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Posted on 10/30/2009 9:01:19 AM PDT by Alex Murphy
A few years ago I was told that at the ceremony of induction of the vicar of one of the local Anglican churches, the Bible which was handed to him had embossed on its front cover the emblem of the Freemasons, the square and compasses. It subsequently came to light that nearly all the male members of his Parochial Church Council were "on the square", and his predecessor as vicar had been a Mason as well. This is not a "low", or Evangelical, church, but very firmly in the Anglo Catholic tradition, where a number of clergy and lay people over the years have talked of becoming Catholics.
Why is all this a problem? The reason is that the Catholic Church teaches that Freemasonry and Christianity are incompatible. The Holy See in 1983 reiterated the traditional position that Catholics who are Freemasons are in a state of grave sin and may not receive the sacraments - the Declaration on Masonic Associations was signed by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and makes it clear that local bishops cannot dispense from its provisions. There were two reasons for this document: first, the new Code of Canon Law, which came out at the same time, no longer mentioned Freemasonry by name in its list of organisations which Catholics are forbidden from joining; second, mistaken advice had been given in the late Seventies in Britain and America which suggested that Catholics could be Freemasons if local lodges were not anti-Catholic; the 1983 rescript corrected that advice. Consequently, Anglicans or others who are Freemasons wishing to become Catholics will have to discard their aprons: this may keep the numbers of potential converts down.
It is often claimed by Freemasons and others that the reasons for the Catholic Church's hostility to Freemasonry are to do with politics - the political hostility between the Church and what is known as "Grand Orient" Freemasonry in the rest of Europe and Latin America; English Freemasonry is completely different, it is claimed; unlike the "Grand Orient" it has retained belief in the "Supreme Being". But this is nonsense: the Church's original condemnations from the 18th century related to English Masonic lodges in Florence and elsewhere in Italy.
The reasons for our teaching, expounded in teaching from many popes since the 18th century, are theological. In the first place, Freemasonry is a naturalistic religion. Its rituals and constitutions present the member as a man who is able to advance towards enlightenment through his own efforts - a good parable of this is the depictions of the trials of Tamino in Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. The Mason can earn his salvation through rites of initiation and the activities of the lodge (including charitable giving); it is thus, in a way, the perfect religion for the "self-made", middle-class professional man. It is totally at odds with the Christian vision, in which we need God's grace, through the death and resurrection of Our Lord, to grow in holiness.
Second, the prayers in its rituals specifically exclude reference to Our Lord. They are often prayers of Christian origin which have been vandalised.
In order to encompass adherents of other faiths the Saviour of the world is simply removed and set aside: he is not important. How can any Christian go along with this?
Third, the oaths required in the initiation rites require the new Mason to promise to keep secret the organisation's rituals, even though he does not at that point know what they are. These oaths are what Christian moral theologians call "vain" - they are not acceptable and cannot bind the person making them, even if they are done in the name of God. This is the problem with the oaths, not (as is sometimes claimed) the dire penalties which used to be referred to in the rituals.
These are the principal reasons why we teach that Freemasonry and Christianity are not compatible. In addition, we could cite the reactionary world view espoused in the rituals, supportive of the status quo and urging members to "keep to their station" in society. This, coupled with the make-up of lodges and the mechanisms of social control identified in exposés written in the Eighties reveal the movement as being somewhat at odds with the social teaching of the Catholic Church and our witness for justice and peace in the world. The "preferential option for the poor" would not find a place in the lodge. One could also point to the exclusion of women from lodge membership and the strain placed on many marriages by the commitments demanded of Freemasons: in spite of claiming to be a "system of morality" infidelity and adultery seem often to be viewed with some indulgence.
It is important that Catholics rest their challenge to Freemasonry on the clear theological arguments which I have advanced and that we are well-informed about the subject: sometimes criticisms of Freemasonry are inaccurate and frankly hysterical, and we should avoid conspiracy theories. It is also true that it is somewhat weaker than it was, partly as a result of the books written 20 years ago and pressure for Freemasons to reveal their membership, particularly in the police and the legal profession. Because of the decline, Freemasonry is very conscious of its public image and superficially less secretive than in the past.
