Masons and Athiests in religous debate?

For the sake of discussion, what are your thoughts on this?

I find it odd (yet interesting) that Freemasons would even be inclined to participate in such a debate. What are your thoughts on Masons in this debate?

And does anyone know what the outcome of the debate was?

http://freemasoninformation.com/201...masons-athiests-masons-to-summit-in-brussels/

I wouldn't touch such a conference. To me it comes too close to being a discussion of partisan politics.

That is why found it strange that Masons would be involved in such a debate. Well really, almost any debate at all.

I am no Mason yet. But here is my view of Masons from the outside. As Christians we are taught forgive those who judge and slander us. It seems Masons really aren't effected enough by criticism or distrust in their path of personal growth. Since there is no infraction, there is no bother and therefore nothing to forgive.

Continuing that view of thought, I find it curious that Masons would be interested in any debate, especially so in a religious debate since it wouldn't seem to me that Masons even have a "dog in that fight".

I believe you'll find you answers here as to why they are engaged in this subject and calling themselves Freemasons/Masons:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry_in_Belgium

I'd be surprised if one of the Grand Lodges mentioned was Recognized by the UGLE or other Recognized Freemasonic bodies.

Arguing religion with an atheist is like 'rasslin' with a hog... All parties involved get muddy, and the hog likes it that way. ;-)

coachn said:

I believe you'll find you answers here as to why they are engaged in this subject and calling themselves Freemasons/Masons:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry_in_Belgium

I'd be surprised if one of the Grand Lodges mentioned was Recognized by the UGLE or other Recognized Freemasonic bodies.

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SO I was right to think it was strange behavior of Masons! What about the original site I was checking, is that not a legit Freemason site? I know anyone can throw up a site and anyone can claim to be anything. As I am waiting for my 6 month mark to submit a petition to become a Mason, I look around for whatever general info I can find. I am aware of some of the ones that are often recommended. I still don't want to waste my time with "cowans". Well..... I guess there can be useful information gained there on what to watch out for. BUT, I know that when someone is trained to ID counterfeit money, they aren't trained with fake money. They are taught what the real thing looks like. As I learn what real masons look like, it'll become easier to identify the frauds.

Joseph Thornton said:

SO I was right to think it was strange behavior of Masons! ...

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Yes. Spot on and with true gut feeling too. KUDOS!

Religion and Politics are not to be discussed in Open Lodge. However, there is nothing from stopping one man from having a discussion with another man on the street concerning same.

Most masons know better than to do this, but it is not going to get your membership revoked.

Lastly, as others have said ... arguing religion vs. atheism not going to get you anywhere. While the overtones of the argument are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the underlying soap boxing is the same. One trying to convince the other of X.

dfreybur said:

I wouldn't touch such a conference. To me it comes too close to being a discussion of partisan politics.

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Agreed!

Pscyclepath said:

Arguing religion with an atheist is like 'rasslin' with a hog... All parties involved get muddy, and the hog likes it that way. ;-)

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True.

Brother_Steve said:

Lastly, as others have said ... arguing religion vs. atheism not going to get you anywhere. While the overtones of the argument are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the underlying soap boxing is the same. One trying to convince the other of X.

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Agreed.

Thanks for all the replies.

Personally I do see this as stramge for a Masonic standpoint.

I am very interested in good debates. And I would love to watch a fulfilling debate from an informed panel on religion, politics, confederate flags ect. But I think for myself any participation would be personal, not representing the Masons, but myself.

I think George Washington was very religious, but not in the lodge. I think Benjamin Franklin was very political, but not in the lodge.... well maybe secretly sometimes..... but the point is, when he spoke in representation of the colonies, he spoke as a colonial, not a representative of the Freemasons.

Joseph Thornton said:

I think George Washington was very religious, but not in the lodge. I think Benjamin Franklin was very political, but not in the lodge.... well maybe secretly sometimes..... but the point is, when he spoke in representation of the colonies, he spoke as a colonial, not a representative of the Freemasons.

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These are the conclusions that I have come to also.