Freemasonry question

indy_man

I am interested in what the protestant members views on Freemasonry are? Catholics who are members are excommunicated and we believe Freemasonry tries to put Jesus on the same level as Budda, Mohommad etc.

Good video on the subject from a Catholic perspective.

Saipanne

Shhhudup!

j80ezgvc3p92xu

I have heard that a lot of Protestant ministers and pastors are also masons, at least in the US. As far as I know the Catholic Church are the only major religious group who have made their position on the organization known (through encyclicals) and even devised strategies on how to contain the masonic menace (look up St. Maximillian's writings).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_to_Freemasonry_within_Christianity is a good read but it is Wikipedia so not entirely credible.

Absolam

indy_man wrote: »

I am interested in what the protestant members views on Freemasonry are? Catholics who are members are excommunicated and we believe Freemasonry tries to put Jesus on the same level as Budda, Mohommad etc.
Good video on the subject from a Catholic perspective.

Actually, Roman Catholic members aren't excommunicated; they're considered to exist in a state of grave sin.
It was discussed here a few years ago when a particular CT poster was trying to prove a point.
I doubt that many Catholics believe Freemasonry tries to put Jesus on the same level as Budda, Mohommad etc.

homer911 wrote: »

I think its fair to say that southern Irish protestant attitude to Freemasonry is probably different to the northern attitude, in that it would be viewed with some suspicion and is best avoided. Case in point being the closure of the masonic schools in Dublin in the 70s/80s.

The schools weren't closed due to being viewed with suspicion, they were closed due to the success of the free education system in Ireland which made them unnecessary. The proceeds from the sales were invested in educational trusts which now provide education grants to hundreds of people every year; mostly in second and third level education.

indy_man

Agreed, not all Catholic members are excommunicated but they can be and members have been excommunicated.

“… the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.”

Church considers Freemasonry to be much more than just a fraternal organization. The Church sees Freemasonry as an alternate religion, with its own set of symbols, rites, oaths, names for God, route to heaven, and moral codes - and all with no mention of Jesus Christ.

http://www.catholicbible101.com/thefreemasons.htm


Still interested in hearing if any Protestants here have reservations about freemasonry?

Absolam

indy_man wrote: »

Agreed, not all Catholic members are excommunicated but they can be and members have been excommunicated.

Well, it hasn't been canonically legal to excommunicate someone purely for being a Freemason since 1983, so whilst Freemasons (like other Catholics) can be excommunicated, they can't be excommunicated simply for being Freemasons.
As for members having been excommunicated, aside from those prior to 1983 who were ipso facto excommunicated latae sententiae (where neither the individual nor the Church would necessarily have been aware of their personal excommunication at all), I'm not aware of anyone ever being excommunicated ferendae sententiae for being a Freemason?

martinedwards

a lot of the charismatic and evangelical side of protestanism view the masons with a deep distrust.

but then I know one church of Ireland Bishop who was very high up in the Masons.