Freemasonly, Christianity, and Zionism.?

Question

Ok, from what I understand, the Freemasons are a religious grop whom are opposed by the Catholic Church. I've also heard that they are supporters of Zionism and that many of the founding fathers of the U.S. were Freemasons. Where did the Freemasons originally come from? Also, about their religious beliefs, are they Christians? Protestants? Or do they have completely different beliefs? What are their beliefs about God? Also, why are they supporters of Zionism?

Answer 1

Freemasons are NOT a religion or a cult. In fact, the discussion of religion and politics is strictly FORBIDDEN in the Lodge. Freemasons require a belief in a Supreme Being for membership, but this can be whatever "being" you believe in. I regularly sit in Lodge with Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Buddhists, and Nature Worshippers (I don't know what else to call them, they believe in something more like the Force in Star Wars). We do not teach religion, but emphasize that a man should be active in his own religious tradition. Our focus is on making good men better, improving their involvement in their community, and giving them social and fraternal support. Freemasonry is not a supporter of Zionism and only about half of the founding fathers were Masons. The Great Seal of the United States (the pyramid on the back of the $1 bill) was actually designed by non-Masons. Freemasonry as a fraternal organization dates back to the 16th century in Scotland, where it developed out of the Stonemasons guilds. It became very popular in England in the 17th century after the English Civil War. It was a place where men of both Catholic and Protestant faiths, and commoners and royals could meet as equals to discuss moral virtues and science. The Royal Society of England, the first scientific society in the world, was founded by Freemasons on Masonic ideals--no discussion of religion or politics and all men are equal. The Catholic Church opposes Freemasonry because it openly taught the equality of Protestants and Catholics in England from the very beginning. The Catholic Church in the 17th century was not interested in anything except defeating Protestants everywhere it encountered them. Once the Catholic church sets its mind on something, it takes CENTURIES to change.

Two excellent books about Freemasonry have been published recently:

Freemasons for Dummies
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry

Answer 2

Can't do a ten word answer here with that one.
Check out this Q & A on Freemasonry, written by a former 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, as well as a Blue lodge officer and Proficiency cardholder.
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/freemasonfaq.html
What is Freemasonry?
How does Freemasonry define itself?
What is the origin of Freemasonry?
What are Freemasonry's teachings and practices?
How is Freemasonry organized?
Who speaks for Freemasonry?
What are the higher degrees in Freemasonry?
Who are the Shriners?
Why is Freemasonry incompatible with Christianity?
What is the Catholic Church's position on Freemasonry?
How do Masons respond to anti-Masonry?
http://www.scripturecatholic.com/freemasonfaq.html

Answer 3

The Freemasons are a group of people who like to trace thier ancestory back to the people who actually built King Solomons temple. The legend goes that when they were building the temple, they has some kind of revelation and divine knowlege was given to them.

They have always been a group of FREE THINKERS. Members of Freemasons are usually not held to any religious standards because each of them is free to think and believe what he wishes.

Answer 4

They're a fraternal organization that does charitable work for members, members families and non-members in the community.

Most high government people are Freemasons (like the Senior Bush). I think they are largely christian and very capitalist.

Answer 5

You are really mistaken to advocate that the "best target of Christianity is to rebuild Solomon's temple in Jerusalem".... while the elemental premise is so wrong, the conclusions are sure to be as good. "Seen as bad" via whom?! You're no longer fooling someone, keep for your perspectives and permit others to do the identical.

Answer 6

I know that the Free Masons are a cult. They say they believe in God but they have cultish habits that don't seem to exhibit the Christian views and morals. They also believe in astrology, which also isn't a Christian practice.

Answer 7

it is like high-school cliques for adults.

Bunch of guys who want power and money get together, and pretend they are serving some higher purpose. It is kinda human nature to add ceremony to things.