Masonic Lodge

[srttlt]

I come to you because I know not where to turn. I have spent hours trying to ascertain the Baptist beliefs in regards to Masons. I am a Southern Baptist and was all but shunned by an independent Baptist for my family's long standing membership in the lodge. I would appreciate any guidance you could give me in regards to this matter. null

[Psalm145 3]

Terrilee, your family is following Satan. Masonry is just modern Baal worship. Click this link.

The Curse of Baphomet (http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0093/0093_01.asp)

[Larry]

The Masonic Lodge is evil and not something that a Christian should be a member of.

As Christians, we are told to "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" and so on.

If you are a Hindu or Muslim and want to "warship god" alongside Christians, the Lodge is the place for you.

I personally know Masons that claim that the Lodge "is a Christian organization" but closing a prayer "in Jesus name" during a Grand Lodge Meeting" is forbidden. The Lodge in the USA dose have a Bible on the altar, but in other countries, they have the Koran. That’s because the Lodge believes in the "Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of god" AKA whether you call him Zoraster, Buram, Allah, Buddha or Krishna it's all the same "we warship the same god"--- PUKE

I could go on and on about what the white Lambs Wool Apron is for and the oaths etc but I will give you a link to a web page that has testimonies of x-masons and documentation from Masonic literature that are proof positive that the Lodge is Evil. http://www.ephesians5-11.org/

[rlvaughn]

Terrilee,

What has been said concerning the Masonic Lodge is true. There are definite pagan and cultic associations in the Lodge. Three reasons many people do not know that here is our country is: (1) that so many Masons are members of Christian denominations; (2) that many people never go beyond the Master Mason level and therefore never hear many of the worst parts of Masonry; and (3) that Masonry is practiced in secret. The secrecy itself should be enough to make the Christian beware; and the fact that Jesus established His church and not the Lodge should tell us beyond the shadow of a doubt where we should be (the Masonic oaths should also bother a Christian). Anyone want to be part of a religious group established by our Lord Jesus Christ? Then join a new testament Baptist Church rather than the Masonic Lodge!

BAPTIST BELIEFS REGARDING MASONRY

There is no standard Baptist belief regarding Masonry. There are many different kinds of Baptists and they do not all agree on Masonry. Primitive Baptists and Old Regular Baptists will not allow members of the Lodge (or other secret societies) to be members of their churches. Many independent Baptists also take this position, although some do not care. Southern Baptists and Missionary Baptists seem to be very divided on the issue. In the area of Texas where I live, it is not uncommon for ministers of these two groups to be members of the Lodge. I do not know the positions of other Baptist groups on the Masonic Lodge. As a general rule, I would say that Baptists that are modern in their programs and procedures do not take a position on the Lodge, while Baptists that are "primitivistic" (seeking to imitate the original church) take a position against the Lodge. Remember this is only a general rule.

I hold no enmity toward Lodge members, and have had family members and friends who are members. But the fact that they are good people does not keep them from being wrong in this area of their walk.

[John Wells]

"The true Mason is not creed-bound. He realizes with the divine illumination of his lodge that as a Mason his religion must be universal: Christ, Buddha, or Mohammed, the name means little, for he recognizes only the light and not the bearer. He worships at every shrine, bows before every altar, whether in temple, mosque or cathedral, realizing with his truer understanding the oneness of all spiritual truth." (The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, Manly P. Hall, 33o, p.65, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Richmond, VA., 1976.)

"Masonry, around whose altars the Christian, the Hebrew, the Moslem, the Brahmin, the followers of Confucius and Zoroaster, can assemble as brethren and unite in prayer to the one God who is above ALL the Baalim, must needs leave it to each of its initiates to look for the foundation of his faith and hope to the written scriptures of his own religion." (Morals and Dogma, Albert Pike, 1956, page 226) [Ed note : The word "Baalim," is simply defined as "false god or idol." The Masonic author has included the God of the Christian in that category.]

