That Old Freemason Question...

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I think Allen might be suggesting that there is a type of spiritual transformation involving Grace, where as thistle is stressing obedience through the law… This is interesting.
Yes, I think that’s a fair assessment.

I’m looking at the kind of transformation Elisha’s servant experienced in 2 Kings

(sorry it’s NIV but I had it already formatted)
2 Kings 6:15-17:
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
And of course here’s what I think we should all want Jesus to tell us:
Matt 13:16-17:
But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Alan
 
Before I go any further, I’d like to get one thing off my chest. This was from another thread, where there must have been a huge misunderstanding.
I think you should actually learn what the Church teaches instead of making ludicrous statements like the Church has been replaced by the Church of Satan. I would say a Catholic who makes comments like that is in need of urgent help. Talk to your priest!!
I just want to say that I never suggested that OUR Church had been replaced at all. I want to make that very, very clear! I only meant to say that OUR Church has been cloned, by a completely seperate entity, with a completely seperate congregation. There is NO Church doctrine that discusses this in any way, therefore I am free to have my own opinion on this. If someone is not sure what another is talking about and a solid answer cannot be provided, then it is wrong to assume and make a judgement on that assumption.
 
Before I go any further, I’d like to get one thing off my chest. This was from another thread, where there must have been a huge misunderstanding.

I just want to say that I never suggested that OUR Church had been replaced at all. I want to make that very, very clear! I only meant to say that OUR Church has been cloned, by a completely seperate entity, with a completely seperate congregation. There is NO Church doctrine that discusses this in any way, therefore I am free to have my own opinion on this. If someone is not sure what another is talking about and a solid answer cannot be provided, then it is wrong to assume and make a judgement on that assumption.
…but I do however believe that there have been solid attempts to blend the two in such a way that they become perceived as equally good and equally bad. One enjoys this, while the other despises it.
 
Yes, I think that’s a fair assessment.

I’m looking at the kind of transformation Elisha’s servant experienced in 2 Kings

(sorry it’s NIV but I had it already formatted)

“***
Originally Posted by 2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”***

And of course here’s what I think we should all want Jesus to tell us:

“***Originally Posted by Matt 13:16-17
But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
***”

Alan
👍👍👍 Excellent Post!
 
I think Allen might be suggesting that there is a type of spiritual transformation involving Grace, where as thistle is stressing obedience through the law… This is interesting.
Defining “born again” has nothing to do with obedience to the law. It’s simply defining what born again means.
So many people (usually Protestants) misuse that expression.

A Christian is born twice.
First time from their mother’s womb.
Second time (Born Again) when baptised with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

There is no third baptism, hence there is no born again for someone who is already a Christian.
Whatever you want to call any spiritual transformation it is not being “born again”.

By the way I fail to see what any of this has to do with the thread topic about Freemasonry.
If you want to discuss spiritual transformation you or Allen should start a new thread.
 
Defining “born again” has nothing to do with obedience to the law. It’s simply defining what born again means.
So many people (usually Protestants) misuse that expression.

A Christian is born twice.
First time from their mother’s womb.
Second time (Born Again) when baptised with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

There is no third baptism, hence there is no born again for someone who is already a Christian.
Whatever you want to call any spiritual transformation it is not being “born again”.

By the way I fail to see what any of this has to do with the thread topic about Freemasonry.
If you want to discuss spiritual transformation you or Allen should start a new thread.
Oh yeah, and still you haven’t answered whether you engage in contemplative prayer forms. There’s a reason I keep asking; if you did you’d be better aligned with the CCC. But CCC apparently isn’t as important on some topics as others? I’m telling you that it could be the key to your spiritual growth. If you think it’s all about learning rules and dogma, then look of course at 1 Cor 13.

If you won’t listen to me, I suggest you consult your spiritual director for more information on being born of the spirit, and on contemplative prayer. Ta Ta. :tiphat:

Alan
 
Oh yeah, and still you haven’t answered whether you engage in contemplative prayer forms. There’s a reason I keep asking; if you did you’d be better aligned with the CCC. But CCC apparently isn’t as important on some topics as others? I’m telling you that it could be the key to your spiritual growth. If you think it’s all about learning rules and dogma, then look of course at 1 Cor 13.

