is a mason ,get out!

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001
To: stephen trujillo by your e-mail name must think that you are Jesus Christ

"Masonry is not a religion. He who makes of it a religious belief, falsifies and denaturalizes it." Albert Pike (1809-1891); "Morals and Dogma (p. 161)

Few quotes in the history of mankind have attracted the attention of so many as the quote from Pike's Morals & Dogma which reads:

"Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!"

Three sentences (of which two are actually exclamations), taken from a book of 861 pages with a 216 page index. Does this seem a bit disingenuous right from the start?

Let's step back a bit before we go any further. Some anti-Masons are also fond of quoting the book by John J. Robinson titled Born in Blood in attempting to tie supposedly heinous acts of the 13th Century Knights Templar with Freemasonry today. While this is a gross misinterpretation of Robinson's work, perhaps it would be good to look at another work of his titled A Pilgrim's Path. In there, we find an extraordinarily well-written explanation of the Pike quote regarding Lucifer.

Robinson writes:

Albert Pike and the Morning Star

"ALBERT PIKE (1809-91) was a lawyer, a poet, a prolific writer, a general in the army of the Confederate States of America, and a Freemason. He was a voracious reader, especially interested in the religions and philosophical systems of ancient cultures, which he saw as having shaped the thinking and codes of morality of people around the world. As a general, he commanded neither white nor black troops, but American Indians. He studied and respected their religious beliefs. But no matter how deeply he probed into other religions, nothing Pike learned ever shook his own faith as a devout Trinitarian Christian. Politically, he did not favor stronger central control, as is evidenced by his willingness to risk his life and fortune in a war that started not over the issue of slavery, but over the political concept of states' rights. In hindsight Pike may be judged to have been wrong politically, but at least he was willing to die for what he believed."

"Fundamentalist anti-Masons love to condemn all Freemasonry based on the writings and philosophy of Albert Pike. They never say that Pike's works were written only for the Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite Masonry, which was the limit of Pike's Masonic authority. He was the Sovereign Grand Commander of that Masonic body from 1859 until his death in 1891."

"The Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite in America covers thirty- five southern and western states. It has about half a million members, or about 20 percent of the total Masonic membership in the United States. That means that about 80 percent of American Masons have little or no knowledge of the work of General Pike. I have found that most Masons have not even heard of him. These men are mystified by attacks on Masonry that cite Pike's writings, since they have no idea what the antagonist is talking about."

"Pike's passion - perhaps obsession - was that all men should seek knowledge, or "light." From that light came information and understanding. Some fundamentalists, however, assert that all "light" comes from Jesus, and that any other source of light is anti- Christian, even though the rest of the world continues to use expressions like, "We've got to bring this to light," or, "Can anyone here shed some light on this matter?" That's what the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain had in mind when it adopted a lighthouse as its trademark, with the slogan, "Give the people light and they will find their way.""

""Light," in the sense that is used by Pike, means education. Education is one of those things that most of us think is universally approved, but the anti-Masons take Masonry to task for such emphasis on it, taking the stand that too much secular education can be damaging to a good Christian. They often fall back on the belief of their predecessor fundamentalists of generations ago, who believed that education requires no written work other than Holy Scripture."

"Yet that scripture itself admonishes Christians to seek knowledge, and totally supports the Masonic dedication to charity. Christian Masons can take comfort from the second epistle of Peter 1:5-7: "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." A good summary of Masonic belief."

"Very few people are aware that in the lecture accompanying the second degree in the symbolic lodge all Masons are encouraged to continue their own education and to gain knowledge in the liberal arts, defined in the older context of that term as grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, music, astronomy, and geometry. The Masons emphasize the benefits of continuing education, even to the extent that many Masonic charities provide scholarships for deserving students on a nondenominational basis. Pike was in complete harmony with that approach, but he was somewhat different in that his own fascination was heavily weighted toward the history of religion, the subject of most of his writings."

"Pike was convinced that he had benefited greatly from his lifelong studies of other religions and philosophies, because what he had learned gave him a broader understanding of all humankind. Many of the ancient religions he had studied were gone from the earth, but he was convinced that they had made contributions to later thought and moral systems. He had a good point: There are those who would deny that Muhammad learned anything from the Jews and Christians he met on his trading missions, or that Moses learned anything while growing up at the Egyptian court, but reason indicates the opposite."

"Not everyone believes that familiarity with other religions and cultures is beneficial, however; exposure to alien ideas and customs may be thought to contaminate the student's religious and political beliefs. That's why the Catholic Church created the Index of books not to be read by Catholics, and why fundamentalists have sought the legal exclusion from classrooms and libraries of books that teach morality on a nonreligious basis, or even scientific knowledge that seems at odds with Scripture."

"In his conviction that wisdom would be gained by learning what others believed, and why they behaved as they did, Albert Pike poured his prodigious knowledge into written works, so that he could share that information. Today, universities offer master's and doctoral degrees in the comparative study of world religions and in the history of religion. Pike would have approved. His plan was to educate all Scottish Rite Masons in his Southern Jurisdiction by imparting that comparative knowledge as an essential aspect of Scottish Rite training."

"The course of education Pike laid out was in twenty-nine parts, to fit the Scottish Rite system of the 4th through the 32nd degrees. Rather than being taught in pedantic lectures, the information is imparted primarily in ceremonial dramas, which are usually more effective in helping the student to retain what he has learned. The major difference between the Pike-inspired course of instruction and that employed in some theological seminaries is that Scottish Rite does not identify any religion as the One True Faith. It teaches to inform, not to prove the error of all faiths except that of the lecturer. Some of the work does arrive at conclusions, such as those condemning tyranny (from either a religious or secular source), and a charge to seek the light of knowledge, rather than yield to the ignorance that permits some men to dominate the unknowing. So Pike's primary lesson calls to mind the old IBM slogan that used to appear in every workplace: the simple advice, "THINK!" That very concept is offensive to many a fundamentalist evangelist, who will happily do all the thinking his followers will ever need."

"Some of the critics of Masonry cite the degree work, but more find their raw material for Masonic condemnation in Pike's writings, especially his ponderous Morals and Dogma, an 861-page volume that many Masons own, but few have read. It is not only tedious reading, but is full of Pike's own perceptions of Masonry. Many Masons will agree with some statements, but there are others that no Mason will ever believe. Pike was so wrapped up in his knowledge of ancient faiths and philosophic systems that he tended to make the background of Masonry far more complex and esoteric than it was ever meant to be. In some of his chapters, if the words "Mason" and "Masonry" were removed, it is reasonable to believe that many a Mason reading it would not recognize his own fraternity."

"Pike was a man with an extraordinary breadth of knowledge, and it is only natural that he wanted to share it all. Unfortunately, he had just one outlet that he could count on, and he appears to have wanted to find a place for everything he knew in the Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite. The teachings of Masonry are simple and clear. Pike preferred them to be festooned with mystic interpretations and deep, arcane meanings."

