The Masons & Freemasonry

[Kamatu]

Hello fellow children of God.
Well as you will see by my posts I am not here often, for that I am sorry!
I am not as well versed in much of what took me 2 hours and 6 aspirin to read :stars:
I guess I have 2 points or views I guess, if tomorrow Armageddon happened would Masons be Raptured?
If having secret handshakes, passwords rituals, what ever they would proclaim as the leader, master who would be the person above all others.
Does this not violate thou shall have no other gods before me, for an example.?
Should Christ not be the only one looked up too. Should not his word command all? And be spoken above all?
I might be naive but then had no real opinion since it is not very common in my part of Canada. But I did read this thread and found it easy to now have a opinion, that being the only truth is that of our lord, he is the only one we need exalt above all others.


Christians would be raptured (without getting into little nitpicks about "where they are in their walk"), if they are Masons (or Rotarians, or Jaycees, or Elks, or soldiers, or sailors, or Baptists, or Catholics, or Methodists, or members of the local bowling league, or part of the PTA, or businessmen, etc.) then they will all get raptured. For the Christian, Christian is most important.

No, not a violation, otherwise we could not "render unto Caesar" in any context. You are expected to defer to your superiors in this world as Paul mentioned in slaves obeying their masters. Depending on your denomination, you are to defer to your minister/preacher/pastor/priest as the shepherd in charge of the flock you are part of.

I mean no offense to anyone, just can't be blind by what I have read here when our salvation comes thou Christ not any group that puts or omits him as lord and Saviour.

:bibleGod bless you all

AMEN!:yeah:preach:amen

[Kamatu]

Out of date? Masons is a dated group.
I don't think anything can be said that will dislodge you from your loyalties to the Masonic realm. :ohno

Heh. I can name something older....

Any comment on the rest of it? "...almost exclusive use of one source, not properly sourcing quotes so they can be verified, etc. for the "new" version. That plus outright quoting out of context for the "old" version, which contained better footnotes and made it easier to check the quotes. In this particular case, both are trivially smoked by reading the preface to Morals and Dogma, especially the portion I quoted earlier in this thread."

Or is this argument by ad hom? I'd wonder if you are going to answer any of the questions I've posed here or even go look up some of the sources I've pointed you to. Since you are big on the "Lucifer connection", do you even know who Leo Taxil is?

Leo Taxil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Taxil)

The Hoax (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxil_hoax)

[Kamatu]

Actually the middle of Ephesians 4 is more applicable to this thread:

Really? Ya think? Well, let us see.


...that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV)

...having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
Ephesians 4:18 (NKJV)

Fragments of two verses very closed together, is there a context in there?

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Eph 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I can go on into chapter 5 if you want, but the italics are there, it doesn't seem to say what you claim it says in your out of context fragments. FYI, you are snipping fragments out of two longer discourses, to have them both here, I'd have to have started at 4:1.

You have to assume that group X is "darkness" before you even gain an inch of traction with that passage. Got any proof? If so, does such proof involve only Masonry or any other group a Christian might be part of?

Of course, it must be everyone ELSE whose mind is made up and isn't confused by the facts. That couldn't possibly be you? It MUST only be everyone else.

Not really, I've pretty much rebutted the key positions and the antiMasons on this thread have ducked replying to them, just like you did with Ephesians. I even had one of your out of context fragments in mind when I proposed that for research. FYI, it isn't everyone else, some have actually asked real questions they want answered, just those that get into the lucifer/conspiracy garbage. Surprise me, answer my question about the relationships between the preface of Morals and Dogma and the text of it plus the creation of the hoax of Leo Taxil and how it applies to this discussion. Can you?

No for you it's actually not. Apparently there is nothing more important to you than defending "masonry" and its tenants. There are plenty of different threads on this board dealing with countless issues of Christianity and apologetics, yet basically everything you have posted on this board is in this thread only and is geared to being an apologist for the "great architect of the universe" ( who is NOT the God of the Bible ).

:doh :pound
Ummm, I have a life outside of the Internet and this forum. It includes a great many things that I do and have to worry about. Of course, if you actually read my posts and follow up the research, you might find you are getting a course in apologetics.