The simple Christian NO list has been enough for most truly Bible based Churches to take a stand regarding Masons holding membership in their Church.

First, if the Mason is a Christian, Christ's admonition to swear no oaths at all should be all one would need to stay clear. The secrets of Masonry are protected by the most vile of blood oaths, every one of which is an offense to Jesus.

Second, the name and nature of the Masonic deity is an offense to the one true God. It is taught in the Royal Arch degree that Masonry draws its teachings and powers from three great teachers and gods. The combined deity is represented as a three headed snake, whose name is Joa:Bul:On, which stands for Jehovah, Baal and Osiris, Now the Mason who pronounces that name in the Masonic prayer of worship has just simply defiled the Holy name of God.

Third, in the Shrine, the initiate swears a terrible binding oath in the name of "Allah, the God of our Fathers!" Friends, Mohammed was a false prophet and Allah is an evil god, a demon god destroying nation after nation of his followers. The red Fez itself was originally a badge of honor worn only by muslims who had actually killed a Christian and dipped his cap in the martyr's blood.

Fourth, At the Apron lecture, the foolish mason is usually told that the lambskin apron will be his covering at the great white throne judgement of God. The prayer and dedicatory sounds great, but there is only one Great white throne judgement and it is the judgement of the damned. (Rev.20:11)

Fifth, the promise of godhood through the Lodge, the usurping of Christ's Melchizedek Priesthood, the Holy communion of the dead, drinking wine from the carved out top of a human skull......and on and on.

The scriptures tell us to "not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness wioth unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you." (2 Cor. 6:14,15,17).

The oath sworn by the Entered Apprentice or first degree: "…binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea, at low water mark." The Master Mason swears,"…under no less penalty than that of having my body severed in two, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, the ashes scatter before the four winds of heaven…" (Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry, 3rd Ed., pp. 35 396, David McKay Pub., New York, NY)

Each candidate, upon completion of the initiation is given a white Lambskin Apron whose pure and spotless surface, he is told, would be

"an ever present reminder of purity of life and rectitude of conduct, and when at last, after a life of faithful service your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toilsome journey and from your nerveless grasp shall have dropped forever the working tools of life, may the record of your life be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I place in your hands tonight, and when your trembling soul shall stand, naked and alone, before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgement for the deeds done while here in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme, the welcome words: Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee rule over many things! Enter into the joy of thy Lord."

While the words sound noble, it is to the everlasting pit of hell that the unsuspecting candidate has been assigned in the subtle words of the message. The promise is that the apron represents the works of the flesh when the Mason stands before God at the Great White Throne judgement.

There is only one Geat White Throne Judgement in my Bible and it is found in REV 20:11-15. It is the judgement of those dead not in Christ, the judgement of the damned, who will be judged... not by the gift of God through Christ, but by their own works, with an end in the lake of fire. What a tragedy!

The matter of forsaking sin and following righteousness is not the whim of isolated, narrow-minded preachers and teachers. It is God's own standard and His only standard for those who belong to Him. It is the very essence of the gospel and is set in bold contrast to the standards of the unredeemed. To emphasize God's feelings toward idolatry in needless, His Word is most emphatic on the subject. Yet there is a tendency among many who profess Christ to look upon idolatry as being peculiar only to those of the Old Testament dispensation, or to assign it to remote lands on the other side of the world. As consequence of this error Satan has established under the very nose, as it were, of Christianity a system and center of idolatry in every city in the so-called Christian world. That system of idolary is Freemasonry; its center, or meeting house in known as the " Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons!

Freemasonry is an open indictment against the Christian church, especially in America, because it has been so widely accepted among those who supposedly accept Jesus Christ as Lord. Yet, these same people turn from Him who is the Light of the World and seek more so-called light as they approach the Worshipful Master in the east, Freemasonry's representative for the rising sun.

