K
KyivAndrew
Guest
Ukrainian Orthodox Criticism of Freemasonry by prominent cleric:
ukrainian-orthodoxy.org/questions/2006/masons.html
ukrainian-orthodoxy.org/questions/2006/masons.html
- Status
K
KyivAndrew
Guest
Presbyterian Report Criticizing Freemasonry:
ericbarger.com/presbyterian.masonic.htm
ericbarger.com/presbyterian.masonic.htm
K
KyivAndrew
Guest
Auburn Presbyterian Church Criticism of Freemasonry
auburnavenue.org/officialpositionstatements/Freemasonry.htm
auburnavenue.org/officialpositionstatements/Freemasonry.htm
K
KyivAndrew
Guest
You see brother Masons, it is not just the Catholic Church that condemns and criticizes Freemasonry, the fact is MORE and MORE Christian Churches with passing years are increasingly concerned and critical of Freemasonry. Heck, even that once secure bastion of Freemasonry, the Anglican Church, is seriously reappraising Freemasonry’s compatibility with Christianity, with the Australian thoroughly condemning it.
So I guess, the Catholics, the Methodists, the Anglicans, the Lutherans, the Orthodox, the Presbyterians, the Baptists must be all be wrong in condemning Freemasonry in their respective working groups which analyzed Freemasonry. O.K. one church I understand: but when the bulk of Christian denominations all have serious concerns about Freemasonry and its incompatibility, the smart move for the Christian is to believe what your Catholic or Christian Church tells you and not some shill for the Brotherhood. These Churches are attempting to defend Jesus Christ and far from seeing the Craft as an ally, they see the significant problems it poses to a Christian’s conscience and the fact that no amount of dissimulation from a Sacred Brother coming on here to explain to us profane that he really is worshipping Christ in his Lodge will do. Nobody I believe is condemning anyone here as evil, but we are just drawing attention to what the bulk of Church hierarchies think of Freemasonry, and the negative assessments are not just shared by the Catholics, and with good cause. If some poster hereafter wants to come make the case that all these Church’s interpretations of Christ vs. Freemasonry are wrong, well it should take quite the megalomaniac or fool to simply dismiss all the churches as misinformed or wrong. Nevertheless, I’m sure we’ll find some devout follower of Masonry below willing to tell us and all these Churches that we are all stupid, maybe in not these words.
God Bless All!
So I guess, the Catholics, the Methodists, the Anglicans, the Lutherans, the Orthodox, the Presbyterians, the Baptists must be all be wrong in condemning Freemasonry in their respective working groups which analyzed Freemasonry. O.K. one church I understand: but when the bulk of Christian denominations all have serious concerns about Freemasonry and its incompatibility, the smart move for the Christian is to believe what your Catholic or Christian Church tells you and not some shill for the Brotherhood. These Churches are attempting to defend Jesus Christ and far from seeing the Craft as an ally, they see the significant problems it poses to a Christian’s conscience and the fact that no amount of dissimulation from a Sacred Brother coming on here to explain to us profane that he really is worshipping Christ in his Lodge will do. Nobody I believe is condemning anyone here as evil, but we are just drawing attention to what the bulk of Church hierarchies think of Freemasonry, and the negative assessments are not just shared by the Catholics, and with good cause. If some poster hereafter wants to come make the case that all these Church’s interpretations of Christ vs. Freemasonry are wrong, well it should take quite the megalomaniac or fool to simply dismiss all the churches as misinformed or wrong. Nevertheless, I’m sure we’ll find some devout follower of Masonry below willing to tell us and all these Churches that we are all stupid, maybe in not these words.
God Bless All!
D
DallasTexas
Guest
Part I of II
scottishrite.org/web/SRpublications/freemasonry.htm
The below is from the above web page and will help to answer a lot of the questions posed about posed about and many of the accusations brought against Freemasonry.
Freemasonry: Defender of Personal Conscience
Dr. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C.
Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal
Recently and regrettably, Freemasonry has been misunderstood and then, for whatever reason, demonized and vilified, sometimes by members of churches, to the extent that a response to the critics of Freemasonry is necessary.
We all cringe at the words of some Masons, even well- respected writers, and, in particular, when anti-Masonic writers select quotations from supposed Masonic authorities. In fact, there is no accepted Masonic authority except for the Grand Master of each Grand Lodge or state, and then he is only an authority within his jurisdiction and only for the year or years of his term in office. Worse yet, Freemasonry’s critics tend to twist whatever juicy quotations they have found, taking them out of context, editing them, and so slanting them that they say just about anything the anti-Mason wishes the quotations to say.
First a bit of history. Freemasonry has, by tradition and, in some cases, by rule, not responded to its critics. This silence has been misinterpreted by many. They presume that silence gives consent or that Masons do not have the facts to refute attacks and, therefore, remain silent. Recent attacks on Freemasonry have became so virulent that a response is necessary. Please understand, Masons do not object to differences of opinion or reasoned criticisms. Freemasonry is not perfect. There are many things to correct or improve. We are working to resolve many of these problems and thus improve Freemasonry.