It can even be an enlightening Bible study on the theme of Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. BTW, that is relevant to the Ephesians quote too....

One commentary I have readily to hand: This forbids, Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive our neighbour. Speaking unjustly against our neighbour, to the prejudice of his reputation; And (which is the highest offence of both these kinds put together) Bearing false witness against him, laying to his charge things that he knows not, either upon oath, by which the third commandment, the sixth or eighth, as well as this, are broken, or in common converse, slandering, backbiting, tale - bearing, aggravating what is done amiss, and any way endeavouring to raise our own reputation upon the ruin of our neighbor's.

There is an interesting discussion on general vs. special revelation too.

Miss any of this? I'll give you the advice I was given early on: "Read the entire thread, it is free."

It's clear you will not give up masonry for anything, because "my mind's made up, don't confuse me with the facts".

Actually there are a number of reasons why I might leave Masonry, but they aren't really your business. I can tell you it won't be for the lies and slander of some who are ignorant and trying to make people be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Pop quiz: What one thing would cause you to renounce Christianity? Is there one?

Maybe sometime we could instead discuss Christianity on other threads on this board?

I might get to it if I have time, but again, if you haven't noticed, this is a discussion about Christianity. Man, I could build a sermon off this and not a darn thing to do with Masonry.

Errr..... on second thought, it looks like there ain't much chance of that happening.

Actually, you may be right there. Good Lord willing, I'll be getting the result I need on a medical test I have coming up in a week and a half and then it will be time to cut loose here. Get set up with some new meds, some strings to tie up at the church, some stuff here at the casa and time to step up some more in ministry. Scariest and most exciting thing so far. I'll take all the prayers I can get on that one.

[iSong6:3]

Last few meetings? In general, sure:
1. Discussed and prayed for the sick and deceased, mainly Masons.



Interesting - Did you pray for the deceased Masons? For what? And on what basis do you pray with Masons for the sick and on what authority?

TIA for your reply.

[Kamatu]

Interesting - Did you pray for the deceased Masons? For what? And on what basis do you pray with Masons for the sick and on what authority?

TIA for your reply.

Ah, sorry, I didn't think it was unclear. We mention the sick and the deceased and then have a silent prayer for the sick and the families of the deceased. Some lodges will simply ask that you remember the sick and families in your prayers. Authority is that given to you by your own particular faith, not Masonry.

[Paul M]

Quote "Heh, well as has been noted, it depends on your definition of "religion", Masonry does have the hallmarks of a "religious" institution, but fails to qualify as a religion mainly because it has no systematic theology, no eschatology, no plan of salvation, etc. "

From Albert Pike, one of the most influential Masons ever, wrote MOrals and Dogma of Freemasonry, THE manifesto of Freemasonry. He is a revered figure in all of Freemasonrty.



Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion and its teachings are instruction in religion. For here are inculcated disinterestedness, affection, toleration, devolvedness, patriotism, truth, a generous sympathy with those who suffer and mourn, pity for the fallen, mercy for the erring, relief for those in want, Faith, Hope, Charity. Here we meet as brethren to learn to know and love each other. Here we greet each other gladly, are lenient to each other’s faults, regardful of each other’s feelings, ready to relieve each other’s wants," Albert Pike, Morals & Dogma, pp. 213-214.

So what are the ' instructions' being taught. New Masons are kept in the dark about the true nature of Freemasonry. This is a very interesting account told by former Mason Jim Shaw-he details his 33rd degree initiation /participation in black mass/break from Freemasory/salvation in Jesus Christ.

THE HIGHEST MASONIC DEGREE
Easter was approaching and one quiet morning I was at home recuperating from the second operation when the doorbell rang. It was a special delivery letter from the Supreme Council in Washington, notifying me that I had been selected for the 33rd Degree.

I could hardly believe it was true! This honor is one most Masons never even think of receiving. It was too much, too far out of reach, beyond limits of reality. It was unreal to think I had actually been selected. It was an honor just to be considered for this ultimate degree and I had actually been selected, chosen by that small and powerful group, the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree.

I called Bonnie to share the good news with her. In talking with her, I surprised myself by asking her if she thought I should accept it "What a strange thing to ask her," I thought. But before I could contemplate it she said, "Why, sure you should accept it. You have worked so hard for so long to get there - by all means you should accept it."

