Do masons build?

[Skip Sampson]

He lives in a state that openly violates the Constitution by discriminating against Muslims by passing legislation against the Shariah.

That is not discrimination. The Constitution is the source of U.S. law and the Shariah contains many elements that violate its precepts; thus use of the Shariah is truly unconstitutional. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

If you make a distinction between God and the Holy Spirit you are admitting that the Holy Spirit is not God.

Untrue. I'm noting the Trinitarian concept.

Or maybe the Masons are right and it is 6:19 which should guide our interpretation of 3:16.

They do not refer to 6:19. The basis of their teaching is 3:16.

Because Christians are obliged to deny our experience of the Holy Spirit?

No, because our authority for what we belief, the Bible, is clear about who is saved and who is not; who has the indwelling Spirit and who does not.

They did.

No, they didn't.

It distinguishes who will be let into the Kingdom and who will go into the everlasting fire. And somehow faith never even gets mentioned there.

You know little of Christian doctrine. A chapter dealing with the end-times would hardly delve into matters of salvation that pertain to the time before it all ends.

Regardless, it still looks as though Christ has contradicted them at least as much as the Masons!

Again untrue. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Zstar]

From what I understand they do...

 

[smaneck]

You know little of Christian doctrine.

Oh, I know Christian doctrines quite well, all the various forms of them in fact. I just make a distinction between them and what Jesus said.

 

[Simpleman25]

Oh, I know Christian doctrines quite well, all the various forms of them in fact. I just make a distinction between them and what Jesus said.

Don't concern yourself over this cult members comments. He is what my uncle called a self proclaimed know it all.

Key words being self proclaimed!

 

[smaneck]

That is not discrimination. The Constitution is the source of U.S. law and the Shariah contains many elements that violate its precepts; thus use of the Shariah is truly unconstitutional. Cordially, Skip.

Any nearly all the Ten Commandments can be found in the Shariah as well. Oklahoma is essentially outlawing those as well. Where the shariah contradicts the constitution there is no need for a state law prohibiting it. It was clearly intended a xenophobic piece of hate legislation.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Where the shariah contradicts the constitution there is no need for a state law prohibiting it. It was clearly intended a xenophobic piece of hate legislation.

Both comments are untrue. The amendment to Oklahoma's Constitution would have prevented state courts from considering Sharia and international law in their decisions. It is seen as a necessary move to prevent judges from looking beyond state Constitutions in reaching their conclusions. There is no hatred in such a move nor is it unreasonable considering some of the judges we have.

It is my guess that the majority of U.S. Muslims would not want to live under Shariah law. Very few Muslim countries apply the law in full in their legal systems. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Oh, I know Christian doctrines quite well, all the various forms of them in fact. I just make a distinction between them and what Jesus said.

Can you give an example or two? Cordially, Skip.

 

[Godisgood12]

Any nearly all the Ten Commandments can be found in the Shariah as well. Oklahoma is essentially outlawing those as well. Where the shariah contradicts the constitution there is no need for a state law prohibiting it. It was clearly intended a xenophobic piece of hate legislation.

Shariah? I hope this isn't some kind of promotion for shariah law. Cutting off fingers, heads and women wearing full garb robes from head to toe.

 

[Godisgood12]

Women are a part of Masons as well.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Women are a part of Masons as well.

Part, yes; Masons, no. Freemasonry has affiliated bodies for their female relatives, but these are not considered Masonic bodies, so to speak.

Co-Masonry does admit women, but these are not considered 'regular' bodies among Freemasons. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Godisgood12]

Part, yes; Masons, no. Freemasonry has affiliated bodies for their female relatives, but these are not considered Masonic bodies, so to speak.

Co-Masonry does admit women, but these are not considered 'regular' bodies among Freemasons. Cordially, Skip.

Is it cause of the Ma Sons part? Or is it a man thing only?

I've been flashed rings at certain times. Is that some sort of secret language? If so, how come masons lie? If I am a mason, what would a ring flash mean to me? Extra respect? That I must agree with any conversation? Where do I draw the line between, pretending to be special and actually being special?

Is a 33rd degree mason the highest or is there a higher degree unspoken of?

And yes, I like the show psych. Whos season is ending this year. Such a bummer.

 

[BruceDLimber]

[to Susan] You know little of Christian doctrine.

Oh, REALLY?!!

That must be why she has a Ph. D. in Mid-Eastern studies and teaches the same in a university.

(You clearly have no idea how silly you sound when you say this....)


Bruce

 

[Godisgood12]

Oh, REALLY?!!

That must be why she has a Ph. D. in Mid-Eastern studies and teaches the same in a university.

(You clearly have no idea how silly you sound when you say this....)


Bruce

Claiming to be educated and rejecting Christianity is far far sillier.