"Make no mistake: Pike was a dynamic force in establishing a strong membership in his own jurisdiction, and a strong force in establishing degree work that has lasted for a hundred years. He was a towering figure in the history of American Masonry. What he was not was a Grand Master of any Grand Lodge, who alone is the final authority in basic Masonic practices and jurisprudence. He was never a spokesman for all of Freemasonry and never tried to assert himself as such. He was a strong man who never shrank from expressing his personal opinions, and it is important to remember that his pronouncements as they relate to Masonry are just that: his own opinions."

"That's why the most important part of Morals and Dogma may be its preface. Not written by Pike himself, the preface was, and is, the official statement of The Supreme Council, the governing body of Scottish Rite Masonry that published his work. It has been ratified by every succeeding Supreme Council, up to this very day. In part, it says (italics mine {i.e. those of author Robinson}):"

In preparing this work, the Grand Commander [Pike] has been about equally Author and Compiler; since he has extracted quite half its contents from the works of the best writers and most philosophic or eloquent thinkers. Perhaps it would have been better and more acceptable if he had extracted more and written less.

"To remove any thought that the work contains religious dogma for Scottish Rite Masons, the preface says:"

The teachings of these readings are not sacramental, so far as they go beyond the realm of Morality into those other domains of Thought and Truth. The ancient and accepted Scottish Rite uses the word "Dogma" in its true sense, of doctrine, or teaching; and is not dogmatic in the odious sense of that term.

"And now the most important sentence in the preface (and, once again, the italics are mine {i.e., those of Robinson}):"

Everyone is entirely free to reject and dissent from whatsoever herein may seem to him to be untrue or unsound.

"I was very relieved to find that statement at the beginning of Morals and Dogma, because there is much in it that I "reject and dissent from." Such a statement requires at least one example, and I offer the following quote from page 819:"

""The Blue Degrees [first, second and third] are but the outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall imagine that he understands them. Their true explication is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry (the 28th degree and beyond)." I have asked enough Masons to convince myself that there is no Mason anywhere who agrees with that statement."

"His historical facts are usually correct, but that cannot always be said of his opinions. As an historian who has spent years researching the history of the crusading order of the Knights Templar, I was appalled to read Pike's words, "The Templars were unintelligent and therefore unsuccessful Jesuits," and "Their watchword was to become wealthy, in order to buy the world.""

"On the other hand, most Christians will agree with much of what Albert Pike has to say about his own faith in Christianity. His discussion of baptism calls the Christian rite "a baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins: that is, the necessity of repentance proven by reformation." That "reformation" of the repentant baptized Christian is now being referred to as being "born again," which puts Pike's definition of the sacrament right in line with the beliefs of those who condemn him most angrily. His critics, of course, never quote those points: Their aim is to extract comments about the many religions, sects, and cults described in Morals and Dogma, so that they can be cited, regardless of their original content, as "documentation" that Masons believe the teachings of those ancient cults, and must believe them. They know they are lying, but quoting out of context is too wonderful a tool to be abandoned."

"Nothing thrills the anti-Mason as much as Pike's references to Lucifer. Most Christians reading this will immediately recognize Lucifer as the fallen angel, as Satan, the ruler of hell. Why then, does Pike express his surprise in the words "Lucifer, the light- bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its intolerable light blinds feeble, sensual or selfish souls?" He is upset, referring at one point to "the false Lucifer of the legend." What false legend?"

"I set out to learn for myself, and what I learned may upset many Christians, who have to be told that the King James version of the Bible, which they revere as the literal, precise, correct work of God, is not always so. Some of the error in it was quite deliberate, including the biblical designation of Lucifer as Satan, along with the concordant story of a fallen angel. It is difficult to anticipate the reactions of some believers on being told that there are gross mistakes in the King James version, but, please, do not throw this book across the room in disgust until you have read a bit more."

"Lucifer makes his appearance in the fourteenth chapter of the Old Testament book of Isaiah, at the twelfth verse, and nowhere else: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!""

"The first problem is that Lucifer is a Latin name. So how did it find its way into a Hebrew manuscript, written before there was a Roman language? To find the answer, I consulted a scholar at the library of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. What Hebrew name, I asked, was Satan given in this chapter of Isaiah, which describes the angel who fell to become the ruler of hell? The answer was a surprise. In the original Hebrew text, the fourteenth chapter of Isaiah is not about a fallen angel, but about a fallen Babylonian king, who during his lifetime had persecuted the children of Israel. It contains no mention of Satan, either by name or reference. The Hebrew scholar could only speculate that some early Christian scribes, writing in the Latin tongue used by the Church, had decided for themselves that they wanted the story to be about a fallen angel, a creature not even mentioned in the original Hebrew text, and to whom they gave the name "Lucifer.""

"Why Lucifer? In Roman astronomy, Lucifer was the name given to the morning star (the star we now know by another Roman name, Venus). The morning star appears in the heavens just before dawn, heralding the rising sun. The name derives from the Latin term lucem ferre, "bringer, or bearer, of light." In the Hebrew text the expression used to describe the Babylonian king before his death is Helal, son of Shahar, which can best be translated as "Day star, son of the Dawn." The name evokes the golden glitter of a proud king's dress and court (much as his personal splendor earned for King Louis XIV of France the appellation, "The Sun King")."

"The scholars authorized by the militantly Catholic King James I to translate the Bible into current English did not use the original Hebrew texts, but used versions translated from the Catholic Vulgate Bible produced largely by St. Jerome in the fourth century. Jerome had mistranslated the Hebraic metaphor, "Day star, son of the Dawn," as "Lucifer," and over the centuries a metamorphosis took place. Lucifer the morning star became a disobedient angel, cast out of heaven to rule eternally in hell. Theologians, writers, and poets interwove the myth with the doctrine of the Fall, and in Christian tradition Lucifer is now the same as Satan, the Devil, and - ironically- the Prince of Darkness."

"So "Lucifer" is nothing more than an ancient Latin name for the morning star, the bringer of light. That can be confusing for Christians who identify Christ himself as the morning star, a term used as a central theme in many Christian sermons. Jesus refers to himself as the morning star in Revelation 22:16: "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.""

"And so there are those who do not read beyond the King James version of the Bible, who say "Lucifer is Satan: so says the Word of God," while others with knowledge of the Latin and Hebrew texts say, "No, Lucifer is the classical Roman name for the morning star, and now Jesus is the morning star." This discussion can only anger certain fundamentalists. (I have at hand an evangelical tract from a Baptist church that says, "I believe in the Infallibility and Preservation of God's Word, of which the King James 1611 authorized version is the God-guided faithful translation.")"

