[Biblemat] Freemasonry (question/answer)

[Don Martin]

Hello Stacy,

Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible
Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org  Please
check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net  Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the archives search
page and type in any subject or word you wish to explore. New
material is constantly being added to both sites. Any help you can
give us in telling others of these sites will be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is an
online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home
page, scroll down and enter.  While on the Map Site Page, click on
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http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.

You asked:

A friend was asking if the bible speaks against the templers or now
known as the freemasons?

Reply:

In 1970, there were an estimated four million Masons in the United
States comprising the order of Freemasonry (A New Encyclopedia
of Freemasonry, pg. 34).  Many believe that during the last ten years,
Freemasonry has experienced a revival; therefore, the present numbers
are probably much greater.  Many religions used to view Freemasonry
as also a religion, a religion that presented beliefs and practices contrary
to those commonly accepted and viewed as orthodox.  There have
been many efforts to make Freemasonry appear more acceptable and
religiously bland; however, Freemasonry remains a religion that stands in
conflict with the teaching of the New Testament.  Rather than attempt in
this short reply to present reasons why the Christian should shun
Freemasonry, I recommend you read, "Freemasonry" located in
www.bibletruths.net   When on the home page, enter through the door
and click on "Archives and Index" in the directory.  When on the
Archives page, click on the letter "F."  Here is an excerpt from the
article (there is also in Bible Truths an exchange on Freemasonry):

     "...Some view Freemasonry as simply an innocent fraternal order
made up of men who simply are attempting to benefit humanity without
any effort to compose a religious order, as such; much less, a religious
order that is  replete with false doctrine and idolatrous practices and
views of God. There are a number of recognized works one can
consult to ascertain the basic nature and tenets of Freemasonry.
Works such as Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, Morals and
Dogma, the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, and Duncan's Masonic
Ritual and Monitor. Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor contains
the rites and ceremonies of the first seven degrees of the York Rite
of Freemasonry. Morals And Dogma of the Ancient And Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry was written by Albert Pike, a
thirty-third degree Mason. Albert G. Mackey, who was also a
thirty-third degree Mason, and probably the greatest Freemason
scholar of all time, authored the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.
These works are viewed as authoritative and accurate in setting forth
the beliefs and practices of Freemasonry and they, together with other
works, shall be used to succinctly present Freemasonry from a biblical
perspective...."

Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual
matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference
(web addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in
both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at the
bottom of the home page in Bible Truths).

Cordially,
Don Martin