Catholicism?

Question

Does it have anything to do with freemasonry, any secret society?

Answer 1

maybe this will help, but form your own opinion, don't just go by mine.

http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/roman_catholic_freemason.htm

http://procinwarn.com/incommon.htm

http://www.catholicherald.com/saunders/05ws/ws050922.htm

http://www.staycatholic.com/freemasons.htm

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0161.html

Answer 2

For the first thousand years of Christianity there was no "Roman Catholicism" as we know it today, simply because there was no Eastern Orthodoxy or Protestantism to distinguish it. There was only the "one, holy, catholic church" affirmed by the early creeds, which was the body of Christian believers all over the world, united by common traditions, beliefs, church structure and worship (catholic simply means "universal"). Thus, throughout the Middle Ages, if you were a Christian, you belonged to the Catholic Church. Any Christianity other than the Catholic Church was a heresy, not a denomination.

Roman Catholicism traces its history to the apostles, especially the Apostle Peter. St. Peter is considered the first pope, and every pope since him is regarded as his spiritual successor. This gives the leader of the church spiritual authority and provides a means for resolving disputes that could divide the church. Through trials like persecution, heresy, and the Reformation, the notion that the church leadership represents the continuation of an unbroken line from the apostles and their teachings ("apostolic succession") has contributed to the survival of Christianity.

Roman Catholic beliefs do not differ drastically from those of the other major branches of Christianity - Greek Orthodoxy and Protestantism. All three main branches hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the inspiration of the Bible, and so on. But on more minor doctrinal points, there are clear Catholic distinctives in belief.

With the possible exception of some Anglican churches, the Catholic liturgy tends to be more formal and ritualized than its Protestant counterparts. Services follow a prescribed liturgy and priests wear more elaborate vestments than most Protestant ministers. Catholics usually celebrate the Eucharist more often than do Protestants, usually weekly. In Catholicism, the Eucharist is called the Mass.

Catholics observe seven sacraments, which are religious rituals believed to be commanded by God and effective in conferring grace on the believer.

There are several Catholic monastic orders, the most well known being the Jesuits, Dominicans, Fransciscans, and Augustinians. Catholic monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and devote themselves to a simple life focused on worshipping God.

Unlike their counterparts in both Protestant and Orthodox churches, Catholic priests take vows of celibacy. This practice is rooted in the papacy's early connections with monasticism, but has become controversial in recent years in part as a result of child abuse scandals.

Other distinctive Catholic practices include veneration of saints, use of the crucifix, and the use of rosary beads in prayer.

Answer 3

Absolutely not Catholics are forbidden from being freemasons and freemasons were forbidden from being Catholic.

You were under threat of excommunication if you are found being involved with the Masons in any way.

Freemasonary in Europe particularly in the early 1900's goal was to destroy the Catholic Church. They started a revolution in Portugal in 1910 specifically to dispose of the King and exile the Catholic CHurch out of the Country. They made laws for 7 years until they were overthrown outlawing Church and clergy attempting to forcibly expell the priests and nuns from Portugal.

EDIT: Corrosions Avatar that the freemason were ever Catholic or that they came out of the Knights Templar is completely false. Here is what the freemason encyclopedia says about coming out of the knights Templar.

Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia :"This theory of Templar origin which, mythical as it is and wholly unsubstantiated by the authority of history, has exercised a vast influence in the fabrication of advanced Degrees and the invention of Continental Rites."

The theory that Freemasonry originated in the Holy Land during the crusades and was instituted by the Knights Templar was initially advanced by one person!
http://www.masonicinfo.com/templars.htm

There is modern day group that call themselves the Knights Templar that has association witht he freemasons. But these new Knights Templar are in no way associated with the Catholic Church or the Knights Templar of old.

Answer 4

Probably not but in matters of belief always make sure that what you are told is actually in the word of God, the Bible.
It is all to easy for powerful denominations to tell people doctrines that come from men not the Lord God.
A good concordance and Bible dictionary are so helpful in finding words, verses and the truth.

Answer 5

Membership in Freemasonry is forbidden. It is an anti-Catholic society. Freemsaonry at earlier stages were much more public about their contempt of the Church.

Answer 6

Freemason were originally Catholic, rising from the ashes of the Knights Templars. However, later on, Catholics were forbidden by Papal decree to become freemasons, hence the Catholic copycat group Knights of Columbus.

Like the Knights Templars, the Masonic Lodges were unable to be controlled by the Vatican, so the canon law excommunicating, etc, happened.

Answer 7

Of course not. It proposes to be the one true Church. The four marks of the true Church are: (1) One (It's basic beliefs and dogmas are the same throughout the entire world) (2) Holy (It was founded by Jesus Christ Himself (3) Universal (All are welcome - No one can be excluded from membership) (4) Aposolic (It can be traced by the the Apostles through history). It teaches that you do not have be be an actual member to be saved. But all are saved through the Church provided one follows his sincere, honest and informed conscience. Deliberate ignorance is a major problem though. However, God is the final judge.

Answer 8

Absolutely not. Membership in the Masons and other secret societies is strictly forbidden to Catholics under pain of excommunication.

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Answer 9

No.

In fact, Catholics are prohibited from becoming masons or joining any secret society.

Answer 10

No. In fact, the catholic church is against the freemason organization (along with being against the illuminati)