If you won’t listen to me, I suggest you consult your spiritual director for more information on being born of the spirit, and on contemplative prayer. Ta Ta. :tiphat:

Alan
How anyone engages in prayer is private to themselves. I never tell anyone what prayers I say or what form they take. There is no one way that is superior to any other way. To tell anyone that if they don’t engage in a particular form of prayer then they might not have the key to spiritual growth is both an insult to every Catholic and very egotistical.

Regarding the CCC, if Catholics read the CCC, know what the Church teaches, believe what the Church teaches, and live what the Church teaches I don’t see what else is needed as you would be a complete Catholic living the life Christ wants you to live.

The people in danger are those who reject or ignore the Church teachings and live a life thinking they know better than the Church even when it opposes the Church established by God. These are the people who want to bend God to their will instead of obeying God.
 
To tell anyone that if they don’t engage in a particular form of prayer then they might not have the key to spiritual growth is both an insult to every Catholic and very egotistical.
You don’t get it, do you? I’m not telling you that I have a preference over how you pray. I’m basing my comments on the CCC – which seems important to you mostly when you’re telling others they are wrong. 😛

Frankly, and this is personal opinion only, it is blatantly obvious from the way you post, that you have not practiced this kind of prayer – or if you had it hasn’t kicked in and you’re being peculiarly evasive about it. The “success” of contemplative prayer is not measured by how you feel during the prayer or what you think about the prayer, but by the improvement in your relationships with others. And just like most US natives can detect a British accent, I can tell that you have not adopted the non-dualistic thinking Jesus came to bring us. Mind you, nothing wrong with dualistic thinking, but if limited to it you will miss out on the message of Christ. Personal opinion now – you can react but you can’t tell me that I’m not of my opinion.

The CCC says prayer life SHOULD go deeper than vocal or meditation, into a form that achieves true union with the mystery of Jesus; that is, contemplative prayer. Try looking it up yourself and quit sidetracking the issue, or drop it. :tsktsk:

If you do not do what the CCC tells you prayer-wise, then why wouldn’t I think you might be missing a key component? Why would the Church tell us to do this, if we didn’t need to? And why are you adamantly refusing to admit what it even says? :whacky:

If you don’t think Catholics need to pray in a way the Church teaches that they should, you’ll need to take your argument up with the Pope. Here’s his email address: benedictxvi@vatican.va. Good luck with that. :rolleyes:

Have a Nice Day! :tiphat:

Alan
 
You don’t get it, do you? I’m not telling you that I have a preference over how you pray. I’m basing my comments on the CCC – which seems important to you mostly when you’re telling others they are wrong. 😛

**Frankly, and this is personal opinion only, it is blatantly obvious from the way you post, that you have not practiced this kind of prayer – or if you had it hasn’t kicked in and you’re being peculiarly evasive about it. ** The “success” of contemplative prayer is not measured by how you feel during the prayer or what you think about the prayer, but by the improvement in your relationships with others. And just like most US natives can detect a British accent, I can tell that you have not adopted the non-dualistic thinking Jesus came to bring us. Mind you, nothing wrong with dualistic thinking, but if limited to it you will miss out on the message of Christ. Personal opinion now – you can react but you can’t tell me that I’m not of my opinion.

The CCC says prayer life SHOULD go deeper than vocal or meditation, into a form that achieves true union with the mystery of Jesus; that is, contemplative prayer. Try looking it up yourself and quit sidetracking the issue, or drop it. :tsktsk:

If you do not do what the CCC tells you prayer-wise, then why wouldn’t I think you might be missing a key component? Why would the Church tell us to do this, if we didn’t need to? And why are you adamantly refusing to admit what it even says? :whacky:

If you don’t think Catholics need to pray in a way the Church teaches that they should, you’ll need to take your argument up with the Pope. Here’s his email address: benedictxvi@vatican.va. Good luck with that. :rolleyes:

Have a Nice Day! :tiphat:

Alan
Another comment like that and I will report you to the moderators.

By the way what does this have to do with Freemasons or do you simply like hijacking someone else’s thread?
 
Another comment like that and I will report you to the moderators.

