Catholic Position on the Masonic Lodge

[SDA2RC]

SPOKENWORD:

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.

SpokenWord, I am sorry but I think you are gravely confused. What is your proof that those that are “involved do not realize that they are caught up in this deception”. Is this just your opinion, or do you have some proof to back up your accusation?

Does the Spirit acknowledge Jesus in the Flesh?<<

Every mason I have known has!

Take my recommendation, and visit your local grand lodge, and do some research before making strange comments

Brandon

 

[SDA2RC]

potterygirl:

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!!!

Jeesh, I came out of religion that believes that the Pope is the Anti-Christ and the Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon. I can point you to many sites that say this!! As well as sites that clearly say the Catholic Church worships the pagan Gods and Satan… Holy Cow… if its on the internet… it must be true!!!

Potterygirl… first Masons would have to worship in lodge to worship a diety known as Jahbulon. Since the lodge makes it very clear that worship is a matter of personal preference and is not done at lodge… that would be difficult.

In fact… did you know Potterygirl that there are two things that are not allowed to be discussed during lodge meetings. 1. Religion (kinda kills the whole worship thing huh?) and 2. Politics!

Lodge meetings are to plan and do the business of helping the community and the members of the lodge. They are not for worship, debate, politics, religious arguments, or grandstanding!!

I suggest you do more research!!

Brandon

 

[potterygirl]

SDA2RC:

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!!

I wasn’t referring to anything “bad” other than the diety worship I am finding in most of the Google searches. That’s great if they have set up wonderful things. Hmmm…the Teamsters was supposed to be a Union to help it’s members right?

SDA2RC:

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?

Sorry I don’t plan on calling anyone…and I don’t need the condescending remark like a child.

SDA2RC:

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?

well it says that in most of the research I did this evening states that “one could be hurt” for squealing information about what goes on there. And yeah I do take an Oath in court. An oath to GOD…not some stupid club. And there’s one 2 miles from my house and they clearly won’t let anyone in that’s not a member bc they were having a lunch plate sale there one day and you had to be a member to buy one. They wouldn’t even let me look in the door. But I am in the south and for all I know, it’s could be a place for the Klan which still thrives today. (and no I don’t have stats in my back pocket to give you that to back it up

SDA2RC:

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

uh, yeah that’s why I came to this thread. Because my DH wanted to know more about the “ritual” that was performed. BUT oh well, he’ll never know bc it’s SECRET society! Duh!

And I have never thought of the Catholic Mass as weird or Pagan. Why would anyone anyway???

 

[SDA2RC]

Amethyst:

HOWEVER, if Canon Law says I can’t belong, that’s enough. Roma locuta, causa finita est or however that is properly said. !

Thats my attitude too… I dont understand why… and I certainly don’t think it was an infallible decree, however, God is more important than anything else (which is how one is taught to believe in the Masonic lodges) You are told that your duty to God, your Country, your family, and yourself, come before your duty to the lodge…

Amethyst:

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. !

Amethyst… As a mason for several years, I can honestly say that I have never in the least witnessed any anti-catholic activity, in fact, everyone in the lodge was always supportive of whatever religion one chose to be…

Masonry does not teach that all religions are equally pleasing to God. I am not sure about Jobies, or Eastern Star, however, freemasonry it’s self does not! Freemasonry is not in a position to declare what is pleasing to God, and has never claimed to!! In fact just the opposite!!

You do take a vow to keep modes of recognition secret… but this is hardly evil… I also keep my password to AOL secret. Priests keep what happens in the confessional secret. The secrets of Fatima were kept for a long time, and I think still are being kept. There is nothing intrinsically wrong wtih secrets. Even Christ told the Apostles not to tell people certain things.

Amethyst:

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!

Amen!!

 

[potterygirl]

SDA2RC:

Jeesh, I came out of religion that believes that the Pope is the Anti-Christ and the Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon. I can point you to many sites that say this!! As well as sites that clearly say the Catholic Church worships the pagan Gods and Satan… Holy Cow… if its on the internet… it must be true!!!

Potterygirl… first Masons would have to worship in lodge to worship a diety known as Jahbulon. Since the lodge makes it very clear that worship is a matter of personal preference and is not done at lodge… that would be difficult.

In fact… did you know Potterygirl that there are two things that are not allowed to be discussed during lodge meetings. 1. Religion (kinda kills the whole worship thing huh?) and 2. Politics!

Lodge meetings are to plan and do the business of helping the community and the members of the lodge. They are not for worship, debate, politics, religious arguments, or grandstanding!!

