R
Roy5
Guest
I have never been interested in Freemasonry. It has too much ritual for me, not unlike Catholicism in that regard. I also want to devote my time to other concerns.
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However, the Free Masons are a fine philanthropic group. In this area they are noted for their outstanding medical care. I believe the Shriners are the ones who underwrite excellent burn centers - at no charge to the patients.
My Dad was a Mason, and he was a fine man, a devoted Christian who never missed church. He gave generously to all sorts of charities, including Boys Town, which he greatly admired.
It may be true that some Masons once were anti-Catholic in Europe, but many parts of Masonry are distinctly Christian. Take, for example, the Knights Templar. That originally was a Catholic group that protected pilgrims going to and from the Holy Land. As I understand it, they fell into disfavor with the church because they also were bankers, became riich, and the church lost control of them. Perhaps the story is more complex than that. I haven't read all the postings on this subject and maybe this has been covered already.
I do know that St. John's Day in late June is big with Masons, celebrating St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. Does that sound like an anti-Catholic group to you? There are other divisions that have religious names, though I can't think of thnem at the moment. As most readers know, Solomon and the temple all play a role in their ritual and such.
It is true that Masonry in general is open to people of all faiths, depending upon the various subdivisions, of which there are many, many. Frankly, I don't see that as a problem. The USA is open to all faiths and I don't attack my beloved country for that reason. The Scouts, the military and all sorts of groups are non-sectarian, and what is wrong with that? I was initiated into an honorary fraternity in college which had some quite juvenile vows and such, but I never took them that seriously. Nice group of guys.
There have been people who have thought that the Knights of Columbus is a 5th column working for the Vatican and against American democracy, especially separation of church and state. That is a silly charge, also, about as valid as the wild attacks on the Masons.
There are some really bad groups around, promoting hatred against Black fellow Americans. Some spread lies about our President (he won't salute the flag, he wasn't born in US, he is pro-terrorist, he is a secret Muslim, etc.). Maybe more attention should be focused in those groups and leave the Masons and their good work alone. Around here they get along fine with the K of C. I understand, too, that various lodges have Catholic members and even Catholic officers. Does that mean they are automatically excommunicated?
God bless Catholics, Protestants and people of every faith and race and condition. People of faith should be building bridges and not barriers.
but it’s ok cuz I’m a Catholic and proud of it. 
Once again borrowing from Christianity does not make one’s association Christian. Solomon and his temple are also historical fact.
