Joining A Masonic Fraternity

[Leon_Bloy]

Catholics are clearly and absolutely forbidden to belong to the Freemasons:

"Therefore, the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations 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 enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave
sin and may not receive Holy Communion."

Signed by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, with the approval of Pope John Paul II

ewtn.com/expert/answers/freemasonry.htm

In regards to the American founding fathers, we would have to talk about specific Masonic ideas and whether or not they are present someplace. Just because somebody belongs to the Masons doesn’t mean they have brought Masonic ideas/ideals to the table. Paranoid conspiracy theorists usually deal in vague “influences” and “threats,” which may or may not be real, but we always have to deal with the specifics and the actual details. Where exactly is somebody asserting there is a Masonic presence? We have to be able to know what it is.

 

[gamewell45]

I would sooner punch a Mason in the mouth than be associated with him even by three degrees of separation.

I honestly hope that you wouldn’t resort to violence because of someone’s belief’s; even if they are 180 degrees of what yours may be.

I’m sure you would feel horrible if someone threaten to punch you in the face because of your beliefs. You don’t have to like the Masons, you don’t have to associate with Masons, you can condemn their beliefs, but to commit an act of violence on anyone based on their beliefs would be considered a very uncivilized act by most civilized people who act in the proper mode of civil human behaviour.

 

[pgarcia79]

The Church clearly states we are not to join Masonry. Ok now then what are we to make of Chuch hierarchy such as priests, Bishops, and Cardinals that are registered Masons???

 

[japhy]

The Church clearly states we are not to join Masonry. Ok now then what are we to make of Chuch hierarchy such as priests, Bishops, and Cardinals that are registered Masons???

Darn it, did sinners get into the Church again?!

 

[Uzziah1]

Is is permissable for a Catholic to join a collegiate fraternity with a Masonic affiliation? Specifically, I’m talking about the Acacia Fraternity.

I used to think that the Church’s prohibition re Masonic membership was silly.

But, one day, not too long ago, and not far, far away …

I was asked to watch my niece act in a play being staged at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey.

I was always very curious about that building, because it had a tall, windowless brick tower over the stage end of the auditorium …

maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&sugexp=cgsbsh&cp=11&gs_id=1k&xhr=t&rlz=1W1ADRA_enUS480&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=540&wrapid=tljp1334674329156031&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=scottish+rite+auditorium&fb=1&gl=us&hq=scottish+rite+auditorium&hnear=0x89c14a98ac5efd09:0xb678295f4be1e444,Moorestown,+NJ&cid=10303540135772175504&ei=nIONT46aJ6TG0AHf1OWLDw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=photo-link&cd=2&resnum=4&sqi=2&ved=0CCgQnwIoATAD

… so I was pleased to be invited, and I arrived earlier.

Inside, a Mason greeted me, and incorrectly assumed that I was there to be given a tour of the building because I was interested in being a Mason.

He described some of the initiation ceremonies they sponsored at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. He told me that the brick tower contained stage backdrops for “skits” performed by Mason candidates. I asked, “What kind of skits?”

“Oh,” he said, lowering one of the back-drops, “We will do skits on the ancient history of the Masons – how, when we were Templars, the Catholic Church stabbed us all in the back to take our property from us. We have our new members dress up in these knight outfits, so that they can dramatize how at times we have had to do battle with military forces of the Catholic Church.”

The incident occurred years ago – but I swear that it occurred.

 

[Brofessor]

What’s wrong with the Masons? I know Sedevacantists don’t like them very much, but I never understood why. I can’t see why, in the year 2012, being in a particular men’s club (especially one that does philanthropic work) is that big of a deal. Besides, the masons are secular, aren’t they?

 

[jh33186]

Catholics under cannon law are not to part of a masonic fraternity or are not receive communion because of the state of sin. I know this because I was just baptized on the Easter vigial and was interested in the masonic fraternity which welcomed me in but after checking with the catholic church first which my catholic priest printed off that we are not to receive communion if we do join so I had a choice to make and being in college for theology I chose the church.

 

[ess1113a]

I totally accept the Church’s teaching on Freemasonry.
So I may be better informed in future discussions with Masons:
When and where RECENTLY does Freemasonry actively conspire against the Church?

This discussion has came up in heated debate lately with some acquaintences that are Freemasons and I want to intelligently answer their questions.

Please understand when I mean recent I am talking about the past 25 years or so. 50 years ago doesnt really illustrate my point accurately. I need a recent example.