http://www.cnview.com/on_line_resources/sh...ome_a_mason.htm
Should A Christian Become A Mason?
Masonic Doctrine -v- Christian Doctrine
----------------------------------------------------
What is a Mason? What do they do? These are just a couple of questions you may ask. Most people know them to be a fraternal order of men that is usually involved in good civic activities, such as the Shriner's collecting money for the children's hospital. However, very little is known to the non-Mason, about what the Masons believe or what they do behind closed doors. Most Masons have never read some of the sources cited in the following. All of these Masonic sourcebooks are in the libraries of most local Lodges and the libraries of the Grand Lodges of the states. Let me further state that there are a lot of well meaning men and Christian men who are members of the Masonic lodges in small town America, and many never advance beyond the Blue Degrees. Remaining at this level, they are kept in the dark about a lot of what goes on as one obtains "more light," as they call it. If much of what is about to be disclosed, was known to a lot of these men and Christian men, they would not be a part of such an organization.
I urge those that really want to know the truth to check out these materials cited below, also before going any further, ask God to confirm in your own heart the truth as you read it.
JESUS CHRIST
In his private petitions a man may petition God or Jehovah, Allah or Buddha, Mohammed or Jesus; he may call upon the God of Israel or the First Great Cause. In the Masonic Lodge he hears petition to the Great Architect of the Universe, finding his own deity under that name. A hundred paths may wind upward around a mountain; at the top they meet." (Carl H. Claudy, "Introduction to Freemasonry." p. 38)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the Life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me. (Jn.14:6) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name {but Jesus} under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
GOD
Since every man's conception of God must be proportioned to his mental cultivation, and intellectual powers, and moral excellence. God is, as man conceives Him, the reflected image of man himself. (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 14th Degree, p. 234) "The only personal God Freemasonry accepts is humanity in toto...Humanity therefore is the only personal God that there is." (J.D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry," p. 216) "The Absolute is Reason. Reason IS, by means of itself. It IS because IT IS...If God IS, HE IS by Reason." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 28th Degree. p. 737)
In the Beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Gen. 1:1) For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word {Jesus}, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (I Jn. 5:7) God said undo Moses, I AM THAT I AM... (Ex. 3:14)
THE HOLY BIBLE
"...the literal meaning (of the Bible) is for the vulgar only." (Albert Pike, "Digest of Morals and Dogma," p. 166) "Masonry makes no profession of Christianity...but looks forward to the time when the labor of our ancient brethren shall be symbolized by the erection of a spiritual temple...in which there shall be but one alter and one worship; one common altar of Masonry on which the Veda, Shastra, Sade, Zend-Avesta, Koran and Holy Bible shall lie...and at whose shrine the Hindoo, the Persian, the Assyrian, the Chaldean, the Egyptian, the Chinese, the Mohammedan, the Jew and the Christian may kneel..." ("The Kentucky Monitor." Fellowcraft Degree, p. 95) The removal of the name of Jesus and references to Him in Bible verses used in the ritual are "slight but necessary modifications." (Albert Mackey, "Masonic Ritualist." p. 272)
The Words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psa. 12:6) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God... (II Tim. 3:16) ...if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isa. 8:20)
REDEMPTION
"These three degrees (1st, 2nd, 3rd) thus form a perfect an harmonious whole, nor can it be conceived that anything can be suggested more, which the soul of man requires." (Daniel Sickles, "Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide." p. 196) "If we with suitable true devotion maintain our Masonic profession, our faith will become a beam of light an bring us to those blessed mansions where we shall be eternally happy with God, the Great Architect of the Universe." (Daniel Sickles, "Ahimon Rezon or Freemason's Guide." p. 79) "...salvation by faith and the vicarious atonement were not taught as now interpreted, by Jesus, nor are these doctrines taught in the esoteric scriptures. They are later and ignorant perversions of the original doctrines." (J.D. Buck, "Mystic Masonry." p. 57)
As it is written. There is none righteous no not one: (Rom. 3:10) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23) For He hath made Him {Jesus} to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Cor. 5:21) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)
SATAN
"The conviction of all men that God is good led to a belief in a devil..." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma." 19th Degree, p. 324) "...there is no rebellious demon of Evil, or Principle of Darkness coexistent and in eternal controversy with God, or the Principle of Light..." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 32nd Degree, p.859)
Ye are of your father, the devil...he is a liar, and the father of it. (Jn. 8:44) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Jas. 4:7) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph. 6:11-12) ...your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (I Pet. 5:8)
TRUTHFULNESS
The Mason Doctrine teaches that it right to lie, if necessary to protect the secrets of the Lodge, or to protect brother Masons by concealing his wrongdoing. It can even be right to deliberately deceive sincere Masons seeking to learn the lessons and secrets of Masonry.
"The Blue Degrees are but the portico (porch) of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall imagine that he understands them...their true ecplication (explanation / understanding) is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 30th Degree, p. 189) "You must conceal all crimes of your brother Masons...and should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason be always sure to shield him...It may be perjury to do this, it is true, but you're keeping your obligations." (Ronayne, "Handbook of Masonry." p. 183) "Furthermore do I promise and swear that a Master Mason's secrets, given to me in charge as such, and I knowing them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in his own, when communicated to me, murder and treason excepted; and they left to my own election." (Master Mason's / 3rd Degree Oath of Obligation)
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Ex. 20:16) Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. (Lev. 19:11) ...lie not to one another. (Col. 3:9) ...all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Rev 21:8)
SECRECY & BLOOD OATHS
Secrecy is indispensable in a Mason of whatever degree." (Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogma," 4th Degree, p. 109) I...do hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hail, ever conceal and never reveal any of the arts, parts or points of the secret arts any mysteries of ancient Freemasonry which I have received, am about to receive, or may hereafter be instructed in..." (Oath of Obligation, Entered Apprentice/1st Degree, and include in all subsequent degrees, always on penalty of mayhem and violent death) "...binding myself under no less a penalty that that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken out and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven..." (from the Oath of Obligation, Master Mason/Third Degree) "...In willful violation whereof may I incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming Sun shall strike me with a livid plague, and may Allah, the god of Arab, Moslem and Mohammedan, the god of our fathers, support me to the entire fulfillment of the same." (from the Oath of Obligation, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ["Shriners"])
I {Jesus} spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple...and in secret have I said nothing. (Jn. 18:20) Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Rom. 12:17) Thou shalt not kill (murder). (Ex. 20:13) But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (Jas. 5:12)
Seek the Truth through the Word of God!
"...ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (Jn. 8:32)
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Full Version: Should A Christian Become A Mason?
They're all over the place in this part of the country and no matter how much evidence you show people that a person can't be a Mason and a Christian, what you get is, "Well Millie down the street, her husband is a 33rd degree dont you know!".
Okay. Clearly contradicting Scripture here.
I don't see how you can even get this type of "interpretation" from Scripture that would be anything like this.
There is only one Way, and that's through Jesus Christ.
I know I'm obvlivious to a lot of things, but this just seems too far out there.
The true end goal of Freemasonry is Lucifer worship, but most Masons don't know that until they've got so much time and money 'invested' in it that they can't bring themselves to leave.
Where did you read that?
I don't doubt you, but it reminds of the people who have come out of LDS. Much of that is secret as well. Finding accurate information isn't always easy.
I don't doubt you, but it reminds of the people who have come out of LDS. Much of that is secret as well. Finding accurate information isn't always easy.
There's a book by Ed Decker and a co-author, I gave mine away to a cult watch ministry. In this book he (former mason) described the 'whole nine yards, from being invited into a Lodge (vehemently denying it's for social and business contacts while that in fact is the very reason most join), to quitre an expose of how the Shriners are a PR front (they do good things, but a lot more oney could be raised to do those things more effeiciently otherwise) finally to a 'black mass' for the highest levels of Masons.
If you look up Decker on amazon (Ed Decker) he's written quite a few exposes about Mormons and Masons. (where's that french doohicky, ex-poh-says). If I remember right, Decker had been both a Mormon and a Mason.
