Reaction to a Reaction on Masonry!

Christ the All-Powerful [Pantokrator]: The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Masonic Initiation as depicted in Wikipedia

Anonymous said...

I ask. Father, are you a Mason? You undoubtedly know much about the Church's opposition to a society that doesn't publicly disclose its beliefs. Unless you're a mason, how can you know beyond speculation what their intent, purpose and beliefs are? There's no logic to that, therefore, it's a statment of faith. Where is this Faith in the Catholic Dogma?

January 10, 2010 1:44 AM

Fr. Abe, CRS said...

[I ask. Father, are you a Mason?]

Do I have to answer that? Isn't it obvious that I am not?

[You undoubtedly know much about the Church's opposition to a society that doesn't publicly disclose its beliefs.]

How about you? Are you a Mason?

The Masonic beliefs and principles are disclosed by them. That is why these beliefs are listed in the Encylopedias and other references in the libraries and in the internet. How come you are not aware of that?

Actually the Masons are proud of their teachings and beliefs. And they are using it to entice others to join their group. What is undisclosed, at least officially from Masons themselves, are the actual rituals and activities in their Masonic lodges. Thus, making it a Secret Society.

If ever there is no complete and systematic official presentation of Masonic Beliefs but the basic and essential elements of their Universal Beliefs are given. For instance, this is what the Wikipedia gave:

"Candidates for regular Freemasonry are required to declare a belief in a Supreme Being. However, the candidate is not asked to expand on, or explain, his interpretation of Supreme Being. The discussion of politics and religion is forbidden within a Masonic Lodge, in part so a Mason will not be placed in the situation of having to justify his personal interpretation. Thus, reference to the Supreme Being will mean the Christian Trinity to a Christian Mason, Allah to a Muslim Mason, Para Brahman to a Hindu Mason, etc. And while most Freemasons would take the view that the term Supreme Being equates to God, others may hold a more complex or philosophical interpretation of the term.

In the ritual, the Supreme Being is referred to as the Great Architect of the Universe, which alludes to the use of architectural symbolism within Freemasonry.

A Volume of the Sacred Law is always displayed in an open Lodge in those jurisdictions which require a belief in the Supreme Being. In English-speaking countries, this is frequently the King James Version of the Bible or another standard translation; there is no such thing as an exclusive "Masonic Bible". In many French Lodges, the Masonic Constitutions are used instead. Furthermore, a candidate is given his choice of religious text for his Obligation, according to his beliefs. UGLE alludes to similarities to legal practice in the UK, and to a common source with other oath taking processes. In Lodges with a membership of mixed religions it is common to find more than one sacred text displayed."

The Catholic Church is not a secret society. The rituals of our Mass are free to be watched by outsiders, they are published in books and in missalettes, they can be seen in videos and in You Tubes. The Masses of the Pope, or of our Cardinals, etc. even ordinary Sunday Masses are frequently seen on Television all over the world. As regards our doctrines, they are also officially published in our official publications with copies for sale in the general market. Thus, you are free to get the copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and our other manuals of faith.

The Catholic Church declares that based on the proclaimed Masonic beliefs, the testimonies of the former Masons who left the group to join the Catholic Church and their nature as a Secret Society is contrary to Catholic Faith and Beliefs.

[Unless you're a mason, how can you know beyond speculation what their intent, purpose and beliefs are?]

Your reasoning is illogical and distorted.

It doesnt mean that I am not a Mason then I am no longer capable of learning the Masonic beliefs. Excuse me. That is why there is education, research and studies so that one can know, understand and learn ideas that we previously do not know. Thus, one can study Buddhism, Jewish Teachings, Zoroastrianism, etc.

If the religions of the past that are extincts can be known, studied and learned how much more a living and existing organization such as Masonry.

You are insulting human capacity to research and study and discover. Even the activities of Mafias and Yakuzas can be discovered by people who are willing to find them. And in case of Masonry, the Catholic Church and the scholars all over the world have the ability, the capacity and the means to know what Masonry is.

[There's no logic to that, therefore, it's a statment of faith.]

It is in your position where logic is missing and much more it is illogical.

First, your prior claim that the beliefs of Masons are undisclosed is not true. Just check the Wikipedia and it will give you the list of the major Masonic Beliefs.

Don't tell me that the facts in Encyclopedia Brittanica, Americana, Collier, or Wikipedia and other sources are based on FAITH.

[Where is this Faith in the Catholic Dogma?]

THAT FAITH IS A PRODUCT OF YOUR OWN IMAGINATION. IT IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR OWN MIND PREGNANT WITH LIES.

January 10, 2010 11:12 AM