So I returned my acceptance immediately and began making plans for the trip.

I MADE IT ON MY OWN
With plenty of time to reflect, I thought about my long climb up the mountain of Masonry in search of light. I thought about the odds against anyone's ever making it to the 33rd Degree. I realized that in my case the odds have been even greater. I had made it by hard work and dedication alone. Some men have an edge on selection because of their wealth, political power or prominence. I had none of these.

Like the day I had carried the man all the way to the top of "Shaw Hill" between Camp Butner and Raleigh, I had made it to the top of the Masonic mountain because I was willing to make the effort required and refused to quit. Thinking of this, I felt particularly good about it and wished my mother could know.

I had come a long way since leaving the front gate that terrible day so many years ago. I had come the distance with no help from Uncle Irvin. Who would have thought that the lonely walk, begun so many years ago by that frightened 13-year-old boy, would have led to this point? I had reached the pinnacle - made it all the way to the top.

Some of the most prominent and influential men in the world would undoubtedly be there to participate when I was given this ultimate degree - for me - little Jimmy Shaw, who had gone to work at age five and made it alone since age 13. They would be there to give the 33rd Degree to me. It was really a bit difficult to take it all in.

3 DAYS AT THE MOUNTAIN TOP
In order to receive the 33rd Degree it was necessary to go to Washington. D.C. The initiation and related functions were to last three days.

Since Bonnie could participate in practically none of the things I would be doing each day, she decided not to go along. We were both excited as I made preparations to leave. But I was not as excited as I expected to be. The edge was taken off the excitement because, in me, it was mixed with a considerable amount of conviction. Way down deep there was a growing restlessness, an increasing conflict, produced by the things the doctor had been sharing and by all the Scripture I had been reading. Preparing to receive this "ultimate honor" was not as thrilling as it might otherwise have been.

ARRIVING AT THE HOUSE OF THE TEMPLE
I flew into Washington National Airport and took a taxi to the House of the Temple on Northwest 16th Street. Upon arriving at the Temple I was met by a receptionist who asked if I were there to receive the 33rd Degree. I was surprised to find a women in those sacred Masonic precincts, but said that I was and showed her my letter from the Supreme Council. She then told me that in order to receive the degree, I would be expected to make a "minimum donation" of a very large amount of money (at least it was a "very large" amount for me). This took me completely by surprise for there had not been a word about any such "minimum donation" in the letter sent me by the Supreme Council. I didn't carry that much money with me and had left my checkbook at home but was able to borrow the money from one of the other men and gave it to her. We candidates were all unhappy about this unpleasant surprise and grumbled to one another about it, but were not unhappy enough to forsake the degree over it. We were too close to the "top of the mountain" to turn back at that point.

THE TEMPLE ITSELF
The House of the Temple is quite impressive - a bit awesome, really. Standing large, grey and silent on the east side of Northwest 16th Street, between "R" and "S" Streets, it looms very wide and tall from the curb. There is a huge expanse of granite pavement in front of it, including three levels of narrowing steps as the entrance is approached. Flanking the entrance are two Sphinx-like granite lions with women's heads, the neck of one entwined by a cobra and decorated with the "ankh" (the Egyptian symbol of life and deity).

Adorning the neck and breast of the other is an image of a women, symbolic of fertility and procreation. In the pavement, just in front of the tall bronze doors, are two Egyptian swords with curved, serpentine blades and, between the two swords, brass letters, set into stone, saying, "The Temple of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-Third and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite."

Over the tall, bronze doors, cut into the stone, is the statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men and Among Nations." (1)

High above the entrance, partially concealed by stone columns, is an elaborate image of the Egyptian sun god, backed with radiating sun and flanked by six large, golden snakes.

Inside is elegance: polished marble, exotic wood, gold and statuary. There are offices, a library, dining room, kitchen, Council Room, "Temple Room" and a large meeting room. This room is like a luxurious theater, rather elegantly furnished and decorated.

The ceiling is dark blue, with lights set into it to give the appearance of stars. These lights can even be made to "twinkle" like stars in the sky. There is a stage, well-equipped, and it is all very nicely done. But the thing that is most noticeable is the way the walls are decorated with serpents. There are all kinds; some very long and large. Many of the Scottish Rite degrees include the representation of serpents and I recognized them among those decorating the walls.

