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Church Objection?

Ripcord22A

Site Benefactor
I'm joining the Presbyterian church pca and I cannot become a full member unless I am not a Freemason . I have been a master mason, joining in England then in 2001 joining a lodge in Alabama and being secretary for 12 years. But I have gone suspended this June to enable me to join the church. I can't believe the views of this church on freemasonry and await my joining classes to question their thoughts on our craft.
If u want to be a member of the church why not just demit and not go SNPD

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dfreybur

Premium Member
I can't believe the views of this church on freemasonry and await my joining classes to question their thoughts on our craft.

To me the church on the next block does not have that problem and my boots are made for walking. You have no reason to make the same choice I would. This is a topic on which we all make our own decisions for our own reasons.

But I have gone suspended this June to enable me to join the church.

Why not stay current on your dues and demit? Having an open demit you would always be welcome back should you change churches.
 

DwayneM

Registered User
I was forced from my church for being a Mason. Told I had to choose. I don't do well with ultimatums. I learned over time, the church does have much to fear from Freemasonry. The Craft creates thinkers, free men of free mind and conscious. These men in turn will question rigorism, fundamentalism and dogmatic thinking. Very dangerous to a church. Now, please splash with water, drink a cup of wine and do everything we say and get salvation. You are not smart enough to read the book in front of you and understand it. Only the man in the white robe can do this for you........
I was forced from my church for being a Mason. Told I had to choose. I don't do well with ultimatums. I learned over time, the church does have much to fear from Freemasonry. The Craft creates thinkers, free men of free mind and conscious. These men in turn will question rigorism, fundamentalism and dogmatic thinking. Very dangerous to a church. Now, please splash with water, drink a cup of wine and do everything we say and get salvation. You are not smart enough to read the book in front of you and understand it. Only the man in the white robe can do this for you........

Up front fact: I am not a Mason.
I know the Lodge (and by extension this forum) is absolutely not the place to discuss religion. I must say, respectfully, that the end of your post reveals some possible misconceptions. If I may say so, the Catholic church (with the "man in the white hat") does not say you are not smart enough to read the book in front of you- they encourage reading and meditating on scripture. I submit to you that if you question members of 5 different congregations on specific scriptural interpretations and how that interpretation affects how you should treat your fellow man, you will get 5 different responses- some alike in some nuances, some completely opposed to each other. By which interpretation should we be guided? The church built on the rock of Peter provides a magisterial forum to settle such matters. I will not elaborate on how the dismissive tone of "splash some water and drink some wine" etc. offends those of your brethren who hold the sacraments of the church in high esteem (to say the least).
My late father was an active Mason and a devout Catholic, who has said many times that being either makes him a better one of the other.
 
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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I've established a closer relationship to God being a Freemason than I ever did sitting in Church.
I feel the same
To me the church on the next block does not have that problem and my boots are made for walking. You have no reason to make the same choice I would. This is a topic on which we all make our own decisio
Exactly the way that I feel about it.
I'm joining the Presbyterian church pca and I cannot become a full member unless I am not a Freemason . I have been a master mason, joining in England then in 2001 joining a lodge in Alabama and being secretary for 12 years. But I have gone suspended this June to enable me to join the church. I can't believe the views of this church on freemasonry and await my joining classes to question their thoughts on our craft.
I'm a Free Methodist and my pastor has no problem with me being a member of The Craft. However, if a pastor would tell me it was either Masonry or the church my reply would be, "Fine, I'll simply find another church where I am welcome".
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I'm joining the Presbyterian church pca and I cannot become a full member unless I am not a Freemason . I have been a master mason, joining in England then in 2001 joining a lodge in Alabama and being secretary for 12 years. But I have gone suspended this June to enable me to join the church. I can't believe the views of this church on freemasonry and await my joining classes to question their thoughts on our craft.
I'm a Free Methodist and my pastor has no problem with me being a member of The Craft. However, if a pastor would tell me that it was either Masonry or the church my reply would be, "No problem. I'll just find another church where I am welcome".
 

Kenneth NC Mason

Registered User
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ( Mormons ) I've seen zero conflict between being a mason and being a member of the church. In fact I feel like me being a Mason helped me understand the LDS church better on some things before I recently as of July converted. At the church I go to with my Mom at home when I'm not at college, the Pastor there doesn't like masonry but told me it's my choice and that he still thinks I'm a Christian . I definitely respect that. It's a non denominational church that is a part of a movement called Calvary Chapel


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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
At the church I go to with my Mom at home when I'm not at college, the Pastor there doesn't like masonry but told me it's my choice and that he still thinks I'm a Christian . I definitely respect that. It's a non denominational church that is a part of a movement called Calvary Chapel
Great! As it should be.
 