This particular book is out of print, it was a blue cover - we got it at the Good Book Store in Paducah (Catholic +). The lady there had kept a few copies - the day she received them and put them on display, a Mason came in and bought all of them that were for sale in the store - tell you anything?)
Her son was working on an investigative reporter about Masons and died in a very mysterious accident.
If you look up Decker on amazon (Ed Decker) he's written quite a few exposes about Mormons and Masons. (where's that french doohicky, ex-poh-says). If I remember right, Decker had been both a Mormon and a Mason.
This particular book is out of print, it was a blue cover - we got it at the Good Book Store in Paducah (Catholic +). The lady there had kept a few copies - the day she received them and put them on display, a Mason came in and bought all of them that were for sale in the store - tell you anything?)
Her son was working on an investigative reporter about Masons and died in a very mysterious accident.
I'll have to see if I can find it.
I don't know much about this stuff but it sounds really wrong.
Anything done in secret like that, not being exposed to the light of day, just strikes me wrong.
I don't know much about this stuff but it sounds really wrong.
Anything done in secret like that, not being exposed to the light of day, just strikes me wrong.
Every Masonic lodge has a V.S.L - Volume of Sacred Literature. Most often it is the Holy Book of the host country, so for the US it's the Bible, for Islamic Countries, the Koran, etc...they are all considered equal.
When they say a prayer, they are not allowed to use Jesus' name in any prayer said in a lodge, so as not to offend any non-Christian present.
(Sound familiar? Wonder if these clowns are really the ones who brought in pc).
There are plenty of them in law enforcement and the whole judicial system.
Many of them that display the meddallions on their vehickles do so in the hope that any cop who pulls them over is a 'brother' mason and will just give them a warning.
It's even said that if a person on trial (by jury) is a mason, they will flash signals to the jury, hoping that one or more of the jurors are masons. If they are, they are required to vote non-guilty. Mason P.O.W's have even been given preferential treatment by Mason prison camp commanders. This stuff really goes deep.
KFUO Radio (St Louis 850 A.M.) is the oldest Christian radio station on America and every once in awhile does programs on this. One pastor commented how very often a pastor never know he has mason in his church until one passes away and they find out at the funeral.
(Masons conduct their own rites afterwards, mumbo-jumbo hush hush stuff, includes 'sealing' the coffin with Masonic symbols).
When they say a prayer, they are not allowed to use Jesus' name in any prayer said in a lodge, so as not to offend any non-Christian present.
(Sound familiar? Wonder if these clowns are really the ones who brought in pc).
There are plenty of them in law enforcement and the whole judicial system.
Many of them that display the meddallions on their vehickles do so in the hope that any cop who pulls them over is a 'brother' mason and will just give them a warning.
It's even said that if a person on trial (by jury) is a mason, they will flash signals to the jury, hoping that one or more of the jurors are masons. If they are, they are required to vote non-guilty. Mason P.O.W's have even been given preferential treatment by Mason prison camp commanders. This stuff really goes deep.
KFUO Radio (St Louis 850 A.M.) is the oldest Christian radio station on America and every once in awhile does programs on this. One pastor commented how very often a pastor never know he has mason in his church until one passes away and they find out at the funeral.
(Masons conduct their own rites afterwards, mumbo-jumbo hush hush stuff, includes 'sealing' the coffin with Masonic symbols).
*sigh* my Dad is a Mason ... his Dad before him ... says it's okay
says he knows all about the controversy and stuff, but it's not like that???
he's a Christian, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Baptist church
I dunno what to say .....
I don't know enough about masons or your dad to be able to say anything, Donna.
Is it possible your dad isn't in deep enough for these things? If his faith is that strong, would he even be considered by the masons to get involved in the things that others say happen?
I just don't know.
Is it possible your dad isn't in deep enough for these things? If his faith is that strong, would he even be considered by the masons to get involved in the things that others say happen?
I just don't know.
Donna
The SBC is full of them, including clergy.
See if you can obtain a copy of the book Free From Freemasonry and have him read it.
Here's a little more info:
How Freemasonry Corrupts Christianity
http://home.ptd.net/~magog/theology.htm
How Freemasonry Corrupts Christianity
Freemasonry turns men away from Jesus Christ in at least 5 different ways:
1. Freemasonry purposely deletes the name of Jesus Christ from its prayers and scripture quotations.
2. Freemasonry requires Christian members to disobey Jesus Christ by officially forbidding all discussions of Christ from Lodge activities.
3. Freemasonry blasphemes the name of God by offering the titles & offices of Christ to unbelievers.
4. Freemasonry denies the deity of Jesus Christ(note: niether accepting nor denying is a "lukewarm" approach to the subject. This is UTTERLY REJECTED BY CHRIST in Revelation 3:15-16)
5. Freemasonry intentionally downplays the unique role of Jesus Christ as our Savior by teaching that the Christian proclamation of divine redemption is simply the revival of earlier pagan stories.
Freemasonry does all of these in their Order yet in the "Monitor of the Lodge: Monitorial Instructions in the Three Degrees of Symbolic Masonry"(Grand Lodge of Texas, 1982), p.10 says: "Freemasonry is far removed from all that is...ungodly."
Henry C. Clausen, "Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma"(The Supreme Council, 33rd Degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S.A., 1976), p.159 says: "We do not say to Christians that Christ was a mere man, whose life story is only a revival of similar older[pagan] stories. To do any of these things would be irreverent. We utter no such words."
Yet on p.157 of the SAME BOOK, Clausen emphasizes that it is important to "strip from all religions their orthodox tenets, legends, allegories and dogmas."
Masonic writers have frequently denied Christ's deity in favor of Masonry's vague and general idea of God. Masonic writer J.D. Buck in his book "Symbolism or Mystic Masonry"; p. 57 says: "[Christian] Theologians first made a fetish of the Impersonal Omnipresent Divinity; and then tore the Christos from the hearts of all humanity in order to deify Jesus, that they might have a god-man peculiar to their own."
In a similar manner, Masonic writer R. Swineburne Clymer in "The Mysticism of Masonry"; p. 47 says: "...in deifying Jesus, the whole humanity is bereft of Christos as an eternal potency within every human soul, a latent (embryonic) Christ in every man. In thus deifying one man [Jesus], they have orphaned the whole of humanity [of its divinity]."
Edmond Ronayne, a former Mason, in "The Master's Carpet or Masonry and Baal-Worship - Identical"(distributed by: Missionary Service and Supply, Route 2, Columbiana, OH 44408), pp. 181-184, states: "Freemasonry 'carefully excludes' the Lord Jesus Christ from the Lodge and chapter, repudiates his mediatorship, rejects his atonement, denies and disowns his gospel, frowns upon his religion and his church, ignores the Holy Spirit, and sets up for itself a spiritual empire, a religious theocracy, at the head of which it places the G.A.O.T.U.-the god of nature- and from which the one only living and true God is expelled by resolution."
Blasphemy defined:
Offices & titles of Christ are assumed by Masons during rituals and also are used as Masonic passwords: for example, "I AM THAT I AM," "Immanuel," "Jehovah," "Adonai," etc. The word "blasphemy" according to The Third College Edition of Webster's New World Dictionary(Warner Books Paperback Edition, 1990) means: profane speech, writing, or action toward God or sacred things.
