Tuesday, February 9th, 2010•Virginia, USA
Subscribe to Jesus Be With Us
Masons, Shriners and Jesters – Oh My!
Yes, Virginia, there is a Masonic group called the Jesters atop the pyramid of Masonry. But more on that most exclusive of Masonic groups in a minute. Let’s start out with a short eye-opener for our Catholic brethren ignorant of the Masonic threat to their souls.
Masons and Catholics 101 Primer
To catch up readers unfamiliar with why Catholics are prohibited from being a mason, here’s a short primer.
Masons and Shriners as a group subscribe to a belief in something called “The Great Architect of the Universe” or GAOTU — a faceless god who can incarnate as the god of any of the World’s religions: Buddha, Allah, or even Yahweh. As Wikipedia sums it up, GAOTU can “neutrally represent whatever Supreme Being to which each member individually holds in adherence.” Remember the word neutrally, it’ll be important in a second.
If GAOTU can manifest himself as anything that anyone believes in, then by definition a Pagan god of the forest is God. Or a self-proclaimed modern savior such as David Koresh, Charles Manson or Sun Myung Moon. Or perhaps Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, the self-proclaimed god from Florida with 666 tattooed on his arm.
Technically, you could proclaim yourself God and be a Mason in good-standing.
This is not slur the many good, if misguided, men who constitute a significant portion of the Masons and Shriners. It is simply to point out the ludicrous starting point from which Masons begin and why a Catholic cannot be a Mason.
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation, God manifest as Son, and part of the Holy Trinity. Christ told us “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6).
Knowing this, how could a Catholic, or any Christian for that matter, in good conscience join a group proclaiming GAOTU as God?
They cannot, as re-affirmed by the Catholic Church and Pope John Paul II in the 1980’s.
OK, But There Are Many Wacko Organizations in the World. Why Focus on the Masons?
Remember the word “neutrally” from earlier?
Masons aren’t neutral.
By definition, a belief in GAOTU denies the absolute uniqueness and sole divinity of the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That is in direct opposition to Catholic belief. But that isn’t the only non-neutral stance Masons have taken.
Masons aren’t politically neutral.
Especially towards the Catholic Church in particular.
They have been behind many legal movements since the French Revolution aimed at diminishing the Church and its mission to carry on the Kingdom of God until Christ returns. The affairs of Masons from the 1700’s on are too many to detail in this short article. But a couple of more recent examples can help illuminate their non-neutral stance.
For example, the 20th century saw the Masons destroy the good works of the Catholic Church and its educational system after the Mexican Revolution in 1914. As late as August 2007, Mexican Masons were rallying against reinstituting Catholic schools in Mexico and were saying that priests “should return to their Churches“.
Not your typical neutral stance, is it?
Some are even alleging that the current brutal assault against the Catholic Church in Spain is Masonic in origin. With the Spanish government’s recently legalizing gay marriages, quick divorces, abortion and embryonic research, it’s no wonder a Spanish archibishop claimed that “Madrid has turned into Sodom and Gomorrah.” But is it Masonic? As with all secret organizations, it’s hard to tell.
So, What’s With The Shriners and Jesters?
To be a Shriner one must be a Mason and a Master Mason at that. So Shriners are the upper crust of Masons, so to speak. But even beyond the Shriners is a group known as the Royal Order of the Jesters, the apex of the Masonic pyramid if you’ll pardon the pun.
Not much is known about the Jesters, but troubling reports have been coming out of the organization and its activities. One anonymous and contrite ex-Jester claims that “sex, illegal gambling and alcohol were and are the preferred order of business to ease the “pain” of brother Jesters and that “Prostitutes are available at Jester functions for the brothers to have their way with.”
Such claims would be easy to dismiss if it were not for the investigative efforts of freelance journalist Sandy Frost. Ms. Frost has spent the last two years assiduously documenting the questionable acts of both Shriners and Jesters, including the Shriners failure to provide required information on Federal tax returns as well as a recent deposition given by an ex-Jester in an ongoing Federal Court case in Florida that alleges Jesters had sexual relations with teenage girls as young as 13 years old during a Brazilian expedition. She has also highlighted how “three Jesters were caught by the FBI in an illegal-alien prostitution sting, including a retired New York supreme court judge, his law clerk and a retired police captain who pleaded guilty to one felony count of taking prostitutes across state lines to Jesters’ parties.” Two Erie County deputies have also been caught in the controversy and are now part of the investigation.
Why Is Any This Important To Catholics Or Any Christians?
Unfortunately, many Catholic and Protestant brethren see only the “good works” of the Masons and Shriners depicted in the mass media and fail to discern the historic antipathy between these organizations and the Church. Being a Mason or Shriner works against a Catholic’s own interests!
More importantly, by joining an organization that declares a chaotic, ill-defined GAOTU (Great Architect of the Universe) as the Supreme Being, they put their immortal souls in danger.
Masons, Shriners, and Jesters are not neutral, religiously or politically. A belief in GAOTU inherently denies the divinity of Jesus Christ and true faith in the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Is this worth the “brotherhood” gained by joining such organizations? Not for eternity it isn’t.
30 Responses to “Masons, Shriners and Jesters – Oh My!”
Leave a Reply
Make A Difference In Ava's Life
1May 27th, 2008 at 9:16 am
So how do you respond to Catholics and other Christians who are in good standing with the church and promote that the Shriners, etc. are a good organization to join? A friend of mine died wearing his masonic ring until the end, and he was a very faithful Catholic, so what happened to his soul? I never heard anyone, not even the priest, preach against it or even told him to get rid of the ring if he believes in the Holy Trinity.
2May 27th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
By definition, they cannot be “in good standing” with the Roman Catholic Church AND be a Mason or a Shriner. Many Protestant congregations also strongly discourage Masonic ties.
Pope Benedict XVI, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger under Pope John Paul II, reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s teaching on Masons in 1983 as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying:
“The faithful, who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.”
