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Christianity Today, August, 2007 |

TIDINGS

The Freemasonry Threat

Faint echoes remind evangelicals of a nearly forgotten foe.

Ted Olsen | posted 7/31/2007 09:10AM

Family Life Church loves their new building in Elgin, Illinois, except for one thing: The walls still bear symbols of its past as a Masonic temple. The suburban Chicago Daily Herald reported that Elgin ...

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Jim Maier A man Christ died for

Posted: August 12, 2007 4:33 PM


I did not rate this article but let me say this, freemasonry is a cult. Most people who join don't realize until its to late and they find them more involed with freemason than the church. If anyone knows someone who is involed with freemason they need to denounce it right away. For more infor. go to www.dccsa.com/greatjoy/netmason.html

Lux in Tenebris

Posted: August 09, 2007 5:13 PM

I work in Kenya with the PCEA. The so called purging of "masonic"symbols was no such thing. The symbols removed by Githii were the Cross of St Andrew and the Celtic Cross (denounced as perversions of the real cross) , a war memorial in honour of the British Air Force (the eagle badge described as a demonic dragon), a number of brass plaques in memory of deceased parishioners, a number of stained glass windows bearing a vine motif and a picture of the ark (allegedly masonic) a gate with decorative filligree (satanic snakes) and even the black and white checkered tiles in the restrooms (allegedly styled upon a Masonic lodge). Githii did this as part of his plans to introduce new theological trajectories in PCEA, by claiming that missionary Christianity was masonic. Those who opposed him were not Freemasons, but confessionally orthodox evangelicals, including almost the entire faculty of the PCEA seminary, who published a report demonstrating that Githii was wrong in all respects

Calix

Posted: August 08, 2007 8:51 PM


The argument against historical remnants of Freemasonry in architecture reminds me of the Taliban blowing up the historical statues of Buddha in Afghanistan ... and oddly feels just as frightening.

Tony Dibble

Posted: August 07, 2007 8:59 PM

Any 'system' of belief that detracts from a personal relationship with GOD, through Christ,is not from Heaven.Forget all the rationalisations that uphold such a belief "system" as they are satan's deceptions.Whatever noble aims its proponents may have achieved, such achievements are not within the glory of GOD,but the glory of man.Anything to further the glory of man is dust building on dust.Christ has no meaning in it(1 Cor 10:31).Unless we die daily to ourselves(Lk 9:23;1 Cor 15:31), and place Christ the center of our lives,we can do nothing(Jn 15:5).

Mark Tabbert

Posted: August 07, 2007 7:13 AM

Strange the author says 1.8 million members of Freemasonry are nearly forgotten. That is a significat number, especially when a vast majority of them are devote Chrisitains. If Freemasonry's purpose is of human origin then why has it lasted longer than many Christian sects and denominations? Being nearly 400 years old may be a clue that it is more that just materially good. More curious is that the questions turn not toward understanding freemasons, but what should be done with them. At first, the author seems to agree Masonic symbols must be removed from churches. But then asks should Freemasons be ignored or worse? What about respect and understanding? Is it not best to listen to an organization that support morality, friendship, brotherly love and charity, regardless of Christine doctrine, than consign them among groups that are immoral and exploitve simply because they are not demonstratively Christian? For every pastor against Freemasonry there was and is one who is a Freemason.

Timmy D

Posted: August 07, 2007 5:38 AM

guys guys, ur arguments are ludicrous at best and monstrously dangerous at worst! SC Christian, did u happen to be around at teh time wen to profess true faith in Christ was to sign ur own death warrant? no. Were u around wen to be caught praying inpublic was an accaptance of citizenship recinded? no. and thus, having not the slightest idea as to the implications or even tot eh effects of the situation u condemn people in the past for fighting? would u therefore blame the Christians for setting Rome on fire even though evidence strongly supports it being perpetuated by the Emperor Nero himself? A christian is meant 2 fight a spritual war, and the Bible says that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as the one and only Sovereign SOn of God is against Him. Its really that simple, no matter if ur Hitler, Stalin, or a housewife caring for her family. i do not agree with vilence, or killing, but calling Christians murderers means either they aren, or ur facts r wrong, & urs r here

corner

Posted: August 05, 2007 12:23 PM

Bill.You seem actually to be a good person and it's sad that you have been let down by the church. I would like to take you by the shoulders and welcome you into the family of Christ myself, welcoming you from deep within my heart.It is sad that you have found that the freemasons have given you a better home than Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is a solid rock and is the stone rejected by the Builders. It is a pity that because of the experiences you have had with Christians you have also rejected the cornerstone.That cornerstone that has been rejected could become for you an anchor and keep your life on an even keel. But it would be Jesus Christ himself that does it and not his broken people. The church, you must remember, are also broken people like yourself who are needy at times. Promises only come when we stay the course, and wait for Jesus, because his promises are secure even when his people, sometimes, are not. The hermetic can't go as deep as that, being only of human origin.