 

[Skip Sampson]

Is it cause of the Ma Sons part? Or is it a man thing only?

It's a fraternity, a brotherhood which views itself as a place for men to congregate and learn its principles. Thus it limits itself to men.

I've been flashed rings at certain times. Is that some sort of secret language? ... If I am a mason, what would a ring flash mean to me?

Masons often wear rings to advertise their membership. Military academy grads do the same, and are often referred to as 'ring-knockers' due to their perceived practice of calling attention to their schools.

For a Mason, any notice of his ring would most likely lead to him determining if the person noticing it is another Mason. He could find out by a variety of ways, but a popular one is asking him: Have you done any traveling? The proper response would tell him what he wants to know.

If so, how come masons lie?

Because they are human. It's a generalized failing among all of us, and one that requires constant attention on our parts to avoid.

Where do I draw the line between, pretending to be special and actually being special?

Why would you want to be? And in whose eyes? Years ago, 'special' was seen as a good thing; today, it often refers to a mental condition that implies intellectual deficiency. How you view yourself is a key consideration. Can you see yourself honestly? Can you see where you need improvement and see what you can do about it? Can you see where your actions are leading you into trouble, and change those actions?

I think the average Mason sees himself as special, in the positive sense, because his fraternity has told them that he is. I've noted elsewhere that I think the Mason is a cross between a parrot and a peacock, with the latter caused by his overwhelming, and unfounded, pride in being a Mason. It's part of the mystique, so to speak, of Masonry.

A Christian does not see himself as 'special' in the secular world; rather, he sees himself as a sinner who has been saved, and as one who is not left to his own devices, but now following God's lead in what to do with his life.

Is a 33rd degree mason the highest or is there a higher degree unspoken of?

Supposedly a Master Mason is the highest degree, but the Scottish and York Rites both have higher degrees which build upon Blue Lodge Masonry. The Scottish Rite (Southern Jurisdiction) for example, identifies the 32nd degree as the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. One assumes he now knows more than a Master Mason. Such a man would be seen as holding a higher degree in SR Masonry, but not in Blue Lodge Masonry, as he remains a Master Mason. It suppose the point here is that the concept is situational in a large sense.

Masonry, though, is a very authoritarian society. To a large degree, Masons sort themselves out by their accomplishments, usually along the lines of memberships they belong to and offices they hold/have held. In any Masonic fora, you'll see the man's signature section loaded up with his credentials, much like an academic would do. The more he lists, the greater his status, one assumes, based on his Masonic accomplishments.

In the Blue Lodge, a Worshipful Master carries far more authority than does the Master Masons in his lodge. As he is elected by that membership, he executes his authority much as our elected representatives do, or should do. Any Past Master would therefore be seen as 'more worthy' than another Mason due to the fact that he had held the WM office. The same would hold true with a Grand Master. But in a sense, they're still just Master Masons, though I believe their accomplishments would entitle them to more respect and deference from the other Masons.

A 33rd degree comes in the Scottish Rite, and is by invitation only. To other Scottish Rite Masons, it is more a mark of accomplishments than that of authority, in that a man must have devoted much attention to the SR to be selected. Either that or have friends in high places. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

That must be why she has a Ph. D. in Mid-Eastern studies and teaches the same in a university.

Which has what to do with Christian doctrine?

I've worked with some really incompetent teachers who had Ph.D's in education. They had plenty of education, but let it make fools of themselves.

Too, my conclusions are based on what she writes, not on her level of education. Cordially, Skip.

 

[muslimsoldier4life]

I don't understand why people are so terrified of Masons. They're basically a fraternity for older, well-off people.

In the US Army, they are a major organization that consists fo individuals of all ages. I was approached by one, and asked what I thought and that I should think about joining. I kindly said nope, I'm proud to be a Muslim and we see the Masons as a group that is Haram. It's amazing to watch the preferential treatment Masons get career wise, over those who aren't.

So yes, there is something to fear about the Masons, especially for young Soldiers. I'm not sure how they are in the civilian sector, but I do know they are corrupt here in the Army.

 

[Zoness]

In the US Army, they are a major organization that consists fo individuals of all ages. I was approached by one, and asked what I thought and that I should think about joining. I kindly said nope, I'm proud to be a Muslim and we see the Masons as a group that is Haram. It's amazing to watch the preferential treatment Masons get career wise, over those who aren't.

So yes, there is something to fear about the Masons, especially for young Soldiers. I'm not sure how they are in the civilian sector, but I do know they are corrupt here in the Army.

With all due respect, I think a lot of things are corrupt in the army by the nature of having a very rigid, traditional and hierarchy-based system required to run a military. Problems with organizations such as the Masons (or any number of political or non-political orgs) would be exacerbated especially since in the civilian world, there's really not as many Masons (apparently?) as there appear to be in the military.