Historically, the right to private judgement is as much a part of Freemasonry as it is of most faith traditions in America. As early as 1798, Charleston, South Carolina, Southern Baptists advised the matter of Southern Baptist membership in Freemasonry “be left with the judgment of the individual.” Similarly, George W. Truett, one of the greatest leaders of Southern Baptists, and a Freemason, said: “The right to private judgement is the crown jewel of humanity, and for any person or institution to dare to come between the soul and God is a blasphemous impertinence and a defamation of the crown-rights of the Son of God.”
Let me say this clearly and emphatically: Freemasonry is NOT a religion. It is a fraternity based on moral principles and dedicated to the overall ethical and educational improvement of its members. If it has any relation to religion at all, it is as a complement to faith. We often say, “Masonry makes good men better.” Many, many new Masons become more active in their church after becoming Masons. Why? Because Freemasonry stresses values central to most churches and to our nation. Also, Freemasonry was a crusader for “family values” before the term became politically correct. In addition, Freemasonry was been a defender of personal conscience, political freedom, and individual liberty long before George Washington and Benjamin Franklin took Masonic vows to support and extend the Masonic ideals of Brotherhood, Relief, and Truth.
Because Freemasonry stands squarely for the Constitution and all the fundamental freedoms bequeathed to us by the writers of that great document, 13 of the 39 signers being Masons, Freemasonry has always been attacked by those who would limit liberty. Freemasons were among the first to be persecuted by Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Stalin, and the Ayatollah Khomeni. And so it has always been. Freedom is the lifeblood of Freemasonry. That is why Freemasons were central to the creation of the United States and why tyrants and dictators of every sort, upon coming to power, immediately stigmatize Freemasonry and persecute its members. Today, as in the past, Freemasons are defenders of First Amendment rights and the concept of liberty. We are not opposed to differences of opinion, but we are opposed to lies and deliberate manipulations of the truth.
We believe the attacks on Freemasonry have come to malicious slander and the unjustified and unconscionable tearing down of one’s neighbor rather than the building, with him, of bridges of understanding and cooperation. Undoubtedly, some of the anti-Masons are sincere. Possible, they cannot see beyond the misconceptions foisted on them by those who promote themselves at the expense of others. Freemasons are saddened to see this exploitation.
We are outraged, however, when men of God promote what they must know to be falsehood. What excuse can one offer, for instance, for the Reverend Pat Robertson’s book The New World Order? Despite the ready assistance of a research staff, Robertson trucks out, with no qualifications at all, what we Masons often call “the lie that will not die,” the assertion that Albert Pike, a late 19th-century leader of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, advocated a “Luciferian doctrine” advising Masons to worship the Father of Lies, Lucifer.
Pike never wrote these words. They come from a notorious atheist and pornographer, Gabriel Jogand-Pages, who wrote under the pen name of Léo Taxil. Taxil wrote some bogus “Instructions” to Scottish Rite Masons, supposedly from Pike, as a device to expose the credulity of the Catholic Church, an institution he hated as much as the Masonic Lodge that had, with good sense, rejected his application for membership.
Taxil publicly exposed his own hoax on April 19, 1897, but the hoax lives on, savored by anti-Masons who never tire of trundling out this hoary story though even the slightest of research efforts would reveal it was unmasked by its inventor and disproved nearly a century ago!
scottishrite.org/web/SRpublications/freemasonry.htm
The below is from the above web page and will help to answer a lot of the questions posed about posed about and many of the accusations brought against Freemasonry.
Freemasonry: Defender of Personal Conscience
Dr. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C.
Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal
Recently and regrettably, Freemasonry has been misunderstood and then, for whatever reason, demonized and vilified, sometimes by members of churches, to the extent that a response to the critics of Freemasonry is necessary.
We all cringe at the words of some Masons, even well- respected writers, and, in particular, when anti-Masonic writers select quotations from supposed Masonic authorities. In fact, there is no accepted Masonic authority except for the Grand Master of each Grand Lodge or state, and then he is only an authority within his jurisdiction and only for the year or years of his term in office. Worse yet, Freemasonry’s critics tend to twist whatever juicy quotations they have found, taking them out of context, editing them, and so slanting them that they say just about anything the anti-Mason wishes the quotations to say.
First a bit of history. Freemasonry has, by tradition and, in some cases, by rule, not responded to its critics. This silence has been misinterpreted by many. They presume that silence gives consent or that Masons do not have the facts to refute attacks and, therefore, remain silent. Recent attacks on Freemasonry have became so virulent that a response is necessary. Please understand, Masons do not object to differences of opinion or reasoned criticisms. Freemasonry is not perfect. There are many things to correct or improve. We are working to resolve many of these problems and thus improve Freemasonry.
