sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
And yet, that’s what happened with the Bible and the production and canonization of the Greek texts.
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Christians Only: The Book of Mormon
- Thread starter JesusKnowsYou
- Start date
InChrist
Free4ever
I don’t think so, but instead of just telling my source is wrong why don’t you explain your perspective or offer sources you think are correct?
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
If you make a negative claim about another it is up to you to support your claim with valid sources. The only sources that I have seen that put the Free Masons down are whacko conspiracy sites. See if you can find a valid source.
If I claimed that all Christians are cannibals and supported that claim with whacko sites what would you say?
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
See post #74. I know your source is wrong, because I’ve been a Freemason for many years, and been associated with a few of the appendant bodies, and have been Master of two lodges. I know Freemasonry, and I know the information in your source is wrong. In order to have access to correct sources, you’d need to become a Freemason yourself, because all pertinent information is held in strict confidence. Freemasonry isn’t a secret society at all. But it is a society that holds secrets.
InChrist
Free4ever
I appreciate your experience.
It sounds like an oxymoron though to say, “Freemasonry isn’t a secret society at all. But it is a society that holds secrets“.
Unlike Jesus who said nothing in secret (John 18:20).
InChrist
Free4ever
Well, thanks for expressing your view, but I definitely don’t think your definition or evaluation of what constitutes a “whacko site” is reliable.
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
I know, you have an inability to properly vet your sources. That is why some people believe that nonsense
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
Nope. Not an oxymoron at all. A secret society is one in which membership is not known or advertised. Its meeting places and times are not known. Its mere existence is suspect.
A society with secrets simply means that certain aspects are kept confidential. My lodges have all advertised, been active in community endeavors, contributed to charity, and have web pages available to anyone. Their buildings are well marked and highly visible. I have a Masonic badge on my vehicle and wear a Masonic ring. No secret there.
Jesus spoke in parables “so that some would not understand.” Sounds secretive to me...
InChrist
Free4ever
So you don’t see any incompatibility between Freemasonry and Christianity or the Bible?
I not a Southern Baptist, but the linked article lists points considered incompatible between Freemasonry and the Bible. Are these discrepancies accurate or not, in your view.
Freemasonry Overview - Apologetics
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
They are matters of interpretation and inaccuracies in terms of specifics. Freemasonry does not claim to be either religion or Christian. It is, more or less, “pan-religious.” The precepts that are taught are spiritual in nature and not religious in nature. Religious “labels” are avoided. However, that’s not to say that the teachings are specifically anti Christian — just not specifically Christian. But I wouldn’t say that they’re incompatible with Christian theology. The SBC is, in my estimation, wholly out of line in its orthodoxy and orthopraxy. The article is HIGHLY biased.
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
There is a Masonic lodge in my city. Most of the time I drive by it without noticing it at all. Seems pretty secretive to me
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
Nope. You see the place — it’s signage is out there. Meeting times are available. It’s not a secret. Is their existence a surprise to you?There is a Masonic lodge in my city. Most of the time I drive by it without noticing it at all. Seems pretty secretive to me
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
No. I don’t see an incompatibility with Christianity. If there were, I wouldn’t be a member.
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
I am shocked, shocked I say. As the smiley that I used in my previous post clearly indicates.
Your organization sounds to be just as secretive as the Eagles, the Rotary and others. Please be kind to me when you take over the world.
sojourner
Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
Your name will be placed on the protected rolls and no harm shall come to you.
IT’S A COOKBOOK!!!!
InChrist
Free4ever
Okay, I really don’t desire to keep arguing with you if that is your perspective. You are certainly free to have your own view and thoughts on the matter. There are those who have been involved in Freemasonry which see things differently and I think they have the freedom to their views on the subject their experiences, too.
Testimony of Ex-Mason Duane Washum
http://www.darknessisfalling.com/up...__why_i_left_freemasonry_-_charles_finney.pdf
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
Really? He sounds delusional to say the least:
"But those who think it's a hoax would be wrong. Duane is a real ex-Mason and his claims are quite well known to those in Nevada. In a 'Rodney 'No Respect' Dangerfield'* sort of way, however, Duane has been unable to persuade even his own family members of the authenticity of his claims. His brother, who sponsored his application initially, has continued with active involvement in the fraternity. Jim is a Past Master of that same lodge yet - strangely - he saw none of the anti-religious things Duane claims are so rampant in Freemasonry. He too served that lodge as its Master following dozens of others who had done likewise but strangely, it was only Duane who found these many 'irreligious activities'. It's a shame that such screwball behavior by one family member can bring so much embarrassment to the rest but Duane is not alone: another anti-Mason, Ken Mitchell, has a nearly identical family situation."
"2001 Update: Despite the many claims by both Larry Kunk (whose website is paid for by US taxpayers through his ability to claim it as a tax deduction - registered as a "charity" under the U.S. Tax Code) and Duane that the Ex-Masons for Jesus 'outfit' has converted "thousands", there are STILL the same SIX people listed there that they had three years ago! Wouldn't you think they could have found at least one or two more names from the supposed "thousands" to add to their claims? "
Anti-Masonic Examples: Duane Washum
There is more. I think that you found a site written by a nut-job.
InChrist
Free4ever
I can’t say how credible that site or Duane Washum are, since I’m not familiar with either and didn’t spend much time checking it out.
There are other people who have been Masons who came to believe it was inconsistent with Biblical teachings. You may accuse them all of being nut cases, but doesn’t mean they are.
Order of Former Freemasons
http://www.darknessisfalling.com/up...__why_i_left_freemasonry_-_charles_finney.pdf
Subduction Zone
Veteran Member
None of those look particularly reliable. Neutral sites do not seem to give them too much credibility:
Freemasonry - Wikipedia
Why don’t we start looking at the testimonies of ex-Mormons....