Submitted by Terence Blackett
“A Personal Christian View Regarding Freemasonry”
The deepest secret is that life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation. You are not discovering yourself, but creating yourself anew. Seek, therefore, not to find out Who You Are, seek to determine Who You Want to Become.
– Ancient Script
I believe many Freemasons are deceived. This path for many is a way into secret societies where initiation, rites and ceremonies brings with it social prestige and standing amongst your peers and contemporaries. However, the question must be asked, what is Freemasonry? What are their beliefs? Are those beliefs compatible with our Christian ethos and values? And can we continue to turn a blind eye to what could be a fatal flaw of judgment?
As a former British colony and protectorate, Barbados came under Masonic influence in 1740 when the Provincial Grand Lodge of Barbados was founded in that same year. So for almost 270 years Freemasonry has been embedded on our shores as a rite of passage for the upwardly mobile in our small society.
In the book ‘The Illustrious Manly P. Hall’ probably ‘Masonry’s Greatest Philosopher’, says that “the world is a far better place because of Manly Palmer Hall, and we are better persons for having known him and his work”. The said Manly P. Hall states that, “Freemasonry is a fraternity within a fraternity…an outer organization concealing an inner brotherhood of the elect” …
What do these statements mean in context?
Let us turn to the definitive Masonic author, writing in the book, “Morals and Dogma”, which is the training manual for each of the 33 degrees of Freemasonry. This is the man to who much praise and adulation has been given by subsequent Masonic authors. His name is Albert Pike. He is the man whose large statute graces the Masonic Temple in Washington, D.C.; Pike is the man lauded by Kessinger Occult & Freemason Publisher as saying, “if you want to understand Freemasonry, you must understand Albert Pike”.
Many well-meaning men are members of this visible freemasonry society with no knowledge whatsoever of the inner workings of the invisible society. In fact, Albert Pike had some things to say about the brethren in the visible society. This is what he says: “Masonry, like all the Religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism, and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be mislead; to conceal the Truth, which it calls light, and draw them away from it.” [Morals and Dogma, p. 104-5, 3rd Degree]
Did you hear these key words from Albert Pike? Masonry is a religion after all, after the order of the Satanic Mysteries, the equally Satanic Hermetic Philosophy, and Alchemy! Masonry conceals its secrets from the brethren in the outer visible society, no matter their rank; only the Elect in the inner invisible society ever know the truth. The poor brethren in the visible society are spoon-fed “false explanations and misinterpretations” of its symbols”; and for what reason? So that those poor guys in the visible society “deserve only to be mislead”.
Pike then completes his instructions to intentionally mislead those members of the visible society, by saying: “So Masonry jealously conceals its secrets and intentionally leads conceited interpreters astray.” [Ibid. p. 105]
If a man were known to revere Jesus Christ in the beginning of his membership within Masonry, he would be immediately shunted into the visible society, and would never, ever learn the truth. You would never be considered an Adept, or a Sage, or one of the Elect, for those terms are reserved for the members of the “invisible society”. You would be one of those who were deliberately lied to about the doctrines of Masonry, and given deliberate misinterpretations of its symbols, so that you would merely THINK you knew the truth.
Members of the visible society are referred to as the ‘masses’, and you do comprise 95% of all Masons. Listen to what Pike says about telling the truth of the organization to the ‘masses’: “A Spirit”, he said, “that loves wisdom and contemplates the Truth close at hand, is forced to disguise it, to induce the multitudes [that is you] to accept it … Fictions are necessary to the people, and the “Truth” becomes deadly to those who are not strong enough to contemplate it in all its brilliance.” [Morals and Dogma, p. 103, 3rd Degree; (Emphasis supplied are mine)]
If a person is not capable of accepting the Truth that inner-core, invisible Freemasonry really worships and serves Satan, and then such truth would become “deadly” to you. Therefore, “fictions are necessary” so visible Masons would not be so devastated that they would leave Freemasonry and expose its inner secrets.
A book written ten years ago also speaks of these two organizations. David Ovason, a noted astrologer, has written a book published in 1999, entitled, “The Secret Architecture of our Nation’s Capital: The Masons and the Building of Washington, D.C”, and New Age author, Bill Cooper book “Behold A Pale Horse”.
So let us hear what Albert Pike says about Freemasonry and also what he says about Christianity. Albert Pike states that “the Apocalypse is, to those who receive the 19th Degree, the Apotheosis of that Sublime Faith which aspires to God alone, and despises all the pomps and works of Lucifer.”