Historically, the right to private judgement is as much a part of Freemasonry as it is of most faith traditions in America. As early as 1798, Charleston, South Carolina, Southern Baptists advised the matter of Southern Baptist membership in Freemasonry “be left with the judgment of the individual.” Similarly, George W. Truett, one of the greatest leaders of Southern Baptists, and a Freemason, said: “The right to private judgement is the crown jewel of humanity, and for any person or institution to dare to come between the soul and God is a blasphemous impertinence and a defamation of the crown-rights of the Son of God.”
Let me say this clearly and emphatically: Freemasonry is NOT a religion. It is a fraternity based on moral principles and dedicated to the overall ethical and educational improvement of its members. If it has any relation to religion at all, it is as a complement to faith. We often say, “Masonry makes good men better.” Many, many new Masons become more active in their church after becoming Masons. Why? Because Freemasonry stresses values central to most churches and to our nation. Also, Freemasonry was a crusader for “family values” before the term became politically correct. In addition, Freemasonry was been a defender of personal conscience, political freedom, and individual liberty long before George Washington and Benjamin Franklin took Masonic vows to support and extend the Masonic ideals of Brotherhood, Relief, and Truth.
Because Freemasonry stands squarely for the Constitution and all the fundamental freedoms bequeathed to us by the writers of that great document, 13 of the 39 signers being Masons, Freemasonry has always been attacked by those who would limit liberty. Freemasons were among the first to be persecuted by Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Stalin, and the Ayatollah Khomeni. And so it has always been. Freedom is the lifeblood of Freemasonry. That is why Freemasons were central to the creation of the United States and why tyrants and dictators of every sort, upon coming to power, immediately stigmatize Freemasonry and persecute its members. Today, as in the past, Freemasons are defenders of First Amendment rights and the concept of liberty. We are not opposed to differences of opinion, but we are opposed to lies and deliberate manipulations of the truth.
We believe the attacks on Freemasonry have come to malicious slander and the unjustified and unconscionable tearing down of one’s neighbor rather than the building, with him, of bridges of understanding and cooperation. Undoubtedly, some of the anti-Masons are sincere. Possible, they cannot see beyond the misconceptions foisted on them by those who promote themselves at the expense of others. Freemasons are saddened to see this exploitation.
We are outraged, however, when men of God promote what they must know to be falsehood. What excuse can one offer, for instance, for the Reverend Pat Robertson’s book The New World Order? Despite the ready assistance of a research staff, Robertson trucks out, with no qualifications at all, what we Masons often call “the lie that will not die,” the assertion that Albert Pike, a late 19th-century leader of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, advocated a “Luciferian doctrine” advising Masons to worship the Father of Lies, Lucifer.
Pike never wrote these words. They come from a notorious atheist and pornographer, Gabriel Jogand-Pages, who wrote under the pen name of Léo Taxil. Taxil wrote some bogus “Instructions” to Scottish Rite Masons, supposedly from Pike, as a device to expose the credulity of the Catholic Church, an institution he hated as much as the Masonic Lodge that had, with good sense, rejected his application for membership.
Taxil publicly exposed his own hoax on April 19, 1897, but the hoax lives on, savored by anti-Masons who never tire of trundling out this hoary story though even the slightest of research efforts would reveal it was unmasked by its inventor and disproved nearly a century ago!
D
DallasTexas
Guest
Part II of II
Similarly, the Reverend Ron Carlson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, in one of his radio broadcast sermons, quotes Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma. (Ironically, Pike is read by more of Masonry’s foes than by Masons.) Rev. Carlson in what must be the 10,000th expose of so-called Masonic secrets, quotes Pike as saying on page 545 of Morals and Dogma:
“All the mysteries [meaning Masonic “mysteries”] should be kept concealed, guarded by faithful silence, lest it should be inconsiderately divulged to the ears of the Profane. He sins against God who divulges to the unworthy the Mysteries confided in him. The danger is not merely in violating the truth, but in telling the truth.”
[Then Carlson continues saying,] “Albert Pike says it is a sin to divulge the truth. Now how different this is from what we read in God’s word.”
Ironically, the truth is that the Reverend Carlson is not quoting Albert Pike. Here is what Pike actually wrote in Morals and Dogma. Previous to the quotation noted above are the words, “St. Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, who was born in 340, and died in 394, says in his work De Mysteriis.” In fact, the words Carlson attributes to Pike are actually the words of St. Ambrose. Pike was quoting St. Ambrose on what that Christian Father taught regarding the Christian Mysteries, NOT any alleged Masonic mystery.
This is what Masons object to: not differences of opinion or open, fact-supported discussions, but the fabrication of slanted truth, half truth, and outright untruth. I do not know if the intent of such anti-Masonic authors as Robertson (whose father was a Mason) and Carlson may be to deceive the gullible or if they themselves are deceived by their biased view of Freemasonry.