Freemasonry is an indictment against the Christian Church because it depicts the Church's gross lack of spiritual insight and discernment. "He who is spiritual appraises all things." Paul said, (1st Cor. 2:15)nasb. Yet it is obvious that the Church has not made the slightest attempt to appraise Freemasonry's idolatrous system that it's true nature might be revealed. The Church largely has embraced Masonry as being no more than a social and ethical institution advocating high moral standards for its adherents. Many look upon Masonry as being synonymous with Christianity. Freemasonry is in no way synonymous with Christianity, neither is it moral or ethical.

[Pennsylvania Jim]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rlvaughn:
Terrilee,

(2) that many people never go beyond the Master Mason level and therefore never hear many of the worst parts of Masonry; <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is a good point to remember when dealing with Masons. Most Masons are "good people" humanly speaking, and are oblivious to the inner workings of Freemasonry. So, let the light of Christ shine and if they get saved they will soon enough see the fallacies of Freemasonry.

I personally know a number of Masons (my father was one at one time) and my experience is that they see it as more of a club or diversion than a serious religious activity. I'm sure there are exceptions of course, and it is apparently a strangely evil and somewhat powerful force at the high levels to which the average Mason has no access.

By the way there are interesting ties between Freemasonry and Mormonism.

[ June 24, 2001: Message edited by: Pennsylvania Jim ]

[Dr. Bob]

In our course at a major ifb college where I taught on Major Cults, the Lodge is included and dealt with prominently.

In our course at the public university where I now teach on Comparative Religions, the Lodge is included as a separate, non-christian religion that is syncretic (taking some of many religions to form a new belief) in nature.

Even the unbelieving world sees through the sham that the Masons are "not" a religion. No Mason or Eastern Star member may join our church, nor will we have a wedding or funeral where Masonic rites will also be performed.

[bustr]

Terrilee

Freemasonry has high standards for membership. A person can't just walk in off the street, talk a good line and be accepted. You don't need the kind of friends that reject your family. As for metaphysics... I am a freemason. Nothing metaphysical EVER goes on in the craft lodge. There is an appendant body that is open only to Christains and there may be others that are open only to Jews or Muslims. Religion and politics are not discussed in lodge meetings however. It should also be noted that there are many organizations calling themselves masons. The legitimate masonic lodges are those that are recognized by the Grand Lodge of England. Groups like the Le Droit Humane and some Grand Orient Lodges are not recognized and are considered bogus. Again, in masonry, there are no waking the dead rituals, sex rituals or Devil worship. The pentagram that you see in some lodges is the emblem of the Eastern Star and of course "Eastern Star" refers to the star that guided the Magi to Jesus' manger. The lessons in masonry come from the bible but theology and a path to salvation are not included in those lessons. The first thing a candidate learns is that masonry is not a path to salvation. This is clearly stated and the candidate is reminded of this several times. The funny terminology that a person might associate with masonry are nothing but harmless biblical terms that have been scrambled using various cyphers.

EX: Baphomet. Although this is not a masonic word I have seen the cypher that produces it. It was simply a name for God that Jews used so that the Romans didn't know what they were talking about.

Hope this helps.

[bustr]

"(2) that many people never go beyond the Master Mason level and therefore never hear many of the worst parts of Masonry;"

3rd is the highest degree. There are appendant bodies with other degrees having higher numbers but the craft lodge is the most important and without the craft lodge the Shrine, Scottish Rite and Grotto do not exist. The 3 degrees of the craft lodge are all that is required to be a mason; Everything else is extracurricular.

[bustr]

I also want to point out that there is no manifesto of masonry. The writings of Pike, Mackey and Duncan are their own thoughts. They are not used in the craft lodge. The KJV is the only book used in masonry. There is a monitor outlining parliamentary procedure however it is simply a reference book and only covers procedures.

[HankD]

When I was a boy with four other siblings, we lived in New Orleans in state housing for a few years. My step-father was in jail, my mother on welfare, no food stamps then.
The Masons (Shriners) got wind of our destitution and came with food, clothes, and toys, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They made sure we had a good Christmas. They asked nothing in return.