Ketia

Registered User
Upfront- not a mason. Just joined this group because of this thread. I have been reading about Masonry for awhile now. Very interested in joining. Have many good friends and relatives who are Masons. Here is my hang up- My denomination rejects it. Now, I don't agree with 100% of everything my denomination, The Assemblies of God, but do agree with about 99.9%. With that being said, I am a deacon/board member. I am pretty positive I can't be on the board serving the church and masonry. I don't blame my church, would never leave the church. I respect the rules that govern them and understand why most are in place. Hence why I haven't petitioned yet. My freinds have stated that they would be more than happy to sign my petition and help raise me up. They find it silly that I won't do it till my term is up and our reelection comes up. I am still praying if I will run next time, further pushing out my petition. I do bid your prayers on that.

With all that being said, are there any other Pentecostal or specifically Assemblies of God Mason's?

I know some of you will think it's crazy to stick to a church, but I believe the church is here for a reason and we are to be obedient to the rules. And when in doubt ask questions. Which I what I am doing here.

Thanks in advance for any response or input.
 

jermy Bell

Registered User
We open with prayer, take our obligation on the holy bible, and close with prayer. You can not be a mason if you don't believe in god. So I don't see what any church has any objection too. Depends if you are a man, or just a sheep following. That's just my opinion.
 

DwayneM

Registered User
In my view too many churches claim to be the one true church. I struggle to believe that human organizations can be that good.

Freemasonry is somewhat similar. Traditionally, regular Grand Lodges claim sole coverage of their territory.


If I may offer a line of reasoning on "one true church. ..." it would seem to me that the church Christ said he would establish on Peter, that the gates of hell would not endure against, that has existed since that time, could make the only valid claim there.

Just offered in brotherly charity for your consideration.
 

DwayneM

Registered User
My father wore his masonic ring while serving as a Catholic lector, commentator, and extraordinary minister of holy communion. If anyone had a complaint, the pastor could always pull from the files the letter signed by the archbishop saying there is no conflict with his Freemasonry, given to my father after a personal interview. To quote Dad, "Being a good Catholic makes me a better mason. Being a Mason makes me a better Catholic."
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
If I may offer a line of reasoning on "one true church. ..." it would seem to me that the church Christ said he would establish on Peter, that the gates of hell would not endure against, that has existed since that time, could make the only valid claim there.

Just offered in brotherly charity for your consideration.
Not everyone interprets the scripture in the same manner. See, e.g., https://bible.org/question/what-did-jesus-mean-when-he-said-“upon-rock-i-will-build-my-church”
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
Upfront- not a mason. Just joined this group because of this thread. I have been reading about Masonry for awhile now. Very interested in joining. Have many good friends and relatives who are Masons. Here is my hang up- My denomination rejects it. Now, I don't agree with 100% of everything my denomination, The Assemblies of God, but do agree with about 99.9%. With that being said, I am a deacon/board member. I am pretty positive I can't be on the board serving the church and masonry. I don't blame my church, would never leave the church. I respect the rules that govern them and understand why most are in place. Hence why I haven't petitioned yet. My freinds have stated that they would be more than happy to sign my petition and help raise me up. They find it silly that I won't do it till my term is up and our reelection comes up. I am still praying if I will run next time, further pushing out my petition. I do bid your prayers on that.

With all that being said, are there any other Pentecostal or specifically Assemblies of God Mason's?

I know some of you will think it's crazy to stick to a church, but I believe the church is here for a reason and we are to be obedient to the rules. And when in doubt ask questions. Which I what I am doing here.

Thanks in advance for any response or input.
Good for you. In many rituals, it is specifically explained Freemasonry does not conflict with your duty to G-d.
I would have a chat though with the pastor on your congregation's view of the fraternity.
 

DwayneM

Registered User

Interesting post,about the linguistics. Suppose Christ is saying , "You're the rock-man, Petros" and saying generally, "on the rock of this statement I will build My church...." Isn't there still only one church that can historically show its descendance from that time?

Out of respect for this thread and forum, I'll leave my line of questioning at that. Fair journey, my friend.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
Interesting post,about the linguistics. Suppose Christ is saying , "You're the rock-man, Petros" and saying generally, "on the rock of this statement I will build My church...." Isn't there still only one church that can historically show its descendance from that time?