It was all most impressive and gave me a strange mixture of the sensations of being in a temple and in a tomb - something sacred but threatening. I saw busts of outstanding men of the Rite including two of Albert Pike, who is buried there in the wall.

INTERVIEWED BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL
The first day was devoted to registration, briefings and interviews. We were called into one of the offices, one at a time, and interviewed by three members of the Supreme Council.

When my turn came I was ushered into the office and seated. The very first question I was asked was, "Of what religion are you?" Not long before this I would have answered with something like, "I believe the Ancient Mysteries, the 'Old Religion,' and I believe in reincarnation." However, without thinking at all about how to answer, I found myself saying, "I am a Christian."

Then, to my sup rise and theirs, I asked them, "Are you men born again?" The man in charge quickly stopped me by saying, "We're not here to talk about that - we are here to ask you questions."

After they sent me back out I sat down and thought about it. When the next man came out, I asked him, "Did they ask you if you are a Christian?" He said, "Yes, they did."

"What did you tell them?" I asked, and he replied, "I told them 'Hell no, and I never intend to be!'"

Then he said a strange thing to me, "They said I'm going higher," and he left through a different door, looking pleased.

BECOMING A SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
The second day was the day of the actual initiation, held in the theater-like meeting room. Those of us who were receiving the degree were seated and the ceremony was "exemplified" (acted out in full costume) before us, in the same way that we had performed the lesser degrees of the Scottish Rite all those years. The parts in the exemplification were played by men of the 33rd Degree.

The representative candidate was dressed in black trousers, barefooted, bareheaded and draped in a long, black robe that reminded me of a very long, black raincoat. He had a black cable tow around his neck but was not hoodwinked. During the initiation he was led around the stage, conducted by two men with swords, as the degree was performed for us.

Instructions and signs were given. Upon the altar were four "holy books" (the Bible, the Koran, the Book of the Law and the Hindu Scriptures). At one point the "candidate" was told to kiss the book "of your religion" and, representing us all, he leaned forward and did so. I remembered the First Degree initiation, when I was told to kiss the Bible, and at that moment something came full cycle. It was the final such kiss to be a part of my life.

WINE IN A HUMAN SKULL
When it was time for the final obligation we all stood and repeated the oath with the representative candidate, administered by the Sovereign Grand Inspector General. We then swore true allegiance to the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, above all other allegiances, and swore never to recognize any other brother as being a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry unless he also recognizes the Supreme authority of "this Supreme Council".

One of the Conductors then handed the "candidate" a human skull, upside down, with wine in it. "May this wine I now drink become a deadly poison to me, as the Hemlock juice drunk by Socrates, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate the same" (the oath).

He then drank the wine. A skeleton (one of the brothers dressed like one - he looked very convincing) then stepped out of the shadows and threw his arms around the "candidate." Then he (and we) continued the sealing of the obligation by saying, "And may these cold arms forever encircle me should I ever knowingly or willfully violate the same."

The Sovereign Grand Commander closed the meeting of the Supreme Council "with the Mystic Number," striking with his sword five, three, one and then two times. After the closing prayer, we all said "amen, amen, amen," and it was over.

PROMINENT MEN TOOK PART
There were some extremely prominent men there that day, including a Scandinavian King, two former presidents of the United States, an internationally prominent evangelist, two other internationally prominent clergymen, and a very high official of the federal government, the one who actually presented me with the certificate of the 33rd Degree. Some made only brief appearances; others stayed much longer. However, they didn't do much mixing or socializing with us, except for those whom they already knew. Even though these celebrities weren't extremely "brotherly," it was still quite an experience for me just to be associated with them. It was easily the largest gathering of such prominent and influential men of which I have ever been a part.

The third day there was a banquet to celebrate our becoming "Grand Inspectors General. 33rd Degree." The banquet was a little anticlimactic, at least for me, and I was anxious to get it over with so I could return home. It was good to be a 33rd at last. But it wasn't as exciting or fulfilling as I had thought it would be during all those years in the Craft. I guess this was because of the profound changes going on down deep within me.