Just thought I would throw that in.

HankD

[ August 18, 2001: Message edited by: HankD ]

[donnA]

I would think that the fact the masons call on any God,use any religeous book, deny the right to pray in Jesus name, would be enough to presuade a christian to stay away.

[soulwinner1611]

The Baptists should not have rejected you like that.

The Masonic Lodge is deep into Satanism. Go to this site to see a lot of info.

All of the opinions on doctrines expressed on the following site are not all exactly that of my own. I do agree with all the info on the Masonic Lodge.

Freemasonry (http://www.religion-cults.com/Secret/Freemasonry/Freemasonry.htm)

Check out this site, also. It has a lot of info on the Masonic Lodge.

I agree with a lot of the opinions expressed on this site, and almost all of them expressed on the Masonic Lodge. But I still don't agree with everything they say on this website.

Cutting Edge Ministries - Freemason Corner (http://www.cuttingedge.org/fmcorner.html)

Oh, and the sites I have listed are written by people who have been on "THE INSIDE." So they aren't "clueless," as some people think.

And I don't know where some people get that "baphomet" deciphered is "Yeshua." I would like to see your reference of information on where you got that one.

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: soulwinner1611 ]

[bustr]

If you want the truth about Freemasonry go to this site.
www.masonicinfo.com (http://www.masonicinfo.com)

There is absolutely no Satanism in masonry. I'm a mason and I know. People on the outside are clueless. I don't care how many times they've read Duncan's ritual, Morals and Dogma or any other unofficial publications that are not used by masonic lodges in the first place.

[bustr]

And another thing: I made a mistake in my earlier post. Baphomet is a word produced using an early CHRISTIAN cypher. When deciphered it reads "Yeshua".

[bustr]

I just looked at that goofy site. Mormons weren't allowed in masonry unitl about 1984. Clinton is not a mason. Crowley was a Golden Dawn member not a mason. Rabin was not a mason. Beethoven-No. Gore-No. If they are this sloppy on this one page I can't wait to see what the rest of it looks like.

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: bustr ]

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: bustr ]

[John Wells]

bustr,

Would you care to refute any and all of my earlier post, including quotes from published Masonic writings?

Do you, as a Mason, take oaths? But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (James 5:12 KJV)

Do you participate in the Masonic prayer of worship? Joa:Bul:On, which stands for Jehovah, Baal and Osiris, Now the Mason who pronounces that name in the Masonic prayer of worship has just simply defiled the Holy name of God.

[bustr]

I've taken oaths. Ths one that stands out the most was the one that I took on my wedding day. JahBulon (sp) does not refer to any pagan gods. I'm not sure of it's relevance, if any, to masonry. It certainly isn't a term I've heard in the craft lodge which is the inner circle of masonry. However, I have studied cyphers and can tell you that it doesn't represent a composite god. It is a word made up of 3 different languages and only refers to the one true god.

[bustr]

BTW. The one true God goes by the name YHVH in the Hebrew language but translation and intentional scrambling on the part of early Christians yields a variety of cryptic names. This was done for safety reasons to keep the Roman authorities out of their business.

[bustr]

"Would you care to refute any and all of my earlier post, including quotes from published Masonic writings?"

Like I've already said there is not a masonic manifesto. If a mason writes something it is his opinion. He does not speak for masonry. Even if the often mis-quoted and mis-interpreted Albert Pike held new age beliefs they were HIS beliefs. He had no authority to speak for masonry. There are no masonic "beliefs" other than:

The Fatherhood of God

The Brotherhood of Man

The Immortality of the Soul

Matters of faith and denominational specifics are personal and are not discussed in any craft lodge functions.

