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Marie
Guest
Then how come Bishop Bruskewitz excommunicated them…his exact words. Did you read his edict?
Is it because each Bishop or Diocese doe’s it different? I had wondered about that and that part does not seem very clear.
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Is it because each Bishop or Diocese doe’s it different? I had wondered about that and that part does not seem very clear.
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DominvsVobiscvm
Guest
Umm . . .
Isn’t this exactly what I said?
Canon Law implicitly forbids Catholics from becoming Freemasons. Subsequent legislation by the CDF makes this explicit.
Catholic Masons are therefore, candidates for excommunication.
But they are not automatically excommunicated by virtue of their being mason; unlike, say, those who consecrate bishops unlawfully, or who directly participate in an abortion. These are, in fact, automatically ecommunicated.
Unless publicly and explicitly excommunicated by his Ordinary, a Catholic freemason is a Catholic living in mortal sin, but a Catholic nonetheless. He is not automatically excommunicated by virtue of his membership in the freemasons.
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Marie
Guest
OK! That makes sense. Bishop Bruskewitz gave them one month notice and excommunicated them in his Diocese. Got it.
Whew!
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DominvsVobiscvm
Guest
I think, in this matter, we can compare Catholic freemasons with pro-abortion Catholic politicans.
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DominvsVobiscvm
Guest
You notice, Marie, that every time we think we have a disagreement, it turns out we agree after all? That it was just a matter of miscommunication?
Makes you think about how many schisms thoughout history have perhaps occurred because of such mere misunderstandings. If only you and I had been around, maybe the Protestants and the Lefebvrists would never have broken from the Church!
Makes you think about how many schisms thoughout history have perhaps occurred because of such mere misunderstandings. If only you and I had been around, maybe the Protestants and the Lefebvrists would never have broken from the Church!
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SDA2RC
Guest
ROTFL…
Oh… the pain I go through just for asking for proof… LOL ROTFL
Brandon
Ok… am thinking through my strategy so as not to be assigned to the “Sack cloth and ash” penance. I would prefer something more noble like climbing the stairs of the Empire State Building while on my knees, praying, and flogging myself. (all the while Marie is standing there taking pictures and saying… I told you so… I told you so!! ) LOLWHOAAA! Sack cloth and ashes for life, should you choose to accept the assignment.<<
Oh… the pain I go through just for asking for proof… LOL ROTFL
Brandon
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Marie
Guest
Penance is good for you…Very lovely pictures I can see I will be taking.ROTFL…
Ok… am thinking through my strategy so as not to be assigned to the “Sack cloth and ash” penance. I would prefer something more noble like climbing the stairs of the Empire State Building while on my knees, praying, and flogging myself. (all the while Marie is standing there taking pictures and saying… I told you so… I told you so!! ) LOLWHOAAA! Sack cloth and ashes for life, should you choose to accept the assignment.
Oh… the pain I go through just for asking for proof… LOL ROTFL
Brandon
But could I take the elevator please to snap those pictures on each floor up? I play it safe and follow the Bishop. I’ll take my penance on the ground floor 
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Marie
Guest
We do seem to always come out agreeing.You notice, Marie, that every time we think we have a disagreement, it turns out we agree after all? That it was just a matter of miscommunication?
Makes you think about how many schisms thoughout history have perhaps occurred because of such mere misunderstandings. If only you and I had been around, maybe the Protestants and the Lefebvrists would never have broken from the Church!
It must mean I am good at convincing you. ROFLOL!
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Millie
Guest
I went to Wheaton College (Billy Graham’s alma mater) before
I became a Catholic, and we had to sign a pledge that we
would not drink, dance, play cards, go to movies or join a
secret society. Therefore, they did not have fraternaties or
sororities on campus. I notice that Catholic Colleges do not
allow them either (or have things changed since I last looked?)
However, my father was a mason, and a Christian. I really
don’t think he knew it was an anti-Christian organization, or he
would never have joined. Just shows how much attention he
paid to the meetings!
I became a Catholic, and we had to sign a pledge that we
would not drink, dance, play cards, go to movies or join a
secret society. Therefore, they did not have fraternaties or
sororities on campus. I notice that Catholic Colleges do not
allow them either (or have things changed since I last looked?)
However, my father was a mason, and a Christian. I really
don’t think he knew it was an anti-Christian organization, or he
would never have joined. Just shows how much attention he
paid to the meetings!