I returned home as soon as the 33rd Degree award and related social functions were finished, for it was time for my next appointment with the doctor. After he had examined my eyes he said they were healing fine, that he felt good about the way they were looking, and as usual he spoke with me about the Lord. I told him that I planned to come to his church the next Sunday and that I had been reading the Bible.

Obviously pleased, he said, "Good. Keep studying, and your sight will soon be much better." By this time I knew what he meant - he was speaking of my spiritual sight.

MAUNDY THURSDAY
In the Scottish Rite the Thursday before Easter, "Maundy Thursday," is an important day. On this day we always performed a special service of Communion in the local Scottish Rite Temple. At this time I was Wise Master in the Chapter of Rose Croix and it was my job to preside over the exemplification (dramatization) of the ceremony. I had done this many times and was known for my knowledge of the service and for "doing a good job" of putting it on.

THE WORDS HAD MEANING NOW
On Thursday evening we gathered at our home Temple and dressed for the ceremony. It was always a most solemn occasion and seemed a little awesome, even to those of us who had done it many times.

Dressed in long, black, hooded robes, we marched in, single file, with only our faces partly showing, and took our seats.

There was something very tomb-like about the setting. The silence was broken only by the organ, playing mournfully in the background, and there was no light except for the little that came through the windows. After the opening prayer (from which the name of Jesus Christ was conspicuously excluded), I stood and opened the service.

As I had done so many times before, I said, "We meet this day to commemorate the death of our 'Most Wise and Perfect Master,' not as inspired or divine, for this is not for us to decide, but as at least the greatest of the apostles of mankind."

As I spoke these words that I had spoken so many times before, I had a strange and powerful experience. It was as if I were standing apart, listening to myself as I spoke, and the words echoed deep within me, shouting their significance. They were the same words I had spoken so many times before, but had meaning for me now. They made me sick, literally ill, and I stopped.

The realization of what I had just said grew within me like the rising of a crescendo. I had just called Jesus an "apostle of mankind" who was neither inspired nor divine! There was a silent pause that seemed to last a very long time as I struggled with a sick smothering within.

When I was finally able, I continued with the service and we gathered around a large table across the room in marching order. The table was long, shaped like a cross, and covered with a red cloth which was decorated down the center with roses.

A BLACK COMMUNION
Once we were assembled at the table, I elevated (lifted high) the plate of bread, took a piece, put my hand on the shoulder of the man in front of me, gave him the plate and said, "Take, eat, and give to the hungry."

This continued until all had partaken of the bread. Then I lifted up the goblet of wine, took a sip, and said, "Take, drink, and give to the thirsty."

Again, this continued until all had partaken of the wine.

Then I took the bread, walked over to the first row of spectators and served it to the man previously chosen for the honor of representing the rest of the Lodge

As I handed it to him I again said, "Take, eat, and give to the hungry."

In like manner I served the wine to him saying, "Take, drink, and give to the thirsty," and he sat down.

After this we took our places at the table shaped like a cross and sat down. The setting was dark, our long, sweeping robes were solid black, our faces nearly concealed in the hoods, and the mood was one of heavy gloom. The Christ-less prayers and the hymns we sang fit right in. The one word that would describe the entire event would be "black." It was, indeed, a Black Communion - a strange Black Mass.

EXTINGUISHING THE CANDLE
There was a large Menorah (candlestick with seven candle holders) in the center of the room, with seven candles now burning.

Standing again, I said, "This is indeed a sad day, for we have lost our Master. We may never see him again. He is dead! Mourn, weep and cry, for he is gone."

Then I asked the officers to extinguish the candles in the large Menorah. One by one they rose, walked to the center of the room, extinguished a selected candle and left the room.

Finally, with only the center candle still burning, I arose, walked sadly to the Menorah and extinguished the last candle - the candle representing the life of Jesus, our "Most Wise and Perfect Master." We had dramatized and commemorated the snuffing out of the life of Jesus, without once mentioning his name, and the scene ended with the room in deep silent darkness. I walked out of the room, leaving only the darkness and the stillness of death.

Once again, the single word best to describe it would be "black."