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: bustr ]

[John Wells]

Would ask that you prayerfully investigate this website, especially the "testimonies" and "former worshipful master Jack Harris" link:

http://www.ephesians5-11.org/ex_masons_for_jesus/

[ August 18, 2001: Message edited by: wellsjs ]

[bustr]

I'll take a look. Chances are that I've already seen it though. It's getting late so I'm gonna wrap up tonight by saying that anyone who comes away from the craft lodge thinking they've blasphemed God wasn't paying attention. In fact I'd wonder if they were even awake during the initiation. But if they are bothered by it then they should leave. Leaving is permitted and no danger will come.

[bustr]

"The purpose of the Hiramic Legend is NOT the re-enactment of some nonsensical fairy tale with a moral attached to it, much like an Aesop’s Fable."

Actually, that's exactly what it is although it may be based on older historical events. And there is NO ressurection. It's a fable with no metaphysical content. It's no more harmful than being a member of a high school drama club. The author of the site is reading in things that ARE NOT THERE.

As far as accusations about leading people astray... We don't recruit. In fact we make it difficult to get in and a candidate is warned time and time again before his initiation that it is not a religion nor is it a substitute. So "Little Johnny" will probably grow up with no idea that the Shrine is anything more than a free hospital.

Also any mason who goes to a Baptist church goes because he believes in the message not to undermine the teachings. Masons do not have to accept other faiths as if they were valid. We only have to give the Jew or Muslim his space and not try to convert him at lodge functions. We also avoid political discussions and anything else that could lead to an argument. It's a matter of courtesy.

[ August 18, 2001: Message edited by: bustr ]

[bustr]

Okay I'm really going to bed after this one. The Jack Harris link. I have to wonder how these objectors got into the lodge with an ax to grind. In any case the lodge meeting is not a religious service. If I was in a lodge and a Rabbi was leading the invocation I'd simply pray silently on my own. The same way that people do at football games and other types of meetings or that school children who are allowed a "moment of silence" might do. Of course the non-Christians should really keep their mouths shut or offer to do the invocation themselves. I can tell you that I've never seen this kind of thing. Jack's problem was one of PC policy not of occult practices.

[John Wells]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>The most significant teachings of Freemasonry are contained in the Legend of the Third Degree, the latter part of the Master Mason ritual. During the Legend of the Third Degree, the man being initiated portrays Hiram Abiff - who is unjustly murdered, buried and raised from the grave.

The key factors here are that Hiram Abiff:

1. Was killed.

2. Was buried.

3. Was raised from the grave.

At the conclusion of the Legend of the Third Degree, the new Master Mason is admonished to imitate Hiram Abiff so that he may get into the Celestial Lodge above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. Masonic ritual teaches that imitation of Hiram Abiff is the way to reconciliation with God, whom they refer to as the Supreme, or Great, Architect of the Universe.

All Masons have been introduced to Hiram Abiff in Masonic ritual.

Many men claim to be both a Christian and a Mason. However, once these divergent teachings about how man may be reconciled to God and how he may get into heaven are placed in front of such a man, he has a choice to make. He can be a Christian, or he can be a Mason. Unless a man can have two saviors, he cannot be both a Christian and a Mason. Any profession of Christianity a Mason makes is not credible without repentance. In order to be perceived as credible by those who know the facts, he must renounce his involvement in Freemasonry.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Even if you claim that your lodge doesn't perform the above (which I doubt), you are guilty by association. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. (1 Tim 4:7 NIV)

If you truly love Jesus, you would run in the opposite direction from anything that comes anywhere close to embracing "the darkness!" When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV) Secretive oaths ARE darkness!

[bustr]

First off. Don't ever call me a liar. Our lodge does have a ritual. Our ritual does not involve a ressurection from the dead. Our ritual contains no supernatural content.

"At the conclusion of the Legend of the Third Degree, the new Master Mason is admonished to imitate Hiram Abiff so that he may get into the Celestial Lodge above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. Masonic ritual teaches that imitation of Hiram Abiff is the way to reconciliation with God, whom they refer to as the Supreme, or Great, Architect of the Universe."