Most certainly, Freemasonry is not about paganism or devil worship. Most certainly it is not un-Christian or anti-Christian. Most certainly it is not “secretive” or “closed.” All men of good character who believe in God are welcomed to Freemasonry. Then, through a series of Masonic lessons, called “Degrees,” moral principles are taught that support a man’s personal faith, whatever his denomination; that enhance his dedication to his family and country; that encourage his participation in the life of his community in a variety of civic and philanthropic ways.
Masons, for instance, are justifiably known for their support of orthopedic hospitals, burn centers, childhood language disorders clinics, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia research, programs for the unsighted, and many, many other charities. Masonic philanthropy today extends more than $750 millon per years or $2 million per day to charity, and 70% of this goes to members of the general public, all totally free.
Nor do we claim this Masonic philanthropy outreach as any means of personal salvation, any way by which a Mason might believe he is paving his way to Heaven. Salvation, grace, and faith are within the province of the Church. Freemasonry, as a fraternity, has nothing to say about salvation. The Bible is guide enough for every individual when it says faith without works is dead.
Clearly, faith without understanding or toleration can only divide people. Religions, transformed into single-minded zealotry, become fiercely competitive. Many claim for themselves the exclusive mandate to speak and act for God. In contrast, Masonry believes religious differences between human beings are how we respond to God, the Father of all, Who is continually pouring His love and His blessings on us. The Masonic Fraternity has its deepest roots in Christianity and, therefore, espouses the central teaching of the “New Law” as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, “to love one another.” Freemasonry is dedicated to helping men of every faith to live by principles fundamental to Christianity. The attacks on Freemasonry, in my opinion, display little of the love, joy, and peace of Christ. Instead of love, they offer hate; instead of knowledge they offer bias; instead of the joy of spiritual self-fulfillment, they offer a thirst for battle; instead of peace and harmony, they offer violent verbal attacks.
If I may be so bold as to offer my voice as that of all Freemasons and Americans, I again offer the truth so well stated by that great Southern Baptist and Freemason, George W. Truett: “The right to private judgement is the crown jewel of humanity, and for any person or institution to dare to come between the soul and God is a blasphemous impertinence and a defamation of the crown-rights of the Son of God.”
Similarly, the Reverend Ron Carlson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, in one of his radio broadcast sermons, quotes Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma. (Ironically, Pike is read by more of Masonry’s foes than by Masons.) Rev. Carlson in what must be the 10,000th expose of so-called Masonic secrets, quotes Pike as saying on page 545 of Morals and Dogma:
“All the mysteries [meaning Masonic “mysteries”] should be kept concealed, guarded by faithful silence, lest it should be inconsiderately divulged to the ears of the Profane. He sins against God who divulges to the unworthy the Mysteries confided in him. The danger is not merely in violating the truth, but in telling the truth.”
[Then Carlson continues saying,] “Albert Pike says it is a sin to divulge the truth. Now how different this is from what we read in God’s word.”
Ironically, the truth is that the Reverend Carlson is not quoting Albert Pike. Here is what Pike actually wrote in Morals and Dogma. Previous to the quotation noted above are the words, “St. Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, who was born in 340, and died in 394, says in his work De Mysteriis.” In fact, the words Carlson attributes to Pike are actually the words of St. Ambrose. Pike was quoting St. Ambrose on what that Christian Father taught regarding the Christian Mysteries, NOT any alleged Masonic mystery.
This is what Masons object to: not differences of opinion or open, fact-supported discussions, but the fabrication of slanted truth, half truth, and outright untruth. I do not know if the intent of such anti-Masonic authors as Robertson (whose father was a Mason) and Carlson may be to deceive the gullible or if they themselves are deceived by their biased view of Freemasonry.
Most certainly, Freemasonry is not about paganism or devil worship. Most certainly it is not un-Christian or anti-Christian. Most certainly it is not “secretive” or “closed.” All men of good character who believe in God are welcomed to Freemasonry. Then, through a series of Masonic lessons, called “Degrees,” moral principles are taught that support a man’s personal faith, whatever his denomination; that enhance his dedication to his family and country; that encourage his participation in the life of his community in a variety of civic and philanthropic ways.
Masons, for instance, are justifiably known for their support of orthopedic hospitals, burn centers, childhood language disorders clinics, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia research, programs for the unsighted, and many, many other charities. Masonic philanthropy today extends more than $750 millon per years or $2 million per day to charity, and 70% of this goes to members of the general public, all totally free.
Nor do we claim this Masonic philanthropy outreach as any means of personal salvation, any way by which a Mason might believe he is paving his way to Heaven. Salvation, grace, and faith are within the province of the Church. Freemasonry, as a fraternity, has nothing to say about salvation. The Bible is guide enough for every individual when it says faith without works is dead.
