I was just wondering if there were any other Brother Masons/Shriners on this forum?
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Bigham, I ask this with love and concern. Have you ever researched the Masonic Temple in depth?
I have some Mason/Shriners among my congregation. I don't know anything about Masonic practice or what is perceived to be practice. I can testify that the men I know are very good Christian men and they do huge work both in and around the community. I know two local children here locally who received and continue to receive medical help from the Shriner's Hospital in Lexington, KY. I also know that they (kids/parents) have never been charged a dime for services and have even been provided transportation to and from the hospital. Needless to say, my experience as a pastor/preacher working with these men has been wonderful. I don't know anything of "pagan practices" and I have not witnessed this with my own eyes. What I have seen with my own eyes, to that I can testify and I have seen much good come from the men that I know.
Yes I have researched it Lisa. Do you know any Masons or Shriners?
Have you ever heard of the Shrine hospitals? They are there to treat crippled and burned children at no cost to the families. All the money to operate these 22 hospitals is raised by the Shriners. Which all Shriners are Masons.
I am a mason and I know what goes on in them. Unlike outsiders who only listen to the conspirisy theorists who do not know about Masonry. Yes I have heard of Albert Pike. Yes there are bad Masons. I also know many Christians that do bad things. That doesn't mean Christianity is an evil religion.
For your information every thim I go to the lodge we pray to Jesus. The same Jesus that every true Christian prays to. Not some goat headed figure or satan. Our main goal is to have a better relationship with our lord Jesus and become better people for the good of mankind.
It is not a church. It is a fraternaty where like minded people get together in order to improve themselves. We even have preachers that are Masons.
Masonry's whole objective is to help people. Yes we do have secrets. The secrets that we have are only hand shakes and words. This way we will know if someone is truly a Mason or not. This way if a brother needs our help for himself or someone else we will know his cause is a laudable one.
Christianity has secret signs also. When we were being persecuted if you seen someone that you thought was a christian you would draw half of a fish if he was a christian he would drat the other half. This way you would be able to talk to him about Christianity without the fear of being killed. Does that mean that Christians are evil? No it doesn't! They just wanted to know if each one was a true brother.
Ritual definition = A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. Yes we have them. They are to instill on our mind the promise we make to be better people and help others in need.
Christianity has many rituals! This does not mean that they are satanists either. If you look at your life you probably have many rituals. Birthdays, Christmas, Easter and so on.
Believe it or not I am not Satan. I have my relationship with Jesus. It might not be the exact relationship as yours. I chose to do other things than just going to church. My journey does not end there. I help through church, the Masons, Shriners and I sometimes just offer hy help to a stranger.
I am not a lost sole. I might have different ways of doing things but that doesn't mean that they are wrong.
To call this a Christian forum is really misleading. Since I have been here I have been called Satan and a sheep in wolves clothing. Probably a few other things. One of the main reasons I became a Christian was to have love and peace in my life, love everyone and not be judged. I thought these attributes were the whole fabric of Christianity? I am starting to now think that it isn't.
We as Chriatians are supposed to, No we are required to spread Gods word and try to recruit others as Christians. Not drive them away because of insults or their views on God. No one here knows if their way of understanding the bible is the right way or not. Only God knows that. That is why Jesus said let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I guess we have several people here that think they are as perfect as Jesus.
I believe I am going to be done with this forum. It is corrupting my relationship with Jesus.
Have you ever heard of the Shrine hospitals? They are there to treat crippled and burned children at no cost to the families. All the money to operate these 22 hospitals is raised by the Shriners. Which all Shriners are Masons.
I am a mason and I know what goes on in them. Unlike outsiders who only listen to the conspirisy theorists who do not know about Masonry. Yes I have heard of Albert Pike. Yes there are bad Masons. I also know many Christians that do bad things. That doesn't mean Christianity is an evil religion.
For your information every thim I go to the lodge we pray to Jesus. The same Jesus that every true Christian prays to. Not some goat headed figure or satan. Our main goal is to have a better relationship with our lord Jesus and become better people for the good of mankind.