Personally, I think you should tell them what the Church teaches about the Masons and Shriners. Don’t be shy. If the Church teaches that being a Mason or a Shriner is sinful, tell them. Also tell them they are not supposed to be receiving communion and should quit the organization, examine their conscience, go to confession and confess the act of joining and being a Mason.
They will be absolved of the sin, given penance, and can rejoin communion with the church.
To do anything less than this is to fail to warn them that their soul is in peril. Be a friend, and help teach them! God bless!
3May 31st, 2008 at 11:30 pm
[...] having the Masons run the program? A secretive organization at times aligned against the Catholic Church, the faith of 1 billion people across the [...]
4June 12th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Go to http://www.mmoutreachinc.com/cult_groups/rite_or_wrong.html to read a personal account of a young man who joined DeMoley, the Masonic organization for boys. It will open you eyes to the anti-Christian and anti-Biblical ideas contained in DeMoley.
5June 13th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
How about leaving the masons alone and spend your time trying to match their charitable contributions. We don’t have to go very far back in history to recall how murderous the Catholics have been. And before anyone asks I was raised Catholic. How can you defend executions and torture in the name of the church!
6October 27th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I am a Christian of good standing and I believe that God can take any forms he wants to. From my interoperation of the bible God have done this in the past. For a Mason to say he is God is unheard of. I live in Chicago and been to many mason lodges but have never heard of this you have the writer as taking this totally out of context. I have been a mason for several years and it has done nothing but help my relationship with God. When people do not understand something and can’t get info they make things up. If you would go though the process of a master mason you would understand that the Great Architect of the Universe” is the same God that the catholic serve but the mason use a different name.
7December 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I have been a Mason since 1994, and a Catholic since 1998, converted from Baptist. I was not discouraged by our Monsignor, but as the earlier comment was made, I should not in conscience take communion, however was allowed to during my sacriments. As I stated earlier, I am a Mason in the “Blue Lodge” holding each office including Worshipful Master. That title is derived from Old English meaning full of Worship and one to lead by example. I am currently Secretary.
I belong to other branches such as Order of the Eastern Star, which is an organization for Women, but Mason men may also and encouraged to join. These celebrate the lives and accomplishments of women of the Bible, Adah daughter of Jepthah, Ruth, Esther, Martha sister of Lazarus, and Electa identified as the Elect Lad in the second epistle of St. John.
I am also a member of the York Rite Bodies. This branch aligns itself with Christianity for only if you believe in Jesus can you become a member. Scotish Rite is diversified as is the Shriners. In the past you must be either York Rite or Scotish Rite to be a Shriner. Now I think you only need to be a Mason. In the York Rite there are several degrees.
I am also a Knight Mason and a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees. The purpose of these are to study and uphold the old and historical ways of Masonry.
In all of my Masonic journey, I have never come across anything that was anti Christian or anti Catholic. Just the opposite. It has upheld the ideal that any good man may be a Mason. Christian, Jew, Muslim, etc…, because we are not a religion. We do not hold surmans, but we do pray. We have a Bible on an altar and it is open during meetings to remind us to keep its contents within our hearts and minds during any decission or undertaking.
Now for the history as I believe the cross between the Catholics and the Freemasons started. King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church for several reasons. Some had to do with his seeking an heir to the thrown and a divorce sought by the King to the Pope. Some had to do with the suspected alliance to Spain by the Vatican, which at the time was at odds with England. The Catholic church, at the time was also not appointing Bishops and Cardnals to England. A church without a Bishop or Cardnal had to send its collections to the Vatican. King Henry was seeking ways to build his War Trust to defend England against Spain and didn’t want the Money to leave England. So England broke away from the Catholic Church and started the Church of England. Henry VIII still maintained his attachment to the Catholic Church and established the Church of England much the same way. His daughter Mary I, temporarily reinstated Papal control over England and the Church of England co-existed with the Catholic Church until Queen Elizabeth I. This was in the mid 1500’s. So at this time the Catholic Church was out and the Church of England was in. Fast forward though war and such to the late 1500s and 1600s, where the beginnings of Masonry started to take hold in Scotland. Many of these were Operative Masons, meaning bricklayers, but the guilded structure spawned Speculative Masonry in the late 1600s and had its first hold when the Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717. This was a time of “enlightenment and discovery”, not to mention revolutions were just around the corner. As the Freemasons started out of this time of enlightenment, they wanted this freethinking to continue. Still religious, one requirement was that you belonged to the Church of your state, meaning the church of England. It was no wonder that the Catholic Church would forbid and even mentioned in its Canon that the Freemasons were subversive. At that time freethinking and rebelion wasn’t what the Catholic Church approved of. Even later the Catholic Church CHANGED its own Canon Law (rarely done) to remove the word Freemason and changing the meaning to read that anyone belonging to a group that is designed to subvert the Catholic church could not become a Catholic. (now all of this is from memory and not word for word) As Masonry is not set to overthrow the Catholic Church and upholds Christian Ideals, I really don’t see an issue with it.
Now to address Anonymous and Demolay, these are organizations that are not religions. They are some of the first organizations that have become deversified in allowing other religious backgrounds to comingal within its group. Although we pray, we do not preach. We do not allow the degrading of any religion within its walls. We strive to be better people and encourage members to attend their own church of their choosing, be it Catholic, Baptist, Jewish, Muslim, etc… It is the character and inside qualifications that makes a man a Mason, not the Church they belong to. We do many charitible activities and uphold the principles of the Bible. But we do not preach. Most meetings are Fraternal in nature and are a place where Men can associate with men of like mind and character.