Now the word "profane" in the same dictionary(as cited above) means: 1. not connected with religion; secular 2. showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things. Below, examples of blasphemy are given from the Scottish Rite, and then followed by examples given in the York Rite.-
The Blasphemy in Scottish Rite Masonry
In the ritual of the 19th Degree of the Scottish Rite, the "Thrice Puissant" is portrayed as some sort of antagonist to Jesus Christ. The correspondence between the "Thrice Puissant," and Christ in the Masonic ritual are explained in J. Blanchard's Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated(The Complete Ritual of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite(Chicago: Charles T. Powner, 1979) ). 2:35 says :
-The Lodge Master is "Thrice Puissant," personating Christ, who has "all power." The Master is "seated on a throne and holds a scepter," with the blue canopy of the heavens over him. This is Christ's rival....The degree itself, says Mackey,..."is founded on the mysteries of the Apocalypse," which is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:1) And his lodge members are "clothed in white linen robes," like attending Angels; (Revelation 15:6) and on the jewel is engraved "Alpha and Omega" which is the title of Christ.-
Men in the Lodge are not aware of the fact that, when they identify themselves with the names of God or with the acts only God can perform, THEY ARE COMMITTING BLASPHEMY
In Revelation 5:1-5, for example, Jesus Christ is the only one found worthy to open the "seven seals." But we find in the 17th Degree of the Scottish Rite, the "All-Puissant" opens the seven seals in the Masonic ritual:
J. Blanchard's Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated(The Complete Ritual of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite)(Chicago: Charles T. Powner, 1979), 1:449-51
-Senior Warden: Brother, you will examine closely everything which the All Puissant is going to show you. [Pauses a moment.] Is there [a] mortal here worthy to open the book with seven seals? (All cast their eyes down and sigh.)
All Puissant: [Opens First Seal of Bible and takes out a bow, a quiver filled with arrows and a crown which he hands to the youngest Knight saying: Depart and continue the conquest.]
All Puissant: [Opens Second Seal and removes a sword which he hands to the next oldest Knight.]
All Puissant: [Opens Third Seal and takes out a balance...]
All Puissant: [Opens Fourth Seal and takes out a human skull...]
All Puissant: [Opens Fifth Seal and removes a cloth stained with blood]
All Puissant: [Opens Sixth Seal and at that moment the Sun (on the chart) is darkened and the Moon stained with blood.]
All Puissant: [Opens Seventh Seal and takes out incense...]
All Puissant: Here is seen the fulfillment of a prophecy(Revelation vii, 3)....-
In the initiation and lecture of the Fifth Degree, Jehovah is used as a password: Ibid., Blanchard Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated, 1:83:
MARCH: Make a square by walking four steps and bring the feet together at each step.
PASSWORD: Acacia.
SACRED WORD: Jehova.
Adoniram What is the meaning of the letter "J" which is in the center of the square stone?
Stolkin It is the initial of the ineffable name of the Grand Architect of the Universe and of the sacred word of the Perfect Masters.
Adoniram Pronounce it.
Stolkin Jehova.
*note: More can & will be added on the Scottish Rite.*
The Blasphemy in York Rite Masonry
*coming soon*
An example in the Scriptures which shows the nature of blasphemy (albeit through an incorrect accusation) is found in Mark 14. Here we find Jesus on trial for His life. During the trial, He used an Old Testament title "the Son of Man," from Daniel 7:13, and He (rightfully) applied this title to Himself. After that, "the high priest asked Him, 'are you the Christ(Messiah), the Blessed One?' 'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven' "(Mark 14:61-62). Then after the high priest heard this, he "tore his clothes. 'Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?' They all condemned [Jesus] worthy of death" (Mark 14:63-64). Jesus' applying to Himself a title that belonged to the Messiah was considered by Caiaphas as blasphemy, for which the Mosaic law condemned to death by stoning(Leviticus 24:16). Masons are not aware of the fact that they are committing the grave sin of blasphemy by designating to their members names reserved only for God. NO CHRISTIAN SHOULD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WHATSOEVER WITH SUCH RITUALS & CEREMONIES, EVEN IF ITS "JUST SYMBOLIZING"!!!!!!
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This organization is evil, that's all there is to it. [/story]
The SBC is full of them, including clergy.
See if you can obtain a copy of the book Free From Freemasonry and have him read it.
Here's a little more info:
How Freemasonry Corrupts Christianity
http://home.ptd.net/~magog/theology.htm
How Freemasonry Corrupts Christianity
Freemasonry turns men away from Jesus Christ in at least 5 different ways:
1. Freemasonry purposely deletes the name of Jesus Christ from its prayers and scripture quotations.
2. Freemasonry requires Christian members to disobey Jesus Christ by officially forbidding all discussions of Christ from Lodge activities.
3. Freemasonry blasphemes the name of God by offering the titles & offices of Christ to unbelievers.
4. Freemasonry denies the deity of Jesus Christ(note: niether accepting nor denying is a "lukewarm" approach to the subject. This is UTTERLY REJECTED BY CHRIST in Revelation 3:15-16)
5. Freemasonry intentionally downplays the unique role of Jesus Christ as our Savior by teaching that the Christian proclamation of divine redemption is simply the revival of earlier pagan stories.
Freemasonry does all of these in their Order yet in the "Monitor of the Lodge: Monitorial Instructions in the Three Degrees of Symbolic Masonry"(Grand Lodge of Texas, 1982), p.10 says: "Freemasonry is far removed from all that is...ungodly."
Henry C. Clausen, "Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma"(The Supreme Council, 33rd Degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S.A., 1976), p.159 says: "We do not say to Christians that Christ was a mere man, whose life story is only a revival of similar older[pagan] stories. To do any of these things would be irreverent. We utter no such words."
Yet on p.157 of the SAME BOOK, Clausen emphasizes that it is important to "strip from all religions their orthodox tenets, legends, allegories and dogmas."
Masonic writers have frequently denied Christ's deity in favor of Masonry's vague and general idea of God. Masonic writer J.D. Buck in his book "Symbolism or Mystic Masonry"; p. 57 says: "[Christian] Theologians first made a fetish of the Impersonal Omnipresent Divinity; and then tore the Christos from the hearts of all humanity in order to deify Jesus, that they might have a god-man peculiar to their own."
In a similar manner, Masonic writer R. Swineburne Clymer in "The Mysticism of Masonry"; p. 47 says: "...in deifying Jesus, the whole humanity is bereft of Christos as an eternal potency within every human soul, a latent (embryonic) Christ in every man. In thus deifying one man [Jesus], they have orphaned the whole of humanity [of its divinity]."
Edmond Ronayne, a former Mason, in "The Master's Carpet or Masonry and Baal-Worship - Identical"(distributed by: Missionary Service and Supply, Route 2, Columbiana, OH 44408), pp. 181-184, states: "Freemasonry 'carefully excludes' the Lord Jesus Christ from the Lodge and chapter, repudiates his mediatorship, rejects his atonement, denies and disowns his gospel, frowns upon his religion and his church, ignores the Holy Spirit, and sets up for itself a spiritual empire, a religious theocracy, at the head of which it places the G.A.O.T.U.-the god of nature- and from which the one only living and true God is expelled by resolution."
Blasphemy defined:
Offices & titles of Christ are assumed by Masons during rituals and also are used as Masonic passwords: for example, "I AM THAT I AM," "Immanuel," "Jehovah," "Adonai," etc. The word "blasphemy" according to The Third College Edition of Webster's New World Dictionary(Warner Books Paperback Edition, 1990) means: profane speech, writing, or action toward God or sacred things.
Now the word "profane" in the same dictionary(as cited above) means: 1. not connected with religion; secular 2. showing disrespect or contempt for sacred things. Below, examples of blasphemy are given from the Scottish Rite, and then followed by examples given in the York Rite.-
The Blasphemy in Scottish Rite Masonry
In the ritual of the 19th Degree of the Scottish Rite, the "Thrice Puissant" is portrayed as some sort of antagonist to Jesus Christ. The correspondence between the "Thrice Puissant," and Christ in the Masonic ritual are explained in J. Blanchard's Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated(The Complete Ritual of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite(Chicago: Charles T. Powner, 1979) ). 2:35 says :
-The Lodge Master is "Thrice Puissant," personating Christ, who has "all power." The Master is "seated on a throne and holds a scepter," with the blue canopy of the heavens over him. This is Christ's rival....The degree itself, says Mackey,..."is founded on the mysteries of the Apocalypse," which is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 1:1) And his lodge members are "clothed in white linen robes," like attending Angels; (Revelation 15:6) and on the jewel is engraved "Alpha and Omega" which is the title of Christ.-
Men in the Lodge are not aware of the fact that, when they identify themselves with the names of God or with the acts only God can perform, THEY ARE COMMITTING BLASPHEMY
In Revelation 5:1-5, for example, Jesus Christ is the only one found worthy to open the "seven seals." But we find in the 17th Degree of the Scottish Rite, the "All-Puissant" opens the seven seals in the Masonic ritual:
J. Blanchard's Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated(The Complete Ritual of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite)(Chicago: Charles T. Powner, 1979), 1:449-51
-Senior Warden: Brother, you will examine closely everything which the All Puissant is going to show you. [Pauses a moment.] Is there [a] mortal here worthy to open the book with seven seals? (All cast their eyes down and sigh.)
