DeMolay Oklahoma info

[O4L]

Interesting...

After viewing this thread, this popped up on my phone...

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[T. MIKE SMITH]

Now that we have whooped this old horse past death- I hope folks can believe that there are some people around who are willing to give time and money to something that helps their local food bank or the local high school band or on a larger scale, funds hospitals and clinics at no cost, to many children every day. I am not going to judge on the kind of religion you practice or how you live your life, that's not my place. I will say if you think that whatever it is you believe in it the absolute only way to salvation--- you are very sadly mistaken. I hear a lot of folks all the time, that want you to believe, what they believe is the only way, but they in no way act or practice even what they want to cram down my throat. I believe that when Christ told his Disciples, when they complained that people other than them were preaching and baptizing, and they thought they should be the only ones who could do that, Christ said, whoever is with us, is not against us. Just call me crazy but that tells me, if you're doing good and practicing what God, through the name of Christ, asked us to do, you are as strong as the Pope in your journey to heaven. Masons are not some secret societies looking to take over the world. Do we have a few things you have to be a member to know? Yes! Why? If I can't trust you with even a simple secret, why would I trust you at all? It has a lot more to do with your integrity, not anything secret. We are not a religion and don't care if you do or do not have or practice a religion, only that you believe in God. We do have theories on how one might improve their life, but no one is forced into anything. Like religion or phycology or education, or a whole lot of things that might help form opinions, it is up to you what kind of person you want to be. No religion or organization can change anyone, you have to do that. Most of the stuff I've heard here on this subject reminds of a bunch of old farts who meet up at the bar about noon to shoot the crap about everything known to man, but few have made any real study of anything to know what the hell they are talking about.

 

[T. MIKE SMITH]

Never made any sense to me but I was told back in the day that it had something to do with a "Goat" and riding one.....

Ya, I've heard that about every group on earth

 

[CoronaBorealis]

In your own words...

Masons are just people joined together in brotherhood that tries to do good in the world- period.

Masons are not some secret societies looking to take over the world. Do we have a few things you have to be a member to know? Yes! Why? If I can't trust you with even a simple secret, why would I trust you at all? It has a lot more to do with your integrity, not anything secret.

What does integrity and trust have to do with "doing good in the world"? If someone is holding a bake sale, do the two bakers have to share hidden knowledge with one another in order for the bake sale to raise money? "Mutual trust" and "doing good" are individually both very good ideals, but they are not mutually dependent.

If mutual trust is not necessary to "do good", what is the reason for such an exceptional need for mutual trust among Masons? Soldiers need it because they are going into battle and their lives depend on one another. It is possible that Masons just want to be cool and part of something exclusive -- but no one claims that.

Thousands of people buried with the Masonic square and compass chiseled into their headstones wanted Freemasonry to be the last thing people remember them by. You're telling me they were just really excited about doing volunteer work?

I frankly don't care what hidden knowledge Masons claim to have -- go back and read every one of my posts. I never asked what, just why. My point with all of this is to point out the ridiculousness of claiming it's simply a charitable organization when in fact it could be charitable without all the furtiveness associated with membership. It just does not make any sense at all to someone looking at it critically.

Over and over again, Our Lord emphasized that there is one Church, one way, and one fold. Whatever else you want to claim, it is indisputable that Freemasonry promotes religious indifferentism, which is completely antithetical to what Our Lord taught. All the cultish rituals, symbology, and secretiveness aside, that fact alone should keep any person who believes in Christ away from Freemasonry.

And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” (John 14:6)

And other sheep I have that are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. (John 10:16)

 

[T. MIKE SMITH]

In your own words...





What does integrity and trust have to do with "doing good in the world"? If someone is holding a bake sale, do the two bakers have to share hidden knowledge with one another in order for the bake sale to raise money? "Mutual trust" and "doing good" are individually both very good ideals, but they are not mutually dependent.

If mutual trust is not necessary to "do good", what is the reason for such an exceptional need for mutual trust among Masons? Soldiers need it because they are going into battle and their lives depend on one another. It is possible that Masons just want to be cool and part of something exclusive -- but no one claims that.

Thousands of people buried with the Masonic square and compass chiseled into their headstones wanted Freemasonry to be the last thing people remember them by. You're telling me they were just really excited about doing volunteer work?

I frankly don't care what hidden knowledge Masons claim to have -- go back and read every one of my posts. I never asked what, just why. My point with all of this is to point out the ridiculousness of claiming it's simply a charitable organization when in fact it could be charitable without all the furtiveness associated with membership. It just does not make any sense at all to someone looking at it critically.

Over and over again, Our Lord emphasized that there is one Church, one way, and one fold. Whatever else you want to claim, it is indisputable that Freemasonry promotes religious indifferentism, which is completely antithetical to what Our Lord taught. All the cultish rituals, symbology, and secretiveness aside, that fact alone should keep any person who believes in Christ away from Freemasonry.

