Freemasons

[Dave]

He was referring to being a Freemason AND being a Knight of Columbus at the same time. The two are totally incompatible.

[Dismas]

[quote name='Falcon' post='1475745' date='Mar 11 2008, 02:14 PM']What is a big embarrassment? The Masons or being a 3rd degree? I am a 4th Degree Sir Knight and D.G.K. of my council and a member of all 4 degree teams in my area.[/quote]
That so many Knights are Freemasons.

You know, the Cathedral in Milwaukee is catercorner to a Masonic temple. I read a passage from one of the Early Fathers that whenever they celebrated the Eucharist, the very foundations of the pagan temples shook.

*sigh* I hope to one day see that place crumble.

[JoeyP]

There was a show on EWTN not too long ago which had a former Freemason on it and they explained why it was wrong. Sounds like a scary group to me form what they said. The show was Jonnette Benkovic's(sp?) show. It was really good!

[Falcon]

Being a Freemason is a choice. Catholics are not permitted to join the masons and any who do should look truely at themselves. I am not trying to preech or say right or wrong. I am only telling what I have been told/learned.

As for being embarrassed, I understand now and I am VERY proud of being a Knight. I actually went from being a fireman (proud as well) to joining the knights. I get more out of being a Knight then I did as a fireman (NO disrespect intended to our firemen/policemen). They are VERY needed as well.

[Paladin D]

4th Degree Sir Knight, reporting in.

Unfortunately, there are a number of Knights who are also Freemasons. This is mostly out of ignorance on Church teaching, because many do believe it's no longer a sin and/or an issue that's longer enforced (which it still is). You have some that view the Freemasons simply as another fraternal order like the Knights of Columbus, which is false. At the higher levels of the echelon, they do promote (directly and indirectly) a distinct religious belief.

I would suggest you read John Salza's book [i][b]Masonry Unmasked: An Insider Reveals the Secrets of the Lodge[/b][/i]. He also operates the website [url="http://www.scripturecatholic.com"]Scripture Catholic[/url], is currenctly a KofC and a former Freemason.

[quote]A lifelong Catholic, John Salza was initiated into Wisconsin’s Masonic Lodge, lured by the group’s camaraderie and philanthropies. Yet, as he rose through the ranks, he became increasingly troubled by its dangerous teachings, mysterious rituals, and complete incompatibility with the Catholic Faith.

Now, former Freemason, Shriner, and Lodge officer, John Salza reveals the astounding truths about what’s really going on behind the Lodge door. For the first time, get a surprising, inside look at the group’s controversial rituals, practices and philosophies, from one of their own – secrets sworn to be upheld under the threat of death!

Essential for anyone affiliated with or considering the Lodge, their families, and their friends, this eye-opening book presents evidence on:

* The deception in recruitment, initiation, and covenant oaths
* The problematic ideology of Freemasonry and relativism
* How their spiritual beliefs contradict Catholicism in particular – and Christianity in general
* Masonic conspiracies in the judicial system, schools, and government, and more!

Complete with a discussion of symbolism, relevant Church documents, papal decrees, extensive references and a comprehensive glossary, Masonry Unmasked: An Insider Reveals the Secrets of the Lodge is the definitive resource for understanding American Freemasonry from a Catholic perspective. Step inside the Masonic Temple, and unlock the secrets of the Lodge![/quote]

Edited March 26, 2008 by Paladin D

[abercius24]

[quote name='whiskeyrunner' post='1430487' date='Dec 6 2007, 05:18 AM']I'm a new person. I've always wondered what the Church's problem with Freemasonry was. When I turned 19 I became one like my grandfather. I'm from Milwaukee. There's lots of Catholics in Milwaukee that are Freemasons. Some are even in the Knights of Columbus as well as the Freemasons. Apparently they all thought it was okay to be one at the time. One member of my former lodge said he got permission from the Archbishop of Milwaukee to become a Freemason (not Dolan. He's orthodox thank God. Good prayer book came from that man. Manual of Prayers by OSV). When I joined the organization I even asked a former Tribunal for the Archdiocese who celebrated Mass at my Parish about it and he said it should be okay to be one. I went all the way up the York Rite to the degree of Knight Templar. Never found anything in the rituals or practice that was anti Catholic. I am just wondering why all the confusion happened and why the Vatican still says it is a mortal sin to be one. I even at one point considered leaving the Church to be able to be active in the Freemasons. Only thing that kept me in is that I didn't want to be the goofy guy with the Rosary at the Episcopal church. Our Lady kept me in the Church. I've demitted from the Masons. I'm even a member of the Militia Immaculata. Still wonder though what the Church has against the Freemasons. Any answers? Oh yea, and carry a Miraculous medal. Mary's neat![/quote]

What many won't tell you about the Masons (because it is very difficult to verify) is that they are grave organizational and political enemies of the Church. The Church has always struggled with the influence of Gnostic heresies within its ranks -- even when the Church was in its Hebrew infancy. Gnostics borrow the culture and outward symbols of the Church to teach their own belief in salvation through personal knowledge -- which is contrary to our belief in Salvation by Grace Alone. Gnostics have been extremely dangerous because they worship amidst us -- as members AND leaders of the Catholic Church. If you look at every major heresy the Church has been confronted with throughout history, you will most frequently find the Gnostics involved.

Why do I bring up the Gnostics? Because Masonic teachings are rooted in Gnosticism. Worse yet, many strong political members of the Church -- including members of the clergy -- are themselves Masons. And these Masons have been found to be involved in a large number of dissident movements in the Church. They seek to change the teachings of the Church to fit their Gnostic beliefs. And because they are so strong in their work against the Church, our faithful leaders have sought to rid their dangerous influence from our ranks by threat of excommunication. The Masons still have a strong, political influence within the Church today, despite the threat of excommunication.


[quote name='Autumn Dusk' post='1456186' date='Feb 6 2008, 01:59 AM']its like a sign of purity...they wear it during their year-long mandated service trip under their regular clothes[/quote]

This is a Masonic ritual the LDS (Mormons) have kept when Joseph Smith (their founder) broke away from the Masons. The LDS are basically an offshoot of the Masons.