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Can a Christian be in a secret society?

Discussion in '2004 Archive' started by Jailminister, Feb 12, 2004.

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  1. Jailminister

    Jailminister New Member

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    Do you believe that as a Christian that we should be part of "secret societies"?
     
    #1 Jailminister, Feb 12, 2004
  2. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Im assuming you're referring to groups like the Masons, etc.

    I'm SBC, and I believe the SBC's stance is that, while it does not encourage it, each individual must make up his own mind as to whether or not it would compromise his beliefs.

    Now, I'm a single guy, so for me to keep certain secrets would not be a big deal, since I'm not beholden to anyone. If, however, I were married, I'd have a hard time being required to keep secrets from my spouse (the Bible implies that spouses should not keep things from one another). Then again, I'd probably have the same problem if I were in the CIA, or a physician, a lawyer, or even a bank teller, since they all require keeping confidential information private.
     
    #2 Johnv, Feb 12, 2004
  3. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I have never met a Mason who thought his beliefs and lodge were a "religion". Left up to the individual, they could, in good conscience, belong to a Baptist church and be a 33rd Degree Mason.

    On the other hand, I've never met an active Mason that did not actuall practice his lodge belief as a "religion". With the mouth they say "no". With action and conduct, ceremony and rite, they say a very clear "yes".

    We will not allow a member of any lodge to be a member or worker in our church. Their love and loyalty is in the false Gospel of Masons.
     
    #3 Dr. Bob, Feb 12, 2004
  4. Jailminister

    Jailminister New Member

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    Bro. Bob, expanding my question to other groups also, not just Masons. Fraternities, Soroities, Demolays, and etc.
     
    #4 Jailminister, Feb 12, 2004
  5. Jailminister

    Jailminister New Member

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    Bro. Bob, expanding my question to other groups also, not just Masons. Fraternities, Soroities, Demolays, and etc.
     
    #5 Jailminister, Feb 12, 2004
  6. Tim

    Tim New Member

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    Perhaps a Christian can be a member of a secret society, as long as it isn't Christianity.
     
    #6 Tim, Feb 12, 2004
  7. Jailminister

    Jailminister New Member

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    Here is where I think the conflict occurs. Secret societies are in conflict with the teachings of Holy Scripture. A Christian must never affiliate with any organization that 1) yokes together believers with unbelievers in unholy alliances (2 Cor. 6:14-18); 2) requires a pledge to unscriptural oaths which are sealed by using the name of God improperly or in vain (Ex. 20:7, Lev. 5:4-6, Matt. 5:34-37, James 5:12); 3) represents itself as providing teaching in harmony with the Bible when in fact it does not (2 Peter 3:16); 4) represents itself as being religious and offers a false hope of salvation through works, yet dishonors the only true God and our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3, 1 Tim. 2:3-6, Col. 2:8-10, Eph. 2:8,9). Now is this logic wrong?
     
    #7 Jailminister, Feb 12, 2004
  8. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Well, taken to an extreme, one could make a case for not being in boy or girl scouts, little league or bobby sox, alcoholics anonymous, or even Kiwanis or Elks club. Or even Habitat for Humanity.

    Several of these require or espouse a belief in God, but are not exclusively Christian.

    I think every person that is considering being in an organization needs to decide for themselves whether or not it will violate the principles that you referenced. And yes, I do know a few hyper-fundies that will not allow their kids to be in the local boy scouts and bobby sox because Catholic or Jewish kids are part of it. I think that's a bit over the top, but hey, it's their right, even if I don't agree with it.
     
    #8 Johnv, Feb 12, 2004
  9. Precepts

    Precepts New Member

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    Dr. Bob? I didn't know you were a legalist!?! ;)

    Naw, just kidding, but you wouldn't go over very good around these here parts, many, mnay masons here, why even the Scottish Rite Hospital is near to me, uh, I have no real complaint with what they do, they did save my daughter from the unlearned hands of the paramedics and the local hospitla from the o.d. of valium they gave her before she got to SRH, and No, I don't agree with their "rites".
     
    #9 Precepts, Feb 12, 2004
  10. Matt Black

    Matt Black Well-Known Member
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    Jesus made it clear that you cannot serve two masters. Freemasonry has as its god the false idol of Jebalon (a composite of Jehovah, Baal and Osiris). It is wholly incompatible with Christianity and I would not knowingly have fellowship with a Freemason.

    Yours in Christ

    Matt
     
    #10 Matt Black, Feb 12, 2004
  11. LadyEagle

    LadyEagle <b>Moderator</b> <img src =/israel.gif>

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    #11 LadyEagle, Feb 12, 2004
  12. Artimaeus

    Artimaeus Active Member

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    Can a Christian be in a secret society? Yes.
    Can a Christian be in a secret society and be right? No.
     
    #12 Artimaeus, Feb 12, 2004
  13. USN2Pulpit

    USN2Pulpit New Member

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    I can't believe you all have completely bypassed this thought-provoking statement without commenting.

    The sad fact is, many of us (even here on this BBS) practice Christianity as a secret society, and instead of going out and telling people about Christ, we waste time in many fruitless endeavors, such as impressing ourselves with our theological knowledge amongst our bretheren - even here on this bulletin board. (e.g. - arguing on this BBS about KJB)

    I think I'll shut my computer off and go minister somewhere.
     
    #13 USN2Pulpit, Feb 12, 2004
  14. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Sorry, that's a fallacy. It's one of those things that, like a bad urban legend, just won't die. However, I do agree with you in regards to the compromise to the Christian who is forced to serve two masters. Again, that decision needs to be made by each Christian individually. As noted previously, it's not something I would be able to do.
     
    #14 Johnv, Feb 13, 2004
  15. Ben W

    Ben W Active Member
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    Interestingly I came to realise that there are no secrets in Freemasonry. All 33 degrees in their entirity are published online in various places. All the supposedly secret words are there as well. Descriptions of the supposedly secret handshakes etc etc can be found.

    If people truly believe that there are still things in Freemasonry that are secret you are not looking hard enough. :D
     
    #15 Ben W, Feb 13, 2004
  16. mioque

    mioque New Member

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    It all depends on what kind of secret society you are talking about. Those fake secret societies that are so popular in both the USA and the Netherlands* (freemasonry and friends) are basically a waste of time at best and a bad influence at worst.
    Real secret societies (like the resistance movements of WWII era Europe) can be very worthwhile or be very bad indeed.

    *Last time I checked, the 'secret' society sub-culture is most widespread in these 2 countries.
     
    #16 mioque, Feb 13, 2004
  17. Jailminister

    Jailminister New Member

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    This topic is very intersting to me and that is why I posed the question. I was once in a fraternity and it had many things in its ritual that were of christian roots, but it brought together people who were not of the same religion or even religion at all. We all "swore" to not reveal the secrets. That has bothered me a lot since I accepted Christ. I believe it is the Holy Spirit that has convicted me of this. I know the Bible teaches against it and I feel the Holy Spirit is not pleased with it. The answers I have recieved from the board is somewhat puzzling. Bro. Bob confirms what I feel the bible teaches. This question also came to mind when it came to my attention that both Pres. Bush and Sen. John Kerry were members of the Skull and Bones society.(per meet the Press interview with George Bush by Tim Russert). This group is very top secret and is very influencial in our society today. That is why it is important to know if a person claims be a Christian and also involved in groups that are secret and contrary to the gospel.
     
    #17 Jailminister, Feb 13, 2004
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