In other words, “that mean old dirty God, the equal but opposite of Satan, despises all the pomps and works of Lucifer”. On page 567 of Morals and Dogma, Pike states that, while Satan created this world, the soul of man emanated from God, thus setting up a very long conflict between God and Satan.
Then, Pike launches into a defiant and glorious defense of Lucifer, by saying: “Lucifer, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light and with its splendors intolerable, blinds feeble, sensual or selfish souls? Doubt it not! For traditions are full of Divine Revelations and Inspirations: and Inspiration is not of one Age or of one Creed. Plato and Philo also, were inspired.” [Morals and Dogma, p. 321; Lucifer similarly glorified on page 567]
Right here, Masonry is proven to be NON-Christian, as Jesus said so emphatically: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” [John 14:6] You cannot believe other religions are as valid as Christianity based on this statement of fact and still think you are a Christian; on the other hand, you can certainly “think” you are a Christian, but whether you get into Heaven depends upon whether the Lord Jesus Christ recognizes you as His own. Either way, Jesus’ words are either the Ultimate Truth or the ultimate lie – we must choose!
In the Bible, the Word of God tells us in 2 John 1:7 that “many deceivers (false prophets) are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (KJV)
Whatever our belief structure on this matter – one thing is indivisibly clear and that is – Freemasonry and “Biblical Christianity” are wholly synergistically opposed to one another both in terms of aporia, or apophthegm, and in sententious utterance.
We must choose where we want to stand!!!
109 responses to “Why A Temple On The Hill Of St. George: “Masons” – Friends Or Foes? – Part I”
TB I am still waiting for you prove your assumptions about the Lodge. You have cited numerous books and authors but you have not to my mind made the case that the many legends and allegories to be found in Freemasonary are as you say they are.
Adrian Hinds,
If you want proof, all you have to do is to read a couple of the books TB has cited.
And, there are plenty more out there.
It is not for me to prove TB assertions. The Brotherhood is over 1000 years old and has seen many changes, through the various ages and periods. I do not know if TB wants me to believe that the Freemasonry was as he describes it, from its inception, or became such along the way. He has not told us about its origin, what occurred during the Renaissance, age of Enlightenment, the various splits, the various legends, learning from Egyptians, learning from the Greeks, or Masonic Architecture and the symbolism thereof. What he seems to focus on is suggestion that it is a religion, one devoted to the worship of Lucifer.
Many brother do not make it past 3rd degree. A third degree tracing board would contain a depiction of coffin, skull and crossbones.
For Anti – Masonic Polemicist, the presence of a coffin and skull in the symbolist pantheon more than justifies the claim that freemasonry is ungodly and even satanic in inspiration, having its roots in paganism and the occult. Why they ask, should Masons utilize a symbol whose classic meaning, as in the case of a skull and crossbones, is death poison or danger? Why would they need a symbol of mortality? such views, however, are based on a fundamental misinterpretation of what Freemasonry is and what the meaning and purpose of its rituals actually are.
Freemasonry is not a religion and promotes no doctrine or dogma as anti-Masonic polemicists would have people believe. The ” search for light” is a reference to the Mason’ continued quest for knowledge rather than salvation. Though the Craft promotes the hope of resurrection, it does not teach such a belief.
The ritual governing admission to the Third Degree — this is where the Coffin and Skull appear — includes references o the ” immortality of the soul”, but this is merely a poetical allusion. If anything, Freemasonry teaches that death is a “mysterious veil that the eye of human reason cannot penetrate” and supports the hope, not the promise, of resurrection.
The Freemasons page 70-71 Jeremy Harwood.
I will leave TB or any other to tell us when the Coffin and Skull first appeared in the craft.
..So what are you suggesting Adrian? that this is simply a ‘feel good’ social club that lasted over a millennium?
…Do you think that the average church goer knows any more about the REAL origin of Christianity than you do about Freemasonry ?
…this does not detract from the real actual basis for both organizations.
@ Zoe
“Freemasonary is a charitable, benevolent, educational and RELIGIOUS society…”
RELIGIOUS and RELIGION come from the same root, but that does not make them the same thing. Of course Masonry is a RELIGIOUS society… in fact it is a MULTI-RELIGIOUS society, as it requires its members to believe in God and an immortal soul. So one would reasonably expect many of its members to come from diverse religions. Does that make it a RELIGION? No, because as you yourself go on to say, it does not attempt to prescribe a path to salvation.
I am a Christian, but I disagree with you and GP on several issues. For example…
I think your preoccupation with the eschaton is unhealthy.