"Fortunately, this issue of errors in biblical translations is not one that we have to struggle with ourselves. Generations of biblical scholars of all faiths have been aware of the mistranslations and of the misunderstandings that arise from the use of archaic terms whose meanings have been lost, or have evolved into different usages. To address these problems a conference was held in October 1946, attended by delegates of the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, and the Baptists, Methodists, and Congregationalist churches. At another meeting four months later, delegates from the Presbyterians and Quakers joined the original group, along with representatives of various Bible societies. Still later, observers were sent as representatives of the Roman Catholic Church."

"The work on a new translation of the Bible, direct from the sources, stretched out over several years. The most distinguished biblical scholars and specialists in the world were invited to contribute, and every delegate was given the opportunity to review and express his own views on every verse, every word, as presented by the translators."

"The result of this prodigious joint effort was The New English Bible, of which the New Testament was published in 1969 and the Old Testament one year later."

"That does not mean that I have cast aside my King James version: I have them both. But I must recognize that while God may be the inspirational source of all the Old and New Testament scriptures, He is certainly not responsible for the imperfect translations from the language of the earliest surviving texts. To err is human, and men can become overzealous because of the emotional aspects of the subject."

"To the point, the verse in the King James version (Isaiah 14:12) that begins "How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer..." has now been translated directly from the Hebrew in the New English Biible as "How you have fallen from heaven, bright morning star..." There is no mention of Lucifer, no reference to any disobedient angel plunging to hell, nor should there be."

"The emphasis here should be on intent. When Albert Pike and other Masonic scholars spoke over a century ago about the "Luciferian path," or the "energies of Lucifer," they were referring to the morning star, the light bearer, the search for light; the very antithesis of dark, satanic evil."

"Still, I believe that Pike was wrong to use Lucifer in the scholarly sense. I remember an old man saying to me years ago, on a different subject, "It may be correct, but it just ain't right!" He had an excellent point. To be "correct" may be good for scholars writing for the enlightenment of other scholars: but for those with a real desire to communicate, recognition must be given to the common usage of words and terms. To this day some learned writers, as did Pike, have difficulty concentrating on communication, which may require explaining their terms of reference and curbing their vocabularial excess. To engage in the arrant pedantry of egregious sesquipedalianism (as in this sentence) is not communication. It's showing off. Pike must have known that virtually every Christian of this time firmly believed that Lucifer was Satan. He should have explained his use of the name, or he should have avoided it. And he should have held his scholarly vocabulary in check. However impressive the command of a language a writer may possess, if it cannot be understood as intended and baffles the reader, it is failing in its primary purpose, which should be clear, understandable communication."

"Unfortunately, even if Albert Pike had refined his cumbersome style, or reduced the overwhelming variety of information he offered in his works, he would still be the target of vitriolic abuse. The reason is a proved and blatant forgery that is brandished to the great joy and delight of almost every anti-Masonic writer and speaker."

"It all began in the late nineteenth century with a man who would do anything, say anything, or write anything to further his own career, untroubled by conscience or morality. His pen name was Leo Taxil. To fully understand the source of much of today's most bitter anti- Masonry, it is necessary to drop back about a hundred years and examine the career of this strange man who, to serve his own ends, maliciously draped the mantle of Lucifer as Satan on the memory of Albert Pike."

The same is true for Manly P.Hall 33 degree



-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

Stephen Trujillo, have you read either of the books completly yourself?

Most who join Masonry have no idea who Pike was. In fact, of those who join Freemasonry, few will own a copy of any of Pike's works. And of the few who do, it will likely be Morals and Dogma - a book most admit to never having read! (For about 60 years it was given to all who joined the Southern United States jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, an appendant body of Freemasonry.) Of the few who actually begin reading this ponderous 850+ page tome, few finish it and of those who do, the great majority admit that they could barely understand it. Yet despite this, anti-Masons assert that Pike and his works exert significant influence over Freemasonry today.

********

Some of "Uncle Albert's" own words on the subject

TOLERATION, holding that every other man has the same right to his opinion and faith that we have to ours; and liberality, holding that as no human being can with certainty say, in the clash and conflict of hostile faiths and creeds, what is truth, or that he is surely in possession of it, so every one should feel that it is quite possible that another equally honest and sincere with himself, and yet holding the contrary opinion, may himself be in possession of the truth, and that whatever one firmly and conscientiously believes, is truth, to him -- these are the mortal enemies of that fanaticism which persecutes for opinion's sake, and initiates crusades against whatever it, in its imaginary holiness, deems to be contrary to the law of God or verity of dogma. No true Mason scoffs at honest convictions and an ardent zeal in the cause of what one believes to be truth and justice. But he does absolutely deny the right of any man to assume the prerogative of Deity, and condemn another's faith and opinions as deserving to be punished because heretical. -Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, Chapter 10

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-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

as you can tell (by my name) i am a muslim, i live in the uk in a freemasonic society, many of my friends parents are freemasons. once i met one of them and they invited me to thier house. and the first thing i saw was an framed picture of an EYE. and he asked me if i wanted to join. i said "yes". he said for me to join i have to bend over and have sex with him, so i did. does this mean i am now a gay fremason?

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2001
Hotep...

Your having sex with a man for acceptance means that you are CONFUSED. Is your consented sexual action an attempt to call freemasonary a homosexual organization? I am amazed at the dialogue of freemasonary being "evil". When a person's consciounsess is corrupt, so is his/her actions. Does not matter who or want they are...

In Love and Light, Brenda

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2001

I am a freemason in Canada and also a Roman Catholic. I must admit though that I am a skeptical Roman Catholic as it is very hard for me to believe that there is just one God in this world. Example who am I to say to a muslim who has never heard of the Roman Catholic, Jewish, etc. religions that my god is the right god and Alla is not? I also seem to see many born again christians being the most outspoken against Freemasonary. And to my knowlege most born agains were at one time or another in trouble with the law or drugs, alcohol, etc. And now that they have decided to find god and become extremests on religion, we are all bad? To become a freemason you had to have been of good moral character before becoming one, so many born agains could never have made it to be a freemason in the first place. As Freemasons we make good men better, not bad men good!

As for being a secret society that is complete nonsense. If we were a secret society no one would know about us! We do not conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonary. It's an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Which is alot more than I can say about some of the fly by night christians around. It is true that we have modes of recognition, rite and ceremonies with which the world is not able to know about. In this regard, all human groups and institutions have private affairs. Example If you are not on the Board of Directors of you company are you alowed to attend board meetings? No you are not. Also families have discussions which do not and should not concern their neighbours. Does everyone go and tell their neighbours about their mortgage, finacial position, or marriage problems, No and so it should be.

As for scriptural reference allowing participation in this secret order, its very simple. WE ARE NOT A CULT WE DO NOT GO DOOR TO DOOR TO SOLICITE PEOPLE OR SELL YOU ON GODS WORD! To be a mason just ask a mason. If you do not know any masons, look in the white pages under masonic lodge.

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2001

I am shocked and dismayed at the so called christians trying to bash the masonic organization. By there fruits ye shall know them! I have heard several counts of deciet to try and change masons. That is dishonest and wrong.

