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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Freemasonry, Eastern Star, and other similar "secret" organizations appear to be harmless fellowship gatherings. Many of them appear to promote belief in God. However, upon closer examination, we f...
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Daniel Carlson
Supporter
Most fraternities boast elements of secrecy. One of the qualities of true Christianity is openness. Jesus said: “I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret” (John 18:20). Membership in secret societies carries a level of prestige and camaraderie. This is attractive to men who would obviously feel out-of-place in a sewing-and-knitting club. Masonic Lodges have an exclusivity about them that singles out members as valuable, worthwhile and significant. It appeals to their self-worth and pride. They attract men in particular who esteem reputation and success in their particular fields, from actors to presidents - church leaders, televangelists - men who covet the highest levels offered by secret societies. Almost without exception, the most famous Christian leaders today belong to a Masonic lodge. Some of them are cautious about their involvement; others have no qualms. Before his conversion the Apostle Paul was a member of the Council of the Pharisees. He was convinced he was right in his opposition to Christians. Upon his conversion, he realized his convictions had been wrong and he repented of them. "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief" (1 Tim. 1:13). We hear of the charitable deeds secret societies do: Shriners fund crippled-children’s hospitals; Masons reach out to widows and orphans and underwrite the education of needy students. And we think: They can’t be all bad. Look at the good they do. But we need to inspect those goods. Members are sworn to secrecy. And sworn to secrecy isn't just an idiom. They take it literally. Every step of becoming and remaining a member requires swearing secret oaths, and some of their oaths are quite bloody. What did Jesus have to say about swearing oaths - for whatever reason? "But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool... All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matt. 5:34-37). "Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned" (James 5:12). Here’s an excerpt of the Masonic oath that new candidates (1st degree) are required to swear: "Binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the rough sands of the sea…should I ever knowingly or willingly violate this my solemn oath and obligation as an Entered Apprentice Mason, so help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same." The oath for the second degree or Fellow-Craft obligation has the following penalty: "Binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my left breast torn open, my heart plucked out, and given as a prey to the wild beasts of the field and the fowls of the air." The third or Master Mason’s oath is very the explicit: "Binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes… should I ever knowingly or willingly violate this my solemn obligation as a Master Mason, so help me God." The penalty oath for the old Thrice Illustrious Order of the Cross reads in part: "I bind myself, under the penalty of dying the death of a traitor, by having a spear thrust into my left side." Did Masons ever carry out their threats against a “traitor”? Yes. In 1826, William Morgan was murdered for having published these top-secret Masonic oaths. As a result, 90% of the members quit and 2,000 lodges had to disband. Space is lacking to delve into their hidden anti-Christian beliefs. 30- to 33rd Degree Masons know whom they worship. Hint: It isn't the Great God Jehovah or the Lord Jesus Christ. Beware!
Rodney Brown
Supporter
This organisation is also known as the craft, it is actually Satanism amongst those in the higher lodge, Christians beware! There are other similar connected organisations known and unknown that are generally discipled by the worlds elite, they are a no go zone for us Christians. Satan does have his bases amongst humanity, he doesn't bother with the masses of poor and powerless, he's only interested in those in power. There is much to know about these occult groups but it doesn't advance us in our faith and can have negative effects, imo best off we read the word and pray for the insight God desires. But if you need to know more pray about it first then decide when knowing enough is enough, that's what I did and that's my advice about that stuff. God bless, Rod.
Jack Croach
Supporter
I remember my father talking about the masons. He was one. Clearly the members of these pagan religions do not worship the God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Rather, they worship demons as documented in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21. Lodge prayers are offered to the Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU). That name has been chosen so that Masons may pretend, or believe, that they all worship the same God, simply using different names in their private devotions. Scripture is clear on this matter; there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10, 44:6), but all men do not worship that one God. Pagans worship demons, as documented in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21.
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