application

In our New Testament class this morning we focused in on 1 Corinthians 8-10, looking especially at the application of 8:9 and not causing a brother to stumble.

Various things were discussed and at one point a certain topic, Free Masonry, was dominating the conversation.  A statement along the lines of "I don't see how you can be an evangelical Christian and a Free Mason," was made (to which I will add the disclaimer that that is what I understood to have been said.)

It is moments like that when I wish I never had to set foot in the place again, as I find this to be both insensitive, judgmental and bordering on arrogant.  I do not know enough about Free Masonry to make a call as to how it stands before God - is it sinning to be a Free Mason or not?  But even if we are to say that it is then the question remains as to whether or not this excludes a person from being a Christ follower.  I surely hope that it does not; because if it does then neither am I.  I am trying to follow Christ, but I often fail.  I am trying to follow Christ, but at times I put up idols ahead of him.  I am trying to follow Christ, but I am a sinner.

Of course, if Free Masonry is not compatible with the Christian life then it should be made clear that that is the case; as we do with a whole host of other sinful behaviours or belief structures.  But to suggest that it stops one from being a Christian...

This is the paradox of the Christian faith; "that whilst we were still sinners Christ died for us" (emphasis mine.)  It was not through anything that we were doing right that Christ took the fall.  Yet as a result those who commit to Him have been justified, they are being sanctified, and on the day that He returns they will be glorified.  Until then we are works in progress, on a journey, and - praise God - he meets us on that journey, while we are still far off, and brings us home.

Comments

[Susan]

Didnt realise you were bothered so much by this, my friend.
I think the person involved has a personal issue with the whole topic. But someone else who spoke did give the Church of Scotlad answer - that they have officaially riled that Freemasonry is oncompatible with Christianity. This was certainlyt he understanding of my Grandpa (who was seriously influential in my faith development - I became a CHristian a few days after he died) - his Dad was a Freemason, and Grandpa burned all his books and insignia after he was converted, as he felt it wasnt Christian, and where it was in his family he had to deal with it - by getting rid of it.

I dont personally think that the sins of the fathers are also on the next generation - we are all free to sin in our own way - and I have no truck with the people who say that the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren of freemasons have to go through some kind of 'process' to 'free' them of this. But there are a lot of folks out there who do.

Hope this isnt why you werent there today - missed a great lecture on Moltmanns theology - do you want the notes?

[captain]

Having been a Freemason for nearly twenty years and a Christian for somewhat less ( I thought I was before but when I was truly filled with the spirit realised the difference) I still find no incompatibility with my Masonry and my faith. There is a lot of well researched information available and Masonic libraries in Masonic headquarters buildings carry anti-masonic literature so that a balanced view can be found. It's true that there are some 'crackpot' websites around but it is often obvious that these are what they are. Put United Grand Lodge of England into your search engine for an official view and Kit Lambert's book 'Workman Unashamed-The testimony of a Christian Freemason' is a good, if weighty, start.

[Andrew T]

Whilst I'm not aware of the current Church of Scotland position on Freemasonry there was some debate on the subject, I think, in the 1960's which expressed concern over some aspects of the craft. This does not, however, seem to have led to a prohibition on Freemasons participating in the church and there are in many areas still Masonic church parades and in every church, I'm sure, there are Freemasons that are members.

Most of what is published about Freemasonry that I have seen in the public domain tends to be written either by people who know a little bit about it and sensationalise things in order to sell books or by those that are out and out story-tellers who just put out the most fantastic distortions of the true nature of Freemasonry. Grand Lodges and the vast majority of individual Masons prefer to maintain a dignified silence in the face of the untruths rather than be dragged into endless debates with people who are just out to either rubbish Freemasonry or paint it as some global conspiracy descended from UFOs/Egyptian Pharohs/Devil worship (take your pic!!!!).

I'm sorry to hear that you have encountered someone with such negative views on Freemasonry but if they were to look at the work done quietly and without fanfare by Freemasons down the centuries on behalf of the needy and take a look at a list of famous Masons that have played huge roles in world history then perhaps they would re-think their opinion.

[Wood Street Girl]

Hey mate, I hear you. Freemasonry is a highly emotive topic, especially in this part of the country. Yes, freemasons do good charitable work, are very family oriented and from the outside there is little that is obvious about the society is that it is not good. However, having been through some ministry into issues where free masonry in my own family has affected me directly, the vows that men take as they enter and then progress through the various degrees of the freemasons do not reflect favourably when scripture is brought to bear on them. Jesus speaks very directly about taking oaths and the bible also speaks clearly that the power of life and death is in tongue. Having heard what men are required to speak over their bodies, their wives and their children I cannot for a second imagine that Jesus would think this is a good thing. Jesus spoke life, not death and fear. Many of these vows relate to the deities of several religions and belief systems that would certainly be deemed incompatible with the Christian faith.

Obviously masons will defend their ground and crack-pots will continue to be cracked, but there is a reasoned evangelical Christian voice in the debate also, that looks beyond the good works and respectability to the spiritual nature of an allegiance to freemasonry. Seeing as others have shared literature they have found helpful, Yvonne Kitchener has done some very useful (and practical) work into the spiritual issues associated with them masons, which you can get on Sozo ministries website. However there is nothing to beat the testimony of a former mason......

[Coxy]

"There is nothing to beat the testimony of a former mason..."

How about the testimony of a current Christian mason, like 'captain' who, even after being "filled by the spirit," does not find it to conflict with his faith.

Whilst neither 'beats' the other the range of Christian opinion - be it testimony or writing, both for and against - further highlights the tension that this issue produces.