Furthermore I am shocked and appalled that Embry finds it hard that a Mason can call a non-christian their brother. IS GOD not the creator of us all. and if that is the case then we are all brothers and sisters. So why put down an organization that accepts all people of religion and race.

I am not a Mason but my Grandfather was. He was a great man and did much work for the community. If being a Mason means being a kind compassionate man who gave his time freely to help anyone in need, Then I would be honored myself to be a mason.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for it. Its membership is required to be religious; yet, Freemasonry is not a religion. God’s supremacy, majesty, and glory are always revered within the lodge and the same should characterize the personal life of every Mason.

They’re many gods in this world and we have a vast array of religions.

Who’s right? We believe that we are right as my fraternal brother in Israel believes he is right. Alternatively the same is true in any other country you could examine. Freemasonry is universal, Freemasonry transverses the globe bring man together for a common purpose for the benefit of mankind.

The Holy Bible is Gods Law. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to each to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It strengthens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing in every way, fully equipped for good thing God wants us to do.” (Second Timothy 3:16-17)

Other passages from the Holy Bible

Jeremiah 4:21 Chapter 6 verse 4 of the Song of Solomon speaks of armies with their banners.

Psalms 119: 105 Proverbs 6:23 Mathew 5:33-37 Hebrew 6:13

The legend of Hiram the craftsman and the building of the Temple is told in I Kings Chapter 7 verses 13 through 37.

The GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE is what Masons refer to as God. AFTER ALL, HE DID DESIGN ALL THINGS!! DID HE NOT? ISN’T THAT WHAT ARCHITECTS DO? BUT IT IS EVENT THAT YOUR GOD DOES NOT DO THAT!

The G. A. O. T. U. is a term or names that all Masons, regardless of their origin or nationally, accept as their God. And it reminds all of us of the fatherhood of GOD and the brotherhood of Man.

All you do is ramp and rare that Masons are un-Godly and the bible says so, but you have yet you have not shown me where is says that.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

Dear Mr Eaton,

I am a christian, a disciple of Christ, thanking God through his Son Jesus Christ for the grace poured out upon me in recieving the gift of salvation, the gift of eternal life. I believe that Freemasonary and "True Christianity-Discipleship" are entirely incompatible, and an involement in one immediately nullifies the other. Why do i claim this you may ask? I would first like to begin with a quote, that comes from probably one of the most well known Masonic leaders of past times. General Albert Pike (33rd degree), the grand commander, sovereign pontiff of universal masonary said,

" that which we must say to the CROWD is: we worship a god, but it is a god that one adores with superstition. To you Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, we say this, that you may repeat it to the bretheren of the 32nd, 31st and 30th degrees-the Masonic Religion should be, by all of us initiates of the high degrees, maintained in the purity of the Luciferian doctrine. If Lucifer were not God, would Adonay(Jesus)...culminate (spread false and harmful statements) about him?....Yes, Lucifer is God * (* De la Rive, la Femme et l'Enfant dans la Franc-Maconnerie Universelle(page 588)) The fact too that Albert Pike wore around his neck a symbol of Baphomet, the old god of Baal worship, sums up his alliance with the dark side.

I quote Jesus from Matthew 7, 21-23 : Not everyone who says to me , 'Lord Lord' will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ' Lord Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then i will tell them plainly, 'i never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Again i quote from Jesus a few verses before, 'watch out for false prophets, They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.'

Dear Mr Eaton, it is not about being right or wrong, but about testing what we hear in accordance with the bible. God, who knows the heart will see clearly whether or not somebody is honest and sincere with himself, and humble enough to ask our Lord and Saviour for guidance, for Godly enlightenment. But we have to be willing to want to know the truth, before we can be obedient to the will of God( Isaiah 1,18-19).

I will finish with a clear statement from revelation, warning all faithful and obedient followers of Christ and provoking them to action. (Revelation 18,4-8) Then i heard another voice from heaven say: 'come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not recieve any of her plaques; for her sins are piled to heaven, and God has remebered her crimes'......She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

May God bless you on this wonderful day. ( Being a christian isnt about proving who is right and wrong, it is about casting off our old clothing, that stained and filthy clothing, and growing in our likeness to our beautiful and gracious Saviour Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for My sins, and for Your sins. Lets learn more and more to give him his rightful glory and praise. He is so amazing, he is the One True God, the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, Amen). Take up your cross, and deny yourselves is Jesus' command to all believers!

i would encourage you to read aswell in closing Romans12,2, and then see whether life in Christ can be accomodated for with life in Freemasonary. Think about what Albert Pike said. God bless you.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2001

Mr. Hepher:

This is part one of two part response to your statement. I am a Born Again Christian.

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Chapter 10: Illustrious Elect of the Fifteen Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma

OLERATION, holding that every other man has the same right to his opinion and faith that we have to ours; and liberality, holding that as no human being can with certainty say, in the clash and conflict of hostile faiths and creeds, what is truth, or that he is surely in possession of it, so every one should feel that it is quite possible that another equally honest and sincere with himself, and yet holding the contrary opinion, may himself be in possession of the truth, and that whatever one firmly and conscientiously believes, is truth, to him -- these are the mortal enemies of that fanaticism which persecutes for opinion's sake, and initiates crusades against whatever it, in its imaginary holiness, deems to be contrary to the law of God or verity of dogma. And education, instruction, and enlightenment are the most certain means by which fanaticism and intolerance can be rendered powerless. No true Mason scoffs at honest convictions and an ardent zeal in the cause of what one believes to be truth and justice. But he does absolutely deny the right of any man to assume the prerogative of Deity, and condemn another's faith and opinions as deserving to be punished because heretical. Nor does he approve the course of those who endanger the peace and quiet of great nations, and the best interest of their own race by indulging in a chimerical and visionary philanthropy -- a luxury which chiefly consists in drawing their robes around them to avoid contact with their fellows, and proclaiming themselves holier than they. For he knows that such follies are often more calamitous than the ambition of kings; and that intolerance and bigotry have been infinitely greater curses to mankind than ignorance and error. Better any error than persecution! Better any opinion than the thumb-screw, the rack, and the stake! And he knows also how unspeakably absurd it is, for a creature to whom himself and everything around him are mysteries, to torture and slay others, because they cannot think as he does in regard to the profoundest of those mysteries, to understand which is utterly beyond the comprehension of either the persecutor or the persecuted. Masonry is not a religion. He who makes of it a religious belief, falsifies and denaturalizes it. The Brahmin, the Jew, the Mahometan, the Catholic, the Protestant, each professing his peculiar religion, sanctioned by the laws, by time, and by climate, must needs retain it, and cannot have two religions; for the social and sacred laws adapted to the usages, manners, and prejudices of particular countries, are the work of men. But Masonry teaches, and has preserved in their purity, the cardinal tenets of the old primitive faith, which underlie and are the foundation of all religions. All that ever existed have had a basis of truth; and all have overlaid that truth with errors....It has taught no doctrines, except those truths that tend directly to the well-being of man.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Mr. Hepher, response from your own countrymen. Freemasonry and Religion Statement of the Board of General Purposes Grand Lodge of England

In the light of recent comments on Freemasonry and religion and inquiries to be held by various churches into the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity, the Board has decided to issue the following statement in amplification of that originally approved by the Grand Lodge in September 1962 and confirmed by Grand Lodge in December 1981.

