Personally I prefer blue. I miss the old days when people who preferred red were hunted down and burned at the stake.
Personally I prefer blue. I miss the old days when people who preferred red were hunted down and burned at the stake.
"Is Freemasonry compatible with your theology/faith/belief system?" That is the question each candidate must ask themselves. Beyond that, debate degrades to argument and no one enjoys the benefits of harmony.
We have several threads going right now that are basically the same circular dead-end, and I for one would rather discuss blue vs red than read any more of this.
I impressed that after centuries of thinkers, writers, theologians, students, teachers,madmen and fools pondering, arguing, researching, and debating what it is to be a true Christian, you have definitively solved the puzzle. My Christian Bretheren are very fortunate indeed that you have found this forum.I don't think any official Christianity is compatible with true Christianity, these days.
At least the sacharine nonsense I've heard preached in the church.
So why not be a mason too?
To my understanding, Christianity is a path that Paul took, where he describes his battles to come out of the world of sin.
In order to achieve that I've learnt that I can't do it by my own strength of character, but must give up my will to god.
Which is easier said than done. And whilst I have failed at this point to achieve that personally, I wonder if it could ever be achieved when you have other loyalties. Or play loose with the word of god.
I impressed that after centuries of thinkers, writers, theologians, students, teachers,madmen and fools pondering, arguing, researching, and debating what it is to be a true Christian, you have definitively solved the puzzle. My Christian Bretheren are very fortunate indeed that you have found this forum.
Now if only someone can do the same for Judaism, I'll be all set.
The irony is delicious, to read you praising someone so highly when this SAME person also is totally convinced that the Pope and Freemasons are conspiring together to destroy democratic governments and rule the world. As far as he is concerned, Freemasonry is the enemy of humanity. Irony can be so lovely.
Bryan I'd like you to quote me suggesting that the pope and freemasons are conspiring together.
Or apologise for misrepresenting my point of view..
Admarcus thanks for the invitation.
Jews read Daniel chapter 9 http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-Chapter-9/
Then come back here and follow my previous instructions..
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Please tell be you are kidding, Brother Bryan. Please, please tell me you didn't think I was being serious, that I believe that after centuries of thinkers.........this one guy has found the answer. Read my first sentence again. The statement is ridiculous on its face. In your defense, you cannot hear the voice in my head that is dripping with sarcasm, but even so, I thought it was pretty clear.
It is entertaining to hear some of the lunacy that some antis think of as perfectly legitimate arguments. I attend a Free Methodist church and this church has a anti-Masoic bias. When I had decided to join the Craft I went to my pastor to inform him of this and ask if this was going to cause me a problem at church. He assured me that it would not and that has been the case. I am a new Mason having been raised on 04 Aug 14. I can honestly say that I have not been asked to say or do anything that I would be ashamed to say or do in front of my wife or pastor.The movement is by the antis not by us. On our end that's all there is to it. if you want more you'd need to go to the antis for that. On the one hand it can be sadly entertaining to listen to the rantings of lunatics. On the other hand increased exposure to illness increases risk of contagion even with mental illnesses.
>I have trouble imagining more inclusiveness than that.
Perhaps not every candidate likes swearing or having sacred books.
What would Freemasonry look like in a country that had never had an organized religion?
Perhaps not every would-be candidate is a man. Do you see where that leads?
To... equality?Perhaps not every would-be candidate is a man. Do you see where that leads?
To... equality?
Mind, I am not taking the "let's open mainstream Masonry to women" stance, but I see a rather important distinction between a candidate's beliefs re. Deity and whether or not said candidate is sporting certain anatomy. I will likely never sit in Lodge with two of the finest Masons I have ever known because of anatomy, but other than that distinction, there's nothing that makes them less of a Mason. By the same token, I don't really care what label is affixed to the nature of a candidate's belief, as long as he has that belief. Without it, he (or she) would indeed be that much less of a Mason.
Congratulations on being so pedantic that you completely missed the point.So, just play paper dolls with the Landmarks?