All through the service I was shaking and sick. I have never felt so sad. I had stumbled over the words but, somehow, I made it to the completion of the ceremony and went back to the dressing room. I still didn't know much about praying but felt that I had been sustained by the Lord through it all.

THE FINAL PARTING
Back in the dressing room we hung up our black, hooded robes, put our street clothes back on and prepared to leave. Less than two hours had passed since I arrived. But what had happened in that period of time had changed my life forever.

Still sick in my heart, I changed clothes without a word to anyone. The others asked me what was wrong. But I couldn't reply.

They reminded me that I had acted as Wise Master so many times before, that I was known for my smooth performance of it, and they asked what had gone wrong.

I was choking on the awful reality of what we had said and done, the way we had blasphemed the Lord, and the evil, black mockery we had made of His pure and selfless death. With weeping welling up within me. I could only shake my head in silence and walk out.

Mike was waiting for me at the door, expecting to get a ride home, and he asked, "What's the matter, Jim? Are you sick?"

Finally able to speak, I quietly replied, "No, Mike, I'm just sick of all this."

"IT ISN'T RIGHT"
I started down the wide steps in front of the large Scottish Rite Temple, realization and conviction growing within me, reached the bottom step and stopped. Turning around, I looked back at the huge, granite building and slowly studied the words, carved in the stone across the top of the entrance: "ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY."

Something came clearly into focus in my understanding and I made a decision. This crisis point in my life, one which had required so many years for me to reach, passed in seconds. The truth was revealed and the choice was made - a choice that would be the difference between darkness and light, death and life, one that would last for eternity. Looking up at those words I had walked under so many times, words of which I had been so proud, I spoke to myself out loud. It was as if I were the only man in the world as I heard myself say, slowly and deliberately, "It isn't ancient, it isn't Scottish, it isn't free, and it isn't right!"

INTO THE LIGHT
I turned away and walked into the parking lot, knowing that I would never return. As I walked into the deepening darkness of that springtime night, I was walking into the growing light of the living God. As the natural darkness closed around me, the supernatural light welled up within me. With every step I took, as the Temple receded behind me, I was more free.

"I will never return," I thought with each step. "I will never return, I will never return...."

The decision was made, the die was cast. From that night onward I would serve the true and living God, not the Great Architect of the Universe. I would exalt and learn of Him, not Osiris, Krishna or Demeter. I would seek and follow Jesus, not the will--the-wisp of "hidden wisdom."

I was walking, after such a long time, out of the darkness and into the light.

Footnote
1 This statement is an interesting contradiction with the Temple it adorns, as well as with the thousands of other such Masonic temples built around the World at a total cost of many billions of dollars.

A PERSONAL WORD FROM JIM
As this true story is closed, I would be greatly remiss if I did not make it clear that in my pre-Christian life I truly loved Freemasonry. I loved the men with whom I was associated in the Lodge and the men with whom I worked so hard in the degrees and bodies of the Scottish Rite. Most of all, I was so very sure that I was doing what was right and pleasing in the sight of the Great Architect of the Universe.

Never in all my years of dedicated service to Masonry did anyone in the Lodge witness to me about the love and saving grace of Jesus. The Lodge attended a church once each year as a group. Each time the pastor (who was himself a Mason) would introduce us to the congregation and then exalt the Craft, telling them about all our wonderful works. We usually left the church thinking of how wonderful we were and feeling sorry for all those in the church who were not Masons, participating in all our good deeds.

After having been witnessed to by my ophthalmologist for some time I read those simple, wonderful words of Jesus, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life." These words, so short and so sweet, went right through my heart. I looked in the Bible for more and I found blessed assurance everywhere I looked. Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, really loved me as a real Brother! He will do the same for you.

- Jim Shaw

[Kamatu]

Paul M.

