MASONIC Digest Tuesday, 8 September 1992 Volume 4 : Issue 14 Today's Topics: Administrivia
MASONIC Digest Tuesday, 8 September 1992 Volume 4 : Issue 14
Today's Topics:
Administrivia (Peter Trei)
Masonic Dorm at U Texas? (XMSYLXG@dp7up.COM)
SF Bay Area NetMason Get-together? (Edward Cardinal)
Re: New "Scottish" lodge in DC (George M. Georgiou)
Re: "Born in Blood" (Michael Chaplin)
Masons and Lawsuits (Tim Maroney)
Response to L. Stevenson (Brandon D. Ray)
Wiccan Masons (anonymous)
Masonic Mealtime customs. (Jon Clarke)
Re: Southern Baptists and Freemasonry (Wes Morgan)
Correction (Brian Naylor)
Upon the brevity of Time (Alan Bradley)
Re: Right time to join/Scottish vs. York Rite/
What it means to be a Mason/
Jargon dictionary for non-Masons:(Edward Cardinal)
Masonic loyalty to the (just) State? (Joe Provo)
Unusual apron spotted. (Bill Bergman)
F&AM vs AF&AM? (David L. White)
Correction (Jacques M. Goldsmith)
Scottish Rite Theatrical Symposium (Don Stowell, Jr.)
Unsatisfied with Rainbow. ("JS")
A note from Austria (Rudolf Wytek)
Masonic tidbits from the net. (Peter Trei)
Send all submissions and requests to ptrei@mitre.org. MASONIC
digest is moderated. Please remember: THIS IS A PUBLIC FORUM: YOU MUST
ASSUME THAT MANY READERS ARE NON-MASONS. Please include a relevant
subject line. If you require anonymity, say so at the top of your
message (and give a nom-de-net). All contributions remain the property
(copyright 1992), and responsibility of the authors. My own comments
remain mine (Copyright 1992 Peter Trei), and represent only my views
at the time of posting - not neccesarily those of my employer, or of
any Grand Lodge. Back issues are available, as are a few standard
pamphlets, either directly from me or via anonymous ftp to site
150.243.100.10
==============================================================================
Subject: Administrivia
From: Peter Trei
Date: 8 Sept 1992
Another bumper issue - 1365 lines.
Sorry for the delay - I've got a new project which is making
substantial demands of my time, on and off work hours. As a result, my
comments are a little rushed and ragged.
I'm particularly annoyed at this delay since I have time sensitive
posts in this issue.
Do check out the alt.pagan thread.
Peter
==============================================================================
From: XMSYLXG@dp7up.COM
Date: 27 Aug 92 15:48:58 CST
Subject: Information on Masonic Dorm at University of Texas at Austin
Peter Trei:
Our daughter is in Rainbow's and just started at U.T. I heard
there is a Masonic sponsored dorm there. Do you know how I could get
any information on it??
==============================================================================
From: infmx!pythagoras!cardinal@uunet.UU.NET (Edward Cardinal)
Subject: SF Bay Area NetMason Get-together?
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 92 15:10:56 PDT
Is there any interest in a get-together for San Fransisco Bay
Area Net-Masons? The recent topics of an East Coast gathering
prompted me to see if there is any call for the same sort of thing out
here... either for dinner, or just a "social hour". If you are
interested, drop me an E-Mail at:
cardinal@informix.com
I will coordinate the "event", if there are enough responses. Let
me know where you would be coming from (to get a reasonable location
geographically), and when might be a good time for you.
[ Ed Cardinal Senior Deacon ]
[ Menlo Park-Penninsula Lodge #651]
[ cardinal@informix.com F&AM, AASR(SJ), AAONMS(SF) ]
[ DISCLAIMER: My Opinions. MINE! MINE! MINE! ]
==============================================================================
From: George M. Georgiou
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 23:54:16 CDT
Subject: Re: New "Scottish" lodge in DC
Bro. Brian Naylor in MDv4n13 writes:
> Lodge Sojourner Kilwinning 1798
> Brothers Edward Owens II and
> Benjamin Dyer became the first American masons to receive their
> degree in Scottish style for over 100 years, and in front of a
> record number of brethren who had turned out for this historic
> occasion.
Simply this is not true. Under the Grand Lodge of Louisiana
there are several lodges that follow the Scottish Rite Ritual for
"time immemorial". Quoting from the latest issue of the _Louisiana
Freemason_, the official publication of the GL: "Louisiana is not the
only state with Scottish Rite lodges. Twenty-three such lodges
operate in other states."