Demolay, the boys organization, is a group that adults can join. There meetings are even more open than any other in that Parents are allowed to sit in. As an adult you must be a Mason to join, but all of the protections are in place as with any organization such as the Boy Scouts. I would recommend that Anonymous and Demolay are good people and might enjoy the Fraternity and suggest they join. Once in, they would learn where we keep the Arc of the Covenant and the Holy Grail. Oh, if it weren’t for Freemasons, we wouln’t have won the Revolutionary War in that it was Ben Franklin (a Mason) that traveled to France to recruit Generals and Navy for the war. It was in a Lodge and the mutual respect that Masons hold each other, that brought France into our fight. It was Masons that formulated the first laws and Constitution of our Country, and for at least Texas and many states I suspect started that states School system, teaching children by using lodges as classrooms.
One last thing, before I finish, I love my Catholic Church and all it has to benefit in my life and my family. I truly feel that sometime in the future the Catholic Church will change its stance on the whole Freemason issue.
8December 12th, 2008 at 10:18 am
I am proud to be a Mason, and A Shriner. Our Lodge is involved in helping many local organizations. As well as much charity. Our Shrine center is now caring for over 900 children, at no cost to the families. The Hospitals are funded through endowments. Our local fund raising efforts are just for the transportation for the child and their families to the care vicinities, and the means every penny we raise for these efforts to that. Like any organization, we have to fund our overhead, ncluding building expense, Fundraise efforts, Parades, etc. This is done with a circus once a year.
I think we all have to understand that each of us is a combination of good and evil. No one it totally evil, and no one is totally good, we are all a combination of both. As masons, it is our goal to improve our character. If you want to find evil, you certainly will, if we humans are involved.
But the intent of Masons is positive, and all the principles taught are to improve the man. We are not a religion, but we do believe in right of all religions that respect one another. If you believe your religion is the only religion that has the right to exist, you would certainly have a problem with Masonry.
9December 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
An article found during some quick research———
Masonic Lodge in Italy appoints Catholic priest as chaplain, claims “openness” to Catholic Church
Rome, Aug 8, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- In an unusual show of “openness” to the Catholic Church, a Masonic lodge in Italy has announced the appointment of a Catholic priest as chaplain. The news was announced during an address to members of the lodge by Grand Master Fabio Venzi of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Italy. During his address announcing the appointment of the priest, whom he did not identify by name, Venzi explained what he considers to be the relationship between freemasonry and the Catholic Church. “If we examine the documents at our disposal and if we look at the contrasts of the presumed incompatibility of the Catholic Church with freemasonry, we might get the impression that we find ourselves in the presence of a comedy of errors,” he said.
“The documents of the Holy See,” he continued, “are often based on Masonic realities which we consider ‘irregular,’ and therefore not representative of true Masonic tradition.” “The rituals that have been studied and are considered typical of Masonic thought are not known exactly, but this does not appear to be a question of little importance, since we know that rituals can vary from lodge to lodge.”
Likewise, Venzi stated that “the first chapter of the book Freemasonry, by Zbigniew Suchecki of the Pontifical Lateran University and published by the Liberia Editrice Vaticana, notes: ‘During the last century, the Grand Eastern Lodge of France and the Grand Eastern Lodge of Italy were among the most anti-clerical Masonic lodges in the world.’ We hope that in the future, these lodges, which historically have represented the Anglo-Saxon Masonic tradition, not be considered typical.”
On the other hand, Venzi continued, “When a small opening was conceded, this was not done with much intelligence or common sense. I am referring to Canon 2335 of the 1917 Code of Canon Law. Under this norm, there was a sanction for Catholics who were members of organizations that in fact machinantur contra Ecclesiam, that is, that ‘plotted against the Church’.”
Venzi noted that “we have always treated the Holy See with great respect, and we have even named a lodge after Pius II, Enea Silvio Piccolomini. This is unique in the history of freemasonry.”
At the end of address, Venzi announced the appointment of a grand official “who will probably be a part not only of the history of Italian freemasonry, but also of the history of freemasonry in the world, and I don’t think I am wrong. The grand official I am appointing is a priest of the Catholic Church. Let me say it again, of the Catholic Church.”
With this appointment, Venzi claimed to be “making a gesture of openness. Never before has a Masonic lodge made such a gesture towards the Catholic Church, distancing itself from other irregular Masonic lodges that, with their anti-clericalism, have caused much harm to the image of freemasonry in the world.”
“We have played our part and we hope the Church will lay the groundwork and have the patience to deal with the peculiarities and differences within the world of freemasonry,” Venzi said in conclusion.
——————
One important point, Lodges aren’t always Typical and are not always associated to other Lodges from other areas due to core differences.
10December 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I’m sure there are many good-hearted Christian men doing good works in Freemason lodges throughout the world. But for your own soul, you should renounce Masonry, confess it during the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and make the prescribed penance. Then, with a clean heart, consider joining the Knights of Columbus in your church parish to continue your good works.
Freemasonry and Christianity are incompatible. Jesus Christ reigns supreme as Lord and Saviour, part of the Holy Trinity. There is no other god than Him. The Mason’s “Supreme Architect of the Universe” is not Jesus Christ; it is whatever a Mason brings with him to the Masonry hall, even if it is a Hindu god.
By being a Mason, you are endangering your mortal soul. None other than then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed this in the early 1980’s and the Church’s stance has not changed since then.
The Catholic Church’s position on Catholicism and Masonry is very cut and dry. You cannot be both Catholic and Mason. A few articles on the subject:
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/freemasonry.htm
http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/CAMASON1.htm
http://www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDFMASN1.HTM
http://www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/zmasathcath.htm
http://www.ewtn.com/library/NEWAGE/PACONDEM.TXT
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm
http://www.staycatholic.com/freemasons.htm
Please read these and examine your conscience afterward. May the Father, Son and Holy Ghost bless you and increase your faith, hope, and love!
11December 29th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Thank you for your response and concern, I know they are sincere. I’ve looked through some of the documentation you’ve provided and will do so more in depth later on. Aside from the Freemasons being a religion all to itself, as I don’t think that question will get resolved. There are several other issues that are inaccurate.