It is not a church. It is a fraternaty where like minded people get together in order to improve themselves. We even have preachers that are Masons.
Masonry's whole objective is to help people. Yes we do have secrets. The secrets that we have are only hand shakes and words. This way we will know if someone is truly a Mason or not. This way if a brother needs our help for himself or someone else we will know his cause is a laudable one.
Christianity has secret signs also. When we were being persecuted if you seen someone that you thought was a christian you would draw half of a fish if he was a christian he would drat the other half. This way you would be able to talk to him about Christianity without the fear of being killed. Does that mean that Christians are evil? No it doesn't! They just wanted to know if each one was a true brother.
Ritual definition = A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. Yes we have them. They are to instill on our mind the promise we make to be better people and help others in need.
Christianity has many rituals! This does not mean that they are satanists either. If you look at your life you probably have many rituals. Birthdays, Christmas, Easter and so on.
Believe it or not I am not Satan. I have my relationship with Jesus. It might not be the exact relationship as yours. I chose to do other things than just going to church. My journey does not end there. I help through church, the Masons, Shriners and I sometimes just offer hy help to a stranger.
I am not a lost sole. I might have different ways of doing things but that doesn't mean that they are wrong.
To call this a Christian forum is really misleading. Since I have been here I have been called Satan and a sheep in wolves clothing. Probably a few other things. One of the main reasons I became a Christian was to have love and peace in my life, love everyone and not be judged. I thought these attributes were the whole fabric of Christianity? I am starting to now think that it isn't.
We as Chriatians are supposed to, No we are required to spread Gods word and try to recruit others as Christians. Not drive them away because of insults or their views on God. No one here knows if their way of understanding the bible is the right way or not. Only God knows that. That is why Jesus said let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I guess we have several people here that think they are as perfect as Jesus.
I believe I am going to be done with this forum. It is corrupting my relationship with Jesus.
Southern Gent,
You don't know how much that means to me right now. But I do thank you. You are a true Southern Gentleman. God bless you.
Now Bigham, I'm a pastor/preacher and I said no such thing concerning Mason/Shriners. You as a Christian know better than to take one or two beliefs about a matter and let it define you. Worse yet to allow it to define an entire group.
Wow Bigham, I'm floored at your response. My only post was this "I ask this with love and concern. Have you ever researched the Masonic Temple in depth?" a simple question, asked with love, and you freaked out and judged ME, but I did not judge you, that was your own perception at work there brother.
I was simply going to share some information with you if you wanted to know, but I can see that you don't. That's ok, it's your choice.
I will pray that you continue to have peace, and you continue on strengthening your personal relationship with Jesus. If we are causing you to stumble, for whatever reason, I do think it's a wise decision to not participate here in the future. You are welcome back anytime tho in case you change your mind.
Best wishes and much love to you.
Lisa,
If it came off that I was attacking you that was not my intentions and for that I appologize. But as the forum monitor you have seen what I am having to deal with. It seems that there are a few people here that get great pleasure in insulting and putting down people that have a different opnion.
Once again I am sorry if that is how it come off.
Have a great day.
If it came off that I was attacking you that was not my intentions and for that I appologize. But as the forum monitor you have seen what I am having to deal with. It seems that there are a few people here that get great pleasure in insulting and putting down people that have a different opnion.
Once again I am sorry if that is how it come off.
Have a great day.
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I would be interested to know more about the work of Mason/Shriners. I don't know if it can be revealed but I'd like to know more about funding and how decisions are made and really just the process. Let me be clear, I am not interested in myth, wives tales and speculation. I think this would be a good opportunity for us all to listen and be educated concerning Mason/Shriners about their work.
Brother Bigham the floor is yours..tell us the good that you have seen and taken part.
Brother Bigham the floor is yours..tell us the good that you have seen and taken part.
Mr. Bigham. I know you think ill of me because of my few posts to you. You have made that quite clear, not only to me, but everyone else on this board. As you noticed, I did not respond to this thread you started. To maintain peace and tranquility, I chose not to do that......and intend on continuing to do that because of same.