Clearly, faith without understanding or toleration can only divide people. Religions, transformed into single-minded zealotry, become fiercely competitive. Many claim for themselves the exclusive mandate to speak and act for God. In contrast, Masonry believes religious differences between human beings are how we respond to God, the Father of all, Who is continually pouring His love and His blessings on us. The Masonic Fraternity has its deepest roots in Christianity and, therefore, espouses the central teaching of the “New Law” as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, “to love one another.” Freemasonry is dedicated to helping men of every faith to live by principles fundamental to Christianity. The attacks on Freemasonry, in my opinion, display little of the love, joy, and peace of Christ. Instead of love, they offer hate; instead of knowledge they offer bias; instead of the joy of spiritual self-fulfillment, they offer a thirst for battle; instead of peace and harmony, they offer violent verbal attacks.
If I may be so bold as to offer my voice as that of all Freemasons and Americans, I again offer the truth so well stated by that great Southern Baptist and Freemason, George W. Truett: “The right to private judgement is the crown jewel of humanity, and for any person or institution to dare to come between the soul and God is a blasphemous impertinence and a defamation of the crown-rights of the Son of God.”
H
human_being
Guest
This is teaching from the evil freemasonic church. Not the Catholic church. And alot of their beliefs seem to me to have caused alot more confusion, with thinking that man is so high and mighty,than good. I must ask you why you would want to consider yourself a Catholic? It almost seems as though you are here to try and convert us to the freemason church which is obviously against catholic teachings. The acceptance of freemasonic ideals seems to me to have led to the beliefs that it is OK to not follow the pope. It is OK to get divorced. It is OK to use contraception. It is OK to abort babies. It is OK to marry homosexuals. It seems that this is where our freedoms and liberties,so cherished by the freemason forefathers have gotten us… The democracy so sought after by the freemason pioneers have gotten us here. All of these evils stem from the belief in private judgement as opposed to belief in the Church’s judgement.
And a very warm welcome back to KyivAndrew....a very staunch defender of the faith.
D
DallasTexas
Guest
“To me, Freemasonry is one form of dedication to God and service to humanity.”
Norman Vincent Peale
Minister and Author citizen
“The Masonic Fraternity is one of the most helpfully mediating and conserving organizations among men, and I have never wavered from that childhood impression, but it has stood steadfastly with me through the busy, vast hurrying years.”
George W. Truett
Southern Baptist Leader
Norman Vincent Peale
Minister and Author citizen
“The Masonic Fraternity is one of the most helpfully mediating and conserving organizations among men, and I have never wavered from that childhood impression, but it has stood steadfastly with me through the busy, vast hurrying years.”
George W. Truett
Southern Baptist Leader
J
jam070406
Guest
Some of those most anti-Catholic have been Baptists.
D
DallasTexas
Guest
Human being,
Thank you for your post.
I’m really sorry you feel that way.
I came to know Jesus Christ in a Baptist Church. My parents and grandparents are all baptist. Many of my closest friends are baptist. I have always seen them as good, Christian people. Albeit not perfect, they are definitely not evil.
Peace be with you.
D
DallasTexas
Guest
Part I of II
One more…
from:
adherents.com/largecom/fam_bap_freemasons.html
**Southern Baptist Freemasons
**
An estimated 400,000 - 500,000 Southern Baptist men are Masons. Among this number are many well-known Southern Baptist leaders. No attempt will be given to naming living Southern Baptist Masons. However, following are some well-known Southern Baptist Masons from the past.
Robert E. Baylor was one of eight Masons who petitioned for a charter for Baylor University in 1845. “Every president of Baylor University has been a Master Mason.” 2 One president was William R. White, 33d, who served as president of Baylor University from 1948 to 1961. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Austin, First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, First Baptist Church of Lubbock, and Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth. He also served as executive secretary, and later as president, of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The first two missionaries sent by the SBC to Texas, James Huckins and William Tryon, were Masons.