All Puissant: [Opens First Seal of Bible and takes out a bow, a quiver filled with arrows and a crown which he hands to the youngest Knight saying: Depart and continue the conquest.]
All Puissant: [Opens Second Seal and removes a sword which he hands to the next oldest Knight.]
All Puissant: [Opens Third Seal and takes out a balance...]
All Puissant: [Opens Fourth Seal and takes out a human skull...]
All Puissant: [Opens Fifth Seal and removes a cloth stained with blood]
All Puissant: [Opens Sixth Seal and at that moment the Sun (on the chart) is darkened and the Moon stained with blood.]
All Puissant: [Opens Seventh Seal and takes out incense...]
All Puissant: Here is seen the fulfillment of a prophecy(Revelation vii, 3)....-
In the initiation and lecture of the Fifth Degree, Jehovah is used as a password: Ibid., Blanchard Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated, 1:83:
MARCH: Make a square by walking four steps and bring the feet together at each step.
PASSWORD: Acacia.
SACRED WORD: Jehova.
Adoniram What is the meaning of the letter "J" which is in the center of the square stone?
Stolkin It is the initial of the ineffable name of the Grand Architect of the Universe and of the sacred word of the Perfect Masters.
Adoniram Pronounce it.
Stolkin Jehova.
*note: More can & will be added on the Scottish Rite.*
The Blasphemy in York Rite Masonry
*coming soon*
An example in the Scriptures which shows the nature of blasphemy (albeit through an incorrect accusation) is found in Mark 14. Here we find Jesus on trial for His life. During the trial, He used an Old Testament title "the Son of Man," from Daniel 7:13, and He (rightfully) applied this title to Himself. After that, "the high priest asked Him, 'are you the Christ(Messiah), the Blessed One?' 'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven' "(Mark 14:61-62). Then after the high priest heard this, he "tore his clothes. 'Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?' They all condemned [Jesus] worthy of death" (Mark 14:63-64). Jesus' applying to Himself a title that belonged to the Messiah was considered by Caiaphas as blasphemy, for which the Mosaic law condemned to death by stoning(Leviticus 24:16). Masons are not aware of the fact that they are committing the grave sin of blasphemy by designating to their members names reserved only for God. NO CHRISTIAN SHOULD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WHATSOEVER WITH SUCH RITUALS & CEREMONIES, EVEN IF ITS "JUST SYMBOLIZING"!!!!!!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
This organization is evil, that's all there is to it. [/story]
I think the fact that these people have secret meetings, secret codes and signals and all of that should be warning to most Christians. Why can't it be done in the open for everyone to see. If these people are Christians and are trying to do good for their community, why not thru the church. I always find it funny people are always searching for something to complete the lives but are always searching amiss. They right off Christianity as a fantasy but are willing to believe any crazy cult or crazy so called scientific theory. IE we come from monkeys, I like to think more of myself than that. Like maybe I was created in the image of the Living God.
QUOTE (steve99 @ Dec 29 2004, 06:32 PM)
I think the fact that these people have secret meetings, secret codes and signals and all of that should be warning to most Christians. Why can't it be done in the open for everyone to see. If these people are Christians and are trying to do good for their community, why not thru the church. I always find it funny people are always searching for something to complete the lives but are always searching amiss. They right off Christianity as a fantasy but are willing to believe any crazy cult or crazy so called scientific theory. IE we come from monkeys, I like to think more of myself than that. Like maybe I was created in the image of the Living God.
Very good points, Steve.
I do agree that if it can't be done in the open then there's a big problem. Denying Christ is another biggie.
I do not believe we are evolved from monkeys, yet evolution says we are. They believe that but can't believe in Jesus?
I will admit that I tend to support charities outside of Church. There are a number of ways we can help take care of others outside of the Church and that's where a lot of my money goes. I've adopted two AIDS children in Tanzania, and the money they receive helps their whole family.
It saddens me that the amount I give can help their village, but can barely help children here.
DonnaI totally agree with Daniel 1210.The men who come out of the mason grip tells about the occult things in their order and they practice them while they were a mason.
My dad was a mason for along time.He got out when he realize that the mason oath was interfering with his Christian views.He is a Deacon for the pass 40yrs and He is teaching Sunday school now.My parents are Southen Baptist all their lives.
The freemason is turning into a occult.My answer to the question above is a BIG NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Daniel
Hi littlelad, and welcome.
Anything that interferes with your Christian views is a big NO! Especially when it comes to salvation issues. I don't know much about Masons, but it seems that not everyone gets to the level where they are introduced to all of this.
It also seems to be individual to the particular lodges. Kind of like nondenominational churches. They don't all share the same views on everything but the core and absolute truths of Christianity.
The secrecy of it all makes it hinky.
Anything that interferes with your Christian views is a big NO! Especially when it comes to salvation issues. I don't know much about Masons, but it seems that not everyone gets to the level where they are introduced to all of this.
It also seems to be individual to the particular lodges. Kind of like nondenominational churches. They don't all share the same views on everything but the core and absolute truths of Christianity.
The secrecy of it all makes it hinky.
http://www.standrewslcms.org/resources/lodge.htm
The following Catechism was developed as the culmination of a lengthy process in a previous congregation of mine. It is placed here in the hopes that others may also benefit from its use. In offering it here I do not claim that it is superior to other materials that may be found or that it might not be improved upon. However, it does represent one pastor’s attempt to faithfully work through such a problem with those sheep entrusted to his care. For that reason I have included the original preface which may give insight as to the context in which it was used.
I remain grateful to the many materials made available by many other pastors and especially the LCMS Commission on Organizations, as well as their guidance. In the same spirit in which they supplied their material, I offer this to any and all who may find its reading fruitful. You are free to use this as you see fit, provided that nothing of doctrinal substance is altered.
ORIGINAL PREFACE
14 September 1998
Holy Cross Day
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Wolf Point, MT
As you are by now well aware, there have been many questions and concerns raised over the past several months about members of our congregation holding membership in lodges such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Having brought this to the attention of our elders this past spring and instructing them in regard to many of the issues involved, they agreed that the best course of action was to offer an educational event so that light could be shed on this important issue and people like you would have the opportunity to learn.
After months of careful research, correspondence, and planning, a congregational wide forum was held during the week of June 15-19. That presentation entitled, “Let There Be Light!” was attended by approximately 25-30 individuals, including our Circuit Visitor and the Exalted Ruler from the local Elks lodge. Overall, it was a blessed opportunity for many to learn. A large portion of that which was presented during that forum is either contained or summarized in this compendium.
However, the full presentation is still available for those of you who have not been able to yet read it. I cannot encourage you enough to do so! This “catechism” of sorts is designed to not only be a follow-up to that presentation, but also to serve as a helpful review for those who attended it. Being more concise, it will hopefully help facilitate the appropriate discussion and reflection that is still needed for many who are struggling with this issue. It is not intended to replace the much more thorough presentation made over two months ago, but to serve as a supplement to it. I will also be incorporating it as I continue the process of now working with individuals to patiently lead them to a clear cut decision in this matter, and also to help others who have questions gain a better understanding. I urge you to do the same. Perhaps there is someone you know who might benefit from reading this. Again, much of what is contained here is a synthesis of various materials provided by our LCMS Commission on Organizations and gratefully used with their permission.
As your pastor, I humbly offer this for your consideration. My hope is that as you have questions it can serve as a discussion guide for you and all concerned. May it be a handy reference tool and guide for you and others. I continue to be greatly affirmed by the desire that so many of you have demonstrated in wanting to learn and discuss this important issue. May this catechism further such study to the glory of Christ our Savior.