Although it is weaker than in the past, Freemasonry still seems to have some influence in the Church of England. A study written by Caroline Windsor, Freemasonry and the Ministry (Concilium publications 2005), has shown that it is still quite strong in cathedrals (a big Masonic service was held in St Paul's Cathedral in 2002, with the Dean preaching) - and also that many parishes where Freemasons are active are weak in terms of Christian witness. If we are serious about ecumenical dialogue, the issue of Freemasonry has to be addressed; the same is true of interfaith relations, as Freemasons are sometimes involved in interfaith organisations - if they are there, we are talking about dialogue which is three-way, not two-way.
The overriding problem is that in spite of what Freemasons claim, their way of life is a religion, with all of religion's hallmarks. You can no more be a Freemason and a Christian than you can be a Muslim and a Christian. Catholics are committed to inter-faith dialogue and mutual respect, but this requires Freemasons to be honest about what they are. For Catholics, thinking about the reasons for the gulf between us can deepen our understanding of the Christian faith.
If I may chime in here: Bottom line: Masonry is NOT nor does it pretend to be a religion. Pure and simple. There is no promised path to salvation, no desire to proselytize anyone. Masonry is simply a fraternal organization.
As to the RCC vs. Masonry: I suspect that has as much as anything to do with the fact that many Masons of that day were supporters of the Protestant Reformation.
“it seems obvious that generalizing about Freemasonry is a tricky path.”
That would be correct. It’s a world-wide fraternity, with inherantly local control.
For example, much is made on FreeRepublic of a theoretical Muslim Fraternity Lodge. This is theoretically possible.
But each lodge votes on who can be a member (even if transferred), and the possibility or desire of a muslim to attend lodge at a lodge filled with Baptists is slim, as is the chance said member would be accepted.
Similarly, I am a fundamentalist Christian, and I would never sit in a lodge in Saudi Arabia that held the Koran up as the “Great Light in Masonry.”
But would I help a muslim freemason as part of my fraternal duty? Sure. I took an oath to do so, and my observance of my oath, as Christian, may lead this theoretical muslim to Christ.
Additionally - his article is full of garbage and lies of what he WISHES to believe about the fraternity. Below is my response that I wrote to him personally and have posted elsewhere about the web. For the record, I am a practicing catholic...always have been, didn't do my confirmation today (coincidently) BY the Bishop while I was wearing my Masonic ring.
I found this article to be somewhat harsh with non-factual points and statements, in my eyes, not befitting someone representing the Church. As a practicing Catholic and Freemason I am dismayed by the information here where Father Beck conveys things regarding the Fraternity that just aren't true and yet used as condemnation of my membership.
First of all, the Grand Orient of Freemasons are not part of the global Free and Accepted Masons nor recognized as such in anyway. Anything pertaining to them is inconsequential.
“The reasons for our teaching, expounded in teaching from many popes since the 18th century, are theological. In the first place, Freemasonry is a naturalistic religion. Its rituals and constitutions present the member as a man who is able to advance towards enlightenment through his own efforts “
This is incorrect, and a well known falsehood told about the fraternity. Freemasonry is not a religion but welcomes any man OF any religion. We endeavor to DO good works but in NO WAY promise salvation through them or the lodge. We are to use our faith as a guide to heaven. I, as a Catholic seek entry through Jesus Christ the Son given to us by God the Father by way of the Holy Spirit. A brother in the fraternity of a different religion may have other beliefs in his path to salvation but we accept and respect each other’s belief and work together to help each other and the community around us despite these differences in faith.
“Second, the prayers in its rituals specifically exclude reference to Our Lord. They are often prayers of Christian origin which have been vandalised.” (it's vandalized by the way).
This is, in part, True. As noted, we are men of many faiths and therefore do not specifically name Jesus in Lodge nor would someone of another name their deity or savior by name. We instead use a universal name of God, or the Grand Architect that we may still open and close our Lodge and workings in the name of Him. Make no mistake, our prayers go to whom we Believe. Mine, as noted above go to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Vandalized is a terrible word to use here as it's untrue. No prayers are altered in anyway from the Book.
“Third, the oaths required in the initiation rites require the new Mason to promise to keep secret the organisation’s rituals, even though he does not at that point know what they are. These oaths are what Christian moral theologians call “vain” - they are not acceptable and cannot bind the person making them, even if they are done in the name of God. This is the problem with the oaths, not (as is sometimes claimed) the dire penalties which used to be referred to in the rituals” (it's organization's by the way)
The oaths are no different than those made in any other organization, including the Knights of Columbus (totally acceptable to the Church), government, nor to individuals everyone makes to each other throughout their lives.