Basic Statement: Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It demands of its members belief in a Supreme Being, but provides no system of faith of its own. Its rituals include prayers, but these relate only to the matter instantly in hand and do not amount to the practice of religion. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at its meetings.

The Supreme Being: The names used for the Supreme Being enable men of different faiths to join in prayer (to God as they see Him) without the terms of the prayer causing dissension among them. There is no Masonic God; a Freemason remains committed to the God of the religion he professes. Freemasons meet in common respect for the Supreme Being, but He remains Supreme in their individual religions, and it is no part of Freemasonry to attempt to join religions together. There is no composite Masonic God.

Volume of the Sacred Law: An open Volume of the Sacred Law is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law to a Christian is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths it is the book held holy by them.

The Oaths of Freemasonry: The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on or involve the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to keep secret a Freemason's means of recognition and to follow the principles of Freemasonry. The physical penalties are simply symbolic. The Commitment to follow the principles of Freemasonry is deep, and entirely appropriate to this form of obligation.

Freemasonry Compared with Religion: Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion:

It has no dogma or theology (and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will not allow a Masonic dogma to develop). It offers no sacraments. It does not claim to lead to salvation, by works, secret knowledge, or any other means (the secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with salvation).

Freemasonry Supports Religion: Freemasonry is far from indifferent to religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith, and to place his duty to God (by whatever name He is known) above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions.

June 12, 1985

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Mr. Hepher, response from your own countrymen.

Freemasonry and Religion Statement of the Board of General Purposes Grand Lodge of England

In the light of recent comments on Freemasonry and religion and inquiries to be held by various churches into the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity, the Board has decided to issue the following statement in amplification of that originally approved by the Grand Lodge in September 1962 and confirmed by Grand Lodge in December 1981.

Basic Statement: Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. It demands of its members belief in a Supreme Being, but provides no system of faith of its own. Its rituals include prayers, but these relate only to the matter instantly in hand and do not amount to the practice of religion. Freemasonry is open to men of any faith, but religion may not be discussed at its meetings.

The Supreme Being: The names used for the Supreme Being enable men of different faiths to join in prayer (to God as they see Him) without the terms of the prayer causing dissension among them. There is no Masonic God; a Freemason remains committed to the God of the religion he professes. Freemasons meet in common respect for the Supreme Being, but He remains Supreme in their individual religions, and it is no part of Freemasonry to attempt to join religions together. There is no composite Masonic God.

Volume of the Sacred Law: An open Volume of the Sacred Law is an essential part of every Masonic meeting. The Volume of the Sacred Law to a Christian is the Bible; to Freemasons of other faiths it is the book held holy by them.

The Oaths of Freemasonry: The obligations taken by Freemasons are sworn on or involve the Volume of the Sacred Law. They are undertakings to keep secret a Freemason's means of recognition and to follow the principles of Freemasonry. The physical penalties are simply symbolic. The Commitment to follow the principles of Freemasonry is deep, and entirely appropriate to this form of obligation.

Freemasonry Compared with Religion: Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion:

It has no dogma or theology (and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will not allow a Masonic dogma to develop). It offers no sacraments. It does not claim to lead to salvation, by works, secret knowledge, or any other means (the secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with salvation).

Freemasonry Supports Religion: Freemasonry is far from indifferent to religion. Without interfering in religious practice, it expects each member to follow his own faith, and to place his duty to God (by whatever name He is known) above all other duties. Its moral teachings are acceptable to all religions.

June 12, 1985

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

I am a Freemason and a Christian. The question that is being presented is not why should Masons be Christians? I believe the question is merely a reflection of ourselves and the expressed definition of beliefs (i.e. religion). Interpretation is key!

It is therefore terrific that we can interact as a community to openly discuss things of this nature! We all have a piece of the "jigsaw puzzle" whether we find those answers through extensive reasearch and/or through divine inspiration, it is very difficult for me to believe that our creator is as limited as we are. I also strongly believe that he loves each and everyone of us (imagine that span of love). Finally, would you not know that he would lead and guide litte 'ol me in the same way he would you? I pray that collectivley we as a people would stop allowing our ego's to interpet what we personally think should be done on the question of religion. That same energy of negative critisism and fear could be used to BUILD constructively a better civilization for all. This I believe to be the intent of Christainity and that of Freemasonary.

-- Anonymous, September 16, 2001

Here is a website that will put to rest the following

Venus, the Devil, Jack Chick and the Freemasons http://www4.vc-net.ne.jp/~klivo/gen/venus.htm

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2001

I think a lot of people become Masons because of the prestige it gives one in getting employment, up grades, possitions in life, ect. It works by being in the Brotherhood of those in power. Masons

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2001
I am intrested in becoming a free and accpted Mason. I find nothing wrong with the organization. I am a cathloic christian and believe in the holy trinity, that is God the father, Jesus the son and the holy spirit. If an organization makes it a must that you must believe in a supereme being so be it. God gave us the power and knowledge of choice, will and intelect. Seeking knowledge is not being a devil worshiper. Seeking knowlegde or enlightenment is what God whats us to do during our time on earth. A man of christian backgroud or any religous background should not be concerned in another mans affiars. If any thing we should all be united to find the divine truth.

-- Anonymous, December 29, 2001
I have found this site helpful in better understanding the issues that come up around Christianity and Freemasonry. http://www.ephesians5-11.org/index.html

-- Anonymous, December 31, 2001
Subject: Why are Christians in Freemasonary?

What are your thoughts on Freemasonary? I feel those who are in it think that it's just a good Christian 'club' or towards the other extreme, it gives them a 'connection' of some sort or power to gain an advantage that being sold out to Jesus somehow doesn't quite give. I don't see any scriptural reference allowing participation in this secret order.

-- Embry L. Kinsler (kinslers@magicnet.net)

My answer.

I think Freemasonary is a fraternal organization that teaches men Brotherly Love, Relief, and Charity. It requires a belief in a supreme being, but it also teaches tolerance of other peoples beliefs. It does not allow discussion about religion, or politics in the lodge, because these are hot topics that men of different beliefs will never agree upon. All of this is easily found on the internet at any freemasonary sight. I am not a mason, but at least I was able to find this much out, with little effort.

As for there being a scriptual reference allowing participation in this organization, which by the way is not secret their rules and what they are about are well published and documented, where is there a scriptual reference that says that you cannot belong to a club or organzation. If there is one, then there would be alot of organizations that would have to fall under the same scrutiny. Is it okay to belong the the knights of columbus, which is a catholic mens organization, and requires you to be a catholic.