I suggest you do more research!!

Brandon

I suggest you don’t talk down to me like I am some child.

If you are a member (you surely act like you are one) then why don’t you spill the beans and let us know what’s really going on then.

 

[Amethyst]

SDA2RC:

Thats my attitude too… I dont understand why… and I certainly don’t think it was an infallible decree, however, God is more important than anything else (which is how one is taught to believe in the Masonic lodges) You are told that your duty to God, your Country, your family, and yourself, come before your duty to the lodge…

Amethyst… As a mason for several years, I can honestly say that I have never in the least witnessed any anti-catholic activity, in fact, everyone in the lodge was always supportive of whatever religion one chose to be…

Yes, me either… in North America. I’m leaving open the possibility that in the past, and in Europe, people were less tolerant, and that men who were Masons may have done things destructive to the Church. Which doesn’t necessarily mean the Masons AS MASONS met and plotted. Though that’s possible too.

Masonry does not teach that all religions are equally pleasing to God. I am not sure about Jobies, or Eastern Star, however, freemasonry it’s self does not! Freemasonry is not in a position to declare what is pleasing to God, and has never claimed to!! In fact just the opposite!!

Well, we won’t discuss how long ago Rainbow was; but I’m taking what I recall from the discourse of Religion in our initiation… I don’t have my ritual anymore so I can’t check. What they were actually declaring may have been no worse than – gasp – tolerance.

And Eastern Star can’t be *too *anti-Catholic, since the version of the story of Esther that is taught is clearly taken from the Greek version of the Scripture.

I do have some hope that there may be an indult allowing American Catholics to participate in Masonic activities within my lifetime. But I won’t be agititating for it… and again, in a way, I’m glad I had a large sacrifice to give to God in thanksgiving!

 

[SDA2RC]

potterygirl:

I wasn’t referring to anything “bad” other than the diety worship???

What diety worship? Maybe you know more about than I do… but I have sat through years or lodge meetings and never worshipped once!! I am/was a mason, 32 degree Scottish rite, and a shriner.

potterygirl:

Sorry I don’t plan on calling anyone…and I don’t need the condescending remark like a child.

I would call if I were you… it is much better than propigating rumors about people and an organization that you have very little first hand knowledge of!!

potterygirl:

well it says that in most of the research I did this evening states that “one could be hurt” for squealing information about what goes on there…

Well there are whole books about it… and the authors are still alive… maybe your getting your information from bad places!! I would recommend as a starting point if you really want to know… a book called: **The Boy Who Cried Wolf: The Book That Breaks Masonic Silence. **It is brief, but is a good staring point.

potterygirl:

And yeah I do take an Oath in court. An oath to GOD…not some stupid club…

Good… the obligations I took in Lodge were to God too… in fact, I did it with my hand placed on a Bible.

potterygirl:

And there’s one 2 miles from my house and they clearly won’t let anyone in that’s not a member bc they were having a lunch plate sale there one day and you had to be a member to buy one…

Yes… sometime’s they do have members only events… as do most fraternities and clubs.

potterygirl:

But I am in the south and for all I know, it’s could be a place for the Klan which still thrives today. (and no I don’t have stats in my back pocket to give you that to back it up …

LOL… what no staats? LOL It is true that some of the southern lodges, still discriminate based on race… it is sad. Of the 50 states, 13 still openly discriminate, and guess what… they are all from down south. I would not belong to one of those lodges.

potterygirl:

uh, yeah that’s why I came to this thread. Because my DH wanted to know more about the “ritual” that was performed. BUT oh well, he’ll never know bc it’s SECRET society! Duh!..

LOL… its a fraternity, not really secret But… now we are getting somewhere… what do you want to know!!! I will answer anything you want to know about the lodge and its rituals, what happens, etc. the best I can. The only thing that I am obligated (under an oath to God) not to reveal is how a mason would identify himself to another mason. This has to do with handshakes and passwords. Otherwise, everything is fair game.

potterygirl:

And I have never thought of the Catholic Mass as weird or Pagan. Why would anyone anyway???

MANY people do!! There are a lot of things that many people associate with Paganism, the robes, the chalice, the incense, the candles… etc…etc…etc. If your not raised in it, it takes a bit of getting used to… It seems VERY strange at first… I however, have come to love it!!

Brandon

 

[SDA2RC]

potterygirl:

I suggest you don’t talk down to me like I am some child. .