I've pointed out more than once where Albert Pike and Morals and Dogma have a very limited influence, namely to the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite. The Scottish Rite is so "powerful" that it can be tossed out of any Grand Jurisdiction by order of the Grandmaster, not the other way around. I have yet to hear any of the antiMasons here even try to explain something that has been in every copy printed of this book and I quoted in my initial post: From the preface of Morals and Dogma: The teachings of these Readings are not sacramental, so far as they go beyond the realm of Morality into those of other domains of Thought and Truth. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite uses the word "Dogma" in its true sense, of doctrine, or teaching; and is not dogmatic in the odious sense of that term. Every one is entirely free to reject and dissent from whatsoever herein may seem to him to be untrue or unsound. It is only required of him that he shall weigh what is taught, and give it fair hearing and unprejudiced judgment. Of course, the ancient theosophic and philosophic speculations are not embodied as part of the doctrines of the Rite; but because it is of interest and profit to know what the Ancient Intellect thought upon these subjects, and because nothing so conclusively proves the radical difference between our human and the animal nature, as the capacity of the human mind to entertain such speculations in regard to itself and the Deity. Emphasis mine.

So, can you explain how this "manifesto" has this in it? All a conspiracy, right? Even more important, vastly more important, explain why none of the "Christian" antiMasons ever note this in their exposes? Please, I'm really wanting to hear an answer and I've taken to repeating myself by begging now.

As for Mr. Shaw, he never received the 33 degree, was never Master of his lodge and didn't even hold one of the elected offices.

Rev. Shaw received the First Degree in Masonry on September 11, 1945, in Evergreen Lodge No. 713 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Second and Third Degrees were conferred by courtesy in Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124, Miami, Florida on May 21 and July 23, 1946. He transferred his membership to Allapattah Lodge No. 271 in Florida on July 1, 1952, and remained a member until his resignation on October 25, 1966. He never held office in any Masonic lodge or affiliated body in Indiana.(83)

In 1964 he was appointed Junior Steward of Allapattah Lodge, in 1965 he was appointed Junior Deacon, and on October 25, 1966, he resigned from Masonry. The names of the principal elected officers of every Florida lodge, the Master and Senior and Junior Wardens, are published annually in the Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Florida. These Proceedings can be inspected in any of the 300+ Florida lodges. The name of James Dayton Shaw never appeared in the list of elected lodge officers. He was never elected an officer in Allapattah Lodge, much less Master of the lodge.

The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Florida and the Scottish Rite are both publicly available, they post the top officers of each lodge each year and those selected for receiving the honorary degrees in the Scottish Rite. Mr. Shaw's name never appears as one of the elected lodge officers at any point. Mr Shaw did receive the honor of being elevated to a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH) which is known as 32d degree KCCH and such record can be found. No record can be found of a 33d degree, honorary or otherwise.

There can be no question of Masons somehow "changing" these documents later according to Mr. Shaw's tales, since these books and magazines would have been published and widely distributed before Mr. Shaw chose to voluntarily leave the Fraternity. If Freemasons had such power, Mr. Shaw would simply never have been able to publish his trash.

As for the ritual work, it comes from a book you can buy online (I've seen several on Ebay), it is from the ritual book of a non-recognized splinter group known as "Cerneau" which existed in the late 1800s and died out back then too. So, it seems Mr. Shaw isn't above plagarizing either, but anyway.

Now, Mr. Shaw gives a testimony at the end speaking about his "true" story. Well, if the story isn't true, what about the rest of the testimony?

Let's skip all that, please explain to me the relevance of having a group that a small fraction of which joins the Scottish Rite (it should actually be the ones that join the Southern Jurisdiction, but I'll cede you that) and a minute fraction of that fraction gets the 33d degree so that they can finally "know the truth" while the rest of the Masons are in a fraternity that (at worst!) promotes moral values that are not incompatible with Christianity. What about all those Masons who never join the Scottish Rite? Wait! Who was it that said something about a kingdom or house divided against itself? I'm fairly sure I saw it printed in red somewhere.....

BTW, you might find it interesting to reread the context around your little Pike quote. You did go do some research, didn't you? I mean, you didn't just cut and paste something without verifying that it wasn't altered or taken out of context, did you? You can explain what Pike meant by religion in this context, right?

[Paul M]

I've done alot of research on Masonry. The reason I posted Shaw's testimony is because it provides an account of someone who was involved in it and got out. I don't doubt for a minute that records would be altered if it would prevent the Mason's from getting bad publicity.

I think Pike meant what he said, Masonry is a religion. How do you explain the symbols associated with Freemasonry? The all seeing eye,pyramids,the pentagram,skulls and bones,snakes-these are things found on the inside and outside of Masonic Temples.