George W. Truett (1867-1944), pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas (1897-1944), president of the SBC (1927-1929), president of the Baptist World Alliance (1934-1939), and trustee of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, was a Scottish Rite Mason. He was raised a Master Mason in 1920 in the Dallas Lodge No. 760; he received the 32nd degree in 1921. Of his Masonic membership, Truett said:
“From my earliest recollection, sitting about my father’s knees, who was a Mason, and hearing him and fellow Masons talk, I imbibed the impression in early childhood that the Masonic fraternity is one of the most helpful mediating and conserving organizations among men, and I have never wavered from that childhood impression, but it has stood steadfastly with me through the busy and vast hurrying years.” 3
Truett, in perhaps his most famous sermon, preaching on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 16, 1920, addressed the 15,000 people gathered:
“The right to private judgment is the crown jewel of humanity, and for any person or institution to dare to come between the soul and God is a blasphemous impertinence and a defamation of the crown-rights of the Son of God… Every one must give an account of himself to God. Each one must repent for himself, and believe for himself, and be baptized for himself, and answer to God for himself, both in time and in eternity.” 4
B.H. Carroll (1843-1914), first president of Southwestern seminary, was a member of Waco Lodge No. 92 and Herring Lodge No. 1224, both located in Waco, Texas.5 Carroll was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Evangelism of the Home Mission Board in 1906. Carroll was the author of more than 20 books, including The Bible Doctrine of Repentance (1897), Baptists and Their Doctrines (1913), and Evangelistic Sermons (1913). It is said that his favourite causes were evangelism, prohibition, home missions, and Christian education.6
L.R. Scarborough (1870-1945) was a member of Gray Lodge No. 329 in Houston, Texas.7 He served Southern Baptists as pastor of First Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas, from 1901 to 1908; professor of evangelism at Southwestern seminary from 1908 to 1914, when he became president of the seminary. He authored a number of books, most of which focused on evangelism, including How Jesus Won Men (1926), or were collections of his sermons.8
W.W. Barnes (1883-1960), professor of church history at Southwestern seminary (1913-1953), was an active 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. W.T. Conner (1877-1952), who taught theology at Southwestern seminary from 1910 until his retirement in 1949, was a member of Southside Lodge No. 1114 in Fort Worth until his death. James T. Draper Jr. referred to Conner as “perhaps the most famous theologian to be associated with Southwestern Seminary.” 9
William W. Hamilton, a Mason, was named the Home Mission Board’s first head of the Department of Evangelism in 1906. He served as president of Baptist Bible Institute (BBI), now the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, from 1927 to 1943. While president, he saved BBI from bankruptcy in 1932, when the school defaulted on $353,000 in bonds. He was president of the SBC from 1940 to 1942.
Louie D. Newton (1892-1986), was president of the SBC (1947-1948) and vice president of the Baptist World Alliance (1939-1959), served 27 years on the SBC Executive Committee, and was a member of Joseph C. Greenfield Lodge No.400 in Atlanta. He received his 50-year Masonic pin in 1980. He was also a York Rite Mason and a Shriner. He was the chaplain of the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta from 1939 to 1953, when he was succeeded by fellow Southern Baptist James P. Wesberry.
One more…
from:
adherents.com/largecom/fam_bap_freemasons.html
**Southern Baptist Freemasons
**
An estimated 400,000 - 500,000 Southern Baptist men are Masons. Among this number are many well-known Southern Baptist leaders. No attempt will be given to naming living Southern Baptist Masons. However, following are some well-known Southern Baptist Masons from the past.
Robert E. Baylor was one of eight Masons who petitioned for a charter for Baylor University in 1845. “Every president of Baylor University has been a Master Mason.” 2 One president was William R. White, 33d, who served as president of Baylor University from 1948 to 1961. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Austin, First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, First Baptist Church of Lubbock, and Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth. He also served as executive secretary, and later as president, of The Baptist General Convention of Texas.
The first two missionaries sent by the SBC to Texas, James Huckins and William Tryon, were Masons.
George W. Truett (1867-1944), pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas (1897-1944), president of the SBC (1927-1929), president of the Baptist World Alliance (1934-1939), and trustee of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, was a Scottish Rite Mason. He was raised a Master Mason in 1920 in the Dallas Lodge No. 760; he received the 32nd degree in 1921. Of his Masonic membership, Truett said:
“From my earliest recollection, sitting about my father’s knees, who was a Mason, and hearing him and fellow Masons talk, I imbibed the impression in early childhood that the Masonic fraternity is one of the most helpful mediating and conserving organizations among men, and I have never wavered from that childhood impression, but it has stood steadfastly with me through the busy and vast hurrying years.” 3
Truett, in perhaps his most famous sermon, preaching on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 16, 1920, addressed the 15,000 people gathered:
“The right to private judgment is the crown jewel of humanity, and for any person or institution to dare to come between the soul and God is a blasphemous impertinence and a defamation of the crown-rights of the Son of God… Every one must give an account of himself to God. Each one must repent for himself, and believe for himself, and be baptized for himself, and answer to God for himself, both in time and in eternity.” 4
B.H. Carroll (1843-1914), first president of Southwestern seminary, was a member of Waco Lodge No. 92 and Herring Lodge No. 1224, both located in Waco, Texas.5 Carroll was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Evangelism of the Home Mission Board in 1906. Carroll was the author of more than 20 books, including The Bible Doctrine of Repentance (1897), Baptists and Their Doctrines (1913), and Evangelistic Sermons (1913). It is said that his favourite causes were evangelism, prohibition, home missions, and Christian education.6
L.R. Scarborough (1870-1945) was a member of Gray Lodge No. 329 in Houston, Texas.7 He served Southern Baptists as pastor of First Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas, from 1901 to 1908; professor of evangelism at Southwestern seminary from 1908 to 1914, when he became president of the seminary. He authored a number of books, most of which focused on evangelism, including How Jesus Won Men (1926), or were collections of his sermons.8
W.W. Barnes (1883-1960), professor of church history at Southwestern seminary (1913-1953), was an active 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. W.T. Conner (1877-1952), who taught theology at Southwestern seminary from 1910 until his retirement in 1949, was a member of Southside Lodge No. 1114 in Fort Worth until his death. James T. Draper Jr. referred to Conner as “perhaps the most famous theologian to be associated with Southwestern Seminary.” 9
William W. Hamilton, a Mason, was named the Home Mission Board’s first head of the Department of Evangelism in 1906. He served as president of Baptist Bible Institute (BBI), now the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, from 1927 to 1943. While president, he saved BBI from bankruptcy in 1932, when the school defaulted on $353,000 in bonds. He was president of the SBC from 1940 to 1942.
