Rifleman1776
Registered User
Reading the thread on the Roman Catholic church and it's (conflicting/confusing) views on Masonry reminded me that other religions and churchs have some strange practices regardings Masonry also.
I once interviewed a Pastor with a church that belongs to the Missouri Synod of Lutheran Churches. He was adamantly opposed to Masonry. His 'reasoning' was that since we met in secret we had to be satanic. As the interviewed went on I let that comment go without responding. I later told him I might be interested in his church but would first like to visit a couple meetings of the church council. He became quite indignant and refused saying those were private and secret. So much for his church. Many years later, with a different pastor I did join that church. But, I was told that I could not become a member of the Council unless I renounced Masonry. Again, as years passed that requirement was dropped but some members still had the belief that Masonry and Shrine were satanic. I have found many pastors who claim opposition to Masonry. In every case their knowledge of Masonry is zero, complete ignorance. But, they claim to "know" certain things, all of which a patently false. It is my opinion that many pastors like to have control over their members and oppose anything that might take their focus (and money) away from the church. For the record, I am still a practicing Lutheran in another synod. When/if the subject comes in a conversation tied to religion I just stay silent and do not argue, as we are taught. Besides, it is pointless to debate with ignorance.
I once interviewed a Pastor with a church that belongs to the Missouri Synod of Lutheran Churches. He was adamantly opposed to Masonry. His 'reasoning' was that since we met in secret we had to be satanic. As the interviewed went on I let that comment go without responding. I later told him I might be interested in his church but would first like to visit a couple meetings of the church council. He became quite indignant and refused saying those were private and secret. So much for his church. Many years later, with a different pastor I did join that church. But, I was told that I could not become a member of the Council unless I renounced Masonry. Again, as years passed that requirement was dropped but some members still had the belief that Masonry and Shrine were satanic. I have found many pastors who claim opposition to Masonry. In every case their knowledge of Masonry is zero, complete ignorance. But, they claim to "know" certain things, all of which a patently false. It is my opinion that many pastors like to have control over their members and oppose anything that might take their focus (and money) away from the church. For the record, I am still a practicing Lutheran in another synod. When/if the subject comes in a conversation tied to religion I just stay silent and do not argue, as we are taught. Besides, it is pointless to debate with ignorance.