In one document it says that for the Agnostic and deist that Masonry is a substitute for religion. But to be a Mason, one must believe in God. The idea that we have our own God “Great Architect of the Universe” being different than God our Father is incorrect. The following is a prayer for the opening of a Lodge: “Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great Architect of the Universe: the giver of all good gifts and graces: Thou hast promised that where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt be in the midst of them. In Thy name we assemble, most humbly beseeching Thee to bless us in all our undertakings, that we may know and serve Thee aright, and that all our actions may tend to Thy glory and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue; and we beseech Thee, O Lord God, to bless this our present assembling, and to illuminate our minds by the divine precepts of Thy Holy Word, and teach us to walk in the light of Thy countenance; and when the trials of our probationary state are over, be admitted into THE TEMPLE “not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.” Amen. http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/omtx/omtx03.htm Taken from the Texas Monitor. There are other optional prayers that are similar, shorter versions to the one above, but you can see that the prayer indicates the Lord God, the builder of the Universe (putting it another way).
Another of the documents listed American Freemasonry discriminates against African Americans. As this was true, and I’m sure you can find many instances of this today, it is not the policy of the Grand Lodge to discriminate based on Race. On the contrary, it states that it is the internal qualifications that make a man a Mason. One of the things that Masonry (today) has is that it does not discriminate based on Race, Religion, Social Stature, or for that mater Sexual preference. However, when it does exist, it is typically due to the narrow mindedness of indiviuals not the system. Most of the ideas that Freemasons discriminate is based on the fact that there are an inproportionate number of African Americans to Caucasians. This is due in large part to there being an African American Branch of Freemasons, Chartered from the Grand Lodge of England and dates almost as far back as the other lodges considered Caucasian. There have been discussions about mergers, but the resistance has mostly been from the African Americans, and rightly so, not wanting to loose their mark on History with the accomplishments made by their members. We do have several lodges within our system that are completely integrated. As cultures change so will the demographics of these lodges, but even now I have several friends that are members of the Prince Hall lodge.
One point that I realized, IF Freemasons were a religion as is proposed, then would not Lutherans and the Church of England similarly fall into the same mix as being of severe sin. They are not Catholic and I’m sure fell under some similar condemnation when they separated from the Chatholic Church.
I’m not an expert on this issue and would not pretend to be able to debate the mater with a learned person as yourself. (totaly sincere) Yes the church that one belongs to is not important in Masonry, only that they believe in one God. For the Christian that is a Mason, this would be the God the Fater from the Bible. If you continue on to the York Rite, you must be a Christian and believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scottish Rite continues with the non-denominational form.
I will continue to read more indepth the references you had posted with great interest. I will also pray over the issues before me and all Catholics that are under similar circumstances. It was always my hope to learn about the issues and petition the Vatican and the Pope with compassion on the issue, believing that missunderstandings from the past might lead to a more open dialoge, and investigation. It is, I believe to the detriment of the Freemasons of the past and present to disregard the religion issue and keep silent.
12January 11th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Each of you should be more concerned about the”Total Corruption” that has been found, federal laws violated, donors, contributors, mislead and lied to where their
money they contribute actually goes. The New York times has done 2 major stories on this corruption. July 25, 2008 they confirmed that the Shriners
had raised $46 Million dollars and only $2.5 Million went to the Shriners Hospital
and had no comment regarding where the remaining $43.5 Million went.
March 19, 2007 the New York Times had on their front page a story on
the Shriners corruption.
Both Mason and Shriners Top Executives are leaders of both organizations
and they are the ones that Sandy Frost, investigative reporter has exposed
regarding their breaking federal laws, allowing interstate prostitution and their
failures to resign from their positions.
You should not be concerned about Catholics, Religion, Theories until you
start asking questions about MORALS, ETHICS, HONESTY and what
have they done with MILLIONS OF UNACCOUNTABLE DOLLARS THAT THEY
HAVE FAILED TO SEND TO THE SHRINERS HOSPITALS TO TREAT CRIPPLE AND BURNT KIDS!!!!!
13January 12th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I agree with you. Any breaking of federal laws of any kind is against Masonic ethics and there are Laws within the Freemasons to deal with it. Any investigation that turns up issues with breaking of laws and ethics, etc… should be handled in the criminal courts. Once convicted, the Shriner(s)/Masons involved would automatically be expelled for unmasonic conduct. It is against the Masonic Law for a Mason to have a felony and still be a Mason. And if you are expelled of being a Mason, and a Mason is required to be a Shriner, then you would automatically be expelled from all Masonic organizations. I would hope that any inpropriorities would be excercised to the full extent of the law and convictions sought. If they are convicted, they wouldn’t need to resign, they would be removed by Masonic Law. The next step for the investigator should be to locate the state that these members are Masons, and take it to the Grand Lodge of that member. If a conviction stood, and the Shriners did not take action, it would not be unheard of for a Masonic organization to sever ties with another Masonic organization. Texas Masons severed ties to Job’s Daughters last year for failing to comply with our request to have a child protection program in place similar to the Boy Scouts, etc… Even though they quickly put one in place, ties were still severed. Prince Hall Masons in a few states have even severed ties with Shriner organizations, I believe for their changing the Masonic membership requirements.
Any organization will, from time to time have corupt people in positions that can be abused. That goes for all organizations, Freemasons, Catholics, Boy Scouts, United Way, Blood Bank, and Congress.
14January 19th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
[...] “The basis” of Obama’s faith are those “universal truths” he has encountered. There is another quasi-religion that relies on “universal truths” without Christ — read on for more about the Masons. [...]
