"syncretist"
The point that masons are basically a non-denominational fraternity of largely Christian and Jewish men, which celbrates the shared heritage of Jews and Christians, is true.
Personally, as a Jew who accepted Christ, I see nothing wrong with such an organization.
A nice description of Masonry.
Dear MeanWestTexan,
Well, actually "syncretism" is specifically forbidden by the Catholic Church, and that is one of Her complaints against Masonry.
Pope John Paul II received many criticisms when it appeared that he was participating in syncretist events. Ironically, that criticism occurred even though the participants didn't actually pray together, but rather, went off, each to his own, to offer up his own prayers privately.
Related to syncretism is indifferentism.
I understand why Masonry does what it does, and in a way, I applaud Freemasons for it. Not wishing to refight religious wars, Masonry asks each man to acknowledge the Deity in which he believes, and refuses to engage men in the details of sectarian belief. The motive behind this, in my own mind, is admirable.
However, to my own mind, it seems to inevitably promote indifferentism. This may not be an issue for some groups of non-Catholics, especially folks who view themselves as "non-denominational." "Hey, if we all believe in Christ as our Savior, it's all good," may be how many view it.
However, that is literally anathema to Catholicism.
As well, although I understand that the imagery in the ceremonials of the York rite is more specifically Christian, especially in the higher degrees, precisely because the Masons ARE non-sectarian, it would be difficult to present this material in a way that vindicates, for instance, the Nicene Creed. Thus, the ceremonials derived therefrom tend toward naturalism.
As I've expressed before, there isn't anything wrong with this, of itself. Only when it's BY itself does the Church take issue.
Now, here's the bottom line, MeanWestTexan. I'm a Catholic. I'm not a Mason. I never will be a Mason. It is more than enough for me, personally, to obey the discipline of my Church. In earlier years, even though I obeyed, I thought the arguments concerning syncretism, indifferentism, and naturalism were all, frankly, weak. Weak, weak, weak.
But the ensuing years have given me the opportunity to encounter a number of Catholic men who had become Masons. When they finally understood that the Church REALLY DOESN'T ALLOW CATHOLICS TO BE MASONS, they chose to defect from the Catholic Church, rather than quit the Lodge.
Worse yet, the reasons they gave in their defections WERE PRECISELY THOSE FEARED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH in her concerns about promoting syncretism, indifferentism, and naturalism.
After seeing the fourth or fifth man defect thuswise, I scratched my head, and said, "Hmmm... maybe Holy Mother Church knows what She's talking about after all. Maybe membership in the Lodge really CAN be dangerous to the faith of Catholic men, EVEN IF THAT ISN'T THE INTENTION OF THE LODGE."
However, I'm sure that none of the non-Catholic Masonic brothers of these men were all too upset that they defected from the Catholic Church.
sitetest