Out of respect for this thread and forum, I'll leave my line of questioning at that. Fair journey, my friend.
Depends on who you ask. Old Catholic, Anglican... will likely have a divergent opinion (I'm LDS, so I ain't got a dog in that fight).
 

DwayneM

Registered User
I'm very sorry for the grammatical errors.


This is a very sad situation.
But, the Church is not God.
The Church is an organization created by people . People who profess their faith.
God has a place there, where there is access to it in your heart, in your soul.
He's in your heart.
And no one has the right to be a mediator between you and God.
The Church does not agree with the this arguments.

I'm not against the church, I am against blind fanaticism and dogmatism.

I too am against blind fanaticism - or even blind tolerance - and dogmatism. But there is one mediator God determined to connect man and God, and He, not men, founded His church.
You do feel God in your heart. He has also gifted men with reason, by which He is also more well known and experienced. He established His church to guard against error, and to encourage the use of reason to draw closer to Him.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
I know some of you will think it's crazy to stick to a church, but I believe the church is here for a reason and we are to be obedient to the rules. And when in doubt ask questions. Which I what I am doing here.

Each of us get to chose for ourselves how much authority we give to clergy in our own lives. Each of us get to chose for ourselves which clergy are in our lives. Masonry teaches us to be better members of our chosen churches.

I don't think it's crazy to stick to a church. It's a choice to be made in sincere reflection. You and I get to pick differently and that's not crazy. I would walk out and let my minister know why on the way out. Vote with my presence and my donations. But I repeat that you and I get to pick differently.

If your church objects I would rather you work within your church to reverse that than have you make an end run around that objection. Given that you want to stick to your church.

I hope I made sense.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Upfront- not a mason. Just joined this group because of this thread. I have been reading about Masonry for awhile now. Very interested in joining. Have many good friends and relatives who are Masons. Here is my hang up- My denomination rejects it. Now, I don't agree with 100% of everything my denomination, The Assemblies of God, but do agree with about 99.9%. With that being said, I am a deacon/board member. I am pretty positive I can't be on the board serving the church and masonry. I don't blame my church, would never leave the church. I respect the rules that govern them and understand why most are in place. Hence why I haven't petitioned yet. My freinds have stated that they would be more than happy to sign my petition and help raise me up. They find it silly that I won't do it till my term is up and our reelection comes up. I am still praying if I will run next time, further pushing out my petition. I do bid your prayers on that.

With all that being said, are there any other Pentecostal or specifically Assemblies of God Mason's?

I know some of you will think it's crazy to stick to a church, but I believe the church is here for a reason and we are to be obedient to the rules. And when in doubt ask questions. Which I what I am doing here.

Thanks in advance for any response or input.

In Freemasonry, religion is left to each man's heart, conscience and faith, Freemasonry must not create a wedge between those things, for many of us, Freemasonry deepens and clarifies them; I think Bro Glen's suggestion is good, but once you have that talk, you've disclosed your thoughts and intent. I was lucky in that my conscience and my faith did not require such a conversation with the clergy of my church before joining, but if yours does, better not to become a Freemason than estrange yourself from your beliefs.
 

freemasonpha

Registered User
It is my understanding that Catholics and Protestants believe the philosophical foundation and methodology of Freemasonry is ecumenist - believing all religions lead to salvation/heaven/God. For Christians the exclusive claims of the Gospel and the exclusivity of Christ makes this branch theory, all religions are branches of legitimate faith, contrary to the Christianity. Also, some religions make truth claims that are contrary to the truth claims of other religions...and since both can't be right, one must be wrong. Sure, there is an element of mystery to all religious experience, but Christianity claims to hold to objective truth, not subjective or relative truth.

I could be wrong and often am.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
It is my understanding that Catholics and Protestants believe the philosophical foundation and methodology of Freemasonry is ecumenist ......

I would disagree and so would those churches that see Freemasonry as incompatiable with their dogma. Some research will set you straight, but at the same time, I would say a Fraternity is not a Religion, and hence their objections are something I reject :)

.....Also, some religions make truth claims that are contrary to the truth claims of other religions...and since both can't be right, one must be wrong....

Or they could all be wrong. I think God is a mystery, hence, despite some Church's claim to "divine inspiration" where God explains himself to mortals, he/she/it will always remain a mystery and is beyond human understanding...
 
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