--George (georgiou@cs.tulane.edu)
P.S. Any masons in the San Bernardino, CA area on the list?
[ PT: Responses to the PS should go directly to George, though I ]
[ would'nt mind seeing a CC:. ]
==============================================================================
From: michael@albert.bu.edu (Michael Chaplin)
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 92 02:29:43 -0400
Subject: Re: "Born in Blood"
[...]
2. I noticed that you stated that you wouldn't really recommend
Robinson's book for much other than the reprinting of the papal bull.
Is there some particular reason why? I happen to own a copy and found
rather interesting. The connections which he makes seem to me much
less far fetched than relying upon the existence of the Commacines as
an explanation of the beginnings of Freemasonry, but then, perhaps I'm
biased in some way. I would be curious to know of any flaws in his
reasoning or his historiography, or just what flaws there are in
general.
Chaplin.
[ PT: My objection to Robinson's book [Born in Blood - The lost secrets ]
[ of Freemasonry] is that he is insufficently rigorous. He wants to ]
[ present a certain conclusion (that the Masons are derived from the ]
[ Templars via the Lollards - ur-Protestant itinerant English ]
[ preachers), and ignores the extreme flimsyness of the evidence ]
[ supporting this idea, as well as countervailing evidence. He's an ]
[ amateur, and it shows. He research seems pretty shallow - for example,]
[ he has the idea that Masons are not permitted to sue each other (more ]
[ on this below) - an error that would have been cleared up by asking a ]
[ Mason. ]
[ ]
[ He IS boundlessly optimistic about Masonry, and joined after ]
[ publishing the book. ]
==============================================================================
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 92 13:48:38 PDT
From: tim@toad.com (Tim Maroney)
Subject: Masons and Lawsuits Re: Response from a Freemason
(was: Re: Masons/Knights Templar)
Organization: Royal and Mystical Brotherhood of Pipe-Fitters
Hi, Peter. Take this as a personal message or one for the list, as you
prefer.
You recently posted a message to alt.pagan in response to one by
popec@fennec.sccsi.com (William C. Barwell) in which you said, of John
J. Robinson, author of _Born in Blood_: "Some of the errors he
commits (such as suggesting that Masons cannot sue each other) show
his failure to study his subject carefully."
Do you know what has led to Robinson's mistaken belief? I
confess that I had thought the same thing, since I had seen such a
clause in the rules of a group of irregular Masons, and had heard it
linked to regular Masonry on a few previous occassions by non-Masonic
authors. Is this a complete fabrication? If so, how did it pass into
the hands of the O.T.O.? Or is it only a rule of some particular,
shall we say, sect of Masonry, and false when applied to the whole of
the institution? If so, in what particular orders (or whatever) would
one find the rule? -- Tim Maroney, Communications and User Interface
Engineer {apple!sun}!hoptoad!tim, tim@toad.com
"I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world,
and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming
feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology."
-- Thomas Jefferson
[ PT: Some of the older constitutions reccomend that Masons should try ]
[ to settle (non-Masonic) disputes among themselves before resorting to ]
[ common law. They all leave the courts as a last resort. I was ]
[ certainly never told anything about not being able to sue a fellow ]
[ Mason when I joined (nevertheless, it WOULD be unbrotherly). Anyone ]
[ else heard of this kind of thing? ]
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 92 05:08:32 -0400
From: bu008@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Brandon D. Ray)
Subject: Response to L. Stevenson (Satanism, pagans, wiccans and the Craft).
I realize that some of this has been hashed over before, but I
wanted to respond to some of the remarks by Br. Leonardo Stevenson in
the last digest. Without meaning to start a fight or cast brickbats,
I make the following observations:
First off, I admire his efforts in moving Masonry and Masonic
resources onto the net. It is becoming clearer with each passing day
that cyberspace is going to be at least as much of a cultural
influence in the 21st Century as television and radio have been in the
20th. It is impossible to guess where this revolution is going to go,
but I think it is all to the good that the Craft is getting involved
in it.