I am sorry if I am talking down to you… I just hate to see good people maligned…

potterygirl:

If you are a member (you surely act like you are one) then why don’t you spill the beans and let us know what’s really going on then.

As I said in my other post, you may not have had a chance to read it yet… I will be HAPPY to answer or tell you all I know, with the exception of how a mason would identify himself to another mason… I have taken an oath to God to not reveal that… it is done by handshakes and passwords. However, other than the handshake and password you would use to get into various lodges, ask away!!

Brandon

 

[Makerteacher]

Millie:

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!

Millie, sad to say that during my days at Loyola University, fraternities and sorotities were everywhere. Of course, that was back in the 1980s. Maybe things have improved??

 

[SPOKENWORD]

SDA2RC:

SpokenWord, I am sorry but I think you are gravely confused. What is your proof that those that are “involved do not realize that they are caught up in this deception”. Is this just your opinion, or do you have some proof to back up your accusation?

Does the Spirit acknowledge Jesus in the Flesh?<<

Every mason I have known has!

Take my recommendation, and visit your local grand lodge, and do some research before making strange comments

Brandon

Brandon, First of all I want you to know that I am not here to attack or judge you. The battle here is not against flesh and blood ,but against the spirits behind it. What I speak to you is in the love of Jesus Christ and the Truth of Jesus Christ. I understand what you are involved in. Because satan has put blinders on, you are not allowed to see the Truth of this organization.Even though you have verbally left this organazation,there is much to be done. A spititual house cleaning is in order. I also know this is not the place to address these issues.satan is a deciever and he loves to work in darkness. Please in the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ seek help. I recommended you get in touch with someone involved in the franciscan order. This is a spiritual battle that cannot be handled by just anyone. May Jesus open your eyes and your heart to set you free of these oaths and curses. Ill keep you in my prayers Brandon.

 

[SDA2RC]

SPOKENWORD:

Ill keep you in my prayers Brandon.

I will always welcome prayers.

Brandon

 

[Cursillo3_21_04]

SDA2RC:

I would love to see your sources proving that the Mexican assasination teams?? were of masnic orgin, or that the government was. Do you realize that the MANY of the early Americans who created our government were English and or American masons?

Paul Revere
Benjamin Franklin
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Davy Crockett
Sam Houston
John Hancock

15 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Freemasons

28 of the 40 signers of the Constitution of The United States were Freemasons

If this is your idea of a Masonic influenced government, I would say that it is one of the best in the world!!

Again, I am not saying that the Church is wrong in its prohibition about members joining the Masonic Organization, but I have yet to see any proof offered by the church or history that shows that mason are bad, and until something like that is substantiated, I would prefer to stand up for them and their reputation.

I have personally known several masons who are upstanding and devoted Christians and sincere men! These are not “low ranking” masons, whatever that is. Some are 32 and 33 degree SR masons who serve on state and national level boards and councils.

Brandon

Brandon,

 I recommend you read a book called "Behind the Lodge Door."  You are right several early presidents, etc were masons.  So were the majority of the Supream Court Justices when school prayer was outlawed.  The book will give you insight as to the agenda of the World Masonic organization, which happens to be an anti-Catholic agenda.

R/,

 

[larryo]

In addition to the links provided by *phatcatholic *in #39, I recommend the book, *Behind the Lodge Door, *by Paul A. Fisher. Since Pope Clement XII in the 18th century, the Church has consistently forbidden its members from belonging to any masonic organizations. Freemasonry, a product of the Enlightenment (in turn, a development of the Protestant Revolution and its Gnostic forbears) was founded to topple the existing social order, especially the Catholic Church. Many of the organizers of the French Revolution were Masons. Masonic governments in the 20th century in Portugal and Mexico persecuted Catholics. The bottom line is that–no matter how benign American masonic organizations may appear–no Catholic may belong to a masonic lodge.

 

[BK80734]

Hopefully it’s kosher to re-heat something I posted on another board (@ Beliefnet) here. For the full thread, which was interesting–if somewhat infuriating, go here:
beliefnet.com/boards/message_list.asp?pageID=1&discussionID=334779&messages_per_page=4

Here was my :twocents: :

[Catholic_Coloradoan](javascriptpenNewWin(’/user/profile_view.asp?userID=578428&popUp=1’,‘userProfile’,500,525,‘true’)
6/7/04 4:32 PM 17 out of 21http://images.beliefnet.com/imgs/x.gif http://images.beliefnet.com/imgs/x.gif
It’s interesting that this has come up here, as I have recently been having pretty heated discussions on the topic with a co-worker (I know, thin ice…).

