Yesterday I introduced a “pet peeve” of mine. I’m sorry to still be on a soap box, but I struggle with self – righteous people or groups who devote their existence to fault finding in others. I have observed people seeking a God of love who were turned off by this type of legalism which Jesus so vehemently opposed. How can someone read the four Gospels and not see that Jesus NEVER condemned a sinner, but He regularly condemned the legalists. So with Mark 9:39 – 40 in mind, I am going to present some information on a secular group to consider. I don’t want to use a denomination because I do not see how that could be productive. Please understand that when I use this group, I am not endorsing them, but simply using them to illustrate how many believers simply accept published information and never question it. When I researched this group, I was amazed by what I found.
Recently I was informed by a pastor that you cannot be a Mason AND a Christian – you must choose either or. This was especially disturbing since the Masonic members of my family, including my dad and granddad, go back to George Washington’s relatives and beyond. My Granddad was an Episcopal minister and my dad led me to Christ. I find the internet riddled with Christians railing against the Masons. Dozens of books are available on Masonic wickedness. In the weeks of research, I found no heavy lobbying effort by Masons in defense. Makes you wonder who is not afraid of truth?
Freemasony.org says: “Freemasonry is the oldest and largest worldwide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It urges its members, however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.” Let’s look further. On the Masonic Education landing page I found: “If the Holy Book within your religion is the Bible, you may wish to begin by reading Freemasonry and the Bible. For Christian Freemasons, the Bible is the foundation of Masonic precepts.” From Masonry Today I found: (1) “Freemasonry is not associated with the basic elements of religion. (2) It has no theological doctrine, and by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will not allow a Masonic theological doctrine to develop. (3) It offers no sacraments. (4) It does not claim to lead salvation by works, by secret knowledge or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition and not with salvation. (5) October 3rd is Masonic Day of National Prayer.”
I compared those quotes to those in markedly anti-Masonic publications. What I found were quotes from Masonic commentaries not Masonic Manuals. This is like taking some author’s Biblical commentary’s and condemning Christianity based on the author’s writings. Give me a break!
Please understand I am NOT here to promote the Masons or their agenda. Any group or individual who promotes his/her beliefs or rituals as superior to or in place of Christ Jesus rejects God and the Holy Bible. But to condemn a FRATERNAL organization who does great good for many and who places no claim on religion is sensationalism and a perfect example of the 1 Timothy 6 passage and accompanying greed I referred to yesterday. Be sure Christ is the source of truth, not a man.
Love Dad