Having said that, I would like to respond specifically to some of
his other remarks:
Br. Leonardo is certainly free to manage his BBS in the manner he
sees fit; however, to me his policy of denying access to non-Masons
who are not seriously interested in taking the obligations appears to
me be needlessly restrictive, unless the files contain materials which
are privileged, in which case maintaining them on a BBS file system,
no matter how you screen the users, seems rather reckless. One of the
good things about the Masonic Digest, imho, is that it gives us a
chance to show who we are to non-Masons. I realize that not all
information outlets serve the same functions but still, it bothers me,
especially in light of what followed:
Br. Leonardo goes on to state that he has denied his files to
those who would upload them on "'New Age'", pagan or occult BBS's". I
don't see the logic of this. I understand the point of not wanting to
associate the Fraternity with disreputable people and/or
organizations, but on the other hand, I do not agree that this
characterizes the people mentioned. While it is granted that a lot of
the so-called New Age movement seems rather silly to me, none of it
(or vanishingly little of it) seems to be actually evil, and on the
whole it seems to me that it represents people seeking spiritual
enlightenment, however effectively or ineffectively they may be going
about it.
A little further on, Br. Leonardo states that he is compiling a
library of what he calls "legitimate" holy books--ultimately, he hopes
to obtain all the holy books which "may ever" rest upon a Masonic
Altar. This troubles me, in that I am not sure how you define a
"legitimate" religious book, as distinct from an "illegitimate" one.
This does not mean that judgment is impossible, but no standards have
been stated here, and the use of the term "legitimate" seems to me to
be exclusionary and argumentative. I also don't know how one goes
about determining whether a particular text may "ever" be upon a
Masonic Alter. Masonry is not completely monolithic. There are
differences between each Grand Lodge in the U.S., and I presume that
this is also true overseas.
Br. Leonardo goes on to state that he feels the followers of
certain sects have proven themselves to take their faiths seriously,
to be good citizens, men of honor and virtue...and this is where I
really start to have trouble. This paragraph implies that only
adherents to the sects listed (and an unspecified group of other
"legitimate" [see above] sects) take their faiths seriously, can be
good citizens, men of honor and virtue, etc. I must heartily
disagree. I know a number of people who are atheists or who worship
in ways that Br. Leonardo would probably not find "legitimate" who
are nevertheless good, moral men (and women), whom I am proud to count
as friends.
Br. Leonardo goes on to say that Masonry accepts any practicing
monotheist, but will reject "satanists, pagans and witchcraft". This
seems to me to show a lack of understanding of satanism, paganism and
witchcraft (or wicca). I have known people of all three stripes, and
here is the distinction I have learned to draw (these are subject to
correction and/or elaboration by those more knowledgeable than I): 1.
Satanism is a Christian heresy. Satanists acknowledge the Christian
god, but claim that he is actually the Evil One in disguise, and that
Lucifer (the Bringer of Light, interestingly enough) is actually
mankind's friend and savior. 2. Pagans, or followers of the Nature
religions, are people who find spirituality in the forces of nature
(the wind, the rain, the sun, etc.) These forces are typically
personified, much as the Christian god is. 3. Wiccans are followers
of what is called "the Old Religion", or (interestingly enough) "the
Craft". They seek to identify and find harmony with forces which they
claim to perceive, which some call magick. One of their most
important tenets is the Threefold Law, which states that whatever you
do, it is visited back upon you three times (a rather strong incentive
not to commit evil, imho).
Each of these religions has been used and manipulated to commit
acts of evil on earth. Arguably, especially for those of us who are
Christians, Satanism really is an evil doctrine, in that it involves
turning away from god and towards chaos. However, the pagans and
wiccans should not be lumped together with Satanists (or with each
other, for that matter). They follow a different path, but I perceive
that it is a good and well-intentioned one.
After a lengthy section, in which he discusses the various groups
which have attempted to usurp or exploit Masonry and Masonic
traditions, symbols and customs, Br. Leonardo states rather firmly
that attempts to trace Masonry from anything other than medieval
Christianity is "nonsensical" and "erroneous". He seems more sure
about some of this than I would be comfortable with. My understanding
is that the origins of Masonry cannot be reliably traced past the
early 18th Century, although it is clear that the Fraternity existed
at least as far back as 1598. Given this lack of firm evidence, I
would hesitate to assert with confidence that the founders of Craft
Masonry were pre-reformation Christians (i.e. Catholics). It is
certainly possible, and even plausible, but other reputable and
Christian Masons have disagreed. Patrick Henry, for example, wrote an
essay in which he developed the thesis that Masonry was founded by
ancient Druids as a response to the Christian "invasion" of Britain.