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Why is it any of the Church’s or pastors business anyways if someone is a lodge member?
A pastor is a servant of Christ sent to care for his members “spiritually,” in much the same way as a doctor cares for his patients physically. Christ, the Chief Shepherd, will demand an account of His undershepherds for the souls He has entrusted to their care. A pastor is not his own man in this sense. He must administer his office according to God’s Word, and not his own private opinion or desires. He must faithfully teach and preach God’s Word in its truth and purity. Part of that responsibility necessitates warning members of his flock of that which is contrary to God’s Word, and therefore detrimental to their individual spiritual health and that of the rest of the congregation.
Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
2 Tim. 2:24 “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
2 Tim. 4:1 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.”
[See also Ezekiel 33:1-9 and John 10:11-13]
II. OFFICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS
2. What does the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod officially hold concerning Lodge memberships?
The congregations of the LCMS in Convention have never wavered in their unified agreement in matters concerning freemasonry and/or the lodge system. According to the 1995 edition of the LCMS Synodical Handbook, the bylaws of Synod faithfully maintain:
ARTICLE X. FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
10.01 Statement of Purpose
a. The Synod has declared itself firmly opposed to all societies, lodges, and organizations of an unchristian or antichristian character.
b. The Commission on Organizations shall assist the pastors and the congregations of the Synod in fulfilling their commitment to witness publicly and privately to the one and only Gospel set forth in the Holy Scriptures.
10.02 Responsibilities of Pastors and Congregations
a. Pastors and lay people alike must avoid membership or participation in any organization that in its objectives, ceremonies, or practices is inimical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the faith and life of the Christian church.
b. It is the solemn, sacred, and God-given duty of every pastor to properly instruct his people concerning the sinfulness of all organizations that:
1. explicitly or implicitly deny the Holy Trinity, the deity of Christ, or the vicarious atonement;
2. promise spiritual light apart from that revealed in the Holy Scripture;
3. attach spiritual rewards to the works or virtues of men; and/or
4. embrace ideologies or principles that clearly violate an express teaching of the Holy Scriptures concerning the relationship of men to one another.
c. The responsibility of diligent and conscientious pastoral care requires that pastors of the Synod do not administer Holy Communion nor admit to communicant membership members of such organizations who, after thorough instruction, refuse to sever their affiliation with the organizations, since Holy Communion expresses an exclusive spiritual relationship of the communicant to his Lord and to his brethren (Matt.10:32; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 1 Cor. 11:25). Earnest continuous efforts should be put forth to bring individuals to a clear-cut decision regarding their contradictory confession, in order that they may become or remain communicant members of the congregation as the case may be.
d. The responsibility of conscientious pastoral care recognizes that a pastor will occasionally encounter an exceptional case in which he is called on to administer Holy Communion to a person who is outwardly connected with such an organization. Such exceptional cases ordinarily involve and individual who
1. has accepted the pastoral care of the congregation and is being instructed by its pastor in an effort to lead that person to see the inconsistency of contradictory confession and witness, and
2. has renounced to the pastor and/or church council the unchristian or antichristian character of the organization in which membership is held. In such exceptional cases the pastor should consult with his brethren in the ministry or with officials of the Synod, as the case may require. He should, furthermore, beware of procrastination and the giving of offense to members of either the congregation or sister congregations.
e. The Synod instructs its officials to exercise vigilant care and urges all pastors and congregations to carry out these provisions and faithfully eradicate all compromise or negation of the Gospel through members’ identification with objectionable organizations. It shall be the duty of every member, pastor, and especially officials of the Synod to admonish those pastors and congregations that fail to offer counter testimony and take decisive action in matters pertaining to this subject. Refusal to heed brotherly admonition shall lead to suspension and eventual expulsion from the Synod.”
3. What does our congregation have to say on this matter?
According to the constitution of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church our congregation maintains the following:
“No one can become or be a member of this congregation nor enjoy the rights and privileges of such membership unless he: a) is baptized; B) accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testament as the only divine rule and standard of faith and conduct; c) is acquainted with, and accepts, Luther’s Small Catechism and also the Unaltered Augsburg Confession; d) leads a Christian life and abstains from manifest works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21); e) attends divine services faithfully and partakes of the Lord’s Supper frequently; f) submits, for the sake of love and peace, to the regulations already made, or still to be made, by this body, provided they do not conflict with the Word of God, and suffers brotherly admonition when having erred or offended; g) contributes regularly and faithfully, as God has prospered them, toward the building of Christ’s Kingdom in the congregation and throughout the world; devotes his time and talents to the extension of the kingdom of God; i) is not a member of any secret or other organization conflicting with the Word of God.
Thus, the LCMS (in general), and our own congregation (in specific), have made very public stands against “secret or other organizations conflicting with the Word of God.” The above documents also speak in no uncertain terms concerning the implications of this matter.
4. So should someone leave the Lodge right away?
Our Synodical Constitution and bylaws make it quite clear that “thorough” instruction needs to play an integral role in the process of working with those who have bound themselves by an oath as members in such a lodge. Ultimately, the decision to become or remain a lodge member is something that an individual has to make over time. But it is a decision that one should not make, nor be asked to make, without “thorough” instruction and necessary patience.
5. By taking this stand are we saying that all Lodge members are necessarily not Christians?
Although we must regard the lodge rituals and practices to be unchristian and thus antichristian in character, neither I, nor we as the LCMS, have ever stated that a lodge member is necessarily not a Christian. Many lodge members are sincere Christians who often simply do not recognize or understand the conflict between the lodge rituals and the teachings of their Christian confession, not to mention the vows they have made in God’s Name to be faithful to both.
6. Is the LCMS and its pastors out to get the Lodges?
No, of course not! The truth is that the rituals and teachings of the lodge are not in agreement with the teachings and confessions of the Lutheran Church according to God’s Word. The Lodges have the right to develop their own religious rituals and teachings without our consent. We too enjoy the same privilege. While we may support the rights of the Lodges and other religious organizations, Christian or otherwise, to have the political freedom to profess their religious beliefs, the LCMS’ position and that of our congregation concerning the Lodges are based purely and totally for “religious” reasons.
III. SCRIPTURAL IMPERATIVES
7. What makes being a member of a lodge different than one’s holding membership in other organizations?
It is possible for confessing Christians to be members of many organizations without compromising their Christian witness. There are, however, some organizations with noble purposes and commendable programs that nevertheless require their members to subscribe to a religious understanding and practice that compromises a Christian’s confession of faith. The Elks Lodge, for instance, has many commendable features. The reputation of the local lodge is good and the Elks perform many works of benevolence at both the national and local level. However, their required rituals, oaths, and obligations are nonetheless, contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
7. Do lodges such as the B. P. O. E. have any ties to freemasonry?
Directly? No. Indirectly? In great measure! Most all lodges such as the Elks are historically part of a greater Masonic family. Most of the first members of these organizations were Masons and thus the Masonic character has greatly influenced the organization, rituals, and vows of these lodges. For this reason it is hard to discuss the lodges without references to the freemasonry that has so influenced them.
8. Do these organizations claim to be religious?
No, they do not. However, a distinctive and identifiable religious position is taken by those organizations that attach eternal or spiritual rewards to the particular virtues they have chosen to extol. As private organizations the lodges are not responsible to the churches for their membership requirements. As moral and ethical organizations, however, they have a responsibility to receive no one into membership under false pretenses. When any organization makes religious promises contrary to the Holy Scriptures, requires calling upon God as a witness to an unnecessary oath or one pertaining in unrevealed matters, promises eternal life apart from Jesus Christ as a reward for virtue, regards the Bible as simply a “book of justice” or one moral code among many, pronounces that all religious beliefs are equally valid before God, practices quasi-sacramental rites with religious meanings, or requires prayer, but at the same time by rule and for a purpose forbids the use of Jesus’ name in prayer- then the Christian must avoid membership in organizations like the Elks because they are involved in sub-Christian religion.