“The “preferential option for the poor” would not find a place in the lodge. One could also point to the exclusion of women from lodge membership and the strain placed on many marriages by the commitments demanded of Freemasons: in spite of claiming to be a “system of morality” infidelity and adultery seem often to be viewed with some indulgence.”
First of all, men from all walks of life are admitted regardless of financial background. The exclusion of women is simple. It's a FRATERNITY. The Knights of Columbus don't accept women in either I believe. The Fraternity of Freemasonry explicitly informs it's members their family, job and faith come first. The claims of infidelity and adultery prevalence are an outright lie and I am ashamed for Father Beck's for making such a statement.
“It is important that Catholics rest their challenge to Freemasonry on the clear theological arguments which I have advanced and that we are well-informed about the subject: “
This is very true however, Father Beck has failed in practicing this very statement.
In closing, this entire article is non-factual and biased to what the Father has chosen to believe of the Fraternity. I save “faith” for God, when it comes tangible matters such as this I reserve fact for my judgments.
“Three of the officers in the local lodge are also Knights of Columbus.”
“Is the bishop aware of this? Do the Knights know? One of the reasons for the founding of the K of C, of course, was to give Catholic men a fraternal organization that would not conflict with Catholic principles.”
Funny you say that considering EVERYTHING that Father Ashley Beck says is a problem with Freemasonry is ALSO something done by the KoC. Apparently that’s OK though.
“Three of the officers in the local lodge are also Knights of Columbus.”
“Is the bishop aware of this? Do the Knights know? One of the reasons for the founding of the K of C, of course, was to give Catholic men a fraternal organization that would not conflict with Catholic principles.”
Funny you say that considering EVERYTHING that Father Ashley Beck(the actual author of Alex’s stolen post) says is a problem with Freemasonry is ALSO something done by the KoC. Apparently that’s OK though.
Celestial Lodge Above is generically referring to Heaven. The same way we may say “Grand Architect of the Universe” as a universal term for God.
See - as stated and easily researched, to be a Mason one must believe in a higher power. See as we accept a man OF any faith, we endeavor to do improve ourselves, eachother and the world around despite our differences in faith, religion, nationality, race or political affiliation.
What other organization can make such a claim?
So what brings you to this two-year-dead thread, considering that you hadn't posted anything in three years up until today?
Happened to see the article pop up somewhere else and decided to a search. Wahlah - I found your “post”. Cool discussion...it has pointed out all of the garbage referred to Beck has noted as well. It’s silliness.
PS...A couple of typos and echos in my posts above. My apologies. (one of which was I DID have my Confirmation today.)
The crux of the argument was whether Masonry was a religion or held certain religious beliefs. I think you are supporting the side that says it is or does.
See as we accept a man OF any faith
But there must be some faith - in a higher power, God.
I think Masonry also teaches that all faiths are equal or the same in value - it's up to the individual. This is contrary to Catholic teaching, and part of the reason one cannot be a Mason and in the Church (except illicitly of course).
This isn't meant as a slam to any particular Mason, but an explanation of the whats and whys as far as the Catholic Church and Masonry. One can and must choose if the choice occurs.
What other organization can make such a claim?
As far as religious institutions, the only one that comes to mind is Universal Unitarianism, though last I looked, atheist and agnostics were welcomed - which wouldn't be the case for Freemasonry.
Thanks very much for your courteous reply.
No, Masonry doesn’t teach anything about anyone’s Faith. As has been stated, you must believe in a higher power to be a member because without that faith we believe you cannot seriously undertake the Fraternities obligations and core tenants, that of Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.
There is no teaching of any equality of Faith, the same way there is no path to salvation in the Fraternity. Freemasonry encourages your activity and Faith in YOUR religion whatever that religion may be. In a Lodge containing a large diverse group of Brothers of different religions there may be more than one holy book on the alter that they may use their book as their “rule and guide to faith”
And?
Freep-mail me to get on or off my pro-life and Catholic List:
Please ping me to note-worthy Pro-Life or Catholic threads, or other threads of general interest.
The reason this doesn't make sense to you is that you're a hater and your attacks are based only in half-truths and conjecture. You've not taken the time to understand your opponent which qualifies you at best as ill-informed.Nope. Wrong. Try again.
Information at the link contradicts your previous post. Do I need to cut and paste portions from there or other Freemason sites?
http://www.aasrvalleyofjax.org/nineteenth_degree.htm
http://32nddegreemasons.org/index.php/what-is-the-scottish-rite/the-degrees/4th-32nd-degrees/
Honestly, yeah. If you have something in there you want to cut and paste, please do. I took a glance at it and I don’t see the contradictions you are referring to.