By the way what does this have to do with Freemasons or do you simply like hijacking someone else’s thread?
You call me a heretic again and you’re getting reported.:cool:
 
You call me a heretic again and you’re getting reported.:cool:
Talk to your priest. He will explain why Church doctrine cannot change and why any individual Catholic’s interpretations and thoughts and obstinate doubts about doctrine are wrong if they contradict Church teachings.

This applies to all Catholics, including you and me:

CCC 2089 Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. “Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.”

I would also like to suggest again that you and Allen should start a new thread because what the two of you are discussing now is not Freemasonry which is the subject of this thread.
 
Talk to your priest. He will explain why Church doctrine cannot change and why any individual Catholic’s interpretations and thoughts and obstinate doubts about doctrine are wrong if they contradict Church teachings.

This applies to all Catholics, including you and me:

CCC 2089 Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. “Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.”

I would also like to suggest again that you and Allen should start a new thread because what the two of you are discussing now is not Freemasonry which is the subject of this thread.
You have no business judging my thoughts, because you cannot see what I think. I’m insulted that you continue down this path and I’m shocked that after telling you not to call me a heretic that you have the nerve to post this.

I said I was exploring possibilities, I never said that I doubted any doctrine. Now like I said before, you have a very bad habit of judging other peoples motives, and I think now that the only way to stop you from continuing this is to report you.
 
I fail to see what any of this has to do with the thread topic about Freemasonry.
If you want to discuss spiritual transformation you should start a new thread.
👍👍👍 Please:) The thread has now been derailed for a page and a half.🤷
 
You have no business judging my thoughts, because you cannot see what I think. I’m insulted that you continue down this path and I’m shocked that after telling you not to call me a heretic that you have the nerve to post this.

I said I was exploring possibilities, I never said that I doubted any doctrine. Now like I said before, you have a very bad habit of judging other peoples motives, and I think now that the only way to stop you from continuing this is to report you.
You are the one who said it is not a sin of grave matter not to believe Church doctrine. I, and others, have pointed out you are wrong. Why do you have a beef with that?
 
You are the one who said it is not a sin of grave matter not to believe Church doctrine. I, and others, have pointed out you are wrong. Why do you have a beef with that?
That’s beside the point thistle. Because you’ve taken it a step further and have actually accused me, personally of acting heretical. I may have been wrong about what I said about doubting a doctrine, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I have doubted doctrines myself. It was you who made that assumption. And it was you who made a judgement upon that assumption when you charged me with sin.
 
Besides, it doesn’t matter what you or anyone else points out to me, because I’m not obligated to adhere to what posters tell me. I’m only obliged to follow the official Church teachings as I understand them.
 
Another comment like that and I will report you to the moderators.

By the way what does this have to do with Freemasons or do you simply like hijacking someone else’s thread?
Interesting you ask. I ask you the same thing about your posts. Why are you arguing with me about the fact that you refuse to admit whether you do what the CCC suggests, all the while holding everyone else’s feet to the fire for those parts of the CCC and other documents that you find useful?

All I am asking is, if it comes to picking and choosing some esoteric belief of the Church such as the finer details about the Church’s relationship with the Freemasons, or picking and choosing whether to honor what the CCC says about prayer, which one is more important?

I am NOT saying this applies to the situation:
Matt 23:24:
Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!
Again, this has nothing to do with your prayer life, but it does apply to the discussion all about the Freemasons. I think we need to keep perspective on what’s Most Important, and when the things of the head trump the things of the heart, then you basically have what we had before Jesus came. :sad_yes:

And actually, I think that idea of perspective, does apply to this entire exchange – just not to your prayer life. I know that because you said it isn’t about your prayer life. :cool:

As far as your prayer life, I’d only suggest that you should feel obligated to honor the teachings of the Church, including the CCC, which says what a prayer life should be. If you report me to the mods for suggesting that you to adhere to Church teachings, then I’m not sure what to tell you.

Now that we know where you stand, please join me in sitting back and learning more about the OP topic. 👍

Alan
 
Let’s tone it down guys. I believe we may be departing from the core question about whether Freemasonry is compatible with the Catholic faith. 🙂
 
Interesting you ask. I ask you the same thing about your posts. Why are you arguing with me about the fact that you refuse to admit whether you do what the CCC suggests, all the while holding everyone else’s feet to the fire for those parts of the CCC and other documents that you find useful?