9. But won’t leaving such an organization create family, business, and social strife? Aren’t they equally important matters?
Such matters are indeed important, but in no way are they more important than one’s relationship to Christ! Placing such matters above one’s relationship to Christ is clearly idolatry.
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
The refusal to become or stay involved in an organization that promotes sub-Christian religion may create family conflict or may cost the Christian some business, social, or recreational advantage. In fact, one may be persecuted for doing so. This should not surprise us!
Matt. 10:32-39 “Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword... For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law- a man’s enemies will be members of his own household.’ Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Matt. 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
A Christian cannot “compartmentalize” his/her life into separate and distinct areas- one for business, another for social activity, and a third for religious purposes. A Christian is concerned to live all of life in a way through which the Savior is honored. No association or affiliation is exempted from the Christian’s calling to be a witness for Christ.
1 Cor. 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Mark 10:28-29 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother of father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age...and in the age to come, eternal life.”
10. But somebody doesn’t have to agree with everything an organization professes in order to become a member do they?
A Christian cannot verbally agree to an organization’s tenets while having mental reservations, especially when a vow is made in God’s Name in doing so. This is true either before or after such a vow is taken. That is being dishonest, dishonors the Lord, and blasphemes His Holy Name. People have every right to assume that Christians mean what they say when they publicly identify themselves with an organization’s “official” pronouncements. A Christian cannot in good conscience and without sin take a “tongue-in-cheek” oath in God’s name merely as “a form you must go through” in order to gain some social, recreational, or business advantage.
11. What is a vow and why is it important?
A vow is a serious thing in God’s eyes, for He declares:
Numbers 30:2 “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”
When one makes a vow and gives their hand as a sign of their pledge they are in effect solemnly “binding” themselves to the one whom they are making the vow to and to those who have also made such a vow. This has manifest implications in terms of both the public rites of marriage, confirmation, and ordination, where God’s name is involved in the solemn and binding act. Now there is nothing inherently wrong with taking a vow or an oath in God’s name, even in some secular matters (i.e. testifying in a court of law). However, we must always use God’s Name in connection with that which is true and right, and never in support of that which is false and wrong.
12. What does God’s Word have to say about taking vows?
How seriously we take using God’s name to make an oath or vow should be in direct relation to how seriously God takes the making of vows in His name!
Deut. 23:21-23 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.”
Pr. 20:25 “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.”
Matt. 12:36-37 “But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Deut. 6:13 “Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.”
Is. 42:8 “I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols.”
Leviticus 5:4-5 “If a person swears, speaking thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware of it- when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in any of these matters. And it shall be so, when he is guilty in any of these matters, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing.”
Lev. 19:12 “Do not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.”
Ex. 20:7 “The Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
Indeed, God does take vows seriously! We know this also from the second commandment: “You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God.” May God always help each of us to use His Name properly, so that “we do not curse, swear (i.e. take false oaths), use satanic arts, lie (i.e. make Him through the misuse of His Name party to something that is false), or deceive by His name (i.e. vow to something using His Name which we have no intention of upholding), but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.”
13. What relation does this have to the vows that we make as Christians and as members of this congregation?
Jesus said: “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. But he that denies Me before men, I will deny him before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33) This is precisely what occurs through our rite of initiation into the full life of the Church, namely Confirmation. As part of one’s vows, the catechumen is asked among other things to acknowledge the gift which God gave them in Baptism, to renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways, and to publicly confess their belief through the words of the Apostles’ Creed. Then, having done so, they pledge, by the grace of God, to faithfully conform all of their life to the divine Word, to be faithful in the use of God’s Word and Sacraments, which are His means of grace, and in faith, word, and action to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death.
Indeed, the taking of these vows are a serious and important matter! Thus, the confessing Christian, in line with his/her voluntary and professed desire to conform their life to God’s Word and to remain true to their Triune God in “faith, word, and action” will want to exercise special caution before identifying themselves with any organization, especially one that refuses to fully disclose its tenets, practices, or ritual requirements before requiring agreement with them, and especially when such vows in God’s Name and directly or indirectly contradict their own Confirmation vows.
14. So if one’s Confirmation vows give shape and form to their life as Christians, then what do the Elks believe gives shape and form to their life as lodge members?
The foundational principles to which every member of the Elks Lodge subscribes are, as stated in the initiation ritual, and continually repeated elsewhere, “My solemn and binding obligation.” In other words, their vows! While many may seek to join a lodge for various reasons, it is still consistently maintained that it is precisely one’s “solemn and binding obligation” that defines one as an Elk!
books of ethics and morality. Ultimately, the central message of God’s Word - salvation through faith in Jesus Christ - is entirely omitted.
John 20:31 “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
Luke 24:27 “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets , He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
Just because the Bible is used does not make an organization necessarily Christian. It may in fact be just the opposite! Immediately following His Baptism Jesus was led into the desert where He was tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:1-13) The devil used all sorts of pious Biblical phrases and spoke as if he had great authority. Moreover, he directly quoted Scripture while conveniently leaving out key phrases in order to deceive Christ and tempt Him to, in essence, swear by his name and worship him. Jesus answered the devil’s twisting, distortion and misuse of God’s Word with the “correct” proclamation of God’s Holy Word. We are to do no less.
Col. 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.”
Jer. 23:21-24 “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words ot my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds...”Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, “The Lord declares.” ...They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the Lord.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
1 Tim. 6:20-21 “Guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.”
b. The doctrine of God
It is not enough to simply say that one believes in God either! A previous question must be asked, namely “Who do you believe God is?” The following was stated in a letter of March 5, 1992 from a Past Grand Exalted Ruler of the B. P. O. E. writing in response to inquiries made by our LCMS Commission on Organizations: “Elk members are not required to understand or accept the mystery of the Trinity (the Triune God; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).” But as we together confess in the Athanasian Creed:
“Whoever will be saved shall, above all else, hold the catholic faith. Which faith, except everyone keeps whole and undefiled, without doubt he will perish eternally. And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in three persons and three persons in one God, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the substance....This is the catholic faith which, except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.”
The complete absence of any reference to the Trinity, or even to the Son, or Holy Spirit, coupled with the numerous general references to God in the Elks rituals, is not accidental. But why? Well, then the Lodge would have to be limited to Christians! Since many Elks are non-Christians (i.e. Jews, Muslims, Unitarians, etc.), they would be completely offended by any reference to Christ! Thus, the Elks purposefully make no mention of Christ, and are in effect forbidden to do so, by the fact, that the rituals of the Lodge must be used in their exact fashion and without substitute. This is an implicit and clear denial of Christianity, while then at the same time promising universal access for all Elks to God and eternal life apart from Christ.
Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father in heaven. But he that denies me before men, I will deny him before my Father in heaven.”
1 John 2:22-23 “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist- he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father.”
The following Catechism was developed as the culmination of a lengthy process in a previous congregation of mine. It is placed here in the hopes that others may also benefit from its use. In offering it here I do not claim that it is superior to other materials that may be found or that it might not be improved upon. However, it does represent one pastor’s attempt to faithfully work through such a problem with those sheep entrusted to his care. For that reason I have included the original preface which may give insight as to the context in which it was used.
I remain grateful to the many materials made available by many other pastors and especially the LCMS Commission on Organizations, as well as their guidance. In the same spirit in which they supplied their material, I offer this to any and all who may find its reading fruitful. You are free to use this as you see fit, provided that nothing of doctrinal substance is altered.
ORIGINAL PREFACE
14 September 1998
Holy Cross Day
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Wolf Point, MT
As you are by now well aware, there have been many questions and concerns raised over the past several months about members of our congregation holding membership in lodges such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Having brought this to the attention of our elders this past spring and instructing them in regard to many of the issues involved, they agreed that the best course of action was to offer an educational event so that light could be shed on this important issue and people like you would have the opportunity to learn.
After months of careful research, correspondence, and planning, a congregational wide forum was held during the week of June 15-19. That presentation entitled, “Let There Be Light!” was attended by approximately 25-30 individuals, including our Circuit Visitor and the Exalted Ruler from the local Elks lodge. Overall, it was a blessed opportunity for many to learn. A large portion of that which was presented during that forum is either contained or summarized in this compendium.