And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” (John 14:6)

And other sheep I have that are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. (John 10:16)

and again, I hear it- if you don't believe what I believe- you're going to hell

 

[CoronaBorealis]

and again, I hear it- if you don't believe what I believe- you're going to hell

I am not arguing Catholic vs Protestant. I'm saying Jesus taught something. Freemasonry promotes something else.

 

[Firpo]

And back in the weeds we go again. “This feels like De Ja Vu all over again.”

 

[CoronaBorealis]

And back in the weeds we go again. “This feels like De Ja Vu all over again.”

Both of my teens have been invited to become members of the DeMolay International and Its all new to me. From what I can find is that its a youth group of the Masonic sect . I have one friend that spoke highly of the organization. Does anyone else have any imput before its open house in a week?

The OP asked for input. He deserves to hear alternative points of view. You all enjoy your weekend.

 

[Hooper]

It is easier to tear down a structure, than it is to build up a structure, or some times it is said
It is easier to tear down than it is to build up.

I ask hypothetically : Is this or is this not a True Statement.
I put this out not looking for an answer, just as a statement to ponder.

Now I share my thoughts on the above statement or saying;
When I first heard this statement my thought was this is a True Statement.
Then I started to ponder, What structure, who built the structure, how well is the structure built, what material is the structure built with, the more I pondered the more questions my mind came up with. Not because I am smart or anything close to being smart. How does my mind come up with these thoughts, I wonder.
Can a structure be built that can not be torn down, Is there a structure that can not be damaged by any thing?

I was born in Flesh, God gave Me a Spirit to live in this Flesh, He wove me in my Mothers Womb, He knew Me even before He created Me. He allows Me to think freely and to make my own choices.
My Flesh battles with My Spirit, to the point at times I wonder if it is going to tear Me apart in a sense.
The only thing that sooths my Spirit is God's Word. In that Word I find that there is an enemy that seeks to destroy and kill Me. Also in His Word it Points Me in a direction, for the only way I can ever be in His presence without being destroyed by Him. No Man can do this for me. I have to do it on my own. His Word tells me that once I make this choice to be allowed in His presence, that no Man or Enemy can take it away. He has never Lost One Spirit after they make the choice. If they deny the Choice they will never be allowed in His presence, they will however live in a place of torment, separated for eternity from God. God tells me to Live in Faith, that He will do what He says He will do. In His timing not mine. My walk in Faith will not be easy He tells Me, for many who have given their thoughts over to the Enemy are seeking to destroy me. They will be throwing darts of fire at Me trying to penetrate my Shield of Faith. So I should Shod my feet with Preparation, Gird My Loins with His Truth, Arm Myself with His Sword. Put on His Helmet of Salvation. His Gate is Narrow Few will Find it. His greatest Command He tells me is to treat my neighbor as I would treat myself. In such there will be no wrong. Who is my neighbor I wonder. Then He tells Me I must Forgive my Neighbor who trespasses against Me or He will not forgive Me of my trespasses.

These are My Beliefs, that No Man can Take from Me, They are based on The Holy Bible. I believe The Holy Bible is the only True Word. I believe it was handed down to Man by God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit.
I also know that not ever one is going to believe as I do. I expect resistance when I share My belief in God.
He told me it would come, but not to worry about it. Ultimately it is Him they are resisting, not Me.

I am a Christian. During my Walk in Life I joined a Masonic Fraternity, by asking a Mason and being accepted into a Lawfully Constituted Lodge of Masons. I did it on my own Free Will. Now some give me a title, Mason. I have also called myself a Mason. Did this action cause Me to loose my Salvation that I have based my Faith in. I firmly believe not. Are all Masons Christian? I believe not.

God also told Me thru His Word, go out into the World. Do not be afraid. I will protect you and guard you. You will make mistakes, but that I will be forgiven. I have provided a Savior for You. He Died for You. He Rose on the Third Day. If You believe this to be true you will be delivered at the end of your earthly journey to begin eternity with Me. Walk in Faith, Have Hope and Love, of these Love is the Greatest.

If you read this, I very much appreciate the time you spent to read it. I am sure I made mistakes in my thoughts, I always do. I apologize for this.

Thanks to All
And Look to the East My Brothers and Sisters.

 

[Firpo]

The OP asked for input. He deserves to hear alternative points of view. You all enjoy your weekend.

Completely agree CB. I just can’t help feeling like all the input has turned into a debate. Ah, I know it’s likely me. I’m really feeling like I can’t turn on the TV or get on the computer without hearing people arguing over one thing or another. Gotta say it’s really starting to affect my otherwise rosy disposition . You have a good weekend as well.