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To: sockmonkey

No, the LCMS has not changed its position. We are opposed to the Masons:

QUESTION: Could someone please explain briefly why Masons are not allowed in the Lutheran Church?

ANSWER: Bylaw 3.9.5.4.1 of the Synod’s Handbook summarizes the rationale for the Synod’s longstanding position on the lodges: “Pastors and congregations must avoid membership or participation in any organization that in its objectives, ceremonies, or practices is inimical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the faith and life of the Christian church.”

It is because tenets and practices of Freemasonry conflict with the biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ that our church from its very beginning has held that membership in this organization conflicts with a faithful confession of this Gospel.

Many examples from the official rites and ceremonies of Freemasonry could be cited to illustrate the reasons for the Synod’s position, but the following is one example.

The second section of the Entered Apprentice degree reviews what has taken place in the initiation rite and closes with this definition of the Lambskin of White Leathern Apron given to the candidate: “The Lamb has, in all ages, been deemed an emblem of innocence. He, therefore, who wears the Lambskin as the badge of a Freemason, is constantly reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.”

This statement holds out the promise that “purity of life and conduct” is “essentially necessary” for entry into life hereafter with the divine being called the “Supreme Architect.”

Such an assertion stands in direct conflict with the apostolic Gospel, and therefore endangers faith. St. Paul affirms in his epistle to the Galatians that “by works of the law shall no one be justified ... for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose” (Gal. 2:16, 21).

http://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/lcms-views#masons


102 posted on 01/28/2018 10:38:34 PM PST by Charles Henrickson (Lutheran pastor, LCMS)
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To: Charles Henrickson

Nicely done.


110 posted on 01/29/2018 5:48:05 AM PST by EliRoom8
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To: Charles Henrickson

Nothing in the lodge ritual - even that line - says good works get you into heaven. It says that they’re necessary - not that good works cause you to go to heaven. And if you believe as a result of your faith in Christ you receive 1) salvation and 2) the ability to do good works (which if I understand correctly, is pretty much the Lutheran position), then there’s no contradiction anyway. (Though my personal opinion that line should be reworded because it can be interpreted as you do, and my understanding is in some places it has been - and there isn’t any religious teaching in the lodge).

Alternatively, since it relates to the Lambskin, take the whole line to mean that it’s the Lamb’s purity of life and rectitude of conduct (nothing says it’s YOUR purity...). Take your pick. Or, realize that it’s one sentence in about eight hours of degree work in a part of the degree that’s so important it’s frequently...skipped.

Regardless, it’s less works-righteousness than the Athanasian creed: “At His coming all men will rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.” If you can explain that line away, the Lambskin line is no bother to me.

Finally, keep in mind that Freemasonry originated as an exclusively Christian (actually, exclusively Anglican) organization. I’m no Masonic historian, but I understand that was part of the mid 1700s schism between the “ancients” and the “moderns” (ancients wanting to keep it how it was “back in the day” - including requiring members to be part of the Church of England). So some of the symbolism is strikingly Christian, but has been overlaid with religously-neutral meaning. It still comes through like a frying pan to the head to the Christian though.


133 posted on 01/29/2018 5:39:27 PM PST by CraigEsq
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To: Charles Henrickson

Thank you sir. This Masonic stuff is deadly for those seeking Christ.


149 posted on 01/30/2018 1:26:38 AM PST by Sontagged (Lord Jesus, please frogmarch Your enemies behind You as You've promised in Your Word)
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