All I am asking is, if it comes to picking and choosing some esoteric belief of the Church such as the finer details about the Church’s relationship with the Freemasons, or picking and choosing whether to honor what the CCC says about prayer, which one is more important?

I am NOT saying this applies to the situation:

Again, this has nothing to do with your prayer life, but it does apply to the discussion all about the Freemasons. I think we need to keep perspective on what’s Most Important, and when the things of the head trump the things of the heart, then you basically have what we had before Jesus came. :sad_yes:

And actually, I think this does apply to this entire situation – just not to your prayer life. I know that because you said it isn’t about your prayer life. :cool:

As far as your prayer life, I’d only suggest that you should feel obligated to honor the teachings of the Church, including the CCC, which says what a prayer life should be. If you report me to the mods for suggesting that you to adhere to Church teachings, then I’m not sure what to tell you.

Alan
I believe and try my best to follow the teachings of the Church (of course like most people I do sin from time to time), which includes prayer. The Church does not require me to elaborate to you or anyone what form my prayer life takes and nobody owes you an explanation. The Church teaches we must pray daily but it does not obligate us to undertake specific prayers or a specific form. If it did then it would be a sin of grave matter not to do so but we are not obligated by type and form.

To both you and TEPO (hopefully he/she reads this so I don’t have to do a separate post) all along I have maintained that to reject/deny or have an obstinate doubt about an infallible Church teaching is both heresy and a sin of grave matter. I never specified that you or TEPO was a heretic. I was pointing out what constitutes heresy. Only you and TEPO know if that applies to you or not. I certainly cannot say that.

Furthermore, Church doctrine can never change. Therefore for anyone to suggest that Church doctrine should be changed (in effect watered down) to make it easier for people to become Catholic frankly beggars belief. In my opinion it is totally contradictory for anyone to say on one hand they believe the Church teachings and in the next breath say they should be changed.

None of this anyway has anything to do with whether a Catholic may become a Freemason. The answer has been given by many posters, including myself.
The Church forbids Catholics to be Freemasons. There are no ifs or buts or it depends.

I think the time has now come for me to bow out of these two threads.
 
The Church teaches we must pray daily but it does not obligate us to undertake specific prayers or a specific form. If it did then it would be a sin of grave matter not to do so but we are not obligated by type and form.
No. It doesn’t “obligate” you, but says what you “should” do. I suppose that “should” from the Church. Perhaps if the only thing that matters is avoiding “mortal sin” then what the Church “suggests” is actually quite irrelevant. Honestly, I don’t even know why the Church would teach about the kinds of prayer and compare them to each other. I’m just pointing out what I see to be hypocritical – disregarding CCC here, and enforcing it there. That’s all.
To both you and TEPO (hopefully he/she reads this so I don’t have to do a separate post) all along I have maintained that to reject/deny or have an obstinate doubt about an infallible Church teaching is both heresy and a sin of grave matter. I never specified that you or TEPO was a heretic. I was pointing out what constitutes heresy. Only you and TEPO know if that applies to you or not. I certainly cannot say that.
It’s a funny thing. Right offhand I don’t recall an instance where Jesus referred to someone as a heretic, or for that matter called them down because they didn’t have the right beliefs. Now he DID have a lot to say about hypocrisy on the part of “righteous” sinners telling the “other” sinners their faults – and since I spend a great deal of time with Jesus in the form of His written Word, that aspect of it is much more important to me. Or wait, does the CCC even mention anything about the Freemasons? I’m not sure on that one. I’m not a CCC expert; I just know some of what it says about prayer.
Furthermore, Church doctrine can never change. Therefore for anyone to suggest that Church doctrine should be changed (in effect watered down) to make it easier for people to become Catholic frankly beggars belief. In my opinion it is totally contradictory for anyone to say on one hand they believe the Church teachings and in the next breath say they should be changed.
You may be right, and in fact, earlier in the thread I realized that the Church has to do what she does in terms of the Freemasons. Or at least what is reported in this thread.

Alan
 
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