The Army Lodge (478)

Please Understand that Freemasonry is Good

Discussion Group about Freemasonry is Good There has been much written to suggest that Freemasonry is not a good thing, please understand that this is not the case. Those who promote anti-masonic ideas fall into these categories: Those who have something to gain from the demise of Freemasonry Those who innocently believe the lies that have been already been stated One interesting example is explained in detail in this paper. A distortion and blatant lie regarding the quotation of a notable Masonic writer was published in a book and that book was then quoted by another author. When the original liar admitted his lie, the author of subsequent work withdrew his book from distribution, but some copies remained in circulation. These published lies have formed the basis of a great deal of anti-Masonic communication. Despite them being incorrect, people continue to believe the lies. These lies become the basis of the incorrect belief that Freemasonry is not a good thing. This is sad, because Freemasonry can help men learn to understand themselves and grow. The authority of comparative mythology, Joseph Campbell (in The Power of Myth)explained how Freemasonry comprises western mythology; it presents the "way of man". A function of mythology is to present an approach of "...how to live a human lifetime under any circumstances." Mythology should be trans-theological. Perhaps we need a new mythology, but "we can't have a mythology for a long, long time to come. Things are changing too fast to become mythology." In this world of turmoil, Freemasonry offers a stable situation that is devoid of any manipulation; Freemasonry does not tamper with one's faith, nor are members restrained from resigning. Another expert on comparative mythology, Professor Alexander Piatigorsky has written Who's Afraid of Freemasonry? This is not to say that Freemasons feel a need to get even. However, they do have a right that the truth be known. As Freemasonry is based on the purest principles of piety and virtue, the confrontation of those who oppose Freemasonry becomes a contentious issue. If you have been told that Freemasonry is anything but good, please consider the people who have been Freemasons and accept that they would not be involved in anything but goodness. This is what Freemasons do. Recently, several people have contacted us through the internet to ask whether or not Catholics are welcome to join Freemasonry. Many members of the Army Lodge are Roman Catholic, including the Master for 1997/98 and 1998/99. A number of members of The Army Lodge are married to Roman Catholic women. In October 1997, the Presbyterian General Assembly of Victoria made a declaration, based on misinformation that Freemasonry is sinful. They refer to the Bible on several occasions, but they leave out the references that give further meaning. For example, Mark 9:35-39 is often quoted, yet it goes on to say: "For whoever is not against us is for us", Mark 9:40 Freemasonry is not against anyone, any religion, or anything at all. Freemasony is for everything, especially tolerance and freedom of thought. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, because it simply is not true. There is nothing about Freemasonry that conflicts or competes with the the Westminster Confession of Faith, the basis of Presbyterianism. Whereas some Fundamentalist Christians have criticised that Freemasonry teaches the route to salvation is through doing good to others, this is not the case at all. Freemasonry does not teach anything about salvation. However, Freemasonry does teach Freemasons to do good to others, in the same light as the Christmas Carol Good King Wenceslas. Here is the last verse of that Carol: In his master's steps he trod, Where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed. Therefore. Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing. What about the fact that during the fourth Century, St Nicholas was adopted as a symbol of Christmas. Previously, this character was a deviate pagan symbol. Then there are the five pointed stars on Christmas decorations. Could these not be interpreted as demonic? "Get wisdom, but get understanding", Proverbs 4:7. Here is what a Canadian Forces Chaplain has to say about the compatibility of Freemasonry with Christianity. Freemasonry can help men grow up, deal with themselves, and take responsibility for their own actions. The problems that many men face in modern times can perhaps be solved by Freemasonry. For non-Freemasons to condemn Freemasonry and influence people against becoming Freemasons is doing the world a great disservice. Later Taxil, the 19th century French pornographer who created a ten year anti-Masonic hoax, in an interview, said: "The public made me what I am, the arch-liar of the period, for when I first commenced to write against the Masons my object was amusement pure and simple. The crimes laid at their door were so grotesque, so impossible, so widely exaggerated, I thought everybody would see the joke and give me credit for originating a new line of humour. But my readers wouldn't have it so; they accepted my fables as gospel truth, and the more I lied for the purpose of showing that I lied, the more convinced became they that I was a paragon of veracity." Discussion Groups Register for Assembly Join the Freemasonry is Good Assembly Join the Cult Awareness Assembly

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