I will continue to posit however, that the Masons are not some demon-possess group that extreme Christian fundamentalists make them out to be.

 

[Simpleman25]

Is it cause of the Ma Sons part? Or is it a man thing only?

I've been flashed rings at certain times. Is that some sort of secret language? If so, how come masons lie? If I am a mason, what would a ring flash mean to me? Extra respect? That I must agree with any conversation? Where do I draw the line between, pretending to be special and actually being special?

Is a 33rd degree mason the highest or is there a higher degree unspoken of?

And yes, I like the show psych. Whos season is ending this year. Such a bummer.

It was due to the times. Men were in charge of everything at the time.

There are some secrets that we hold true. Nothing other than how to recognize whether a man is a mason or not. As far as lying? Well, we are human. We are not superior to anyone. Despite what our distractors think.

As far as 'flashing', Ive only witnessed that once or twice. Mostly it is a form of recognition without disclosing any modes of recognition. We also use it as a discussion topic. Non masons will ask us, and it opens up a dialogue.

Seeing the ring doesnt require anyone to give us respect when it isnt warranted. We are not asking to be considered special in anyway.

Masonry as we know it today has added both the Scottish and York rite. The Blue Lodge remains the most popular form of Masonry. Blue Lodge refers to the original 3 degrees. Some think that the higher you go, the more power you obtain. It's silly really. It comes from the conspiracy theorist that like to blame us for everything evil in the world.

Masonry has come a long way since its inception. We grow as society grows. Not always as fast as some of us want it to. We've added groups for women and young children.

It's worth noting that the masons on this board are an open and honest group. If you ask us a question, you will get an honest answer. Please be aware of those that disparage masonry at every chance they get.

 

[Simpleman25]

It's a fraternity, a brotherhood which views itself as a place for men to congregate and learn its principles. Thus it limits itself to men.
Masons often wear rings to advertise their membership. Military academy grads do the same, and are often referred to as 'ring-knockers' due to their perceived practice of calling attention to their schools.

For a Mason, any notice of his ring would most likely lead to him determining if the person noticing it is another Mason. He could find out by a variety of ways, but a popular one is asking him: Have you done any traveling? The proper response would tell him what he wants to know.

Because they are human. It's a generalized failing among all of us, and one that requires constant attention on our parts to avoid.

Why would you want to be? And in whose eyes? Years ago, 'special' was seen as a good thing; today, it often refers to a mental condition that implies intellectual deficiency. How you view yourself is a key consideration. Can you see yourself honestly? Can you see where you need improvement and see what you can do about it? Can you see where your actions are leading you into trouble, and change those actions?

I think the average Mason sees himself as special, in the positive sense, because his fraternity has told them that he is. I've noted elsewhere that I think the Mason is a cross between a parrot and a peacock, with the latter caused by his overwhelming, and unfounded, pride in being a Mason. It's part of the mystique, so to speak, of Masonry.

A Christian does not see himself as 'special' in the secular world; rather, he sees himself as a sinner who has been saved, and as one who is not left to his own devices, but now following God's lead in what to do with his life.

Supposedly a Master Mason is the highest degree, but the Scottish and York Rites both have higher degrees which build upon Blue Lodge Masonry. The Scottish Rite (Southern Jurisdiction) for example, identifies the 32nd degree as the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. One assumes he now knows more than a Master Mason. Such a man would be seen as holding a higher degree in SR Masonry, but not in Blue Lodge Masonry, as he remains a Master Mason. It suppose the point here is that the concept is situational in a large sense.

Masonry, though, is a very authoritarian society. To a large degree, Masons sort themselves out by their accomplishments, usually along the lines of memberships they belong to and offices they hold/have held. In any Masonic fora, you'll see the man's signature section loaded up with his credentials, much like an academic would do. The more he lists, the greater his status, one assumes, based on his Masonic accomplishments.

In the Blue Lodge, a Worshipful Master carries far more authority than does the Master Masons in his lodge. As he is elected by that membership, he executes his authority much as our elected representatives do, or should do. Any Past Master would therefore be seen as 'more worthy' than another Mason due to the fact that he had held the WM office. The same would hold true with a Grand Master. But in a sense, they're still just Master Masons, though I believe their accomplishments would entitle them to more respect and deference from the other Masons.

A 33rd degree comes in the Scottish Rite, and is by invitation only. To other Scottish Rite Masons, it is more a mark of accomplishments than that of authority, in that a man must have devoted much attention to the SR to be selected. Either that or have friends in high places. Cordially, Skip.

The more you write, the more you show how little you truly know about Freemasonry.

Proves again that you can read all you want. Until you actually join and know the inside, you will forever be an outcast.