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UtahMaggie
Guest
Oh I got into a huge debate about this on another board. But let me say this. I take great offense to people saying the Mason as a whole are “bad guys”. My father and other members of my family are Masons. So I am very offended when they are called bad guys. Also, I’m very curious about this heirarchy people refer to. There are the Freemason Lodges. The head of each lodge is in charge of that lodge. He answers to the state Masons of which any Mason can be a member. I’m getting the impression people think that the Masons all over the world are in cohorts (sp?). They are not. Utah has it’s own governing Masonic council. Idaho has it’s own, and so on. It’s too bad that your father won’t talk about it. I know just about everything that goes on in a Masonic meeting. There are only a few lines in their meetings which are “secret”. And I would love to hear why people “think” they are trying to overthrow the Catholic church. Considering they have been around for so long, they sure are taking their sweet time doing it. Like I always say, they have a hard enough time organizing a pancake breakfast, how in the world are they going to overthrow the Catholic church? Like I said, my dad is a Mason. I love him very much. He is not a bad man at all. He is one of the most decent, upstanding, honorable gentlemen I have ever know (and I even thought that back when I was a teenager). Please don’t start telling me to pray for him. That’s not what I’m trying to say. I’m just trying to find out where people get off saying that they are all “bad men” if they don’t even know one. People will believe the bad things about Masons but not the good things.
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SPOKENWORD
Guest
MAGEE. I have had some catholic friends whom are members of the masons. I have tried to expose the truth to them but they refuse to see it.Many members are good persons but being good will not get you into the kingdom of heaven. These men dont realize it but they are in heavy bondage and influence of the enemy. You cant serve two masters ,you will love one and hate the other. I would sugest if you are going to attack this spiritual battle, please be prepared for the attacks of satan. I will give you a recommendation,Talk to someone whom is involved with the franciscan order, for they do help deal with this bondage. Masonary is not of God it is disgized by the angel of light called satan…,
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SDA2RC
Guest
SpokenWord, you made the accusation that these men are in “heavy bondage”… to what?? How are they being influenced by the “enemy”? You are making all sorts of statements, but you have not given us an example or any evidence of Satanic influence or activities by these men.
I think a lot of Catholics don’t understand masonry, so they say everything they have ever heard about it to label it as bad, evil, satanic, etc…etc… Yet no one provides any proof or evidence of anything. Why is it that most people on here say “Masonry is bad”, yet they can’t provide anything more than speculation as to why it is bad? What are the motives of doing this?
Brandon
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UtahMaggie
Guest
Brandon (,SDA2RC)
I appreciate your understanding. Just one thing, the Skull and Bones are not part of Masonry. I have already been told to prepare for Satan because I am “attacking” this thread. I notice you haven’t received the same threat. I guess I get too emotional. It seems that you do know a few Masons and refer to Grand Lodge. You are very well educated in this are. I see you are also from Utah. I won’t ask too many questions but are you from Salt Lake County? Do you know any of the men in Grand Lodge? Have you received any answers here that explain why the Masons are seen as anti-Christian or anti-Catholic? I have yet to receive any information as to why people think they are not only anti Catholic but satanic as well!
I appreciate your understanding. Just one thing, the Skull and Bones are not part of Masonry. I have already been told to prepare for Satan because I am “attacking” this thread. I notice you haven’t received the same threat. I guess I get too emotional. It seems that you do know a few Masons and refer to Grand Lodge. You are very well educated in this are. I see you are also from Utah. I won’t ask too many questions but are you from Salt Lake County? Do you know any of the men in Grand Lodge? Have you received any answers here that explain why the Masons are seen as anti-Christian or anti-Catholic? I have yet to receive any information as to why people think they are not only anti Catholic but satanic as well!
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SDA2RC
Guest
Correct, I was quoting from a protestant who claims they are. I agree they are not related.
LOL… we should get emotional when a group of people are unfairly and labelled in an un-Christian way, by people who, for the most part, have no first hand knowledge of what they are talking about. Like I said in a previous post, it is the same mindset and lack of critical thinking, that leads the Protestants (including myself in my previous beliefs) to label and attack Catholicism.
Yes… I was a Mason and 32nd degree scottish rite, and am probably still on the membership roster. I submitted a letter to be demitted when I found out the Church stance on it recently, they have not had a business meeting to act on it yet I am sure. My experience and knowledge goes against what everyone has been saying, however, I chose to defer my personal judgement to the Church. I do know some of the Grand Lodge officers personally, as well as the Past GM’s in the last few years. I am from Davis County. My father is also a mason (he followed my lead, not the other way around) as are many of the best men I know!!
