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Christianity in Freemasonry

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Ressam

Guest
Freemasonry is often a controversial thing in the Church these days, I know. Why?

The answer is simple, IMHO.
Church is 'open' to everyone.
Freemasonry is -- Society with 'secrets'.
And, when there are -- "the secrets", most of people prefer to -- "Think Negatively" about Freemasonic Secrets. That's why there are controversials.
For example, I also wonder about that. Are "secrets" -- Positive or Negative.
 

drw72

Premium Member
I'm Eagle and OA, and I'm disturbed by the increasing number of churches sponsoring troops and extending faith work into the troop, e.g. in Utah Scoutmaster is an LDS calling.
I was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout growing up in the 70's-80's and every pack/troop I was in were sponsored by churches and met in church facilities; Catholic and Protestant, Texas and Louisiana.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
... I'm disturbed by the increasing number of churches sponsoring troops and extending faith work into the troop ...

Of course you could always encourage kids to join the Girl Scouts instead. Years ago that thought about their principles and decided differently than the Boy Scouts.

Boy Scout troops exist that are sponsored by every religion you could name, and a bunch most of us have never heard of. They reflect the demographics of the local community. This does not automatically mean members of tiny minority religions are excluded as small troops often form that practice together.

The way the Boy Scouts handle the issue of religion is different than our ways, but it mostly works just fine.
 

drw72

Premium Member
Boy Scout troops exist that are sponsored by every religion you could name, and a bunch most of us have never heard of. They reflect the demographics of the local community.
The way the Boy Scouts handle the issue of religion is different than our ways, but it mostly works just fine.

Yep, they even have various religious awards....


religious_awards.jpg
 
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Joseph Thornton

Registered User
Just initiated 2 days ago.

I REALLY appreciated all the Biblical references in the ceremony. I can see how someone of another faith may not have the same experience I did since I am familiar with the characters, stories, and scriptures.

However I also can't see why anyone would choose to complain or desire a change to Freemasonry having always been this way.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Just initiated 2 days ago.

I REALLY appreciated all the Biblical references in the ceremony. I can see how someone of another faith may not have the same experience I did since I am familiar with the characters, stories, and scriptures.

However I also can't see why anyone would choose to complain or desire a change to Freemasonry having always been this way.
Congratulations Brother!
 

DwayneM

Registered User
My late father was a Master Mason and a faithful Catholic. I don't know if someone questioned our parish priest about a eucharistic minister wearing a square-and-compass lapel pin, but evidently my father had a discussion with the pastor and the bishop of our archdiocese where they discussed the compatibility of the two organizations. The result? Should any well-meaning yet misinformed parishioner raise the objection again, the parish had a letter on file signed by the archbishop saying his membership in the Lodge in no way should preclude my father from serving in any lay ministry, and the archbishop had no objection to my father wearing his masonic ring while serving at the altar. As my father said, "Being a good Catholic makes me a better Mason, and being a good Mason makes me a better Catholic."

I have heard historical references to Freemasonry's aim to overthrow the papacy, etc., and from my outsider's view of the lodge and the fine men I know as my dad's brothers, I find such references outlandish, to put it kindly.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
My late father was a Master Mason and a faithful Catholic. I don't know if someone questioned our parish priest about a eucharistic minister wearing a square-and-compass lapel pin, but evidently my father had a discussion with the pastor and the bishop of our archdiocese where they discussed the compatibility of the two organizations. The result? Should any well-meaning yet misinformed parishioner raise the objection again, the parish had a letter on file signed by the archbishop saying his membership in the Lodge in no way should preclude my father from serving in any lay ministry, and the archbishop had no objection to my father wearing his masonic ring while serving at the altar. As my father said, "Being a good Catholic makes me a better Mason, and being a good Mason makes me a better Catholic."

I have heard historical references to Freemasonry's aim to overthrow the papacy, etc., and from my outsider's view of the lodge and the fine men I know as my dad's brothers, I find such references outlandish, to put it kindly.

Dwayne, you need to look at the history of the Papal States. During the Italian Revolution, Freemasons like Garbaldi and the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy ( note the name of the body) whose name escapes me, did indeed call for the Pope to surrender his temporal kingdom. Then, the Pope was a Political as wel as Spiritual leader who oversaw the Papal States. Indeed they called for that change as Freemasons. Part of the reason the Grand Orient of Italy is regarded as irregular because they did get involved in religion and politics. Of course, that's got nothing to do with Catholics of today like your dad and myself in regular jurisdictions.
 
R

Ressam

Guest
The same could be said for Scottish Masonry with its support of the Stewart line, hence the need for a new Grand Lodge in London in 1717.