I am not afraid to admit that the Bible’s authors used allegory and symbolism, drawn in many instances from their limited astronomical knowledge, to teach life’s most important lesson.
I don’t feel compelled to pit religion against science… or faith against works… or religion against masonry… they serve different purposes.
I learnt at an early age that whatever knowledge the authors of the Bible may have had, “it was not the intention of the Spirit of God, who spoke through them, to teach men anything that would not be of use to them for their salvation.”… it is therefore silly to use the Bible as the basis for opposing sound scientific theories like evolution.
Man BT… you really disappoint me. You could really see MME leaving home in the dark of night in a lambskin or pretty apron to lime with uh crowd ah men conducting silly rituals? ROFL
Freemasonry is rife in the caribbean
and indian sub-continent. Judges abuse their position and will tie up
people in courts for years over allegations of petty matters such as use
of weed etc. Parallel Governments run a
hidden agenda outside their manifesto and act as recruiters to positions of
powers, setting up a control grid,
resulting in social control,
manipulation, deceit, fraud, abuse of
public funds, obsessive control, secrecy
and meaningless banal statements.
We know former Prime Minister Arthur is a lodgeman, what about the current PM? If our Prime Ministers aspire to this exclusive club which is shrouded in mystery and dogma what bodes the future?
Part II will be updated tonight.
Bush Tea // September 21, 2009 at 11:04 PM
..So what are you suggesting Adrian? that this is simply a ‘feel good’ social club that lasted over a millennium?
…Do you think that the average church goer knows any more about the REAL origin of Christianity than you do about Freemasonry ?
…this does not detract from the real actual basis for both organizations
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If I understand the arguments presentented by TB and David they seem to suggest that Freemasonry is devil worship in disguise as a religion competing with Christianity. I am simply putting my experience and limited knowledge up against these contentions. If as they say, those in the lower degrees are not told the truth what would be the point of the lie? To increase their numbers for some dastardly deal? It makes no sense, since many persons join the Lodge not to seek enlightenment but get something tangible out of it. Whats in it for them they seem to ask and not what can they do.
I’ve always had a phobia about ‘Lodges’.
Then again, I have one for frogs n lizards too.
Might be ignorance on my part or lack of info thereof.
….also David and Bust Tea seems to suggest that it uses positions and powers of the state, as patronage amongst its members. This I agree with and have no argument against. The truth is, this is very evident in the UK and to a lesser extent in Barbados. But I would ask this, as to regards the “dishing” out of goods, and services of the State as favours and patronage amongst members, how does this differ from a political party? How does it differ from the institution of parliament where the leader is chosen from amongst his equals, and it is understood and establish that the Leader (Prime Minister) is expected to use patronage to maintain his hold on power?
@MME, Claims that Freemasonary is not a religion, but religious, splitting hears over the so-called difference between these two words; nonsense, for what other organization or club, requires its candidate into ‘initiation, to kneel at an Altar, and repeat after The Worshipful Master the following solmn obligation:
“I, A.B, in the presence of The Great Architect Of The Universe, and in the body of this Chartered and Right Worshipful Lodge, of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons regularly assembled and properly constituted, of my own free will and accord, do hereby, and hereon solemnly SWEAR that I will always hele, conceal, and NEVER reveal any of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to Ancient Freemasonary…To all the points I solmnly swear fidelity, without evasion, equivocation, or any mental reservation whatsoever, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any of them, than that of having MY THROAT CUT ACROSS, MY TONGUE TORN OUT BY THE ROOTS, AND MY BODY BURIED IN THE ROUGH SANDS OF THE SEA AT LOW WATER MARK, WHERE THE TIDE EBBS AND FLOWS TWICE IN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS; or the equally effective punishment of being branded as a wilfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth, and unfit to be received into this or any other Lodge, or any society of men who prize honour and virtue above the merely external advantages of rank and fortune. SO HELP ME THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE, and keep me steadfast in this the solmn obligation of an Enter Appretice Freemason.”
Now, the obligations for the Second or Fellow Craft Degree, and the Third or Master Mason Degree, are even more terrible and utterly repugnant, bearing in mind that the candidate did NOT have a clue prior to his initiation, that he would be required to swear to such an utterly Un-Godly obligation.
Because Freemasonary encompass ALL religions, with no specific dogma, does NOT mean, it is not a religion in the technical sense of the term, BUT, it does most certainly teach and exhort, the further up one goes in the degree ranking, the Ancient Mysteries of ALL pagan religions, whose ‘Father’ is none other than SATAN himself, cleaverly presented as the ‘All Seeing Eye’ right there at the Top of the grand Chair where the presiding Worshipfull Master sits.