The only thing I can think of is that the Church thinks they know a completely different Masonry than what is really present. Although I do know that Eurpean Masonry is quite a bit…um… different, than US Masonry, so maybe their judgements have been made on Masonry in the past in Europe, or at best, particular members. What I am afraid of, is the cost to the Church in eternity for promoting the slander of so many good men!!
Brandon
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UtahMaggie
Guest
I had a feeling you were or had been a Mason. I guarantee we know some of the same people especially recent Past GM’s. I really hope some day the Church offers a clear explanation on this issue. My dad tells me not to get so upset but, as you understand, I get emotional when people imply my dad is not a good man.
Maggie
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potterygirl
Guest
Yes this is correct. Just phoned my dad and he stated the same thing. He says also that you can find many of the Masonic Symbols on our money. Not sure if it’s still on the newer prints. My dad is a history buff and is quite fair and balanced with his research, so I believe him. He did say that they might have started out with good intentions years back (the reason for the Freedom of Religion set up in our Constitution) but you know how things go bad throughout the years.
Now my friend’s best friend is a member and he was even “branded” (burned) on his body with some of their symbols. I am from the south so that may be something regional, I do not know. Most folks down here say it’s more like a Fraternity more than anything.
Still it bothers me with all the secrecy and oaths. My husband’s father was a freemason and he said at his funeral they did some pretty WEIRD rituals that made his eyes open up. (this was when my husband was in protestant seminary, it bothered him greatly.)
~amy
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SPOKENWORD
Guest
You cannot serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. Those that are involved do not realize that they are caught up in this deception. Test the spirit to see if its of the Lord. Does the Spirit acknowledge Jesus in the Flesh. You will see that it does not. THIS IS SPIRITUAL WAREFARE AT ITS WORST. Take my recommendation and seek help in this battle. We do not restle with flesh and blood but with principalities of darkness. 
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potterygirl
Guest
sheesh…I did a Google search on Freemasons and I found out that they worship a diety known as Jahbulon. Which is comprised of Jahweh, the god of the hebrews, the Bul part is part of the Baal (fertility god assoc. with magic), and the On part has to do with Ancient Egyptian God of the underworld.
HOLY COW!!!
HOLY COW!!!
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Amethyst
Guest
Ah, Masonry…
The most difficult sacrifice I made on entering the Church was giving up my membership in a Masonic women’s organization. Masonry is on one side of my family for more than three generations; my health benefitted immensely from the assistance of the Shrine Hospital when I was a teen.
Belonging to the Job’s Daughters and the Rainbow Girls when I was younger taught me public speaking and instilled in me a love of service to others.
I don’t quite believe the stories I read about the Masons on some Web sites… they read so much like the wacky anti-Catholic stuff that I find myself suspicious.
HOWEVER, if Canon Law says I can’t belong, that’s enough. Roma locuta, causa finita est or however that is properly said.
Aside from any possible anti-Catholic activity, I can say that Masonic organizations do teach the serious error that there is no difference between religions, and that all religions are equally pleasing to God. And then there is the matter of the vows of secrecy; if that is forbidden, then certainly all the Masonic groups I know would fall under that ban.
For me, it is definitely a case of “hating” my heritage in order to serve God truly. But I do it willingly because I receive the Blessed Sacrament itself in return!
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SDA2RC
Guest
Amy, how has Masonry gone bad? What have they done bad? Setup free hosptials for Children? Free Burn Centers for anyone? Orphanages, rest homes? Reading clinics? Just exactly what is the “bad” that has happened throughout the years? This is what has happened over and over again on this thread. Inferring something is “bad” yet not being able to identify it!!
My wife is from TN, and I know some of the Masons there… in fact her fathers business partner was a Mason. Tattoo’s of masonic symbols are frowned upon, and certainly “burning” of any symbol is not Masonic. You are welcome to call the Grand Lodge and ask if it is part of their ritual to burn or otherwise put marks on people… I am sure they will be happy to tell you!! Of course, I doubt you have done this… it is much easier to just repeat hearsay without verifying it… right?
What about them bothers you? The part before the oath where it is explained that the penalties are historical and “only symbolic and have never been applied to any Mason!” Or do you just dislike oaths all together? Would you take an oath in court? As far as secrecy… what is kept secret? Can you not go to any library and get a copy of the ritual? I can! The meeting times and locations are generally in the phone book, and the buildings are clearly marked. So… what is the secrecy?
Such as? Did he ever try to find out why they did what they did? You know… the first time I saw Catholic ceremonies they seemed AWFUL weird and pagan… in fact, my family still feels that way!! I had to try to understand them, before I could appreciate them!!
Brandon
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