LisaLisa is the moderator of this board and a very gentile, kind, Christian loving individual. She tries hard to keep subjects interesting. Like the rest of us, she is learning everyday. She did not deserve that tirade that was intended towards me. I see that you already apologized and I thank you for that. You may treat me like you wish, as I didn't mean to set off the volcano within you, but my words must have hit an open wound somewhere for you answered me with pure hate. I, in no way, wish anyone to spend eternity in the lake of fire and you were rejoicing that you felt I'll be there. That's the difference between us.
LisaLisa is the moderator of this board and a very gentile, kind, Christian loving individual. She tries hard to keep subjects interesting. Like the rest of us, she is learning everyday. She did not deserve that tirade that was intended towards me. I see that you already apologized and I thank you for that. You may treat me like you wish, as I didn't mean to set off the volcano within you, but my words must have hit an open wound somewhere for you answered me with pure hate. I, in no way, wish anyone to spend eternity in the lake of fire and you were rejoicing that you felt I'll be there. That's the difference between us.
Well Sir they are two different organizations but are connected. In order to become a shriner you must first become a mason. All Shriners are Masons but not all Masons are Shriners.
Masonry helps more at a local level. Helping mostly widows and orphans with money or something they need like house repairs, yard work things of that nature. If someone gets hurt and can't work we do all we can to try to help them. Their is absolutly no drinking at the Masonic lodge.
Shriners have a different but very noble cause. Helping children that are crippled and burned. There are around 23 Shrine Hospitals in North America. They help these children out at no cost to the families. They will not even take your hospitalization if you have it. Every penny that is needed to operate these hospitals is raised by the Shriners. All Shriners go out and beg for money to keep these hospitals open and all of us contribute what we can. Most times if your child is in the hospital the parents can stay there as well. This is not a typical hospital room. In this situation it is more like a hotel where you can stay in the room with the child. If the parents can not afford to drive to the hospital we have Shriners that are called "Jockys" I think that is what they are called. They drive the families to and from the hospital. Shriners have all kinds of fund raisers and benefits. They even have a Circus to help raise money.
A quick story.
I was going to a persons house to repair their door. I went it and did what I had to do. I had some problems so it took longer than I wanted and had time for. I noticed the time as I was getting done and I had made a comment that I was going to be late for my meeting. The woman ask me what kind of meeting it was. I told her it was a Shrine meeting. She all of a sudden stretched out her arms and ran to hug me. She started crying and telling me how she was crippled when she was a child and that the Shriners and their hospital was able to get her to walk. She told me that her best memories were when the men in the funny hats would come by and visit. They would give her candy and just make her laugh. Needless to say the story brought a tear to my eye.
I have met about 4 people that have recieved help from the Shriners that I just bumped into in my travels. The feeling of joy that you get knowing that you were a part of something that helped someone is unbelieveable.
Keep up the good work Bigham!! One of the children that I know has had several surgeries thanks to the Lexington Hospital. He was born with club feet and this child is one of the most exciting children that God has ever created. As of now, he is doing much better. His legs will continue to be in braces for a while and it is my understanding that he will have more work done. I know during all of this, the family (mother) was able to stay with him and all arrangements and housing were completely taken care of. Perhaps it was one of the "jockeys" that took her to the hospital. I drove them to middle TN were they were picked up and delivered back home. This was after several trips to the hospital for tests, x-rays and who knows what else which was also free of charge.
Now it is my understanding that the Masons are by invitation only? Is it ok to ask what the criteria is for an invitation or membership? If it can't be answered I certainly understand. For my part and the congregation I serve, we thank you and your fellow workers. God bless.
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Southern Gentleman,
To be a Mason you have to go ask a Mason. It is not by invatation but of your own free will that you become a member. Go to the lodge and see someone there. Also you have to be 18 or older, you have to believe in a God or supreme being. Most Masons are Christians. But there are other religions. Masonry is not a religion that is why we allow people of other faiths. You must be living in your state for at least 12 months.
It is as simple as that.
After you inquire about it the lodge will help you get all your ducks in a row.