15February 5th, 2009 at 1:24 am
I was raised a Cathaholic, Baptized, First communion, Confirmed, Alter boy for six years and don’t remember ever missing a mass even on vacations. My parents where CCD teachers, eucharistic ministers, parish council members, and tiethed accordingly, ect.. I lived 9 miles away from a monastery, and 13 miles away from a convent. All the small towns around us highest point was the catholic church. The perfect catholic upbringing!! I am a christian first and a husband, son, brother to my family. I have been a mason for 3 years now and with my up bringing I have never heard or read anything that would change the faith of my upbringing. The masonic teachings for the most part come from the old testament. So if you believe in the old testament which I think most catholics believe in I think there is no problem with the teachings. If you are catholic that doesn’t prescribe to the old testament and only the new you would have faith issues and you should not join. If you understand your faith and also understand masonry you would not see a conflict of interest. If a catholic has a problem with masonry it is because of ignorance. You will not find a mason that has a problem with a religion. If you are a hard core catholic you will have a problem with any other christian or non christian religion and you will not subscribe to anything else. Which basically makes you feel like you have the right to judge people, but i am pretty sure that you have been taught “thou shall not judge”. I know I’ve heard that a few times in my upbringing.
Next time when your in confession with your priest, ask him what happened to all of the people that died before jesus was on this earth and never had the chance to let him in their hearts? I asked my priest when I was 15 years old. I think you might stun him!!!
16February 5th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Jeff E, First a prayer!
May God bless you and your family, and may the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph help lead you out of Masonry.
Jeff, the Masons historically, as well as recently, have been the enemies of the Catholic Church. Read the history of Masons during the French Revolution and the destruction of the Catholic Church in France as well as recent Masonic moves against the Church in Mexico. Read more about it here.
Then read Pope Benedict’s (in his previous role as Cardinal Ratzinger) explicit teaching that Catholics are forbidden from being Masons both here and here.
Masonry denies the sole divinity of Jesus Christ within the Holy Trinity by affirming an ill-defined “Great Architect of the Universe” who takes on various manifestations as the deity in any religion.
Jesus Christ stated in John 14:6 that “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There’s not a lot of wiggle room in that statement. As for the disposition of souls of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc., that is for Jesus Christ to decide, not us. Follow your faith as Christ commanded and worry not about the souls of pagans, other than to witness to them.
Also, why not consider joining the many Catholic organizations who do charitable work? The Knights of Columbus, the St. Vincent de Paul society, the Legion of Mary, etc…
To sum it up, you do not have a problem with this article on Masons. You have a much greater problem with your faith in the commands of Christ and the teaching authority of the Catholic Church.
And if a priest or Catholic spiritual adviser cannot answer a question, then seek out another adviser and research Catholic theology on your own. Scott Hahn is a great Catholic author and theologian who helps answer many questions of disbelief. There are many others like him.
I sincerely pray you see the darkness at the heart of Masonry and return to the commandments of Christ and His Church.
May God bless you and your family, and may He have mercy on all of our souls.
Ben
17February 9th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Ben Fisher,
Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!
I know how the catholic faith feels and what the pope has said. Remember my up bringing. I don’t have a problem with faith in the commands of Christ. Your right on the teaching authority of the catholic church. What it comes down to is that jesus is your lord and savior as is mine! My heart of darkness hopes you and your faith stays strong. I still find it kind of funny that the religions have a problem with masonry when we aren’t a religion. Just because you pray at meetings doesn’t make you a religion. There are no sacraments. If you had been through masonry I’m sure that you would feel different. Your writing eludes that you have read about it but never been through it. I have been through the catholic faith and masonic teachings, I know that you understand the different between faith and teachings. i hope that you and your family keep the faith.
Jeff
18February 10th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I’m encouraged that the discussion is continuing. I thought it had died when the Obama thread appeared. Jeff E. is correct in that Masonry is derived mostly from the Old Testiment. It isn’t until you go into the York Rite that the New Testiment and a belief in Jesus Christ is required. Masonry is one of the first instances of Religious Tolerance, not for its own right as a religion, which it is not, but as a respect for the various religions that may bring those to Masonry. It is the philosophical Similarities that bring people from other religions together. Our local community has a group that regularly meets to discuss Religious matters, not once was anyone from Masonry invited. It would also be illegal for the Master of a lodge to perform a Civil Cerimony of Marriage without being authorized under their own religion. As I stated in a previous thread, in one of our prayers, it list “O God, the Great Architect of the Universe”, is not creating a different God, but acknowloging God as the creator of the universe.
19March 9th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I do not know about any of you, but I was always taught not to argue with the likes of people who do not actually care about the truth. For those who are Freemasons, remember what the tenants say about debating (or whatever semantic word you want to use) with non-Masons. It does not do anyone any good to continuously preach about what Masonry stands for lest you intend to break your obligation. These people here obviously do not care about what Masonry actually is. They care even less about anyone who is against their position. Human beings have this need to defend their beliefs. A good man will do it by action and word. These people only seek to do it by degrading things they have no understanding of. I have never observed an instance where mere word will change a person’s heart (other than a change into anger or some other feeling that is usually short lived). It is dreadfully apparent that the writer of this article and the defenders of the same only care writing to reaffirm some ignorant misconception realized by other ignorant people.
To Curtis: Thank you so much for the information. I have really enjoyed reading the articles you have written here. They were very informative and I would love to find out more about the Allied Masonic Degrees (This is something I have not heard of).
To all free men: My heart tears for your causes, your families and your lives. My brothers we are in a time of great hardship. This era of our lives is fraught economic downturns, deceptive politicians (of all parties and in all countries) and war on all fronts (physical, spiritual and otherwise). Take heed and remember that fortune has brought you to light and God has saved you from the pits of Hell. It does not matter what others think of you, only what you think of yourself. No man will be the cause of your salvation. With that, remember to keep your actions square and turn no man down for charity. There are many people in this world starving for food, water, rest and most of all knowledge. Assert your truthful knowledge and let no man fault you for your good beliefs. Studiati di presentare te stesso approvato davanti a Dio, operaio che non ha da vergognarsi, che esponga rettamente la parola della verità.
