Thank you brother Blake for posting the report.
I found it interesting and well written. The committee members specifically mention three books for "further" reference. I take this to mean they actually read more than a few pages from the other works they cited.
Did they read the entire works they cite? We may never know but I doubt it.
Would it have made a difference in their conclusion? I doubt that as well.
I have read a great deal of anti masonic material, most from independent ministries or individuals claiming to be former masons. Most usually cite the works of individual masons and rarely quote from a monitor issued or endorsed by a Grand Lodge.
Personally I suggest to the curious non mason to find and read a monitor/manual for a general understanding of freemasonry and follow that by spending time with a mason(s) that will sit down and give open and honest answers about the lodge.
I do notice however, many brethren take the anti-masonic material a little too personal, especially if it comes from a Christian organization. I would remind my brethren that Christian faiths are not the only groups who dislike freemasonry.
http://islamqa.info/en/ref/34576 ,
http://missionislam.com/nwo/invasion.htm ,
http://feemasonry.freemasonry.com/layiktezl.html
Relax brethren. If these reports, summaries, and books do anything it should be they make us examine ourselves. What do we believe? Where do we stand and why?
Brother Blake started the thread with "Christ or the Lodge?"
If one or the other , I do and shall always choose Jesus Christ my Lord.
I am an Evangelical Christian. I adhere to a Reformed Theology and I'm an active member of a conservative Southern Baptist Church. I believe there is only One Way to heaven.
I make no apologies for these things and I make no apology for being a Freemason.
I attend a lodge where even the visiting brethren acting as chaplin usually open and close in the name of Jesus. No one has ever objected. Please don't visit just to be the first! I've also heard the opening and closing without His name and no one objected. Didn't hurt my feelings either.
I've posted here before that I practice my "own brand of Masonry". I borrowed that from another brother on this forum but I can't remember who it was. I view freemasonry from a judeo-Christian perspective. I would gladly share my views with any brother or any one else for that matter. I dare say each of us practice the Craft differently. Each day we work differently. We are each very different yet we all began the masonic journey the same way and of our own Free Will and Accord.
I say all this because I agree with brother Stewart. This thread has had some contentious moments and itis VERY clear why these thing are left outside the lodge. Even then brethren we should show common courtesy and respect for each others beliefs. Tolerence doesn't mean you accept their beliefs but you are willing to defend his right to believe differently. He is afterall a masonic brother.
If we feel the need, ask to discuss these things or simply
leave it be.
Now I'm starting to ramble so I'll quit.
God Bless ya.