Bill	Posted: August 05, 2007 1:42 AM

If one were really that interested in finding out what the Masonic ritual is they can find it in many books both inside and outside the fraternity (many are quite accurate). The obligations come primarily from the O.T. and its story of inner morality is from Kings. The obligations that everyone is so worried about has strengthened me during times of great trial as it kept me focused. Joining any group has requirements, even your job has modes of recognition and privacy needs that you submit to and cannot talk about. Those of my church family in actuality ended up to be lesser then they could have been considering their great pronouncements of being a "Good Christian". I still worry when I hear that term as "Good Christians" have done more harm to me then the good they claim. I am not Good, just trying my best to grow and be my best towards other and to the God of my heart.

Masons' proliferate evil oaths

Posted: August 04, 2007 1:19 PM

Dear Steve. Does the oaths made my the Masons not come from thje evil one? A proliferation of burdens upon the person by such oaths? Sworn by what should not be sworn? Matthew Chapter 5 Oaths 33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew Ch. 5

Anonymous

Posted: August 03, 2007 5:25 AM

Masons have a number of sources for inspiration and a number of "lights" which they respect. Only one among many lights is the bible, if it is a Christian country in which they have planted a hive. Other lights are the North Star (Pole Star) as well as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge and the moon and sun are all lights. A personal righteous and living relationship with the Resurrected Jesus is not considered a light, because masons are sceptical of the literal existence of the spiritual world. All that matters is the mastery and freedom of the physical world and the secret empire of the Illuminati. One little fact is that they consider technological expertise as important, because it will help them survive if God sends another deluge or if he sends catastrophic fire. They do not therefor consider friendship with God, such as Noah had, to be important. But escaping punishment by their own means and by thie own hands is considered wise and within their own grasp.

Jeff	Posted: August 02, 2007 9:30 PM


Um, hello!?! Freemasonry teaches through "allegory" and "symbolism". Try doing yourself a favor and educate yourself and look up the definitions of these words. Freemasonry is not teaching "truth", it is teaching virtuous, ethical, and good moral conduct through allegory and symbolism. To believe otherwise means you are either blind, stubborn, or ignorant.

SC Christian

Posted: August 02, 2007 9:10 PM


Concerning Freemasonry's secrecy, let's not forget that early Christianity was a very, VERY secret organization that had its own signs and symbols. Back then, the penlaty for being a Christian was often certain death.

Steve

Posted: August 02, 2007 9:04 PM

Graham UK wrote: "Ask one question 'Does what I do incude or exclude?' If it excludes then it doesn't come from God!" Let's see, mate.... If I do NOT believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour, then I am NOT a Christian, right? So I am therefore, excluded from the Christian faith as well as from Heavan. Christianity. at its core, is a very exclusive religion. Please be careful when making these types of generalizations.

Fed up

Posted: August 02, 2007 8:58 PM

Isn't saying that, "membership in a secret society precludes one from becoming a member because it ultimately comprises one's allegiance to the body of Christ." a bit short-sighted? God sees all and knows all. If the Freemason is born again, then he is a Christian...period. He'll be up there in Heaven like the rest of the non-Freemason Christians. Come on, people, God promised sealed, eternal redemption, otherwise, He would be a liar. And as far as the building goes, if you don't like the conditions of the sale, then sell it and stop complaining. Where is the integrity of a church that won't keep up its end of the bargain? We have way too much relativistic justice today. We need to get back to the basics of absolutes. And what do you know? Freemasonry teaches just that!

Jim	Posted: August 02, 2007 8:50 PM

Cindy, you and others liks you, miss the entire point about and behind the secrecy of Freemasonry. The secrecy is intended to ensure that only men of integrity become members. How would an organization function if it were constantly infiltrated by men who have no intention of bettering themselves and others, or have no intention of keeping their word? And the oaths taken are not to threatan, but to provide a framework whereby a man will understand the importance and seriousness of keeping his word. Freemasonry is not something to be enterd into lightly--it is a commitment of integrity and virtue. And as far as the true and inspired word of God, understand that Freemasonry is meant to compliment religion, not replace it. Freemasonry provides a framework to build up men, in the honor and presense of God. In fact, many churches fail miserably in this area. Freemasonry offers to fill this gap while encouraging its members to grow deeper in their professed faith..

cindy

Posted: August 02, 2007 6:06 PM

If a group of people get together to truly do good; then there should be no need of secret hand shakes, or threats to its society if they reveal what has been said behind closed doors. Truly you would want all to know if what you are doing, were intended for the health and well being of others. THe true inspired word of God says ; all things done in secret shall be made manifest, (brought out in the open) THe truth shall set you free, free indeed......

Steve

Posted: August 02, 2007 3:41 PM

I believe that Freemasonry is misunderstood by many who do not know or understand what goes on in the lodges, including Christian leaders. Instead, many Christian leaders judge and make false comments on something they know nothing about. My opinion is they are worried that Freemasonry is one of the things that can`t be controlled by the church. Masons are upright, morally sound, honorable and respected men, who do a lot of work for charities, and widows. No Masonry is not a Christian organization, however, it holds its members to the same standards, and expects it`s members to believe in a supreme being, whatever he choses. Just as our constitution gives each and every U.S. citizen the same rights. They do strict background checks on every one that petitions to become a member. If a petitioner is found to be not of good morals, he can not become a mason. There are many Christians that are Masons. And there are even Masonic Lodges built next to churches in my state.

