An we attend a Christian wedding held at a Masonic "church"?

[astenken]

I’m no fan of the Freemasons, but I do know that the whole alleged business with Baphomet was part of an embarrassing moment for Pope Leo XIII called the Taxil Hoax:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxil_hoax

The fact that so many Catholics have no idea how dangerous freemasonry is quite scary to me. There is a reason exorcist priests warn against freemasonry.

 

[astenken]

I just find it funny when someone attacks or criticizes the Catholic Church and Faith, Catholics always say to research the facts, information, read the catechism, read the Bible, etc. etc. However, when Catholics attacks other religions or organizations, they don’t seem to do the same thing. Hilarious if you ask me.

The Church’s opposition to Freemasonry is merely political I’m nature from a purely historical standpoint. Theological arguments were used to support this opposition. I get that.

Freemasonry in the past supported and advocated for democracy, freedom of speech, separation of Church and State, and the like. The Church in the past strongly opposed these ideals, given the power and influence they held in the past in Europe.

You can make theological arguments against Freemasonry, fine. Whatever. However, please check your facts when attacking and criticizing Freemasonry. You wouldn’t like it when Protestsnts or Muslims attack the Faith. You would want them to check the facts and read into the Catholic Faith instead of criticizing the Faith. Why can’t you do the same for Freemasonry.

Catholic sites on Freemasonry isn’t the “best” place to get information on the topic. Just as a Evangelical Protestestant or Muslim sites isn’t the best place to get information on the Catholic Faith.

Double standards people.

There are countless Catholics who are Freemason. There are even Knights of Colombus who are also Freemason. In fact, I know a Grand Knight of a Knights of Colombus who was also a Freemason. There are Knights of Colombus chapters who do collaborations with local chapters of the Freemaosns.

Freemasonry is a charitable organization. That’s all they are. Plain and simple.

Yeah they preform “weird” rituals and ceremonies, but the same can be said about the Knights of Colombus, because they do in fact perform “weird” rituals and ceremonies.

Weird is a pretty subjective term anyways, as one can imagine.

You are so wrong. But, hey, if it works for you, good luck and God bless!

 

[gamewell45]

The fact that so many Catholics have no idea how dangerous freemasonry is quite scary to me. There is a reason exorcist priests warn against freemasonry.

Can you in your opinion elaborate on why freemasonry is so dangerous?

 

[gamewell45]

I kind of regret saying what I did in my earlier post. In real life I would never, never say something like that. It would be totally out of character for me. One of the great things about CAF though, is its semi-anonymity. It frees us up to discuss things we ordinarily wouldn’t be able to. For instance, we can talk about our prayer lives or about fasting, both of which are normally supposed to be kept to oneself, lest one inadvertantly fall into the trap of acting pious in order to impress other people. It’s useful, because it allows us to discuss the subject of Freemasonry in a somewhat more open way. It’s necessary, too, because if one goes on the internet and begins talking about Masonry, it’s inevitable that one sounds clinically insane. The only solution is to first establish that one legitimately knows what one is talking about.

So, as far as your post is concerned, each lodge is individual, but they share overarching commonalities, too. Some are more focused on “occult” stuff, while others are primarily social gatherings, drinking beer and whatnot. So if you’re a Mason and you’re somehow unfamiliar with Baphomet, think back to when you were taught the word. You were initially taught the correct pronunciation, but were deliberately misled in regards to spelling. A minor deception, but it shows the essential template present in all Masonry. In other words, the same statement has completely different meanings dependant upon your location in the group’s hierarchy; two Masons could have entirely different understandings each according to his level. Put another way, you are worshipping Baphomet, whether you realize it or not.

But while I’m extremely critical of Masonry itself, I definitely don’t want to disrespect or offend any individual Mason. I also don’t want to seem to be demeaning anyone’s Masonic relatives. Rather, my intention is to warn fellow Christians that when confronted with Masonry they should turn and run as though from a plague. Far better to stand with Christ! Catholics need to know that there are very definite and valid reasons for the Church’s prohibition against joining up. I stand with St. Maximillian Kolbe - I agree with both his analysis of and his stance against Freemasonry.

Thanks for your response.

My only answer at this point is that there is no “worshipping” that takes place in a Masonic Lodge. Until I joined CAF some years ago, I never heard the word Baphomet. As I’ve mentioned in this thread and others, Freemasonry is not a religion nor a substitute for religion; if one expects to find religion in a Masonic lodge, they will be extremely disappointed. Each man is encouraged to steadfast in the faith of his acceptance. Not much more to be said.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

I’ve heard the Masons are Satanic–whether theistic or aesthetic ones, I know not, but I know they are very anti-Catholic and surrounded by secrecy. I know I would never willingly walk into one of their churches and I don’t think it’s appropriate.

It is my understanding that the Masons are not Satanic in any way. I do believe that Masons do need to state that they believe in the existence of a Supreme Being to join.

As far as I know, the Masons are NOT anti-Catholic.

Masons do not have “churches.”