I've always wondered what happened to "evil" men who were born again Christians. For example, if Hitler prayed for forgiveness and confessed his sins moments before committing suicide, would he be in Heaven? How do protestants and/or members of the Catholic faith view this?
Well, suicide is frequently viewed as a sin.
Other than that, I think most recognize it requires more than words and an actual change with a confession of faith, etc. In that case, I'm often surprised how how easily some Christians are willing to refuse the idea of men rehabilitating honestly.
That said, I was reflecting on the phrase "we take good men and make them better." I have family in some denominations that, in my opinion, focus too much on the "original sin." It's one thing to believe we all sin, we all make mistakes, etc. But some folks focus on this to the point where the majority message is the degeneracy and miserableness of mankind as opposed to the message of grace. I've come to appreciate the message of recognizing fellow masons as starting out good, at least in the context of the fraternity if not in their individual religious contexts. Not perfect, but starting out as a good person.
Some men have different cornerstones. I don't think Hitler started in a good place and I think after so much work from his starting point, I don't think he could rebuild at the last minute. However, if his heart could turn, I have to say my Christian side has a
strong appreciation for redemption.
Some fundamentalists anti-masons accuse freemasonry of having a "plan for salvation" that contradicts Christianity. I think there are two problems. 1) It suggests all religions or philosophies *require* a plan for salvation or sees a need for one 2) We start out by investigating and voting on "good men"
Since we investigate and insist on good men, I think we leave the path or need for "salvation" up to the individual while providing a journey or tools to augment what they have already started out doing.
So, linking this question to masonry, as a Christian I might accept a man's heart might be turned, but as a mason I think there are more limits on accepting that change. I'm sure there are some things men can do which might not pass through an investigation committee for recommendation - even if it was a one time event.