Confused

Posted: August 02, 2007 3:34 PM

I am a born-again, Bible-believing Christian. I believe in my heart, mind, and soul that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and through His atoning blood, I am saved and will spend eternity in heaven with God, Jesus, and all other saved Christians. Short of renouncing Jesus as my Lord and Savior, that is something that CANNOT be taken away from me. Otherwise, God Himself would be a liar. I am also a Freemason. What I simply don't understand is why is it perceived as being so bad or anti-Christian that I choose to be part of the organization of Freemasonry whose ideals and goals are to make good men better, promote virtue, loyalty, love, charity, and a host of other sorely needed virtues? In fact, I see most churches completely ignoring such virtues. I understand the teachings of Freemasonry, I understand the oaths taken, and I also understand that my eternal fate is sealed. So why is it such an evil organization? Please explain.

Adam	Posted: August 02, 2007 10:41 AM

To hold to a higher power that is vague and only attained by rights and rituals outside of the Bible is denying the truth of what Jesus Christ said. Jesus said that no one is capable of reaching God or attaining heaven apart from the plan He was laying out and through the sacrifice He would make upon the cross. The church (the blood bought redeemed, not a denomination) is the fellowship of believers and not clubs or societies. When our duty to these clubs or societies begins to supercede our allegiance to the plan of God, then we are wrong. This is not an attack by "Christians." This is a rebuke by God. There is no other way to God except through Jesus Christ. Plain and simple.

George Sova

Posted: August 02, 2007 9:14 AM

While I do not stand in judgment of another individual I can share my experience with working with victims of abuse within the Masonic organization. I've prayed and worked with three individuals over the years who disclose the same story of ritual sexual abuse within the Masonic hierarchy. It appears deliberate and part of their "worship". The history of each of these individuals was similar in that they were the first born female set apart to carry on a preceived legacy of sacrifice which included aborted fetus's. These women were all rasied in different locations and did not have any prior history together. I am only sharing their persective. The only physical validation of their memories is the fact they can each trace their family linage through Masonic genealolgies. They each remember being set apart at very young ages for special ceremonies. I cannot say that all members of freemasons are aware of this practice, but I do believe it exists.

Not fooled

Posted: August 02, 2007 8:12 AM


To defend any of the above comments is to be ignorant about Freemasonry, Christianity, and decency. I feel very sorry for all of you. Rick, read "Freemasons for Dummies." You'll discover that every "fact" you cite is a lie. You've been duped, as so many anti-Masons have been for a long time.

jim	Posted: August 02, 2007 2:48 AM

Why is the evangelical community so frightened by the Mason's? A "nearly forgotten foe."?? Who is the foe here? Masons have no problem with anyone...but everyone has problems with Masons. WHY? Because Pat Robertson says so? He who lives in Glass houses... FreeMasonry has taught me to be a better father, husband, and member of socieity then anywhere. Maybe Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker should give it a try

Theodosi

Posted: August 01, 2007 11:45 PM

The belief that Freemasonry and Organizations with Masonic Ties are attempting to dominate the world is not some recently developed belief on the lunatic fringe. Popes, Catholic saints, and Protestant ministers and writers have warned the public repeatedly. I will include a few facts and documents in this post. Keep in mind that I am coming from a Catholic perspective, but the information I provide is accurate and historical. 1738 “…For if they were not doing evil they would not have so great a hatred of the light. Indeed, this rumor has grown to such proportions that in several countries these societies have been forbidden by the civil authorities as being against the public security, and for some time past have appeared to be prudently eliminated…”In Eminenti, On Fremasonry, Pope Clement XII, April 28, 1738 1826 In New York State the Anti-Masonic Party is formed, this will become America’s first third Party 1000 Characters prevent me from expounding..find me here: http:

pastoral80

Posted: August 01, 2007 11:18 PM


Now let's talk about how the Founding Fathers are always romanticized as Christians when they were also Freemasons as well.

Martin

Posted: August 01, 2007 10:02 PM

My father is a Freemason and, unlike him, I believe that Freemasonry stands in opposition to the Christian gospel. The enemy here is not the Freemason himself, nor his predeliction to join himself to a private club that does odd things behind closed doors. The enemy is the idea that the mysteries of God can only be accessed by the initiates of a secret society, thus negating the (historic) life and mission of the Son of Man. The Church preaches the Gospel to every creature under heaven, Freemasonry hides it in a corner. The conflict between the Christian Gospel and Freemasonry centres around the very nature of God himself. Is he the self-revealing light that shines in the darkness, who generously dispenses his blessings to all, or does he hide himself behind rite and temple, who rations out the truth only to those who have proved to be worthy? It is the victory of God to be lifted up at the cross, so that the whole world, even his enemies, may see who he is.

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