Louie D. Newton (1892-1986), was president of the SBC (1947-1948) and vice president of the Baptist World Alliance (1939-1959), served 27 years on the SBC Executive Committee, and was a member of Joseph C. Greenfield Lodge No.400 in Atlanta. He received his 50-year Masonic pin in 1980. He was also a York Rite Mason and a Shriner. He was the chaplain of the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta from 1939 to 1953, when he was succeeded by fellow Southern Baptist James P. Wesberry.
D
DallasTexas
Guest
Part II of II
James P. Wesberry, who died in December 1992, was pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Atlanta for 31 years, president of the Georgia Baptist Convention for 3 years, recording secretary for the Georgia Baptist Convention for 20 years, moderator of the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference, and executive-director of the Lord’s Day Alliance.10 He became a Mason in 1927. He was a York Rite Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner. He succeeded Louie D. Newton as chaplain of the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta in 1953. Wesberry was succeeded as chaplain by another Southern Baptist minister, James C. Bryant, in 1981.
Joseph Samuel Murrow (1835-1929) was an appointed Southern Baptist home missionary to the Oklahoma Indian Territory, where he established more than 100 churches, according to one report. Called “the founder of Freemasonry in Oklahoma,” he established the first Masonic Lodge in the Indian Territory, served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in the Indian Territory, and wrote the Murrow Masonic Monitor.11 He was raised a Master Mason in 1867. He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory from 1877 to 1878 and Grand Secretary from 1880 to 1909.12
John T. Christian (1854-1925), a Knight Templar, was chairman of the informal committee of friends who met in 1915 to consider formation of BBI. He was professor of Christian history and librarian at BBI from 1919 until his death in 1925. He donated his personal library of 15,000 volumes to BBI. The library on the New Orleans seminary campus bears his name. Christian also pastored First Baptist Church, Chattanooga; First Baptist Church, Hattiesburg; Second Baptist Church, Little Rock; and other churches.
J.B. Lawrence, a Mason, was vice president of the SBC (1916-1917) and executive secretary-treasurer of the Home Mission Board (1929-1954). In 1943, Lawrence freed the Home Mission Board from debt for the first time.
Richard A. McLemore, president of Mississippi College in Clinton (1957-1968), was a member of Hattiesburg Lodge No. 397 and a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason.13 David E. Moore was a well-known pastor in southeastern New Mexico until his death in 1992 at the age of 103. He was pastor of Caprock Baptist Church in Caprock, N.M., for many years and was assistant pastor of First Baptist Church, Roswell, N.M., at the time of his death. On his hundredth birthday, he was honoured with the title of “Honourary Past Master of Roswell Lodge No. 18.” 14
Some insist that “Christian Masons must decide today whether they will remain Masons and deny their Lord, Jesus Christ, or whether they will do the will of their Father in heaven and leave Masonry.” 15 They call for Christian Masons to reject the “hypocrisy” of being a Mason and a Christian. “Either follow God or follow Masonry. Either live as a Christian or live as a Mason.” 16
Taking an opposite position, a non-Mason Southern Baptist pastor writes, “The Masons I know are good Christians that are as active and perhaps more active than most church members and are instrumental in the spiritual growth of their peers in their respective churches.” He continues, “It is time for us to lay aside our prejudices against other organizations and denominations that differ from us, and focus on the mission of the church. That is to make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them to reach others.” 17
James P. Wesberry, who died in December 1992, was pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Atlanta for 31 years, president of the Georgia Baptist Convention for 3 years, recording secretary for the Georgia Baptist Convention for 20 years, moderator of the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference, and executive-director of the Lord’s Day Alliance.10 He became a Mason in 1927. He was a York Rite Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner. He succeeded Louie D. Newton as chaplain of the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta in 1953. Wesberry was succeeded as chaplain by another Southern Baptist minister, James C. Bryant, in 1981.