@Bush Tea
“Man MME, I see that the men pull you out of hiding and administer some stiff licks …. looks like you have the keys to the place in St George LOL…”
Hey Bush Tea, out of all the comments so far – I had to share your comments with some of my nearest and dearest…
After inhaling down-filled duck feathers all nite* – I was ready for a good ‘ole fashion, hut-ma-belly kinda’ laugh today….And sure enough, you took a SERIOUS*, point-of-fact discussion and peppered it with some much needed humor…
TOUCHé buddy****
would you kill a family member to join
a sect?
@ZOE
Thanks for shining some “LIGHT” here…
I appreciate it so much!!!
God bless you and your firebrand efforts…
Rev. 3:15 – ” I wish you were ‘HOT’ or cold…”
You sure are hot stuff…
Good golly…
David wrote “We know former Prime Minister Arthur is a lodgeman”
If the lodges are as powerful as some would have us believe, how come Arthur is former???
Perhaps because much of the power still rests with the people?
MME
Surely you jest.
Re I think your preoccupation with the eschaton is unhealthy.
A large % of the Bible deals with the eschaton. Some like Evans suggest that one in every 7 verses in the Bible deals with Eschatology.
Re I am not afraid to admit that the Bible’s authors used allegory and symbolism. In fact in my posts on this blog on Hermeneutics, I specifically noted that there are a few places where allegory is used . eg in Galatians, Hosea Isaiah & Ezekiel.
I also spoke of symbolism. Are you trying to teach an old dog new tricks? Or tell us that you have learned something new.
I don’t know anything about Lodges or Masons, and you will note that I have said nothing about this issue. Since Zoe was deeply involved in Masonry, before he was converted, he can speak about what he knows.
Re faith and works. Again you have not followed my posts on this area. All well taught believers know that faith is manifested by works, as clearly taught by James when he addresses the FRUIT of faith, with reference to Rahab and Abraham in James 2. Paul of course stressed the ROOT of faith.
And the fruit always comes after the root systems are established.
I don’t feel compelled to pit religion against science… either but I am willing to defend my position, for there is no sound scientific basis for the theory of evolution. There is no evidence to support it from the fossil record, and my deep understanding of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology constrains me to hold my position.
And anyway any organization that excludes half the population (women) can only be half as good as it might otherwise be.
It is not a religion, but it must be so for you to have a viable point. Your whole argument seems to rely on what it is not.
Freemansonry was practice in non-christian countries, and what ever the appropiate volume of Sacred Law there, it replaced the Bible.
To an outsider, the seemingly gruesome oaths Freemasons have to swear to protect their secrets are off-putting at best and irreligious at worst. This is simply not the case. The obligations contained in such oaths – notably those dispensed during the admission ceremonies to the Three Degrees – have always been strictly allegorical in character. In reality, the only penalties that can be imposed on a Mason by his fellows are those of reprimand, suspension or expulsion.
Here again, in a society that feared such mythical entities such as the “heartman” and the “Steal Donkey” why should such oath not be as well?
Should I expect prove that a person admitted to membership in a modern “acceptance” speculative Masonry lodge, and who broke the allegorical oaths were actually (as in real life) dealth with in accordance to its stated words?
Anonymous // September 22, 2009 at 10:16 AM
And anyway any organization that excludes half the population (women) can only be half as good as it might otherwise be.
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The French admitted Atheist and women, which led to a breakup of the union between English and American Lodges.
I think they were female members of the Mechanics in Barbados. I’ll have to check on that.
Anonymous // September 22, 2009 at 10:16 AM
And anyway any organization that excludes half the population (women) can only be half as good as it might otherwise be.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
…… wisest words spoken, but I would add that its alot greater than half!!.
Even a 32nd degree grand master has to get an exit visa from the little lady in order to attend and preside over his Lodge.
…. are all the female judges and lawyers members of the Lodge?
http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/video_todayfeaturedvideo.php?blockbustermovieclip=pdGrZUnjPbU—-%22The_Female_of_the_Species%22_by_Rudyard_Kipling_(poetry_reading)_featured_hollywood_blockbuster_video.html
“So it comes that Man, the coward, when he gathers to confer
With his fellow-braves in council, dare not leave a place for her
Where, at war with Life and Conscience, he uplifts his erring hands
To some God of Abstract Justice — which no woman understands.”