Briefly, I live in a small town that has been heavily influenced by the Masonic Lodge. Today it doesn’t meet much or have many activities, but a pretty large percentage of the more prominent movers and shakers in town are either Masons or Eastern Star (affiliated group). I think the anti-catholicism that was open and explicit just 50 or 60 years ago here is still present, but no longer explicit (and sometimes, probably not even consciously endorsed–like the air we breathe). For example, last summer a local business had a $200 gargoyle stolen at about the same time a statue in front of the Catholic church had upwards of a thousand dollars of vandalism done to it–for the umpteenth time. The former was reported in the weekly paper (whose publisher is Eastern Star) with outrage, the latter not at all. Also, the annual Eastern Star salad luncheon fundraiser involves a mass migration of county employees from the courthouse to the temple; on the other hand, I’m the only Catholic to work in the courthouse in the memory of anybody I’ve talked to, minus one county commissioner several years ago.

Anyway, one of my co-workers has recently gotten extremely interested in re-vitalizing the local lodge and asked my boss and me to consider joining the Eastern Stars, at least (since the membership rules are much less stringent than the Masons). He, a Missouri Synod Lutheran, and I both replied that we are not allowed to by our respective churches because the lodge is considered a “cult” (in his words) or a “parallel religion” (in my words, borrowed from Karl Keating). This led me to do some research and, for a quick and dirty on the whole issue, try the Catholic Answers response here: ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/CAMASON1.HTM

Quick synopsis: It is impossible to truly be both Christian and a freemason because they are competing religions (although most of the Masons you are likely to talk to don’t believe you if you try to make this argument) and the freemasons have historically had an institutional goal of destroying the Catholic Church. A Lutheran pastor’s essay on the topic found below says largely the same thing (in many more words, and minus the Catholic issue): members.aol.com/lutherland/stuff/lodge.html

 

[Charlemagne]

DECLARATION ON MASONIC ASSOCIATIONS

It has been asked whether there has been any change in the Church’s decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous Code.

This Sacred Congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance in due to an editorial criterion which was followed also in the case of other associations likewise unmentioned inasmuch as they are contained in wider categories.

Therefore 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 enrol in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.

It is not within the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give a judgment on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a derogation from what has been decided above, and this in line with the Declaration of this Sacred Congregation issued on 17 February 1981 (cf. AAS 73 1981 pp. 240-241; English language edition of L’Osservatore Romano, 9 March 1981).

In an audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this Declaration which had been decided in an ordinary meeting of this Sacred Congregation.

Rome, from the Office of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 26 November 1983.

Joseph Card. RATZINGER
Prefect + Fr. Jerome Hamer, O.P.
Titular Archbishop of Lorium
Secretary"

 

[jamesclaude]

patricia:

I would like to add that my Dad is also a staunch Anglican and has been all his life … he is now 78 yrs old.

How could he not know that Freemasonry is a ‘bad boys’ club and not compatible with Christianity? Also, I think I read in one of your web referrals that even the Church of England did not allow members to be Freemasons. Isn’t the Anglican church the same as the Church of England? I’m wondering how my Dad could call himself an Anglican or Christian and also a Freemason?

Any more thoughts on this?

Jonathan Swift ( Anglican priest / author of Gulliver’s Travels ) actor : Peter Sellers, novelist & poet : Sir Walter Scott, Winston Churchill, King George VI, King Edward VII, King Edward VIII, Geoffry Fisher ( 99th Archbishop of Canterbury ) - Anglicans all - Freemasons all.

The Episcopal Church USA has no “ban” upon its members belonging to the Masonic Lodge - nor the Lions Club, Elks, Kiwanis or Optimist International or the Garden Club or the local domino parlor.

Is Freemasonry a religion ? Judge for yourself:

www.masonicinfo.com/religion.htm

Is Freemasonry anti-Catholic ? Hmmmm…

www.masonicinfo.com/anticatholic.htm

The lodge definitely ISN’T a beer drinking club, an insurance company or a church. It has certain private modes of recognition ( from its medieval stonecutter guild origins ) - but its lodge halls are clearly marked, listed in the phone book, and member’s rosters are printed by each state’s Grand Lodge. Secret ? Hardly.

People object to Freemasonry for its alleged secrecy and for many other reasons…

www.masonicinfo.com/objections.htm

I liberally cite Ed King’s web site not just because of the cool graphics, but primarily because it clearly answers so many issues and concerns.