If I've understand correctly -- politics& religion talks prohibited inside The Lodge.
Outside -- Freemason can be engaged with whatever he want. And Be Politician, of course.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
If I've understand correctly -- politics& religion talks prohibited inside The Lodge.
Outside -- Freemason can be engaged with whatever he want. And Be Politician, of course.

Correct. James qualifies it, but if a regular GL, say, formed a Political Party, it would loose recognition. Regular Freemasonry should be apolitical and not endorse a particular religion. Religion and politics are the two prohibited topics in regular lodges. It's part of the reason we stand apart from irregular Freemasonry. Some European Orients might have a history of engaging in the politics of of the day, but Regular GL's will not
 
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coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
The same could be said for Scottish Masonry with its support of the Stewart line, hence the need for a new Grand Lodge in London in 1717.
LOL! Too Funny! Time to get out the tin foil hats.
 

Joseph Thornton

Registered User
...Regular Freemasonry should be apolitical and not endorse a particular religion. Religion and politics are the two prohibited topics in regular lodges. It's part of the reason we stand apart from irregular Freemasonry. Some European Orients might have a history of engaging in the politics of of the day, but Regular GL's will not

Ah, but it has not always been that way correct?

Earliest Masons would have been very religiously connected right? At times I suspect it has taken a bit sway to and from, as lodges felt compelled? (as the topic indicates Christianity in FM)

Same with politics. I assume that in America during the revolution, lodges and Masons would have been very politically active. I am assuming there would be a good deal of plotting and planning taking place during what should have been scheduled lodge meetings?

So we all have to understand, that politics and religion are not discussed during open lodge, as we seek to build on what is the SAME about us, and not fight over what is different. I fully believe many Masonic rules, policies, practices and traditions must be observed and even defended by current membership. But I think when the situation warrants it, some rules SEEM to be guidelines and not so strict?

(still learning)
 

coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
Ah, but it has not always been that way correct?

Earliest Masons would have been very religiously connected right? At times I suspect it has taken a bit sway to and from, as lodges felt compelled? (as the topic indicates Christianity in FM)

Same with politics. I assume that in America during the revolution, lodges and Masons would have been very politically active. I am assuming there would be a good deal of plotting and planning taking place during what should have been scheduled lodge meetings?

So we all have to understand, that politics and religion are not discussed during open lodge, as we seek to build on what is the SAME about us, and not fight over what is different. I fully believe many Masonic rules, policies, practices and traditions must be observed and even defended by current membership. But I think when the situation warrants it, some rules SEEM to be guidelines and not so strict?

(still learning)
The romance, she is strong in you. :D
 

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
Ah, but it has not always been that way correct?

Earliest Masons would have been very religiously connected right? At times I suspect it has taken a bit sway to and from, as lodges felt compelled? (as the topic indicates Christianity in FM)

I cant speak on this as I don't have enough info, as I assume no one truly does...as @coachn mentions below the romance......

Same with politics. I assume that in America during the revolution, lodges and Masons would have been very politically active. I am assuming there would be a good deal of plotting and planning taking place during what should have been scheduled lodge meetings?
From what I have read, and take it for what its worth as no one really knows, but the lodges would not have spoken and plotted openly as there were Masons who were wigs and torries in every town. They would not have risked it.
 

Joseph Thornton

Registered User
I cant speak on this as I don't have enough info, as I assume no one truly does...as @coachn mentions below the romance......


From what I have read, and take it for what its worth as no one really knows, but the lodges would not have spoken and plotted openly as there were Masons who were wigs and torries in every town. They would not have risked it.

As I said, I am only making assumptions. But I am pretty sure if I wanted to dig, finding SOMETHING on George Washington and Benjamin Franklin making plans in tavern / lodge wouldnt be a far stretch to connect.
 
R

Ressam

Guest
As I said, I am only making assumptions. But I am pretty sure if I wanted to dig, finding SOMETHING on George Washington and Benjamin Franklin making plans in tavern / lodge wouldnt be a far stretch to connect.

IMHO, Freemasons were involved in The Enlightenment.
Scientific-Technical Revolution/Progress. But, IMHO, too early. Firstly, satan must dissappear. Then, Doors to The Universe will be Opened, to Humanity.
Also, "pumping oil" is very primitive way to produce Energy.
It the Basis of The Earth. The Blood. It's not Logical to pump it till the End.
Shortly, IMHO, Freemasonry is not Salvation.
It's just good Gentlemen's Club.
 

Dontrell Stroman

Premium Member
That is primarily an English rule commencing in 1717. European Masonry is not so shy about being involved in social change.
I wonder why in America it's so frowned upon, but in European countries it's not. If im not mistaken, wasnt freemasons involved in the Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, etc. Mainly conflicts that brought about social change ?
 
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