All,
I am a FC mason (about to turn in my material and move on to the next level) and have really enjoyed masonry so far. I am finding that it really does seem to answer fundamental questions I have been thinking about my whole life. Because of this, I feel that it has caused me to really think about where I am spiritually and to rededicate myself and family to going to church.
I've recently read articles that state Masonry is anti-Christian with a whole slew of topics that just don't seem right from what I have learned so far. The main arguement is that Jesus's name not really spoken in Masonic Lodges and that Masonry offers other routes th obtaining 'salvation' than from Jesus Christ.
To be a Mason, one has to believe in God and most of the degree work seems to be focused on getting closer to God. Although it doesn't explicitly call out any particular God, this alone doesn't mean it is anti-Christian. It allows one to tailor Masonry with respect to their own religous beliefs, and for me, that has given me the green light to pursue my Christian faith even more. Masonic teachings have supplemented the religous work and provided 'tools' to live my life in a manner which promotes my relationship with God in many ways that is compatible with religous teachings (and nothing that is incompatible). I understand that Jesus's name, and for that matter, Buddha or Allah as well, is not mentioned either because Masonry tries to be 'generic' so that it can accomodate anyone's religion. What is important is that Masonry provides the fundamental framework that each person must deal with on their own level, thus making it unique and special to each individual person with respect to their own religion.
I am not sure if I am saying this right, but am I missing something? I would like to hear how folks on this forum deal with this topic.
Thanks!
I am a FC mason (about to turn in my material and move on to the next level) and have really enjoyed masonry so far. I am finding that it really does seem to answer fundamental questions I have been thinking about my whole life. Because of this, I feel that it has caused me to really think about where I am spiritually and to rededicate myself and family to going to church.
I've recently read articles that state Masonry is anti-Christian with a whole slew of topics that just don't seem right from what I have learned so far. The main arguement is that Jesus's name not really spoken in Masonic Lodges and that Masonry offers other routes th obtaining 'salvation' than from Jesus Christ.
To be a Mason, one has to believe in God and most of the degree work seems to be focused on getting closer to God. Although it doesn't explicitly call out any particular God, this alone doesn't mean it is anti-Christian. It allows one to tailor Masonry with respect to their own religous beliefs, and for me, that has given me the green light to pursue my Christian faith even more. Masonic teachings have supplemented the religous work and provided 'tools' to live my life in a manner which promotes my relationship with God in many ways that is compatible with religous teachings (and nothing that is incompatible). I understand that Jesus's name, and for that matter, Buddha or Allah as well, is not mentioned either because Masonry tries to be 'generic' so that it can accomodate anyone's religion. What is important is that Masonry provides the fundamental framework that each person must deal with on their own level, thus making it unique and special to each individual person with respect to their own religion.
I am not sure if I am saying this right, but am I missing something? I would like to hear how folks on this forum deal with this topic.
Thanks!