I have come to the conclusion that most of the contributions are from males.
The debate on race is also characterised by contributions from males.
We know that by definition secret societies only divulge a part of themselves to the unititiated. So, it is always a matter of concern how much that affects a larger group is not divulged and may actually be harmful to those who remain not in the known.
Knowing that a politician even a PM belongs to a secret society cannot ever be a comfort. If, as happens in many societies, the secret societies are male-dominated, democracy faces some huge challenges as women gain power. Behind men who are not in power stand secret societies which could undermine the legitimate power structures.
The same applies to what some call ‘alternative lifestyles’ and it is always interesting how the distinctions are drawn between memberships of certain kinds of groups and others. Oaths and rituals are not always necessary to bind people together.
None of this should be taken as in principle criticism of any secret society. It’s part of freedom to associate, some would argue. But, if you want transparency in affairs how can that be compatible with important standing for secret societies?
s/b ‘…that WHICH affects a larger…’
@John: ‘The debate on race is also characterised by contributions from males.’ If this is so, and it’s interesting how you come to that conclusion, is it because the females are being kept out or choosing to stay out?
I’m intrigued by the notion of a male and female ‘voice’ in writing. Not sure if you know of Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin/Baroness Dudevant, aka George Sand, in most of HER writings.
The Prime Minister holds more secrets of the State than he does of a Lodge. We also know that the PM only tells the public part of what government is doing. There is a reason and rational for the official secrets act, although it is invoke willy nilly.
Secrets of a Freemasons Lodge had more importants when it was largely an “Operative” organization, and secrets of the craft (masonry) was a marketable thing. Mason were usually free to travel due to their skill at a time when such travel was restricted for other serfs.
In todays speculative Freemasonry such secrets are purely ceremonial and is even more allegorical than in the past.
In my opinion, the greatest single failure of American education is that students come away unable to distinguish between a symbol and the thing the symbol stands for. Paul Lutus
whose ‘Father’ is none other than SATAN himself, cleaverly presented as the ‘All Seeing Eye’ right there at the Top of the grand Chair where the presiding Worshipfull Master sits.
————————————————-
How could the All seeing Eye be that Lucifer if in my mind and with my heart and hands I see, believe and act that it is the Eye of our All knowing, all seeing and living God? What can distinquish in my heart and intent that it is not the Eye of God?
…..During the height of the influx of immigrant into Barbados and into the construction sector, were they not stories of Barbadian Mason (real ones) not able to find work or that were replace by these immigrants? If this were true would it not make sense for them to form a guild amongst themselves were by they can manage their craft and protect their interest? Maybe there is an opportunity for the return to an Operative Freemason lodge. lol!
Rickey George // September 22, 2009 at 11:12 AM
@John: ‘The debate on race is also characterised by contributions from males.’ If this is so, and it’s interesting how you come to that conclusion, is it because the females are being kept out or choosing to stay out?
++++++++++++++++++++++
This is how I come to the conclusion. It is simple, perhaps too simple.
The arguments I see written on the race issue I associate with male voices.
It is difficult for me to think of many, perhaps any, females I have spoken with or heard who have articulated the arguments I tried to counter.
Maybe they exist but I haven’t met or heard them before.
I think it is because history will show that women fought and overcame real definite gender oppression,
… like South Africans fought and overcame a real and definite Apartheid system.
I am not familiar with Baroness Dudevant’s writings although I would guess she was a woman writing as a man.
Sometimes men write as women too!!
http://www.irosf.com/q/zine/article/10049
Google men who write as women.
Jesus Christ John how rude can you be? Can you take your race talk to the appropiate article. Learn some manners please.
Here look. BFP has a article about the “Greatest Human being” the person color and gender is highly mention. Go over there and deal with that.
@ADRIAN HINDS
The resurrection of the first undocumented Grand Lodge of England which was formed in 926 A.D., at York under King Athlestan.