To All Others: I will not argue with you as it appears to me that you do not care about any other person’s opinion other than your own. It also appears that, your close-minded nature prevents you from accepting knowledge other that what you already believe to be true. Semantics, my friends will be your downfall (this I am certain). With all of the terrible things going on around this blue ball, one might think that those who are Godly men would stand up united and fight against them. Your beliefs direct you and I congratulate you for them. I love the Knights of Columbus. The groups I have been around in the past have always been very friendly. Here in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA), the Blue Lodge and KoC have bowling competitions to raise money for charity. That, my friends is what needs to go on more. This vehement, ill-attempt at persecution is sad and a complete waste of web-space. I actually feel like less of a human being for spending as much time as I have on this site.
To the writer: I would have cause to call you a Theologaster, but I am not certain you possess the ability to entertain that word in your paramecium sized brain of yours. How dare you waste people’s time with the likes of this poorly written, poorly worded, uneducated drivel. If I had half a mind, I would come find you and educate you through a process known as Shakabuku. I am certain that is the only way to deal with morons like you. Perhaps you should attempt to do some research from actual factual references. In fact, where are your references? I do not see any of them listed. Are you in deed, a plagiarist too? Or perhaps, you are not that intelligent. Perhaps you are merely some jerk off the street who thinks he knows everything about religion and wants to share his stupidity with the world. Well congratulations buddy, you did it. You shared with the world. In fact, now that you have reach me, I get to award you. You get to wear the ass-hat for the day. Congratulations, I usually reserve the ass-hat for people of slightly more intelligence than you, but because I have yet to find someone today, you get it.
[img src="http://soccerlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/asshat.jpg"]
20March 9th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Nate, thank you for your positive comments on things that I have written, but I do think that written debate is important, especially with the internet. The perspective is one of a Catholic being a Mason. This theological conflict between the Catholics have existed for as long as Masonry. One who is not a Catholic can not understand the struggle one has between his faith and what he knows to be a good and just organization, like Masonry. Having both sides play their case out for everyone with Internet access to review, especially Catholics considering Masonry is very important. Like you I don’t understand why, why, why don’t they (other Catholics) understand. It is a dis-service to candidates to not be sensitive to their Religious beliefs, especially if they are Catholics. We as Masons should learn all we can about the issues so we can address questions a Candidate has and allow them to make an “informed” decision. When I answer these comments on the internet, I realize that, just like I did, a search about the topic brought me here for understanding, and that several others will be reading my responses. I know we are not going to change the entire Catholic Faith, but it is my wish to let my feelings known to my Priest, Bishop, Cardinal, and His Holiness the Pope, whom I do respect. If I had become a Catholic first, I might never had come into Masonry, but being a Mason first, gave me the insight to what it is. It was not for years later that I learned of the issues.
Knight Masons and Allied Masonic Degrees or AMD, I’m still new to it. They are by invitation only, and limited to 27 members per council. You can look up on the Internet where one might be located in your area, and if one doesn’t exist, perhaps get information to start one. Like I said they adhere closer to the older degree forms and formalities, some require Tuxedos for the officers, ours just require dark suits. We meet once a quarter. Oh, you must be a York Rite member to even be considered. If your are a York Rite, then you’d know why 27 members.
Remember to be Temperate, Moderate, and sincere. We are all on the same side, they just don’t know it yet. Think of what can be done if we all fought for the same cause with one sword. One of my favorite quotes is from the Texas Monitor, “These generous principles are to extend further; every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. “Do good unto all.” Remember it more “especially to the household of the FAITHFUL.”
21March 9th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Nate, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
I don’t have much time this evening to respond, but just a few points:
1) Catholics are forbidden from becoming Masons. That’s pretty much a settled point in the Church that I’ve documented in both the initial posts and subsequent replies. Read the entire thread if you will. When I warn Catholics about Masonry, it is because they are in disobedience to the Church.
2) Masonry equates the Christian God with the gods of many non-Christian faiths in a sort of ecumenical smorgasbord that is dangerous for a Christian and their souls.
Christ stated unequivocally in John 14:6, that “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
There’s not a lot of wiggle room there for a Christian. Jesus is it. Not Buddha, not Allah, and not a Hindu god.
To equate all gods under a single godhead is, well, pretty much heretical. So when I write to Catholics about Masonry, it is with a sincere belief that they are endangering their souls.
3) In the Christian faith, it matters not how many good works you do, whether under the umbrella of Masonry or Kiwanis or whatever. You must acknowledge the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the Holy Trinity – as the one and only God. Exodus 20:5 is a good example, “For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation.”
This is why many Catholics do believe sincerely that the stain upon a Mason’s soul can inflict punishment throughout generations of descendants.
That said, Catholics do believe in “action as well as word.” You’ll find no greater charity than in the works of the billion Catholics around the world.
4) As for the Masonry warning about debating with others to its members, that is suspiciously familiar of self-reinforcing cult behavior, in that it leads me to believe that Masonry cannot stand the light of day or debate.
Most Catholic (and Christian) apologists would be happy to debate a Mason. So I must ask what is it about Masonry that is so secret, so hard to understand for us mere non-Mason mortals, that Masons who have mastered this secret considered debating the merits of Masonry beneath them, that they need not engage in defending their beliefs? That too, smacks of cultish behavior.
5) And finally, no, I am not a theologian nor pretend to that title. I am merely a Catholic witness for Christ and a Catholic unwilling to watch fellow Catholics (or myself for that matter) fall prey to the deceptions of this world and Satan.
I do thank you though for teaching me a new big word, “Theologaster.”
I’ll return the favor. The paragraph you directed at me is known as an “ad hominem” attack and it is a fallacious way of arguing.
But I think you already knew that.
God bless you and I pray that the light and guidance of Our Lord pierce the darkness surrounding your heart.
May His peace and love be with you always,
Ben
22March 10th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I remember a teacher telling me that the philospher, Hegel, suggests that, when analyzing a position, you should use the terminology and ideas it contains rather than applying another set of terminology or ideas in an attempt to mischaracterize the position. I suppose one could say this is arguing “on the level.” So in addressing some of the issues raised here, I started with the Good Book, and specifically the Gospel.
