Posted on 05/24/2009 10:20:53 AM PDT by Logic n' Reason
I have become very curious about the Freemasons and freemasonry in general.
How does it "fit in" with the group of Christian religions...how about islam? What are the views and opinions of those at this site?
Joseph Smith joined the Masonic Lodge in Nauvoo, Illinois in February 1942. He purportedly rose to the degree of Master Mason in a day and a half. Joseph then went into a "period of deep reflection" for about two months and in April 1842, announced his revelation concerning the Mormon Temple Ceremony.
The article, MASONRY & THE MORMON TEMPLE CEREMONY, lists 24 "similarities" between the Mormon ceremony and 1842 Illinois Masonic Rites. There are many other similar articles and books which reach the same conclusion.
Personally, I have found the evidence that Joseph Smith plagiarized Freemasonry to be compelling.
There are many false statements you have cited in your analysis, which I infer is coming from the source, which might refer to some clandestine pseudo-Masonic organization but bears no resemblance whatsoever to the organization I know. I will say that at best some of the information is correct as to existence but incorrect as to reference or use.
When a different faith demands that I submit or die, I find it irrelevant that we can agree to like chocolate, or agree to drive on the right side of the road. And that 'submit or die' is a central idea in the Koran, possibly the central idea, since Islam translates as 'Submission'.
It doesn't.
It's base premise says that all religions are equal, which we know to be completely false.
I would take that a step further: Mormonism was based on the King James version of the Bible, rather than the Catholic text.
Rather odd, of course, since Mormons claim that their “books” were “DIRECT TRANSLATONS” from the original text!
You have just proved that you know nothing.
I’d shake your hand, but I don’t wanna give away anything.
Not entirely accurate.
Theravada Buddhism does not generally include belief in beings we might call gods. Mahayana Buddhism is loaded with gods, demons and other supernatural beings.
I strongly suspect that Albert Pike knew more about Freemasonry than you do, and he did state that the most foundational premise of masonry is that all paths to god are equal.
With this said, I'm sure you'll be leery of “The Craft” as it is riddled with religious tradition, rituals, oaths and ceremony.
As I mentioned earlier in my post, I attempted to research FM on a secular plain. I was very successful, the material available from former Masons is plentiful.
Good luck to ya.
>>You are wrong, the prohibition and punishment were removed long ago<<
Is that so? I believe you are the one that is mistaken.
(Quaesitum Est) was supported again in 1983 and again approved by Pope John Paul II. It states the following:
The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion....”
Have a nice day.
“My opinion stands.”
I have no idea what your opinion is except a very broad and ignorant statement about Freemasonry and Christianity.
All you have to do is read through this thread to learn why Freemasons keep secrets.
All the Kool-aid drinkers come out of the woodwork to “interpret” the ceremony and symbolism—and they are VERY creative.
The religious “leaders” hate it because it threatens to teach their followers to think—big mistake. Yeah, I said it.
The collectivists hate it, well, for the exact same reason.
At the end of the day, it doessn’t matter what you all think. Freemasons helped build a country with laws to protect each of us from the intimidation and coercion from others in regard to religion.
If you want to burn people at the stake for believing something different than you do, I’m afraid you were born too late. Of course, you might try China, or some such country.
Does it disable his witness AS a christian? definitely.
I think deep in his heart he does see the contradictions, but simply refuses to recognize or explore the potential damage that it does, primarily because he has been involved with it for so long and has a difficult time denouncing all the good that he sees that it has accomplished in society. He is currently not actively involved, but if asked about it he will have nothing but good things to say about freemasonry. This does not make him right about the issue... but it doesn't make him non-christian either.
You are making judgements about just how christian he is; and
implying that he is not as christian as other christians; and
that his positive statements about freemasonry are incorrect.
You can't have it both ways...if this wasn't your father would you be as kindly disposed towards his membership and how you are judging him?
And who might "we" be?
I'm not sure I understand your position. Are you attempting to pick a fight with someone? If so, with whom?
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