This is crucial to our understanding behind the mythology behind FREEMASONRY – but more so to clear the smog out of the minds of many of my brothers who are still “CLUELESS” as to their history…
But permit me with all due to respect to plaster the walls of denial with a portion of “tempered mortar” from the historical record…
The theories of FREEMASONRY* include some of the following:
1. Real and actual death of Hiram Abiff.
2. Legend of Isis and Osiris.
3. Allegory of setting sun.
4. Death of Abel at hand of Cain.
5. Expulsion of Adam from Paradise.
6. Entry of Noah into Ark. (Freemason’s Magazine.)
7. Mourning of Joseph for Jacob.
8. An astronomical problem.
9. Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
10. Violent death of King Charles I. (Oliver.)
11. Persecution of the Templars. (De Quincey.)
12. Political invention by Cromwell.
13. A parable of old age and death.
14. A drama of regeneration. (Hutchinson.)
All Masonic ritual makes use of the architectural symbolism of the tools of the medieval operative stonemason… using metaphors of operative stonemasons’ tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon’s Temple, to convey what has been described by both Masons and critics as “a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”- (Hermann Gruber 1910)
“Every lodge is a Temple, and as a whole, and in its details symbolic… A ‘lodge’ is defined to be ‘an assemblage of Freemasons, duly congregated, having the sacred writings, square, and compass, and a charter, or warrant of constitution, authorizing them to work’”… (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1917 ed., p. 7).
EVERY* Mason is sworn to secrecy through oaths throughout the 33 degrees process initiation…
The “god” of Freemasonry is represented by what they call, the “Lost Word.” In their “secret” writings it often appears like this — T. G. A. O. T. U. which stands for “The Great Architect of the Universe.”
But what is the name of this “god”?
It is stated that Freemasonry uses three names together as a single name “JAOBULON”…
According to David A. Shugarts in his eye-opening book – “Secrets of the Widow’s Son”, he argues that:
“If there were ‘one group’ that could be pulling all the strings, it would be the Illuminati…. If you start at the Illuminati, you can work backwards in history to get to the (Freemasons), the Rosicrucians, the Knights Templar, the “Priory of Sion” the Holy Grail and the conspiracy of the Catholic Church to suppress it, the Apocrypha, the artwork of Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, the sculpture of Bernini, the architecture of Raphael, the science of Galileo, ciphers and codes, and a cryptex of …links to our Founding Fathers, to presidencies throughout American history, to the Mormon Church, to the legend of Thomas Beale’s treasure, to the Knights of the Golden Circle, to the Ku Klux Klan, and to Jesse James. Although no list will ever be complete — and how would you know whether it were ever complete? — it also could include Hitler, the Trilateral Commission, the Federal Reserve, the Wiccans and modern Druids, Skull & Bones, the CIA, British Intel and the KGB, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the International Monetary Fund….Everything is so interconnected that almost any clue by itself could lead you on a frantic scurry through the tunnels and wormholes of history…”
So Adrian, there’s too much gravity here to catch a falling apple!!!
Adrian,
Yes, there are women in the Mechanics but they’re like my grandmother teet, few n far between .
Terence MB,
I watching you closely wid all de accolades, hear. I in sayin nutton. But I does lick my men. You ga long.
….but what portion of the historical record is FACT, what part is LEGEND, what part is allegorical?
What does the above prove????
http://www.womenfreemasonsusa.com/history.html
Can a Returnee join in this discussion?!!
However, the question must be asked, what is Freemasonry? What are their beliefs? Are those beliefs compatible with our Christian ethos and values? And can we continue to turn a blind eye to what could be a fatal flaw of judgment?
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What are Christian ethos and values?and what are Freemason ethos and values?
You have not answered these two questions. So far all you have done is attempt to define Freemasonry as devil worship, as something incompatible with christianity.
While I do not seek to persuade you away from your view. I seek to lend to the debate my experience as a person who joined Freemasonry not out of the perceived prestige, and influence to be attained, but out of curiosity and to take advantage of any enligthenment contain therein. That I am no longer an active member could point to my experience with the latter. If I were there to learn the real craft of masonry and it was an operative Lodge then I might have found it useful. Todays speculative Lodges are about presitge, influence, and patronage. They are NO more evil or dangerous than the church, or any other institution membered by men.
You are proposing that there are differences where no one is saying that there are the same. You are saying that there are incompatible when my experience demonstrates this to be far from true.
If evilness can be attributed to Speculative Freemasonry via it’s allegorical rituals so to can evilness be attributed to Christianity via misinterpretations of the written word as acted out for centuries.
What is the article really about?
BTW: I never saw the word or acronym JAOBULON in any of my monitors. A little research shows that it was specific to the “Royal Arch” Masonry which practice the York rights. Even Mr. Pike who you reference is said to have declare on first hearing the word that it seems to be a mongrel word.
reluctently from Wikipedia:
The administration of the Royal Arch is entirely separate from the administration of Craft Freemasonry. Most importantly, every Masonic organization is sovereign only in its own jurisdiction, and has no authority in any other jurisdiction. This means that there is no standardization whatsoever with regards to words, signs, grips, or any other Masonic “secrets
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Freemasonry was traditionally two degrees, and third one was added followed by the Royal arch degree, the process ends there. However, Any Mastor Mason (someone who has been initiated into the third degree) is eligible to join the York Rite, which has nine further degrees, or the Scottish rige (up to 32 Degrees). The Mechanics that I was affiliated with practice the Scottish rite.
