Do people realize the ONLY part of masonry that conflicts with Christianity is masons believe in?

Question

freedom of reilgon?

Answer 1

Great point brother. I think that through my discussions with Christians who are opposed to Masonry, this is one of their biggest points. However, there are others. For example, Freemasons are required to tak an oath. The bible says:

"But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes ' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil. (Matthew 5:37).

If this was to be taken literally, doctors who take the hypocratic oath are evil. Politicians and police officers who take an oath office would be evil.

Another issue some Christians have is the use of the term "Master" for the head of the lodge. Again, some Christians find an issue with this in Matthew:

"Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:9-12).

If this is the case, then everyone with a Masters degree, who are granted the title of Master of "instert your major here" would be humbled, as would every champion of the Master's Golf tournament.

We often see issues of symantics when debating with Christians who take this stance. There are about 35 definitions of the word Master, and yet people make arguments based on the bible, which was written and compiled largely before the actual word "Master" was even established. Here are some of the definitions of the english word that certainly don't apply to the word originally used in the bible in the language in which Matthew was written:

1.a person with the ability or power to use, control, or dispose of something: a master of six languages; to be master of one's fate.
2.an employer of workers
3.the male head of a household.
4.a person eminently skilled in something, as an occupation, art, or science: the great masters of the Impressionist period.
5.Chiefly British. a male teacher or schoolmaster.
6.a worker qualified to teach apprentices and to carry on a trade independently.
7.a presiding officer.
8.a person who has been awarded a master's degree.
9.being a master of some occupation, art, etc.; eminently skilled: a master diplomat; a master pianist.
10.being a master carrying on one's trade independently, rather than a worker employed by another: a master plumber.
—Synonyms 1. adept, expert. 26. main, leading, primary, prime, cardinal. 31. adept, expert, skillful. 33. subdue, control. 34. govern, manage.

Certainly, given that the history of Freemasonry lies in actual builders and Masonic guilds, many of these definitions apply.

The argument you presented is one that I hear often. Many Christian groups, such as evangelicals, as well as Catholics, believe that only through Christ can you get to heaven. Well, as Freemasons, we encourage members to be religious, we do not concern ourselves with how they get to heaven. That is for their own concience, and their responsibility through their own faith, which we believe is an individuals personal choice. we Freemasons focus on improving lives for ourselves and others here on earth, and let members take up the issue of their eternal lives personally with their maker.

Keep up the good work brother.

Answer 2

I think that is their sticking point. Also, some Christians have a habit of classifying every other religion as demonically inspired. Now, Freemasonry, even Co-Masonry, is not a religion. But we do sit in Lodge with people of all faiths. Therefore we are consorting with demon worshippers. Hardly the viewpoint the actual Brothers would support, but it is where some Christians (and Muslims) throw mud at us.

The "worshipping Satan" business they take from some supposed quotes by Albert Pike. Now understand that Albert Pike had "issues" with Christianity. And though he wrote a book called _Morals and Dogma_, the book was hardly either. It was mostly a ripoff of Elias Levi's works. Masons do not worship in Lodge. We are respectful of all the Brothers sitting there. We instead offer the work of the day to the Supreme Being. I truly have not met a Satanist in Co-Masonry.

As far as ritual goes, most of them are there online to anyone who wants to look. True, every Grand Lodge makes some changes but they are essentially the same. I have read monitors from the 1700s and the 1920s. They are understandable and workable in today's Lodges.

We sit in Fellowship. Don't Boy Scouts, Rotarians, even Eucumenical Counsils do the same? We try to make the world better by a system of morality. If Masonry is not your Path, I suggest you still do something (besides slamming others) to help the poor, the sick, and those who need. Who was the true brother to the injured Jew? I think it was the good Samaritan. Don't you?

A Brother and Master Mason
American Co-Masonry (Freemasonry for women & men)
Hiram Lodge No. 9 (Santa Cruz, CA)
Amon Ra Lodge No. 11 (Los Angeles, CA)
Sapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)
Adamant Mark Lodge No. 3 (Santa Cruz, CA0

Answer 3

Yes, but that's the best part about Masons. They can accept other peoples beliefs, whereas SOME Christians cannot accept the fact that other people (like myself for example) believe in Allah, even though it is the SAME GOD.

As-Salamu Alaykum - Peace be upon you

Answer 4

Yep.

Most won't agree though. People distrust secretive organizations, unless they originate with the Church.

Answer 5

all worship is good worship for those who live as reasonable human beings.

Answer 6

They also worship an unknown God. They also are a secret society when Jesus said not to do anything in secret.

Answer 7

well many masons worship satan