That is completely wrong. There is no ressurection. PERIOD.

I would suggest to you that you avoid Freemasonry. I'm staying. There is nothing in freemasonry that could possibly interfere with Christianity. There is a difference between myths, wivestales and just regular stories. Every mason knows that the Hiramic legend is fiction.

"Masonic ritual teaches that imitation of Hiram Abiff is the way to reconciliation with God, whom they refer to as the Supreme, or Great, Architect of the Universe."

We do not try to lead people to salvation through our dramas. All masons are encouraged to commune with God in whatever way their faith dictates. The lodge is not the medium.

Masonry has no plan of salvation because masonry is not a religion. I don't believe that Christians are forbidden from taking these kind of oaths. Masonic oaths don't change your lifestyle one bit. They primarliy involve NOT DOING CERTAIN THINGS which prior to initiation the candidate was NOT DOING IN THE FIRST PLACE. James 5:12 simply refers to making a promise you can't keep. It doesn't need to be interpreted from a Phariseeical, legalistic standpoint.

Again I'd advise you to simply stay away from masonry. No one is asking you to get involved. Witch hunters will always find a scapegoat to blame for their percieved troubles. Nevertheless, the world is a better place because of masonry. 1.5 million dollars a day are poured into Shriners hospitals and they're not even chartered as a charitable organization.

If you love God then show it with your actions. Your energy would be better spent on anything besides crusades, persecutions and witch hunts. You see all you have really succeeded in doing is alienating people. I'd never visit your church now because I'd feel most un-welcome. Refer back to HankD's post then read the following story.

Luke 10:27

And he answering said, `Thou shalt love the Lord thy God out of all thy heart, and out of all thy soul, and out of all thy strength, and out of all thy understanding, and thy neighbour as thyself.'
28
And he said to him, `Rightly thou didst answer; this do, and thou shalt live.'
29
And he, willing to declare himself righteous, said unto Jesus, `And who is my neighbour?'
30
and Jesus having taken up [the word], said, `A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and having stripped him and inflicted blows, they went away, leaving [him] half dead.
31
`And by a coincidence a certain priest was going down in that way, and having seen him, he passed over on the opposite side;
32
and in like manner also, a Levite, having been about the place, having come and seen, passed over on the opposite side.
33
`But a certain Samaritan, journeying, came along him, and having seen him, he was moved with compassion,
34
and having come near, he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and having lifted him up on his own beast, he brought him to an inn, and was careful of him;
35
and on the morrow, going forth, taking out two denaries, he gave to the innkeeper, and said to him, Be careful of him, and whatever thou mayest spend more, I, in my coming again, will give back to thee.
36
`Who, then, of these three, seemeth to thee to have become neighbour of him who fell among the robbers?'
37
and he said, `He who did the kindness with him,' then Jesus said to him, `Be going on, and thou be doing in like manner.'

[John Wells]

"Even if you (were to ) claim" is how I intended what I said, so cool your hostility! Yes I will steer clear of Masonry, and if you had any desire to abide by God's Word, you'd do the same! Good day!

[bustr]

And another thing. I can tell that you are probably younger than 40. So if you should meet any older masons in your church keep this verse in mind.

1 Timothy 5:1
An aged person thou mayest not rebuke, but be entreating as a father; younger persons as brethren;

[John Wells]

Your judgment is in error, so your comment is inappropriate.

[Larry]

Quote

Buster ---&gt; "If a mason writes something it is his opinion. He does not speak for masonry"

What am I missing? You have made a lot of authoritative and absolute statements about the lodge. Why should I listen to your opinion?

I have heard and read the testimonies, or as you call them "opinions", of many X-Masons. I know their first and last name, in most cases, I could find their phone number and give them a call, I could visit there church, talk to there pastor, pat there kids on the head and I think they wouldn't mind it if I tagged along with them no matter what kind of meeting they attended.