Joseph Samuel Murrow (1835-1929) was an appointed Southern Baptist home missionary to the Oklahoma Indian Territory, where he established more than 100 churches, according to one report. Called “the founder of Freemasonry in Oklahoma,” he established the first Masonic Lodge in the Indian Territory, served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in the Indian Territory, and wrote the Murrow Masonic Monitor.11 He was raised a Master Mason in 1867. He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Indian Territory from 1877 to 1878 and Grand Secretary from 1880 to 1909.12
John T. Christian (1854-1925), a Knight Templar, was chairman of the informal committee of friends who met in 1915 to consider formation of BBI. He was professor of Christian history and librarian at BBI from 1919 until his death in 1925. He donated his personal library of 15,000 volumes to BBI. The library on the New Orleans seminary campus bears his name. Christian also pastored First Baptist Church, Chattanooga; First Baptist Church, Hattiesburg; Second Baptist Church, Little Rock; and other churches.
J.B. Lawrence, a Mason, was vice president of the SBC (1916-1917) and executive secretary-treasurer of the Home Mission Board (1929-1954). In 1943, Lawrence freed the Home Mission Board from debt for the first time.
Richard A. McLemore, president of Mississippi College in Clinton (1957-1968), was a member of Hattiesburg Lodge No. 397 and a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason.13 David E. Moore was a well-known pastor in southeastern New Mexico until his death in 1992 at the age of 103. He was pastor of Caprock Baptist Church in Caprock, N.M., for many years and was assistant pastor of First Baptist Church, Roswell, N.M., at the time of his death. On his hundredth birthday, he was honoured with the title of “Honourary Past Master of Roswell Lodge No. 18.” 14
Some insist that “Christian Masons must decide today whether they will remain Masons and deny their Lord, Jesus Christ, or whether they will do the will of their Father in heaven and leave Masonry.” 15 They call for Christian Masons to reject the “hypocrisy” of being a Mason and a Christian. “Either follow God or follow Masonry. Either live as a Christian or live as a Mason.” 16
Taking an opposite position, a non-Mason Southern Baptist pastor writes, “The Masons I know are good Christians that are as active and perhaps more active than most church members and are instrumental in the spiritual growth of their peers in their respective churches.” He continues, “It is time for us to lay aside our prejudices against other organizations and denominations that differ from us, and focus on the mission of the church. That is to make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them to reach others.” 17
K
KyivAndrew
Guest
O.K. Dallas, I get it: The Catholic Church, The Orthodox Church, The Lutheran Church, The Presbyterian Church, The Methodist Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury “instead of love offer hate,” in condemning Freemasonry. Nobody is going to win with you. You choose Freemasonry instead of the opinions of any of these churches. Fine. That’s where your priorities lie. I do not approve of Pat Robertson’s nutty conspiracy theories and I did not even quote them.
I have never accused any Masonic “brothers” of offering hate instead of love, but you certainly have implied that with your quote in respect to the Papacy, the Orthodox hierarchy, the Lutheran Church, the Methodists, the Baptists, the Presbyterian Church - any Christian body which condemns Freemasonry. I am glad you offer us all the opportunity to see the Masonic light in practice. There is not much more point for me in wasting more time on this forum in trying to convince people like you. The Pope could show up at your doorstep tomorrow and tell you Freemasonry is wrong, but of course the Pope would be wrong then wouldn’t he? Dallas always wins.
I’m out.May the Holy Catholic Apostolic Church continue propagating its salvific message of Love and Forgiveness, in spite of all who criticize her as preaching hate, violent verbal attacks, and holding the thirst for battle. Talk about slander!
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human_being
Guest
I don’t think I said anything about the baptist church. I quoted your quote on freemasonry. My father was a baptist and I have relatives who are very involved in the baptist church and we never argue about it. I am a Catholic. And yes I think my baptist relatives are very nice people bu I would never leave The Catholic Church to become one, God help me.
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human_being
Guest
And these beliefs in freedoms and liberties have undermined the church as Pope LeoXIII had warned against, and have probably have caused the loss of untold numbers of souls IMO. They have won huge battles with their spread of such strong reliance on freedom and liberty at the cost of multitudes of souls IMO.
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human_being
Guest
And not one of them were canonized saints, nor were any canonized saints freemasons. Their names will all fade and the saints names shall go on.
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KyivAndrew
Guest
Well-said.
And a very warm welcome back to that staunch defender of the faith humanbeing.
God Bless!
D
DallasTexas
Guest
Human being,
Thank you again.
Was this not your post?
forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=5290748&postcount=386
Please show me where I am wrong.
Thank you,
J
jam070406
Guest
I thought you were Catholic?? That quote is a direct denial of the need for a Magisterum.
Why, as a Catholic are you quoting Baptists to plead your case??
You’ve just shown an example, that many on here have stated, of why Masonry is dangerous for Catholics. Thank you!
I’m beginning to truly believe that you are not Catholic at all, but a troll.
D
DallasTexas
Guest
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