To be a Mason you have to go ask a Mason. It is not by invatation but of your own free will that you become a member. Go to the lodge and see someone there. Also you have to be 18 or older, you have to believe in a God or supreme being. Most Masons are Christians. But there are other religions. Masonry is not a religion that is why we allow people of other faiths. You must be living in your state for at least 12 months.
It is as simple as that.
After you inquire about it the lodge will help you get all your ducks in a row.
I want to applaud you too, Bingham. I am an athiest, personally, but I am absolutely not an anti-religious athiest. I acknowledge, respect, and admire all the good deeds that religion inspires, and believe that outweighs the evil religions have sometimes been guilty of. You and your brothers, and other like minded people of faith (any faith; I have jewish, buddist, pagan and taoist friends who are likewise very active in charity and public works, and whille I never happened to meet any personally I am equally sure there are muslims, hindus, shintoists, etc etc, of a like mind as well) prove the value of religion to me, even if I do think they are factually incorrect in their beliefs. Keep up the good work, and hopefully you will inspire others to follow.
I do have to question though, why does the Masonic organization REQUIRE a belief in a higher power? If good deeds and helping others are the whole point, what difference does it make whether one is inspired by religion, or just by a love for one's fellow man?
Please understand I am not criticising, and certainly not criticising YOU personally. I just find it to be a silly little restriction, and think you are barring many people who would otherwise be fine members and could contribute, and uphold your traditions and goals, just as much as a believer would.
I do have to question though, why does the Masonic organization REQUIRE a belief in a higher power? If good deeds and helping others are the whole point, what difference does it make whether one is inspired by religion, or just by a love for one's fellow man?
Please understand I am not criticising, and certainly not criticising YOU personally. I just find it to be a silly little restriction, and think you are barring many people who would otherwise be fine members and could contribute, and uphold your traditions and goals, just as much as a believer would.
Since this topic was on my mind, I made it a point to watch History International last night for a segment called "Forefathers" or something of that nature. There was much discussion on the Masons and apparently they were instrumental in the design of our country. (More than what I knew) If what was said on TV was true, then belief in a higher power was a requirement. With that said, it was never specified "what" or "who" that higher power was/is to be. Since much of the Masonic constitution is part of the US constitution, it seems that the group originally may have been quite tolerant. Like I said, this info is from a TV show and I have no clue concerning it's accuracy or credibility. In the end, love for your fellow man was one of two commands that Jesus gave and I am thankful for the work they do. Bigham?
There is absolutely no doubt that the shriners do incredible charity work, it's almost mind boggling what they have managed to accomplish. I too, am extremely grateful for all of the children that they have helped over the years.
Matthew 25:40 says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
There is also absolutely no doubt that our Lord and Savior appreciates all of the good works that they do. It's extremely noble, awesome and generous.
My only concern is the allegiance to the "society" or group that masons and shriners have. I believe that we as christians, should only pledge allegiance to one, Jesus Christ. The Masonic Temple has some very questionable roots, but I do understand that most of the lower ranking members (the majority) are not aware of that.
So, how does a Christian balance that out or take that into consideration is my question?
Matthew 25:40 says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
There is also absolutely no doubt that our Lord and Savior appreciates all of the good works that they do. It's extremely noble, awesome and generous.
My only concern is the allegiance to the "society" or group that masons and shriners have. I believe that we as christians, should only pledge allegiance to one, Jesus Christ. The Masonic Temple has some very questionable roots, but I do understand that most of the lower ranking members (the majority) are not aware of that.
So, how does a Christian balance that out or take that into consideration is my question?
Apart from it being a non-religious organization there is little difference between that society and the society of denominations among churches. Denominations/movements also come from questionable roots at times. Do you pledge allegiance to the flag? If one does, how is that any different than a Masonic pledge. It is regardless of what one says, a pledge to a cause or movement. Now, just because someone is loyal to something does not mean that the group/function that they are loyal to supplants God and Christ. The very men who walked with Jesus were loyal to their group. There were no doubt Zealots and Essenes and all were very loyal to the cause of their people. This did not negate their belief in God.
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