I have to admit that I didn’t read all your posts, so if I missed something please point is out, but if you could tell us a little more about yourself your church and maybe the email addresses of some of your Lodge "Brothers" you would have more creditability.

[War_Eagle]

Buster,


Save your breath. People on these boards don't exactly care much for Masons or Catholics and certainly don't accept either as Christians.

My Grandfather was a Mason (coincidently, Mason was also his first name) and he was one of the Godliest men I know. I learned more about recieving God's grace and how to share it with others from him than from anyone.

Unfortunately, that means little when somebody gets up a head of steam over urban myths surrounding Masons.

They seem to see Masons as evil and Catholics as the AntiChrist.

I'm a Hibernian so I guess that puts me somewhere in between.

I've found out the hard way that, on these boards, it's better to pick your battles wisely.

[JAMES2]

[ November 29, 2001: Message edited by: JAMES2 ]

[Larry]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by War_Eagle:
...

I've found out the hard way that, on these boards, it's better to pick your battles wisely.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

yah find someone that dont know the truth :rolleyes:

[Seth]

Who in the world are any of us to judge someone else and tell them that they are not a Christian. I have a Grandfather who is a very Godly man and a Christian as well as his father before him and his father before him and so on. They were all masons.

[Larry]

Hoss,

Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ?

[Mike McK]

Hoss, My grandfahter was a mason, too. Coincidently, his name was Mason.

He, like yours, was a Christian and was one of the Godliest men I've ever known.

Wait, never mind. I already posted that as war_eagle.

Mike

[ December 10, 2001: Message edited by: Smoke_Eater ]

[Seth]

Larry,
In answering your question, "Hoss, do you know Jesus or are you a Christian?"
Yes I do know Jesus and I am a Christian since June of 1985.
I am not a mason and have no desire to be, but I know many Godly people who are.
And maybe I don't know a lot about the masonry, but one thing I do know is this you will never win anybody by angering them.
Yours in Christ,
Hoss

[Larry]

Hoss,

I’m sure that you loved your grandfather vary much but good and kind people can be wrong. Your Grandfather has, apparently, gone to meat the Lord. He can not go back and change things. He, like all the rest of us will have to give an account for his deeds on this earth (not to determine salvation, but loss or rewards). If what I, and others on this board, are saying is true, don’t you think your Grandfather would much more rather have been told while he could make changes?

The issue of who are we to judge is a good topic for a new discussion. Are you aware that many sincere Christians have convictions, based upon scripture, that we are supposed to judge? Maybe you would consider starting such a post if you are interested.

Ps: I’m not trying to win anyone, in this thread, I’m trying to warn them.

[ December 27, 2001: Message edited by: Larry ]

[Larry]

Bump

[Optional]

If everything is on the up and up with masonry...why is it a secret society? Why can't a mason simply tell us what goes on in the meetings? Why so many different stories from masons and ex-masons?
Are other gods accepted or not?
Also, all of the lodges in Tx. are affiliated with an order of the Eastern Star and that's a whole 'nother can of worms.

[Brian]

What can would that be the order of the eastern pentagram? They even acknowlage what it is and "try to make a good use of a bad symbol" Is that whacked or what?

[Jamal5000]

Terrilee,

If you still need some help with this issue, please check out this excellent site:

Freemasonry and Christianity (http://www.otherside.net/masonry.html)

Jamal5000 smile.gif

[bustr]

So is Satanists start displaying an American Flag at their meetings does that make it a satanic symbol. Please! A pentagram is lines on paper nothing more; Five 36 Degree angles connected to each other; About as satanic as a rectangle or triangle.

[Chris Temple]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bustr:
So is Satanists start displaying an American Flag at their meetings does that make it a satanic symbol. Please! A pentagram is lines on paper nothing more; Five 36 Degree angles connected to each other; About as satanic as a rectangle or triangle.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So does that apply to a cross as well? And woudl you display a pentagram in your church?

Symbols are such because they symbolize something - just like words, they have meaning. Both should be chosen wisely.