If you are insinuating that we, as Freemasons, endeavor to improve ourselves and live a good life then you are right. If you are insinuating that we endeavor to look to God establish what our right path in life is to live eternally in His glory, then again you are right.
What you don’t seem to understand is that Freemasonry doesn’t teach us about God, His lessons or how to achieve salvation. We encourage our Faith in God. We work to be good and moral men with men from all walks/faiths of life.
It’s so interesting that people have a problem with that.
If you're receiving Eucharist being a Freemason you're in a state of grave sin and are guilty of sacrilege
Freemasonry has been condemned in Papal bull since 1738 and reinforced further by Cardinal Ratzinger in 1983.
You're calling Christ a liar if you receive Eucharist and are no different than those who advocate abortion and do the same
Go to confession and quit the lodge,than you can say you're a practicing catholic
If you have something in there you want to cut and paste, please do.
Below, in the blockquotes, is material from the previous links.
I want to emphasize that I'm not criticizing the value or teaching, morals, principles, etc. of Freemasonry. What I am pointing out is certain contradictions, particularly as seeming blindness to the religious/spiritual aspects. E.g.:
There is no teaching of any equality of Faith, the same way there is no path to salvation in the Fraternity.
29° Knight of St. Andrew. This degree emphasizes the Masonic teachings of equality and toleration. We are reminded that no one man, no one Church, no one religion, has a monopoly of truth; that while we must be true and faithful to our own convictions, we must respect the opinions of others.No, Masonry doesn’t teach anything about anyone’s Faith.…The great lesson of this degree is that life, when properly, is but a bridge to eternal life.
These truths teach morals, religious and philosophical understandings. This degree helps one to comprehend Deity, the forces of nature and good and evil. Its triangular shape relates to the "fourth great light, which reminds us of the Deity and his attributes".Various other examples of the religious aspect:This degree attempts to explain the conceptualities of celestial purity and the eternal soul of man.
18° Knight of the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M. The lessons taught in this degree are that man must have a new Temple in his heart where God is worshipped in spirit and in truth and that he must have a new law of love which all men everywhere may understand and practice. This degree affirms the broad principles of universality and tolerance.
In this degree we explore for "the rewards of the trinity of Gods attributes - wisdom or intelligence, force or strength, harmony or beauty". The apron is scarlet, bordered in white, with a green triangle (point-down) in the center. In the triangle are the initials of force, wisdom and harmony, and a flaming heart of gold with the initials I.H.S. (Jesus Hominum Salvator or Imperium, Harmonia, Sapientia).
Freemasonry is a compelling and conquering spiritual force, and the reasons are revealed in the Scottish Rite Degrees. Scottish Freemasonry is the foe of intolerance, fanaticism, and superstition. It battles every form of racial and sectarian prejudice and bigotry. It is a mighty exponent of freedom in thought, religion, and government. Thus, the Scottish Rite is a rite of instruction. It interprets the symbols and allegories of Masonry in the light of history and philosophy using the words of the supreme prophets of humanity, ceremonies of the great religions of the world, and significant episodes from history to point the moral and adorn the tale……The Apocalypse, indeed, is a book as obscure as the Sohar.
It is written hieroglyphically with numbers and images; and the Apostle often appeals to the intelligence of the Initiated. “Let him who hath knowledge, understand! let him who understands, calculate!” he often says, after an allegory or the mention of a number. Saint John, the favorite Apostle, and the Depositary of all the Secrets of the Saviour, therefore did not write to be understood by the multitude.
The Sephar Yezirah, the Sohar, and the Apocalypse are the completest embodiments of Occultism. They contain more meanings than words; their expressions are figurative as poetry and exact as numbers…
My Priest knows I am a Mason, I was confirmed by the Bishop while wearing my Masonic ring.
Judge not, my friend, for it is not for you to decide. The Lord knows my heart and if I am in grave sin or not.
I am faithful, but I also recognize the RCC for having MANY faults. Lest you forget the very bloody and power hungry history it has. Or possibly when Pope XYZ (can’t recall his name off the top of my head) decreed that no one but Catholics can reach salvation. I can tell the difference between sin and political silliness.
I HIGHLY doubt that you follow every decree to the letter that has been laid down over the years. And yet I’m sure you use good judgment and are a right with God. Judge not.
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