Regarding the indictment of masonry:
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1
and
“For even the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” John 5:22
I think many folks who are rightly concerned about the loss of religion in today’s culture are too quick to condemn any group that promotes morality without teaching religion. They naturally point the the Gospel quote where Jesus says “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but by Me.” That could well be interpreted to mean that people shouldn’t even approach learning ethics or morality except by looking to the Gospels. But Jesus explicitly warned us against such an interpretation, which has been misused by some in my estimation:
“Do not think that I came to abolish the ??Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, ??until heaven and earth pass away, not ??the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches ??others to do the same, shall be called least ??in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever ??keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-19
Thus, Christians believe that the Jews, despite their rejection of Christ, are promised salvation on account of the Law of the Old Testament.
And according to Jewish Law:
The Seven Laws of Noah, often referred to as the Noahide Laws, are a set of seven moral imperatives that were given by God to Noah as a binding set of laws for all mankind. According to Judaism any non-Jew who lives according to these laws is regarded as a “Righteous Gentile” and is assured of a place in the world to come the Jewish concept of heaven.
Our United States Congress recognized these laws officially:
“Whereas Congress recognizes the historical tradition of ethical values and principles which are the basis of civilized society and upon which our great Nation was founded; Whereas these ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws.”
102nd Congress of the United States of America, March 5, 1991.
Our wonderful country was formed by people who (as Englishmen) were rebels against the political authority of the British King and the Pope at a time when the British Empire or the Catholic Church directly or indirectly ruled many foreign countries and colonies. Our country adopted freedom of religion and separation of church and state in order to allow people to worship as they will and to prevent any one religion from becoming the official state religion. However, I don’t like to see God and religion eradicated from public life, which is what the atheists and propoents of humanism are pushing for. But there is a fine line between the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state, which is a fact lost upon many of the atheists and religious-minded folks. If you take the time to read what many of our founding fathers (many who were Freemasons), like George Washington, had to say about God and religion, I think you would find that they espoused a very good and pious view. But if you are a zealot, and I do not mean that in a necessarily derogatory way, then you may feel it necessary to reject anything and anyone that is not directly involved in evangelical efforts, which would preclude non-religious or non-sectarian groups, like the Masons or the Boy Scouts.
Personally, I was raised Lutheran and married Catholic. I don’t think Lutherans have as much of a fundamental problem with Catholics as Catholics do with Lutherans. But the services are very similiar, and I (showing my Lutheran roots) find it hard to believe that God would be displeased with my attendance at Catholic Mass or membership in a Masonic organization.
In today’s world, I see our biggest problems coming from the atheists who want to eradicate religion, and the radical zealots who want to eradicate everyone not of their religion. The rest of us should stick together.
23March 10th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Earnest, may our Lord’s peace be with you. And thank you for your post, I’m finding the reasoned discourse that this thread is generating to be quite illuminating, if you’ll pardon the pun.
One quick correction on Christian judgment in Matthew 7:1 or John 5:22. Christ warned us not to judge “people,” but there is no such invocation against judging a person’s behavior or competing philosophies. Again, much like the phrase, “Love the sinner but hate the sin” or more pertinent to this thread, “Love (caritas) the man but not the Mason.”
Both of these verses are favorites with Christianaphobes as they try to confuse Christian and non-Christian alike with Christ’s injunction against judging others, in an effort to paint Christians as “judgmental.”
Again, the distinction is an important one. Our Lord has reserved final judgment of the person for Himself, but throughout the Bible God has given Christians very specific guidance on which behaviors are against God’s will and which should be judged accordingly.
Your second biblical reference (Matthew 5:17-19) is also interpreted incorrectly according to Catholic theology. “Until heaven and earth pass away” is interpreted by Catholics as a metaphor for the passing of Christ after His Passion; and not a special dispensation for Jews, which is more of a Protestant idea. (See this New American Bible footnote.)
As to Congress’ recognition of what constitutes salvation, let’s just say I’d prefer to base my behavior on the two-millennial old teachings of my Catholic faith than the short-term constituency pleasing votes by that political beast known as Congress.
As for the American revolt against England having roots in a revolt against the Pope or Catholicism, correct me if I’m wrong, but the Church of England split away from the Roman papacy in the 16th century, not the 18th of the American revolution.
I don’t believe Catholicism had much to do with American colonials’ antipathy towards England, though the Founding Fathers’ dismal view of Catholicism in general is well known . Anti-Catholicism was one basis for the French revolution, most definitely, but not the American.
Again, my primary criticism against Masonry has nothing to do with its philanthropic good works or its admonition of peaceful coexistence between competing faiths.
The criticism is aimed at Masonry teaching Masons that the supreme god of each religion is the same, ie, GAOTU, which is antithetical to Christian/Catholic theology. That, and the historical Masonic aggressive antipathy towards Catholicism.
A good summary of Catholic views towards Masonry can be found at this Catholic Encyclopedia entry, which should demonstrate to most Catholics that the Vatican dictates against Masonry are not personal, but theological.
Yours in Christ, Ben
24March 19th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Not all of Masonry can fall under one person’s opinion, even mine. But there are many that would like to debate, but the problem with your typical Mason debating a Catholic is that the Catholic belief is non-typical of their own Christian faith. This adds to the confusion that non-Catholics face with why Catholics feel the way they do with Masonry. And the fact that Masonry has secrets is a falicy also. Everything about the details of Masonry can be found in the Internet. So why don’t Masons talk about it openly. Frankly, the word Secrets has been interpreted in modern day Masonry as Private. You wouldn’t show me your check stub or check book register, would you? You wouldn’t let me into your house without having a justified reason. These things are Private, as is Masonry is to the Mason. Your average Mason doen’t go out to the Public to “preach” they are reminded by Masonry to live their lives as a just and upright person on public display to everyone. We don’t pretend to be better than the average citizen, only that everyone is capable of being a Mason. We restrict membership to those that already live their lives to be respectible citizens they are expected to maintain. This way we visit, associate, and become friends that share the same views of how we should live our lives, not by what religion, race, or political belief they share. In fact many of these subjects are quickly contained as not being permitted to derate. We do not place all gods under one god, once again, we only respect the other religions. Everyone in our particular Lodge are Christians. If Masonry changed its policy to only allow Catholics, would we be OK with the Church? If a Muslim went to visit a Catholic Church, whould he be shunned as a visitor? I wouldn’t think so, and I wouldn’t think that Catholics would mind if I’m friends with a Muslim or Baptist either. I don’t know everything about Catholisism, or Masonry, but I feel in my heart they are like two good minded families that no longer speak because of something that happened long ago. I know that is putting it super simplified.