@ ADRIAN HINDS
“The Mechanics that I was affiliated with practice the Scottish rite…”
Now for some intellectual honesty here –
“ARE YOU STILL A MASON?”
“WHY ARE YOU WORKING SO HARD IN DEFENSE OF A SYSTEM FOR WHICH YOU ARE NO LONGER AFFILIATED TO?”
Genuine questions – you think?
I will also attempt to answer your questions later or maybe others here can weigh in on the discourse…
@ BONNY PEPPA
“I watching you closely wid all de accolades, hear. I in sayin nutton. But I does lick my men. You ga long….”
ohhhhhhhhh sweetie, so good to have u back…
Really missed you….
Listen baby girl …. I never had a lickin’ from any woman including ma’ mudder (well she was in England anyway) so it would be good FUN* coming from you –
But ya gotta’ promise to wear leather like cat-woman and carry a whip…. (LOL)
@ BIMBRO
“Can a Returnee join in this discussion?!!!”
WELCOME BACK BRUV*…
Good to have you on board – know u will lighten the mood fa’ sure…
So in the end who cares who belongs to which lodge, which church, which source of illumination. One myth is pretty much the same as any other myth, i.e. it’s just a myth. The worry is not whether Freemasons are Christians, or Christians Freemasons, i.e. believers in one another’s myths. What is at stake is the need to bring public/governmental actions into the open to ensure free and open competition for jobs, positions, and influence on the basis of merit as opposed to membership in any particular body of myth, whether that body be Church, Freemasonry, Elks, Rotary, or whatever.
Terence MB,
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,
Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,
sounds intriguingggggggggggggg,
(whisperinggggggggggg, softlyyyyyyyy)
@John, thanks for the link to gender aspects of writing. I’m leery of drawing conclusions from the words that appear as styles can be learned and copied. But, it’s a fascinating topic.
Terence M. Blackett // September 22, 2009 at 2:05 PM
@ ADRIAN HINDS
“The Mechanics that I was affiliated with practice the Scottish rite…”
Now for some intellectual honesty here –
“ARE YOU STILL A MASON?”
“WHY ARE YOU WORKING SO HARD IN DEFENSE OF A SYSTEM FOR WHICH YOU ARE NO LONGER AFFILIATED TO?”
Genuine questions – you think?
I will also attempt to answer your questions later or maybe others here can weigh in on the discourse…
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Not a difficult task at all, and it is all an exercise to learn, and to test my understanding of a “thing” against the understanding of others, on the same “thing”
No defense on my part, as I do not think Freemasonry needs it. Whatever the reasons for seeking membership, the fraternity is alive and well, and growing.
Now I wasn’t even tempted to ask you what affiliation if any you have had in the practice of freemasonry, and at what level, be it the level of those are, according to you, “fooled” or the level of those who fool the fools; and I will not speculate as to why you feel the need to ask me your “genuine questions” to which I am sure my answer did not suffice.
Thewhiterabbit // September 22, 2009 at 2:33 PM
So in the end who cares who belongs to which lodge, which church, which source of illumination. One myth is pretty much the same as any other myth, i.e. it’s just a myth. The worry is not whether Freemasons are Christians, or Christians Freemasons, i.e. believers in one another’s myths. What is at stake is the need to bring public/governmental actions into the open to ensure free and open competition for jobs, positions, and influence on the basis of merit as opposed to membership in any particular body of myth, whether that body be Church, Freemasonry, Elks, Rotary, or whatever.
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Indeed, and We don’t have to invent the wheel in this regard. Integrity legislation, Freedom of Information, and legislation to make it a requirement to declare your membership to the fraternity or to all friendly societies, if it is proven to be a problem with favour swapping. It could even be incorporated into the Integrity legislation.
How the UK attempted to deal with it.
