The relationship that "Freemasonry" and "Christianity share dictates an accountability of the accepted union. It would seem that the two organizations with such divergent objectives and adversative doctrines would create a conflicting confederacy. The real question is can "Freemasonry" and "Christianity" harmoniously co-exist and "remain pleasing to God?
Considering the affinity of some Christians for Masonry, perhaps the most disconcerting Masonic doctrine is that of the "mystic tie." Eminent Masonic scholar, Dr. Albert G.Mackey, explains the "mystic tie" : " That sacred and inviolable bond which unites men of the most discordantopinions into one band of brothers, which gives but one language to men of all nations and one altar to men of all religions, is properly , from the mysterious influence it exerts, denominated the mystic tie; and Freemasons, because they alone are under its influence, or enjoy its benefits, are called "Brethren of the mystic tie."
In light of Dr. Mackey's explanation, I thought it prudent to present a Christian perspective on the subject. The following selection is from renowned theologian, Alexander Campbell, Mr Campbell's thoughts are quoted from the "Millennial Harbinger."
"Time was when it might have appeared highly expedient to Jews, Mahometans, Sceptics, and various Religionist, to form new leagues, offensive and defensive, for their own safetyand aggrandizement: to enter into pre-existent, secret, symbolic, and benevolent associations, for the promotion of their individual interest, honor or happiness: but why Christians in the 19th century should, after they had tasted the sweet influences and blessings of the kingdom of heaven, seek admission, through all pledges, oaths, and obligations of secrecy, into the societies of "Free Masons" and "Old Fellows," is rather a difficult and perplexing problem. Unable to comprehend the reason or the motives predisposing to such a initiation to clubs and associations of men of the world--men of all religions and of no religion, I feel strongly inclined to request some of the professors of our faith to disclose to us, not the secrets which they swore to keep, but the reasons and experience which induced them to seek admission into the fraternal equalities of such a motley brotherhood. It would be important to the cause of reformation to be fully inducted into those reasons, inasmuch as they are so occult and ambiguous as not to preclude a sort of misgiving in the minds of many conscientious persons, that there is a species of apostasy from the church lurking in the motives which impel such an association with men soheterogeneous, and so repulsive under every other view of them, than the single attitude of the "mystic tie".
The contemporary Mason may deny the existence of the "mystic tie," and many Christian-Masons may, in all honesty, be unaware of it. The question is not in the denial or ignorance of the mystic tie, but what action is to be taken after one is enlighten. Can a Christian continue in a relationship with an organization the would relegate Jesus Christ to a position of equality with Krishna, Zoroaster, Mo hammed, Hiram (Hiram is the Masonic redeemer), Horus, or a redeemer under any other name? If we accept the Bible as God's Word revealed to man, then we must believe the words of Jesus "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no mancometh unto the father, but by me." (John 14:6)
Will involvement in the Lodge ultimately bring glory to Christ? Will Masonic membership enhance, or deter, evangelistic efforts in you area? Will you, as a Freemason, serve as a catalyst in the spiritual growth of your Christian brothers, or present a "stumbling block"?
Considering the affinity of some Christians for Masonry, perhaps the most disconcerting Masonic doctrine is that of the "mystic tie." Eminent Masonic scholar, Dr. Albert G.Mackey, explains the "mystic tie" : " That sacred and inviolable bond which unites men of the most discordantopinions into one band of brothers, which gives but one language to men of all nations and one altar to men of all religions, is properly , from the mysterious influence it exerts, denominated the mystic tie; and Freemasons, because they alone are under its influence, or enjoy its benefits, are called "Brethren of the mystic tie."
In light of Dr. Mackey's explanation, I thought it prudent to present a Christian perspective on the subject. The following selection is from renowned theologian, Alexander Campbell, Mr Campbell's thoughts are quoted from the "Millennial Harbinger."
"Time was when it might have appeared highly expedient to Jews, Mahometans, Sceptics, and various Religionist, to form new leagues, offensive and defensive, for their own safetyand aggrandizement: to enter into pre-existent, secret, symbolic, and benevolent associations, for the promotion of their individual interest, honor or happiness: but why Christians in the 19th century should, after they had tasted the sweet influences and blessings of the kingdom of heaven, seek admission, through all pledges, oaths, and obligations of secrecy, into the societies of "Free Masons" and "Old Fellows," is rather a difficult and perplexing problem. Unable to comprehend the reason or the motives predisposing to such a initiation to clubs and associations of men of the world--men of all religions and of no religion, I feel strongly inclined to request some of the professors of our faith to disclose to us, not the secrets which they swore to keep, but the reasons and experience which induced them to seek admission into the fraternal equalities of such a motley brotherhood. It would be important to the cause of reformation to be fully inducted into those reasons, inasmuch as they are so occult and ambiguous as not to preclude a sort of misgiving in the minds of many conscientious persons, that there is a species of apostasy from the church lurking in the motives which impel such an association with men soheterogeneous, and so repulsive under every other view of them, than the single attitude of the "mystic tie".
The contemporary Mason may deny the existence of the "mystic tie," and many Christian-Masons may, in all honesty, be unaware of it. The question is not in the denial or ignorance of the mystic tie, but what action is to be taken after one is enlighten. Can a Christian continue in a relationship with an organization the would relegate Jesus Christ to a position of equality with Krishna, Zoroaster, Mo hammed, Hiram (Hiram is the Masonic redeemer), Horus, or a redeemer under any other name? If we accept the Bible as God's Word revealed to man, then we must believe the words of Jesus "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no mancometh unto the father, but by me." (John 14:6)
Will involvement in the Lodge ultimately bring glory to Christ? Will Masonic membership enhance, or deter, evangelistic efforts in you area? Will you, as a Freemason, serve as a catalyst in the spiritual growth of your Christian brothers, or present a "stumbling block"?
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