I don't understand why so many people need to find fault with what other people do. Especially, when it does not affect them personally. Masons do not solicit membership, they are not allowed to. Any man who wants to become a mason must seek out a mason, and ask for a petition. People have to make their own choices. Again, this was easily found on the internet.

"every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things." Romans 2:7 For all of you out there who would judge and condemn something that you do not, can not, will not, or may not fully understand, are you not sinning yourself? I am not just talking about freemasonary, I am talking about anything, or anyone that you judge simply because they do not believe what you believe, or they believe in what you believe but they don't believe it they way you do. One thing I try to make a point of as a good christian, is not to judge others. That is not my job.

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2002

Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in one's work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for public education; and above all, a life- practicing reverence for God and love of fellow man.

It encourages good citizenship and political expression but is not a political organization. Its charitable activities are manifold, yet, it is not a welfare or benefit organization.

Fifty years ago, a prominent Freemason referred to our Gentle Craft as "an organized association of men, symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building." That observance was true in l937 as it is just as true today.

For the most relevant definition of our Fraternity, it is suggested that you consider the personal attributes of your Masonic friend who has made this brochure available to you.

WHERE DID IT START?

The background of today's Masonry is found deep in the time when men built the cathedrals, abbeys, and castles of medieval Europe. The stonemasons who created these awe-inspiring Gothic structures formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their building trade and to pass on their knowledge to worthy and deserving apprentices. By the time the need for this type of "Operative" Mason declined in the Seventeenth Century, the practices and customs of the operative craft had left such an impression that men who had no inclination of being operative builders sought membership. These speculative builders were learned and well-thinking men, men of integrity and good will. With their admission, "speculative Masonry" evolved. This speculative Fraternity of Freemasons used the symbols (tools) which the operative Masons used in Cathedral building as symbols in character building.

The two principal tools were the Square and Compass-which together form the most familiar Masonic "trademark" in the world to this day. The letter "G", in the very center of this emblem, reflects the true Masonic belief that God is the very center of ALL life.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?

Twenty-two words establish the most important prerequisite to becoming a Mason. " . . . We receive none, knowingly, into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world . . .

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

My question to Christian Masons is this: How much charity work comes from your own church? All I ever heard from Masons is how much they do or everyone. The bible teaches us to do charity works in Jesus's name. When a Masonic Lodge gives a donation and they are not doining in Christs name its not worth anything. But all I have read in the above messages from Masons is how great they are because they give so much money away. Just think if you put that much enthusiasum and faith in your own church, you would do ten times the good. It seems to me Masons take full responsablity for thier donations. We as humans are nothing, we are filthy and dirty, but the the precious blood of Jesus we are made clean. The only clean and spottless part of any born again christian is what Jesus has put in thier heart.

As saying that all religions in the lodge together saying that they worship the same God. What does the Bible say about this?.. It says Be ye a sepearte people. I'm in this world, but i'm not of it. If I know somone who is not saved, and of a differnt religion, my one duty as a christian is to tell them about Jesus and what he done for me in my life. Not pat them on the back and say that they are ok. Why? the bible teaches that if the Lord puts it on our heart to tell someone about Christ and we don't , and the person goes to hell, that persons blood will be on our hands.

Can christians be Masons? YES Should christians be Masons? NO

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2002

So Mr. Jerry Dowdle, what you are saying is that GOD IS NOT THE GRAND ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE?

What you are also saying that ALL THE JEWISH IS GOING TO HELL? Mr. Dowdle, you are such a strange man and have such a strange religion, it is one of those that say it is OUR WAY or THE HIGHWAY, AND YOU GIVE ALL YOUR SPARE TIME TO THIS CHURCH. YOU POOR FOLKS HAVE NO TIME FOR ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR PHONY/ Baloney religion, you can not think for yourself.

Mr. Dowdle The Dead Sea Scrolls:

Were written more the 2000 years ago is the earliest surviving text of the HEBREW Bible know to Christians as The Old Testament.

The bible which you modern day Christians use is missing about 20 books Plus or Minus. The Catholic Bible is the world only complete book.

The Dead Sea Scrolls will be in Grand Rapids Michigan at this time next year. I as other Master Masons, meet with: Timothy J. Chester Director & CEO Public Museum of Grand Rapids c/o Van Andel Museum Center

To discuss how the Master Masons may help, after all these scrolls are the bases for Masonic Temples.

Unlike your religion you think that there is only a New Testament your religion does not allow you to think or read what they assign you.

This showing of the DEAD SEA SCROLLS WILL BE THE ONLY SHOWING IN THE THE UNITED STATES.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Mr. Dowdle, the following is at GOD's and Lord Jesus Christ blessing, the Masons are set to earth to do thier work in the name of GAOTU.

We are not a Religion we are an fraternal order or religious men, we totally unlike the people in your faith who ring Bells for wholesale conversion the terms you are using are modern day mans words. There are multiple ways to heaven, and as a Born again Christian I truly accept that. If you do not make a conversion then you can not become a member. This is so sad!

The following Mr. Dowdle is just some of the donated monies,Given In God's name the Holy Father. Do you and your Bell Ringers with Mass converison to what ever you belive in, have the where-with-all to replace it?

Philadelphia Shriners Hospital announces staff appointments: Spinal Cord Injury Nurse Practitioner Clinical Manager Pediatrician Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner Photos from the Seattle Mariners visit to the Spokane Shriners Hospital 2/02 More photos from the 2002 East-West Shrine Game 1/02 Shriners Hospital, Philadelphia, announces Board of Governors Chairman and Vice Chairman 1/02 Attention Shrine PR Chairmen: Read the Winter 2002 issue of the PR Forum newsletter. 1/02 Photos from the 2002 East-West Shrine Game 1/02 Shriners Hospitals for Children celebrates 80 years with new public service campaign (1/02) "Every child deserves a medical home" training program to be held at Chicago Shriners Hospital in April (1/02) Shriners Hospitals Facts and Figures 2001-2002 (1/02) Former Shriners patient looks to fezzing as 'payment' for a life made whole (1/02) Shriners Hospital helping young adults get ready for real life (1/02) Shriner Editors! Sign up for the Shrine Editors mailing list! Participation is free to all Shrine editors and publication staff members. (1/02) Win a trip to the 2003 Imperial Council Session in Minneapolis (1/02) First Lady Shirley Smith's Wings of Love fundraising project Attention Shriners: Sign up for the Shriners 2000 e-mail list! This list is for Shriners only, and your credentials will be checked.

God says never criticize another for what they do if you don’t have a better game plan to serve him and Children! http://www.shrinershq.org/

Mr. Dowdle, what is your game plan to replace the Masons?

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Jerry,

What is the basis for you saying that "Christians should not be Masons"? I am curious as to where in the bible it says this? I don't seem to be able to find a reference that say's that you can be something but you shouldn't.