How about the oaths you are required to take as you move up the ranks of Masonry? The following are quite edifying.THis really sounds like an organization I'd want to belong to.

Masonic Entered Apprentice Oath. Entered Apprentice is the first of the three basic degrees of Masonry.



To all of which I do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without any hesitation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind in me whatsoever; binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out, and with my body buried in the sands of the sea at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this, my solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice. So help me God and make me steadfast to keep and perform the same.


At this point the novice is probably thinking" What the heck have I got myself into here?"


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Masonic FellowCraft Oath. FellowCraft is the second of the three basic degrees of Masonry.



To all of which I do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without any hesitation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind in me whatsoever; binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my left breast torn open, my heart and vitals taken thence, and with my body given as a prey to the vultures of the air, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this, my solemn Obligation of a Fellow Craft. So help me God and make me steadfast to keep and perform the same.


Now he's probably thinking, " I must learn more, to gain knowledge so I can attain the higher levels of Masonry."




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Masonic Master Mason’s Oath. Master Mason is the third of the three basic degrees of Masonry.



To all of which I do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without any hesitation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind in me whatsoever; binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken thence, and with my body burned to ashes, and the ashes thereof scattered to the four winds of Heaven, that there might remain neither track, trace nor remembrance among man or Masons of so vile and perjured a wretch as I should be, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this, my solemn Obligation of a Master Mason. So help me God and make me steadfast to keep and perform the same.

NOw he is thinking " I will become like the most high, I will be a god."



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Masonic Shriners Oath



The oath of the Shrine concludes as follows: "...in willful violation whereof I may incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I will be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea, until the flaming sun shall strike me with livid plague, and may Allah the God of Arab, Muslim and Mohammedan, the God of our fathers support me to the entire fulfillment of the same, Amen, Amen, Amen."

Now he's saying " I am God" " I have the light of knowledge( Lucifer)


So basically you are taking an oath, a serious one that if you betray a member of the lodge you are going to be killed in a groteque fashion. So if a fellow mason commits a crime and you report him, technically you are in danger. I personally feel uncomforatble the judges,policeman,members of parliament are involed in Masonry. Where are their loyalties? They are to the lodge first and foremost.

Even terms we use in everday language shows the pervasive influence of Freemasonry. Three "square' meals, 'hoodwinked' what's you're 'point', the city 'square, a 'square' deal, fair and 'square' .

How about the story of Captain Morgan who courageouly attempted to expose the lodge for what it was.


Men, who have left the Masonic Lodge after coming to understand what Masonic ritual teaches, have sometimes felt compelled to reveal the contents of Masonic ritual to the public. Many are reluctant to do so because of Masonic history. During the early 19th century, Capt. William Morgan worked with a printer named Miller to publish the rituals, as practiced in New York. The printers shop was set ablaze and Morgan was abducted and murdered. As his body was never recovered, there was no conviction for murder. However, several Masons were convicted of his abduction. Even through intimidation and persecution can be intense for those who reveal the "secrets" of Freemasonry, exposures of Masonic ritual have continued since 1727, ten years after the founding of the Grand Lodge of England. Exposures of Masonic ritual have continued for more than two centuries for several reasons. The most compelling reason is so that other men will not be ensnared in Freemasonry. Christians who become ensnared in Freemasonry sooner or later realize that Masonic ritual teaches a plan of salvation which is not based on faith in Jesus Christ, but rather on the basis of imitating Hiram Abiff, the (prototype) Masonic savior. Galatians 1:8-9 reveals that the penalty for teaching a false plan of salvation is eternal condemnation. Christians have no choice but to repent.


Masonry is a pastiche of the occult, eastern religions,mysticism/ secrets rituals-it is of the Devil. No Christian should be involved in it.

[A Berean]

Jesus said"You can only serve one master..." I believe that says it all.

[Kamatu]

Jesus said"You can only serve one master..." I believe that says it all.

It does, now at what point did I become a servant of two? By joining a lodge? NOT! Especially since a Mason (Christian or not) is supposed tell anyone (Christian or not) to either not join or to get out of Masonry if they feel it conflicts with their duties towards God. I've done so myself, even on this board.