Since 1997, several members of the British Government have attempted to pass laws requiring Freemasons who join the police or judiciary[34] to declare their membership publicly to the government amid accusations of Freemasons performing acts of mutual advancement and favour-swapping. This movement was initially led by Jack Straw, Home Secretary from 1997 until 2001.[34] In 1999, the Welsh Assembly became the only body in the United Kingdom to place a legal requirement on membership declaration for Freemasons.[35] Currently, existing members of the police and judiciary in England are asked to voluntarily admit to being Freemasons.[36] However, all first time successful judiciary candidates “must declare their freemasonry status” before appointment.[36] Conversely, new members of the police are not required to declare their status.[36]
Oh BTW TB since you seem to have missed it. I am no longer a member of any Lodge, and have no yearning to join one. In fact I refused an offer to join a presitigous Lodge in the USA.
Laaaaaadddddddddddddddddd!!
Terence!! Tanks u bro!! Lord!! An yuh know it could do wid some lightening fuh sure!!
Anyhow, I’m not actually very knowledgable of this particular subject and so I’ll rely on my esteemed Bajan bros an sisters to educate me, boa!!
Lord a mercy!!
Except to say I don’t feel the need for a crutch (Freemasonry) and feel somewhat sad and resentful, of those who do!!
Up until quite recently in Barbados when I was involved, one could not hold certain offices in this country unless one was involved in a reputable faternity and move to the East
I am a bit disappointed at this discussion. There is a lot speculation and misinformation being presented above. I am sure other masons are reading and surely feel the same. Most people join masonry for the camraderie and fellowship that it can offer. Sure, some join because they think that it will make them “upwardly mobile” but they usually do not last very long in the Fraternity since that guise for “joining up” soon falls through when that does not happen. I think that when it comes to joining an organization for the purpose of personal advancement, one must remember that this is not a trend that is restricted to Masonry but indeed can be seen in the membership of organisations such as the Lions, Kiwanis, Optimists and others where persons join up make it to the position of President (or whatever title is given) and then disappear. Usually after they have had their publicity and made all of the networking connections that the could have made. What many people do not realise is that Masonry by it few tenets and principles teaches it members to be charitable to all men and causes. Such is evident by the many (unpublicised) charitable donations to the needy and destitute of our society.
I have written quite a bit but would encourage the discussion to be fair and not speculative.
Perhaps some of you should try to approach persons you know who “frequent” the buildings at Salters and Graeme Hall to have a tour of the facilty. I am sure that you will find that there are no secrets in that regard.
@GP
I must say that I am surprised and disappointed to hear that you have so little to contribute to this topic.
Does not your bible describe a situation developing near to the end of this life phase, where a counter – faith would develop that would be so attractive, powerful and prestigious that ‘if it were possible’ even the very elect would be deceived…?
Do you understand the extent to which a special sign or a symbol can open doors for the initiated? ….and make life miserable for the uninitiated? (..why do you REALLY think you had to leave Barbados? – your handshake is invalid- ask MME!!… LOL).
Do you really think that your much heralded “anti-christ” will just turn up next year and build a global following in two months? or is it more likely that this will be the culmination of a 1000 year old building process?
Do you doubt the existence and sinister power of the Illuminati?
…man GP, I think that we need you and MME now more than ever… although Terrance appears to be doing a masterful job on his own….
@GP
“A large % of the Bible deals with the eschaton. Some like Evans suggest that one in every 7 verses in the Bible deals with Eschatology.”
1 out of 7 GP? 14%? LOL
I would never have guessed.
Like I said, I think your obsession with the eschaton is unhealthy. These are some of the dangers as I see it… maybe none apply to you, but I’ll mention them nonetheless:
– Apathy toward long term planning and social activism
– Tendency to take a defeatist or escapist approach to the world’s problems… i.e. resigning to fate
– Letting your zeal for ‘prophetic fullfillment’ cloud your ethical judgment and response to world events e.g. Israeli-Palestine conflict,
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“Re I am not afraid to admit that the Bible’s authors used allegory and symbolism.”
You aren’t? OK, lets start at the beginning. Do you believe that God created the earth in 6 literal days less than 10,000 years ago?
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“I specifically noted that there are a few places where allegory is used . eg in Galatians, Hosea Isaiah & Ezekiel.”
A ‘few’ places? LOL… allegory is used to a far greater degree than I think you are willing to accept. Indeed, even the eschaton to which you often refer, is more often than not described through the use of allegory and symbolism.
Micro Mock Engineer // September 21, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Man BT… you really disappoint me. You could really see MME leaving home in the dark of night in a lambskin or pretty apron to lime with uh crowd ah men conducting silly rituals? ROFL
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Furthermore BT… I take great offense at anyone referring to the Grand Engineer as an Architect… ROFL.
Here is a fellow blogger’s perspective on Freemasonry.
Part 1
Part 2