However, the full presentation is still available for those of you who have not been able to yet read it. I cannot encourage you enough to do so! This “catechism” of sorts is designed to not only be a follow-up to that presentation, but also to serve as a helpful review for those who attended it. Being more concise, it will hopefully help facilitate the appropriate discussion and reflection that is still needed for many who are struggling with this issue. It is not intended to replace the much more thorough presentation made over two months ago, but to serve as a supplement to it. I will also be incorporating it as I continue the process of now working with individuals to patiently lead them to a clear cut decision in this matter, and also to help others who have questions gain a better understanding. I urge you to do the same. Perhaps there is someone you know who might benefit from reading this. Again, much of what is contained here is a synthesis of various materials provided by our LCMS Commission on Organizations and gratefully used with their permission.
As your pastor, I humbly offer this for your consideration. My hope is that as you have questions it can serve as a discussion guide for you and all concerned. May it be a handy reference tool and guide for you and others. I continue to be greatly affirmed by the desire that so many of you have demonstrated in wanting to learn and discuss this important issue. May this catechism further such study to the glory of Christ our Savior.
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Why is it any of the Church’s or pastors business anyways if someone is a lodge member?
A pastor is a servant of Christ sent to care for his members “spiritually,” in much the same way as a doctor cares for his patients physically. Christ, the Chief Shepherd, will demand an account of His undershepherds for the souls He has entrusted to their care. A pastor is not his own man in this sense. He must administer his office according to God’s Word, and not his own private opinion or desires. He must faithfully teach and preach God’s Word in its truth and purity. Part of that responsibility necessitates warning members of his flock of that which is contrary to God’s Word, and therefore detrimental to their individual spiritual health and that of the rest of the congregation.
Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
2 Tim. 2:24 “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
2 Tim. 4:1 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.”
[See also Ezekiel 33:1-9 and John 10:11-13]
II. OFFICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS
2. What does the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod officially hold concerning Lodge memberships?
The congregations of the LCMS in Convention have never wavered in their unified agreement in matters concerning freemasonry and/or the lodge system. According to the 1995 edition of the LCMS Synodical Handbook, the bylaws of Synod faithfully maintain:
ARTICLE X. FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
10.01 Statement of Purpose
a. The Synod has declared itself firmly opposed to all societies, lodges, and organizations of an unchristian or antichristian character.
b. The Commission on Organizations shall assist the pastors and the congregations of the Synod in fulfilling their commitment to witness publicly and privately to the one and only Gospel set forth in the Holy Scriptures.
10.02 Responsibilities of Pastors and Congregations
a. Pastors and lay people alike must avoid membership or participation in any organization that in its objectives, ceremonies, or practices is inimical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the faith and life of the Christian church.
b. It is the solemn, sacred, and God-given duty of every pastor to properly instruct his people concerning the sinfulness of all organizations that:
1. explicitly or implicitly deny the Holy Trinity, the deity of Christ, or the vicarious atonement;
2. promise spiritual light apart from that revealed in the Holy Scripture;
3. attach spiritual rewards to the works or virtues of men; and/or
4. embrace ideologies or principles that clearly violate an express teaching of the Holy Scriptures concerning the relationship of men to one another.
c. The responsibility of diligent and conscientious pastoral care requires that pastors of the Synod do not administer Holy Communion nor admit to communicant membership members of such organizations who, after thorough instruction, refuse to sever their affiliation with the organizations, since Holy Communion expresses an exclusive spiritual relationship of the communicant to his Lord and to his brethren (Matt.10:32; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 1 Cor. 11:25). Earnest continuous efforts should be put forth to bring individuals to a clear-cut decision regarding their contradictory confession, in order that they may become or remain communicant members of the congregation as the case may be.
d. The responsibility of conscientious pastoral care recognizes that a pastor will occasionally encounter an exceptional case in which he is called on to administer Holy Communion to a person who is outwardly connected with such an organization. Such exceptional cases ordinarily involve and individual who
1. has accepted the pastoral care of the congregation and is being instructed by its pastor in an effort to lead that person to see the inconsistency of contradictory confession and witness, and
2. has renounced to the pastor and/or church council the unchristian or antichristian character of the organization in which membership is held. In such exceptional cases the pastor should consult with his brethren in the ministry or with officials of the Synod, as the case may require. He should, furthermore, beware of procrastination and the giving of offense to members of either the congregation or sister congregations.
e. The Synod instructs its officials to exercise vigilant care and urges all pastors and congregations to carry out these provisions and faithfully eradicate all compromise or negation of the Gospel through members’ identification with objectionable organizations. It shall be the duty of every member, pastor, and especially officials of the Synod to admonish those pastors and congregations that fail to offer counter testimony and take decisive action in matters pertaining to this subject. Refusal to heed brotherly admonition shall lead to suspension and eventual expulsion from the Synod.”
3. What does our congregation have to say on this matter?
According to the constitution of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church our congregation maintains the following:
“No one can become or be a member of this congregation nor enjoy the rights and privileges of such membership unless he: a) is baptized; B) accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testament as the only divine rule and standard of faith and conduct; c) is acquainted with, and accepts, Luther’s Small Catechism and also the Unaltered Augsburg Confession; d) leads a Christian life and abstains from manifest works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21); e) attends divine services faithfully and partakes of the Lord’s Supper frequently; f) submits, for the sake of love and peace, to the regulations already made, or still to be made, by this body, provided they do not conflict with the Word of God, and suffers brotherly admonition when having erred or offended; g) contributes regularly and faithfully, as God has prospered them, toward the building of Christ’s Kingdom in the congregation and throughout the world; devotes his time and talents to the extension of the kingdom of God; i) is not a member of any secret or other organization conflicting with the Word of God.
Thus, the LCMS (in general), and our own congregation (in specific), have made very public stands against “secret or other organizations conflicting with the Word of God.” The above documents also speak in no uncertain terms concerning the implications of this matter.
4. So should someone leave the Lodge right away?
Our Synodical Constitution and bylaws make it quite clear that “thorough” instruction needs to play an integral role in the process of working with those who have bound themselves by an oath as members in such a lodge. Ultimately, the decision to become or remain a lodge member is something that an individual has to make over time. But it is a decision that one should not make, nor be asked to make, without “thorough” instruction and necessary patience.
5. By taking this stand are we saying that all Lodge members are necessarily not Christians?
Although we must regard the lodge rituals and practices to be unchristian and thus antichristian in character, neither I, nor we as the LCMS, have ever stated that a lodge member is necessarily not a Christian. Many lodge members are sincere Christians who often simply do not recognize or understand the conflict between the lodge rituals and the teachings of their Christian confession, not to mention the vows they have made in God’s Name to be faithful to both.
6. Is the LCMS and its pastors out to get the Lodges?
No, of course not! The truth is that the rituals and teachings of the lodge are not in agreement with the teachings and confessions of the Lutheran Church according to God’s Word. The Lodges have the right to develop their own religious rituals and teachings without our consent. We too enjoy the same privilege. While we may support the rights of the Lodges and other religious organizations, Christian or otherwise, to have the political freedom to profess their religious beliefs, the LCMS’ position and that of our congregation concerning the Lodges are based purely and totally for “religious” reasons.
III. SCRIPTURAL IMPERATIVES
7. What makes being a member of a lodge different than one’s holding membership in other organizations?
It is possible for confessing Christians to be members of many organizations without compromising their Christian witness. There are, however, some organizations with noble purposes and commendable programs that nevertheless require their members to subscribe to a religious understanding and practice that compromises a Christian’s confession of faith. The Elks Lodge, for instance, has many commendable features. The reputation of the local lodge is good and the Elks perform many works of benevolence at both the national and local level. However, their required rituals, oaths, and obligations are nonetheless, contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
7. Do lodges such as the B. P. O. E. have any ties to freemasonry?
Directly? No. Indirectly? In great measure! Most all lodges such as the Elks are historically part of a greater Masonic family. Most of the first members of these organizations were Masons and thus the Masonic character has greatly influenced the organization, rituals, and vows of these lodges. For this reason it is hard to discuss the lodges without references to the freemasonry that has so influenced them.