Fiat Lux ! :yup:

• James ( also a staunch Anglican )

.

 

[Exporter]

How can you dad be a Mason and also belong to the Anglocan Church. All I can say is (1) the dad is not Catholic, (2) the dad din’t allow the Church to know his Masonic affiliation, (3) There is an abundance of ignorance floating around in the world.

newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm

Papal utterences"
newadvent.org/cathen/09771a.htm#VIII

. Today, we understand by a secret society, a society with secrets, having a ritual demanding an oath of allegiance and secrecy, prescribing ceremonies of a religious character, such as the use of the Bible, either by extracts therefrom, or by its being placed an altar within a lodge-room, by the use of prayers, of hymns, of religious signs and symbols, special funeral services, etc." (Rosen, “The Catholic Church and Secret Societies,” p. 2). Raich gives a more elaborate description: “Secret societies are those organizations which completely conceal their rules, corporate activity, the names of their members, their signs, passwords and usages from outsiders or the ‘profane.’ As a rule, the members of these societies are bound to the strictest secrecy concerning all the business of the association by oath or promise or word of honour, and often under the threat of severe punishment in case of its violation. If such secret society has higher and lower degrees, the members of the higher degree must be equally careful to conceal their secrets from their brethren of a lower degree. In certain secret societies, the members are not allowed to know even the names of their highest officers. Secret societies were founded to promote certain ideal aims, to be obtained not by violent but by moral measures. By this, they are distinguished from conspiracies and secret plots which are formed to attain a particular object through violent means. Secret societies may be religious, scientific, political or social” (Kirchenlex., V, p. 519). Narrowing the definition still more to the technical meaning of secret societies (societates clandestinae) in ecclesiastical documents, Archbishop Katzer in a Pastoral (20 Jan., 1895) says: “The Catholic Church has declared that she considers those societies illicit and forbidden which (1) unite their members for the purpose of conspiring against the State or Church; (2) demand the observance of secrecy to such an extent that it must be maintained even before the rightful ecclesiastical authority; (3) exact an oath from their members or a promise of blind and absolute obedience; (4) make use of a ritual and ceremonies that constitute them sects.”

 

[MarkPerz]

Last May, phatcatholic listed a number of links for research. This one is a good place to start:

www.scripturecatholic.com/freemasonfaq.html

 

[jamesclaude]

Exporter:

How can you dad be a Mason and also belong to the Anglocan Church. All I can say is (1) the dad is not Catholic, (2) the dad din’t allow the Church to know his Masonic affiliation, (3) There is an abundance of ignorance floating around in the world.

Geoffrey Fisher, the 99th Archbishop of Canterbury was a Freemason. So were Winston Churchill, Sir Walter Scott, King George VI, King Edward VII , King Edward VIII , Lord Elgin ( the current and several former ones ) and Jonathan Swift ( Anglican priest and author of Gulliver’s Travels ) - Anglicans all.

Neither does Anglican Church “ban” its members from belonging to the Lions Club, Civitan, Elks, Optimists , Daughters of the American Revolution, local garden club or neighborhood domino parlor.

No one has to “hide” anything from the Anglican Church.

Is Freemasonry anti-Catholic ? See for yourself :

www.masonicinfo.com/anticatholic.htm

I couldn’t agree more with your statement about “the abundance of ignorance” - it’s on a rampage !

• James ( also an Anglican )

.

 

[SPOKENWORD]

jamesclaude:

Geoffrey Fisher, the 99th Archbishop of Canterbury was a Freemason. So were Winston Churchill, Sir Walter Scott, King George VI, King Edward VII , King Edward VIII , Lord Elgin ( the current and several former ones ) and Jonathan Swift ( Anglican priest and author of Gulliver’s Travels ) - Anglicans all.

Neither does Anglican Church “ban” its members from belonging to the Lions Club, Civitan, Elks, Optimists , Daughters of the American Revolution, local garden club or neighborhood domino parlor.

No one has to “hide” anything from the Anglican Church.

Is Freemasonry anti-Catholic ? See for yourself :

www.masonicinfo.com/anticatholic.htm

I couldn’t agree more with your statement about “the abundance of ignorance” - it’s on a rampage !

• James ( also an Anglican )

.

Hi James ,You try to justify its okay because this person or that person belongs. So what ,they are all blinded to the TRUTH. You are responsable for yourself. They are not going to be with you on judgement day. You will stand alone and be held accountable. God Bless