25March 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
[...] of the Wicked — If you’ve read our post Masons, Shriners and Jesters – Oh My! from last year, you’ll see the comments debate about Masons and Catholics, with Catholic men [...]
26April 3rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
First, regarding to the GATOU principle, I don’t understand why do you take Charles Manson or a pagan god of the forest as an example of the horrors of a representation of the Lord, if the one addored by the catholic religion has the form of an old human… a human!. Seriously, a divine entity shouldn’t even have a form, because it’s supposed to be way beyond that and I don’t see any mason taking another human as their god, or even worst, stealing old fairy tales from the ancient beliefs (egypcians, buddhist, etc.) and using them for their own characters. Second, on behalf of ALL mexicans, the masons told the priests to go back to their churches because they were obviously trying to influence the little kids at school. Benito Juarez sepparated the church from the State. So actually THAT is the definition of being neutral: to have the entire freedom to choose your religiion or belief when you are old enough to do so, not by receiving the holly water when you don’t have any judgement or the power to make your voice be heard at all! Third (and last issue for today), the Jesters… ahhh… those pedophiles!!! PLEASE! I didn’t hear anything about that, but I wouldn’t be so adventurous to compare an expedition to Brazil that ended in sex with teenagers to the constant accusations against many of the well-known pedophile priests, and let me remark the MANY against the SINGLE expedition. The worst thing is that you base your oppinions on an ex-Jester… If I was an ex-catholic, I would also say stuff like that about catholics. They didn’t pay their taxes? well, the pedophile priests never went to jail, like if they have the right to be treated different.
27April 19th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I love how people always state that only THROUGH Jesus Christ will you find heaven and condem those that don’t accept Jesus as they do. While only through Jesus may you get to heaven is true ( I will go into this in a moment) one of the teachings is that you shall not judge your fellow man. It is not man’s place to determin if another man will stand before the creator or not.
When Jesus spoke of obtaining heaven through me was in the same sense as the math teacher saying that you will only understand algebra if you listen and follow my examples. We have long forgotten the traditions that Jesus and the people of the time were accustomed to. Through me and only me was in the sense that the majority of Jewish authority at the time had made a mockery of the temple and had become power hungry with the false security the Romans had provided. Jesus was trying to show the people that through temple and mitzva could redemption be solved. The people of Isreal failed to listen and their temple lost.
During the Dark Age only figures of money, royalty, or religion had the power over the people. This power was literacy. As these groups strove to keep the people in the ‘dark’ a new society was spreading light in the secrecy of the church. These people would be known later as the masons. Masons, while not being literate people, would build the churches, castles, palaces, and temples of the elite, could slide the educated ‘light’ by using works of their trade to translate what was overheard or tought to them to other members of the craft. Since members of the craft learned through their symbols and word of mouth this is how the information would be transcribed and handed down.
The secret is that there is no secret. We as people are quick with the tounge and first to throw stones with no knowledge. Every man is the same. Birth, childhood, adulthood, death. How a man struggles and copes with his struggles are only his no matter what religion, belief, stature, etc.
Instead of judging reach out a grip in the dark and help your neighbor instead of condeming. Take the need a penny, give a penny tray to another level.
28April 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
The International Bankers on Wall Street control all now since ww1, presscott bush funding Hitler and usa war effort in ww2,play both sides and win in the end….good secular -site is Infowars.com……………..not everything is black and white.
29October 8th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Once again the Anti-Masonic movement quotes rediculous speculation and wild conspiracy theories. It is like arguing with paint. I consider myself a mediocre Catholic, I attend church, I pray, I try my best to Do Unto Others. However, I watch seemingly good Catholics all around me cheat on their spouses, abuse others, lie, cheat etc. Remember that “….Cast the First Stone…” ? Anyways, I am also a Past Master, Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason. I have been active in my local Grand Lodge and met many many good decent Masons. I have studied Masonry from within and without. I consider myself a good mason, and can say without any remorse or even slightest hint of guilt that I have never found anything in the regular Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite or any other appendant body that has conflicted with any religious teaching (by the way I was a Philosophy and Religion BA Major in College – at a Jesuit School no less) I have ever encountered. The exception being the fringe zealots of course. I can find fault with any institution , even the Masons, my own Catholic church in the past has literally murdered millions in the name of holiness and God, my country etc. The fact is each organisation, each Church, each Government is run by and influenced by people good or bad, righteous or flawed, holy or evil. What makes me the most sad is I see the Catholic Church really going through a difficult time now, loss of members (how many ex. Catholics, or perhaps Lapsed catholics do you know), loss of revenue, loss of assets, scandals, competition. Funny how it’s easy for some to blame a old, and somewhat impotent, fraternal organisation whilst the pressures of real dangers loom in to destroy or at least cripple a 1,700 year old insitution. Those real dangers being the rise of a hostile popular culture (ask yourself how unpopular it is to be a Christian these days or even to profess a faith in God) a hostile Governmental enviroment (legislation, legal precidents) and a growing special interest segment that would like to see all religion and “religious” groups removed from all public reference. How do you think it will feel to have to pray in the confines of your own home or perhaps meet in a basement somewhere?
30October 9th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I happen to be a free mason and i can say you idiots don’t know what your talking about. What you don’t know you make up. Ask a jewish mason what he thinks about jesus. Get a life!