Free Masons - Evil? (ritual, mystic, beliefs, church, pray)

[MidnightBlue]

*** MOD POST ***

Thread moved to General Religious Debates.

[Mystic-als]

Thanks

[Rejected]

Freemasons have publicly stated that they are not a religion, but that there is a vital spiritual component to their teachings and practices and that one of the requirements for membership is belief in a "Supreme Being" which they refer to in prayer as the Universal Architect.

Catholicism forbids its followers from becoming masons on fear of excommunication, while Masons freely accept Catholics.

There are also conspiracy theories that Masons, especially higher level Masons of the Scottish and York Rites are in league with, if not central council members of, the infamous Illuminati.

Many influential Men of the modern era, as well as historically powerful men have been masons. Coincidence? Maybe.

If you want some juicy conspiracies check out the Bohemian Club and the Bilderberg Group.

[Mystic-als]

I'm not that into theories of conspiricy. But If it can be prooved than fire away.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Mystic-als

Hi all, I want a christian view on the Free Masons.

I am not condoning an attack on them whatsoever. If you have an opinion, thats great but state it as such.

I want to know if (in christians view) Masons are bad or not?
If you say they are then give me a reason.
If you say they are taking over the world. Show me an example. etc.

I really am interested in this, and really hope you guys can shed some light on the matter.

I don't know why anyone would think they are evil....that's a silly thing to say.

[9harmony]

Originally Posted by Mystic-als

Hi all, I want a christian view on the Free Masons.

I am not condoning an attack on them whatsoever. If you have an opinion, thats great but state it as such.

I want to know if (in christians view) Masons are bad or not?
If you say they are then give me a reason.
If you say they are taking over the world. Show me an example. etc.

I really am interested in this, and really hope you guys can shed some light on the matter.

Hi,

I'm not Christian any longer, but my best friend is Catholic, and she definitely feels that Freemasonry is the anti-Christ personified. Not sure why, but that's what she's told me.

My knowledge of freemasonry is very limited, but i personally don't care for secret societies of any kind in a general sense.

Have a great day!

[retrorich]

Originally Posted by JamesThePersian

Absolutely, or an RC, or a Jew or a Protestant, or anyone else who isn't Orthodox. It makes no difference. We can pray for them. We can pray seperately for the same things as them but we cannot actually take part in corporate prayer with them and we especially cannot take part in any of their religious services (we can attend, like I did at my mother's Methodist wedding, but not take any active role).

James

Oh, my God!!! Heaven forbid that people of different religions should put aside their petty differences long enough to pray together!

[Mystic-als]

I don't know why anyone would think they are evil....that's a silly thing to say.

why? or were you being sarcastic. In which case.... why?

[James the Persian]

Originally Posted by retrorich

Oh, my God!!! Heaven forbid that people of different religions should put aside their petty differences long enough to pray together!

In what way would taking part in another faith's religious services be helpful to either side? I don't get it. Personally, I think it's better to be honest and say that we don't believe the same as you and so can't take part in X but we can continue to work together on Y (which is what we do). Our way does not sem to get people up in arms (I don't notice any major tensions between the Orthodox and another religion, do you?) and doesn't stop us from working together with other religious folks at all. We do that quite a lot. Why should anyone, though, expect those of another religion to practice with them if they don't first agree with them? Sounds to me as though you are trying to cast us as being petty minded isolationists without first a.) understanding just how much we do work with other religious groups and b.) understanding just how important prayer and other aspects of corporate worship are to us. I'm sorry, but that sort of a knee-jerk, politically correct reaction rather reduces my impression of you.

James