When Masons donate their money to charity, isn't it quite possible that they are doing it in Christ's name. For some of their members are christians, and others are jews, and others muslims, etc.

Where does the bible teach, that "...if the Lord puts it on our heart to tell someone about Christ and we don't , and the person goes to hell, that persons blood will be on our hands."? Is that an interpretation on your part, or someone elses. Are you sure that you haven't misunderstood something.?

"As saying that all religions in the lodge together saying that they worship the same God." There is nothing that says that they worship the same god. It says that they worship god they way that their religious beliefs are structured in their own way.

Just so I am clear on another point. If the Jews use the Old Testament as their book, and they worship god as described therein, then we as christians are worshiping the same god, or did we just throw out the entire old testament and say that the god of the old testament didn't really exist? Also, if Muslims make reference to Allah (which by the way is arabic for god, and is not the name of "their" god, it just means god, the same way you mean god, when you say god. If you wanted to say god to someone who only spoke arabic and wanted them to understand you, you would have to say allah) and they also use the same god who is referenced in the old testament, which the believe greatly in, aren't they worshiping the same god? Here is the crux of the problem. The jews do not believe that christ was the messiah, so the still worship god, they just don't accept christ. The muslims, have some faith in the old testament, they belive in genesis, exodus, etc. They actually believe that christ was a prophet, and not the son of god. They believe that his followers raised him to a higher level than even he would have wanted. Aren't all of these people worshiping the same god, but with different beliefs in the specific events and various people. A large percentage of it is the same, only a small percentage is different. Lets say 60/40. I personally believe in Jesus, and think that I am a good christian. I have a friend who is muslim, and we have talked about Jesus. I cannot make him believe what I believe, just as he cannot make me believe what he believes. Which one of us is wrong, and what will happen to the other. I think that God has a plan for all of us, and only he has the answer.

So, I guess in my eyes it would be possible for a group of people to get together from different religions and in essence worship the same god, with the specific details of that worship varying based on their own personal belief as to the truth of the earthly events that that god had brought to be. All of the books that we use to reference our faith are written by god, through man. So, if these three religions believe that in the begining there was darkness, and on the first day god created light, and they believe in the great flood, and noah, and moses, and david, etc. It would seem that Jesus, and Mohammed would be the only main differences, and therefore God was the same to all of them at one point, and then we all went on different paths. I would be interestd in your response to this.

I know that I believe in Jesus, and I believe that he is the son of god, and our saviour. I believe that he died for our sins. I don't think he was a prophet who's believers raised him to a higher level. But, I do believe that Jews, Christians, and Muslims at one point in time were brothers and sisters who worshiped the same God. Therefore we are all still worshiping him, just in our own way.

I would also be interested in your response to an earlier posting of mine about judging others. Romans 2:7 "every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."

If you are going to say that the bible says something, or that jesus teaches something, it would be nice if you could at least show where you are getting that information from.

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

And yes I am a MM and higher I really don't know how to respond to the negative comments.The positive ones give me the boost to put in those long nights driving to other lodges. Do they think I do it for the money? Those who have walked know. We must pray for those who haven't and wish them well,even in their lack of the light.

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2002
Unlike a cult: FROM THE WEBSITE "THE GREAT SEALS OF THE UNITED STATES

1. The person joining Freemasonry knows clearly what organization he is joining. He understands that he himself has asked to become a member.

2. He retains freedom of religion, politics, friends, family association, selection of spouse, and information access to television, radio, reading material, telephone, and mail.

3. The connection with Freemasonry is usually infrequent: once or twice a month. Although for some, Masonic activities will occur 2-3 times a week, others proudly maintain Masonic membership attending only 1-2 (or even no) meetings each year. There are no enforced long- term Masonic activities. The longest Masonic event rarely, if ever, lasts longer than a day. Even events which span a multiple day period (annual Grand Lodge meetings, for example) leave members free to return to their homes and family each evening.

4. A Mason can terminate his membership freely. In fact, if he fails to pay his annual dues, his membership is terminated by the Masonic organization! Should a Mason wish to leave the organization, he can request a 'demit' and receive a certificate which states that he has unaffiliated with the organization under good terms. No Mason is forced to remain a member should he wish otherwise.

5. No medical/dental care interference occurs or is even offered. This is not true in the many cults that discourage and sometimes even forbid medical care. The various hospital services provided by the Shriners are for crippled and burned children, below the age of membership in Freemasonry, and no Masonic affiliation is required for treatment in them. There are some states which have blood donation programs that enable all Masons to receive blood transfusions if necessary free of charge: we doubt that anyone would remain a member of an organization against their will just to have access to free blood transfusions!

6. In Freemasonry, records are kept and are available to all members. Cult records, if they exist, are confidential, hidden from members, and not shared. Freemasonry's records extend back some 300 years, all readily available.

7. While membership lists are not posted publicly, this policy is no different than that of private golf clubs or lists of employees of privately held corporations. Members are free to disclose their membership to whomever they please.

8. A legal system exists within Freemasonry and a Mason can also utilize non-Masonic legal and law enforcement agencies and other representatives if needed. In cults, there is only the closed, internal system of justice, and no appeal, no recourse to outside support.

9. Families of Masons talk and deal directly with schools. Children of Masons may attend public or private schools as they wish. Some Masonic bodies (notably the Southern U.S. Scottish Rite Masonic Jurisdiction) in fact vigorously support the public school system. In cults, children, child rearing, and education are often controlled by the whims and idiosyncrasies of the cult leader.

10. Freemasonry is not a sovereign entity above the laws of the land. Cults consider themselves above the law, with their own brand of morality and justice, accountable to no one, not even their members.1

11. A Mason gets to keep his pay, property owned and acquired presents from relatives, inheritances, and so forth. In many cults, members are expected to turn over to the cult all monies and worldly possessions.

12. Rational behavior is valued in Freemasonry. Cults stultify members' critical thinking abilities and capacity for rational, independent thinking; normal thought processes are stifled and broken (somewhat like the manner of actions of those who make the charge that Freemasons are cultists!).

13. Suggestions and criticism can be made to leadership through advocated, proper channels. There are no 'suggestion boxes' in cults. The cult is always right, and the members (and outsiders) are always wrong.

14. Masonic leadership is elected, usually annually. No Masonic leader serves 'for life'. Should a Masonic leader act improperly, he can be removed from office. Even the highest ranking officer within a Masonic jurisdiction (a Grand Master) serves at the will and pleasure of the membership and can be removed for malfeasance or acts detrimental to the fraternity.

15. There is no single leader of Freemasonry. There are hundreds of Grand Lodges throughout the world, and each is sovereign unto itself. A Grand Lodge controls only its own subordinate lodges and no others. Rules made by a Grand Lodge apply only to its own members.

16. Masons may affiliate with more than one Grand Lodge. With rare exceptions, there is no bar to joining multiple lodges in multiple jurisdictions.

