What of Freemasonry?

The "Net" | May 23, 2009 | logic 'n reason

[absolootezer0]

you’re still not getting it, masonry is not a religion.
Yes, there are many religous themes to things, but there’s religion in EVERYTHING. how many politicians have sworn on a bible, “so help me God”?
AA calls for help from a “higher power,” and they open meetings with the serenity prayer. they focus on “brotherly help” and “self help,” does that detract from any who may be christian?

BTW, unless my lodge is vastly different, priority is to God, country, family, then brothers- as far as it doesn’t cause harm to self, or any higher priority.

[hiramknight]

Freemasonry does not advocate or disassociate with any religion. The requirement of believing in deity is to assure that the perspective mason is not so self-absorbed to understand his own mortality, and that this journey in life has a destination, and he will be judged at the end as to what was left in his wake. Is the world a better place having him been a part of it? Based on that, believing in a higher being and his pending judgement, assures us that the man will strive to live by the highest set of moral standards. That is the fundamental principle of freemasonry. All of the ritual reminds us of this, and means nothing if not practiced during our "journey". Loving thy neighbor is the basic message conveyed by Christianity, therefore, freemasonry coexists with Christianity as another vehicle of that message. I am a Freemason, and a Christian. For some to say I cannot be both is unfairly judgmental. Judge not, lest ye be judged. We all will be in the end. Not by the riches we've aquired, but by riches we've bestowed upon our fellow travelers.

[RegulatorCountry]

I’ve not said that you could not be Christian and a Mason, hiramknight. I’ve said that some of the ritual and ceremony would seem not particularly Christian, to the more devout fundamentalist.

Comments on this thread bear that observation out.

[SeaHawkFan]

Any informed Christian who has witnessed a Masonic funeral service would not call it “Christian”.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

Masonry is a great society of men who love the Lord and work for the good of the community. But I just gotta ask, you have been here since 2000 and have to ask such a question?

[Logic n' Reason]

And why is that? Do you speak from first hand knowledge? Are all FM funerals like what you infer?

[Logic n' Reason]

Yes...I've been here since 2000 and yes, I asked such a question.

I had no idea that one's length of time on here prohibited the asking of questions that you find (apparently) not to your liking.

Here's an idea for ya....if you can't add anything to the discussion...why not just keep silent?

[AxelPaulsenJr]

My point is that anyone who has been on this forum for the length of time that you have knows full well this issue has been discussed over and over ad naseum. I suspect you post your wasteful missive only to start a flame war. So, here’s a better idea for you: If you want to start a flame war, go over to du.

[SeaHawkFan]

When my grandfather died. The Christian pastor, who was apparently anti-Free Masonry stated that God has the last word, the guy leading the Masons at the grave side service said, “No, the Masons have the last word.” That was enough to remove what little doubt I had about Masonry being Christian.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

As Master of my lodge I have conducted many Masonic funeral services and I have NEVER heard such said or claimed.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

LOL, some realy great comments. This thread will die down Wednesday when all the fundamentalists go off to Wednesday snake handling and poison drinking services. Then we at the lodge can go back to our plans for world domination and tearing as many people as possible from believing in Jesus.

I hope the sarcasm is evident in my comments.

[SeaHawkFan]

My grandfather had a regular ceremony at the funeral home, and that minister also di the grave side service. It was pretty clear to me that he did not have a positive attitude about Masonry, but the Mason leader was out of line with his comment. Not saying you ever made such a comment, but this guy did.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

LOL, thanks, I think, for the ping. How ironic just the other day I was thinking how it has been a long time since we have had an anti-Masonic thread.

The Freeper that started this thread has been around since 2000. I suspect the whole purpose of this thread was to start a flame war.

I leave you my brother with this "friendly" reminder. Be careful in what "secrets" you divulge, failure to do so, could result in loss of your lodge dental insurance.

Peace and world domination be unto you.

Regards,

Brother Axel.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

The guy may have made the comment in anger after listening to the minister blast the Masons. That being said, I would think that any person hearing that man’s comment would know that is impossible. How could any mortal man a Mason or otherwise, possibly have the last word over God?

[SeaHawkFan]

The minister did not “blast” the Masons. He simply would not allow them to participate in his part of the service.
The Mason interrupted him. Once the minister was done and ended the service. The Masons then did their thing. The minister simply wasn’t going to associate his roile with Free Masonry.

[AxelPaulsenJr]

The minister did not “blast” the Masons. He simply would not allow them to participate in his part of the service.

Now a change in what you are claiming, you first said the minister did make comments that indicated his disaproval of Masonry. But that being said: We are there at the request of the family. I have never seen a Masonic graveside service where we wanted to or tried to do anything that was against the wishes of the family or the clergy involved.

[SeaHawkFan]

It was in a small town.

[uglybiker]

As long as they don't revoke my license!

[editor-surveyor]

Your opinion on morality is shaped by your choices.

[DieHard the Hunter]

> Your opinion on morality is shaped by your choices.

My opinion on morality is shaped by God’s word as it is communicated in the Bible. My “choices” may/may not coincide with that: when they do not coincide, that is called “sin”.

I believe that is entirely consistent with a Christian’s morality.