8. Do these organizations claim to be religious?
No, they do not. However, a distinctive and identifiable religious position is taken by those organizations that attach eternal or spiritual rewards to the particular virtues they have chosen to extol. As private organizations the lodges are not responsible to the churches for their membership requirements. As moral and ethical organizations, however, they have a responsibility to receive no one into membership under false pretenses. When any organization makes religious promises contrary to the Holy Scriptures, requires calling upon God as a witness to an unnecessary oath or one pertaining in unrevealed matters, promises eternal life apart from Jesus Christ as a reward for virtue, regards the Bible as simply a “book of justice” or one moral code among many, pronounces that all religious beliefs are equally valid before God, practices quasi-sacramental rites with religious meanings, or requires prayer, but at the same time by rule and for a purpose forbids the use of Jesus’ name in prayer- then the Christian must avoid membership in organizations like the Elks because they are involved in sub-Christian religion.
9. But won’t leaving such an organization create family, business, and social strife? Aren’t they equally important matters?
Such matters are indeed important, but in no way are they more important than one’s relationship to Christ! Placing such matters above one’s relationship to Christ is clearly idolatry.
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
The refusal to become or stay involved in an organization that promotes sub-Christian religion may create family conflict or may cost the Christian some business, social, or recreational advantage. In fact, one may be persecuted for doing so. This should not surprise us!
Matt. 10:32-39 “Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword... For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law- a man’s enemies will be members of his own household.’ Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Matt. 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
A Christian cannot “compartmentalize” his/her life into separate and distinct areas- one for business, another for social activity, and a third for religious purposes. A Christian is concerned to live all of life in a way through which the Savior is honored. No association or affiliation is exempted from the Christian’s calling to be a witness for Christ.
1 Cor. 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Mark 10:28-29 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother of father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age...and in the age to come, eternal life.”
10. But somebody doesn’t have to agree with everything an organization professes in order to become a member do they?
A Christian cannot verbally agree to an organization’s tenets while having mental reservations, especially when a vow is made in God’s Name in doing so. This is true either before or after such a vow is taken. That is being dishonest, dishonors the Lord, and blasphemes His Holy Name. People have every right to assume that Christians mean what they say when they publicly identify themselves with an organization’s “official” pronouncements. A Christian cannot in good conscience and without sin take a “tongue-in-cheek” oath in God’s name merely as “a form you must go through” in order to gain some social, recreational, or business advantage.
11. What is a vow and why is it important?
A vow is a serious thing in God’s eyes, for He declares:
Numbers 30:2 “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”
When one makes a vow and gives their hand as a sign of their pledge they are in effect solemnly “binding” themselves to the one whom they are making the vow to and to those who have also made such a vow. This has manifest implications in terms of both the public rites of marriage, confirmation, and ordination, where God’s name is involved in the solemn and binding act. Now there is nothing inherently wrong with taking a vow or an oath in God’s name, even in some secular matters (i.e. testifying in a court of law). However, we must always use God’s Name in connection with that which is true and right, and never in support of that which is false and wrong.
12. What does God’s Word have to say about taking vows?
How seriously we take using God’s name to make an oath or vow should be in direct relation to how seriously God takes the making of vows in His name!
Deut. 23:21-23 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.”
Pr. 20:25 “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.”
Matt. 12:36-37 “But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Deut. 6:13 “Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.”
Is. 42:8 “I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols.”
Leviticus 5:4-5 “If a person swears, speaking thoughtlessly with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man may pronounce by an oath, and he is unaware of it- when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty in any of these matters. And it shall be so, when he is guilty in any of these matters, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing.”
Lev. 19:12 “Do not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.”
Ex. 20:7 “The Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
Indeed, God does take vows seriously! We know this also from the second commandment: “You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God.” May God always help each of us to use His Name properly, so that “we do not curse, swear (i.e. take false oaths), use satanic arts, lie (i.e. make Him through the misuse of His Name party to something that is false), or deceive by His name (i.e. vow to something using His Name which we have no intention of upholding), but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.”
13. What relation does this have to the vows that we make as Christians and as members of this congregation?
Jesus said: “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. But he that denies Me before men, I will deny him before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33) This is precisely what occurs through our rite of initiation into the full life of the Church, namely Confirmation. As part of one’s vows, the catechumen is asked among other things to acknowledge the gift which God gave them in Baptism, to renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways, and to publicly confess their belief through the words of the Apostles’ Creed. Then, having done so, they pledge, by the grace of God, to faithfully conform all of their life to the divine Word, to be faithful in the use of God’s Word and Sacraments, which are His means of grace, and in faith, word, and action to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death.
Indeed, the taking of these vows are a serious and important matter! Thus, the confessing Christian, in line with his/her voluntary and professed desire to conform their life to God’s Word and to remain true to their Triune God in “faith, word, and action” will want to exercise special caution before identifying themselves with any organization, especially one that refuses to fully disclose its tenets, practices, or ritual requirements before requiring agreement with them, and especially when such vows in God’s Name and directly or indirectly contradict their own Confirmation vows.
14. So if one’s Confirmation vows give shape and form to their life as Christians, then what do the Elks believe gives shape and form to their life as lodge members?
The foundational principles to which every member of the Elks Lodge subscribes are, as stated in the initiation ritual, and continually repeated elsewhere, “My solemn and binding obligation.” In other words, their vows! While many may seek to join a lodge for various reasons, it is still consistently maintained that it is precisely one’s “solemn and binding obligation” that defines one as an Elk!
books of ethics and morality. Ultimately, the central message of God’s Word - salvation through faith in Jesus Christ - is entirely omitted.
John 20:31 “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
Luke 24:27 “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets , He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
Just because the Bible is used does not make an organization necessarily Christian. It may in fact be just the opposite! Immediately following His Baptism Jesus was led into the desert where He was tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:1-13) The devil used all sorts of pious Biblical phrases and spoke as if he had great authority. Moreover, he directly quoted Scripture while conveniently leaving out key phrases in order to deceive Christ and tempt Him to, in essence, swear by his name and worship him. Jesus answered the devil’s twisting, distortion and misuse of God’s Word with the “correct” proclamation of God’s Holy Word. We are to do no less.
Col. 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.”
Jer. 23:21-24 “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words ot my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds...”Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, “The Lord declares.” ...They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the Lord.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
1 Tim. 6:20-21 “Guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.”
b. The doctrine of God
It is not enough to simply say that one believes in God either! A previous question must be asked, namely “Who do you believe God is?” The following was stated in a letter of March 5, 1992 from a Past Grand Exalted Ruler of the B. P. O. E. writing in response to inquiries made by our LCMS Commission on Organizations: “Elk members are not required to understand or accept the mystery of the Trinity (the Triune God; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).” But as we together confess in the Athanasian Creed:
“Whoever will be saved shall, above all else, hold the catholic faith. Which faith, except everyone keeps whole and undefiled, without doubt he will perish eternally. And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in three persons and three persons in one God, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the substance....This is the catholic faith which, except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.”
The complete absence of any reference to the Trinity, or even to the Son, or Holy Spirit, coupled with the numerous general references to God in the Elks rituals, is not accidental. But why? Well, then the Lodge would have to be limited to Christians! Since many Elks are non-Christians (i.e. Jews, Muslims, Unitarians, etc.), they would be completely offended by any reference to Christ! Thus, the Elks purposefully make no mention of Christ, and are in effect forbidden to do so, by the fact, that the rituals of the Lodge must be used in their exact fashion and without substitute. This is an implicit and clear denial of Christianity, while then at the same time promising universal access for all Elks to God and eternal life apart from Christ.
Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father in heaven. But he that denies me before men, I will deny him before my Father in heaven.”
1 John 2:22-23 “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist- he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father.”
Granted that was mostly about the Elks, but it covers Lodge memberships.
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