17. Freemasonry does not use its members for medical and psychological experiments - period! Cults essentially perform psychological experiments on their members through implementing thought-reform processes without members' knowledge or consent.

18. Masons become more and more a part of the community through various lodge-sponsored events. In a cult, members come to know less and less abut the outside world; contact with or information about life outside the cult is sometimes openly frowned upon, if not forbidden.

19. Freemasonry has no particular dietary suggestions or recommendations. Typically, because of intense work schedule, lack of funds, and other cult demands, members are not able to maintain healthy eating habits. (Freemasons frequently host public dinners which anyone can attend and Masonic events regularly have plenty of food for those attending.)

20. Masonry regularly contributes to other groups and organizations. Masonic organizations take leadership positions in fund raising for charities and public good (see our section on Charities). Cults desperately seek to keep whatever assets they are able to obtain; Freemasonry shares with the world - estimates currently are at approximately two million dollars PER DAY!

21. In Freemasonry, instruction is based on symbolism but brainwashing, or thought reform, is not used. Cults influence members by means of a coordinated program of psychological and social influence techniques. Freemasonry allows each member to provide his own interpretation of the symbols involved and no one interpretation is deemed to be correct to the exclusion of all others. Witness the many interpretations given by various Masonic writers over the centuries.... Religious intolerants will attempt to label this or that individual's interpretation as representative of Freemasonry but nothing could be further from the truth. What any other Mason (including the oft-misquoted Masonic authors like Albert Pike) sees in the symbolism of the Trowel, for example, may be far different from what I as a Mason see - yet neither of us is wrong.

For these and many other reasons, Freemasonry is not a cult - and, in fact, is further from it than the practices of many of those who hurl the term at it as if it were an evil invective.

The next time you hear or read of someone calling a Mason a cultist, we hope you will look closely at their own background and beliefs. Perhaps they know about cults because of themselves.... 1. It is important here to mention the current events in the United Kingdom where a 'witch hunt' mentality exists, causing strident charges that Masons should be forced to disclose their membership lists, unlike any other private organization. The ostensible purpose is to determine whether there is public corruption as a result of Masonic membership.

When, as any similarly-situated organization would do, Masonic leaders refused to comply, there were vocal charges that they held themselves to be above the law. Nothing could be further from the truth - and, in fact, English Masonic leaders were asking only that they be treated identically to other organizations.

//social_objections.htmsocial_objections.htmracism.htmracism.htm

Related Topics:

In addition, don't miss these:

racism.htmracism.htm illuminati.htmilluminati.htm kennedy.htmkennedy.htm denver.htmdenver.htm greatseal.htmgreatseal.htm eye.htmeye.htm bloody.htmbloody.htm protocols.htmprotocols.htm supreme.htmsupreme.htm kenya.htmkenya.htm kkk.htmkkk.htm morgan.htmmorgan.htm p2_lodge.htmp2_lodge.htm treason.htmtreason.htm

-- Anonymous, April 01, 2002

UNLIKE CHURCH’S SYNAGOGUES, ETC. ALL THE BLUE LODGES, SHRINE TEMPLES, PAY PROPERTY TAX, WHY YOU SAY BECAUSE WE ARE NOT A RELIGION!!

ONLY RELIGION AND THEIR SCHOOLS GET TAX BREAKS COLLECTIVE WE PAY BILLIONS IN PROPERTY TAXES EVERY YEAR IN THE United States of America AND CANADA.

-- Anonymous, April 01, 2002

Ignorance is bliss. The only thing that outsiders can do is speculate. Not knowing about something and or someone, and then making judgement on them is a sin. Jesus said, "judge not lest ye be judged!!!" I thought christians were supposed to discern... not judge. If this organization is not for you, then don't join. Here is a good idea for all of you "christians", why don't you mind your own business. How can you remove a speck of dust from my eye, when you have a stick in yours??? I grow tired of hearing about how great it is to be a christian. When I was involved in the church... (Assemblies of God) I saw christians act horribly to one another, including gossip, betrayal, and false testimony. Some of these people made Anton Levay look like a boy scout. Nothing in this life is perfect, so please tend to your own side of the fence and get your nose out of F&AM. Maybe if you stop worrying about Freemasonry, you'll lead a less stressfull life and possibly live longer... who knows. Good luck all!

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002
This thread is unique from all the the hundreds on this BB. It's quite old, yet replies to it, both pro and con, continue to regularly pop up. Why is that?

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002
April 15, 2002

On April 6,2002 in Grand Rapids MI, we buried a Master Mason, member of Second Congregational Church. Jerry served his nation during World War II in the Navy, and the ship he was on was destroyed at sea, he was one of the few that were rescued.

He and his wife were married 53 years and Jerry was member of this church for 63 years.

Jerry pastor said that he was a Born Again Christian, which lead him to the Mason’s

Pastor said that on Monday’s it was his day for the Mason’s, Wednesday’s Jerry went to the CHRISTIAN MEN’S ASSOCIATION’S, Jerry belonged to the Rotary Club, he was the treasure of his church.

His pastor reminded all us in attendance that when Jesus Christ lowers the picket fence around THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, WHICH THE JEWS HAD PUT UP!

Jesus told the Jews and all of us to love his Heavily Father (No matter how you wish to spell God) and always love your Neighbors!!

Now all you BORN AGAIN’S what don’t you understand about what Our Lord Jesus Christ said?

You are NOT GOD, YOU ARE NOT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!!

NOR AM I, OR ANY OTHER HUMAN.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2002

Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY. He is the way, and the truth and the life.

Please LISTEN! Please prayerfully read again, Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY!

John 14: 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

That is it

Jesus loves you! A disciple of Christ

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2002

FAMOUS MASONIC Religious Leaders:

http://www.calodges.org/no406/FAMASONS.HTM

Allen, Richard Founder/First Bishop AME Church Baker, James C. (Bishop, Methodist Church, organized first Wesley Foundation in U.S.) Baylor, Robert E. B. (Baptist clergyman, founder of Baylor University) Ballou, Hosea (Founder, Universalist Church) Booth, Rev. William - Founder of the Salvation Army Bradley, Preston (founder of the Peoples Church) Calvo, Father Francisco - Catholic Priest who started Freemasonry in Costa Rica 1865 Evans, Hugh I. (National head of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.) Fisher, Geoffrey - Archbishop of Canterbury 1945 - 1961 Frank, Eugene M. (Methodist Bishop) Jackson, Reverend Jesse - Minister and founder of the Rainbow Coalition Low, Titus (President of Methodist Council of Bishops) Newton, Joseph Fort - Christian Minister Peale, Norman Vincent - Minister and Founder of "Guidepost" Sanders, Bishop Carl J. - United Methodist Church Sexson, Mark - Minister and Founder: Intl. Order of Rainbow for Girls Wesberry, Dr. James P. - Former Exec. Dir./Editor Southern Baptist Publication Sunday

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2002

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