Finally, Br. Leonardo brings up the works of Aleister Crowley,
and attempts to tie Crowley to Anton LaVey and the Satanic Church of
America, as well as heavy metal bands, which are said to combine drug
use and the occult with "pseudo-Masonic symbolism". This would seem
to be unfair to Crowley. I have read some Crowley, and I object to
the characterization of him as a Satanist (although I think Br.
Leonardo's description of Crowley as a showman was quite correct).
Crowley is difficult to read, and can be quite irritating, especially
because as often as not he was deliberately playing with the reader's
mind. He may have influenced LaVey...I dunno, I haven't investigated
it. But blaming him for the Satanist Church of America falls in the
same category of error, imho, as that of blaming Nietzche for the
Nazis, simply because the Nazis twisted Nietzche's words and work to
their own purposes.
And finally, I would agree wholeheartedly with Br. Leonardo's
concluding paragraphs: Masonry must move into the 21st Century, and
this breach between "mainline" Masonry and the Prince Hall lodges must
be healed. The Craft still has a lot to contribute to the world. I
just object to the thrust of a lot of his remarks, which I perceive to
be that some religions must be excluded, despite the fact that their
adherents are good, moral people, simply because their form of worship
is strange to us. I took a vow not to participate in making an
atheist a Mason; beyond that, I feel the Fraternity ought to be open
to anyone.
[ PT: There were two other people who had disagreement with ]
[ Br. Stevenson, but this posting best summed up the general feeling. ]
==============================================================================
Subject: Wiccan Masons
From: Anonymous
[ PT: I received this indirectly - I don't know who the original author ]
[ is, nor can I confirm his Masonic status. However, I thought it was ]
[ worth including. I would like to note that many (probably the ]
[ majority) of regular Masons in the US would have a LOT of problems ]
[ with a Wiccan/Pagan candidate who was open about the nature of his ]
[ faith. ]
[ Second, I would like to say to the non-Mason readers of this digest]
[ that the amount of discussion of religion/occult related issues on ]
[ this list is VERY unrepresentative of what you'd find a typical lodge.]
[ Aside from the simple inquiry to see that a candidate has a Deity, the]
[ subject simply does not come up. ]
Pete: I have requested that a friend post this for me anonymously
and would appreciate it if you "file the serial numbers off" of that
post, as I believe that religious discrimination is alive and well in
the land and I would rather not suffer those consequences.
Dear Brethren:
I have received copies of this journal through a brother who
thought I would be interested. I am attempting to read them but I
would like to respond to a number of comments that have appeared a few
issues back with regard to Wicca and Masons. I do not wish to raise
anyone's blood pressure but I believe it is a unique perspective (with
regard to the other posts on the board). I am a Mason of many years
and a Wiccan priest.
What I have read has contained a lot of hostility. From the
Wiccans or pagans who are not Masons there has been a general
misunderstanding of the fraternity and some impoliteness as to our
goals. From Masons who have a primarily Judeo-Christian background
there has been a general misapprehension as to the nature of
polytheism and the true nature of what we call "witchcraft".
This is understandable. The pagans responding share the same
void of knowledge about Masonry as the general population, and Masons
are subject to the same misapprehensions and prejudicial images of
witches as the culture at large. I am somewhat hurt by the suggestion
of some that I, as a Wiccan, might not be a proper candidate for
Masonry. I hope to address the Masons who read and pray that they
will look to this issue with the sense of brotherhood and Masonic
charity that is in each Mason.
I would note that there seemed to be an assumption by some that
there are no Wiccans who are Masons. This is not true. A few years
ago I attended a large festival with hundreds of pagans from around
the world. At that gathering the word was passed that a meeting of
Masons would be held. Those of us who were Masons assembled at the
appointed time and in Masonic fellowship. I do not know how many such
brethren exist nationwide, but based on this experience I would
estimate that we are in the hundreds and perhaps thousands.
The connection is natural. The Wiccan faith teaches partly
through allegorical figures in a manner similar but not identical to
Masonry. Small but identifiable portions of ritual are in common.
Our faith is founded on perfect love and perfect trust and this leads
us to naturally accept Masonic goals. We believe in the unity of
creatures from divine parents, that we should care for our fellow
creatures and that we should live by the word of truth. Our faith is
ecstatic, some might term it "charismatic" and we seek the gods
directly. We are not a "book based" faith but most revere education
and knowledge. I do acknowledge a divine architecture which is
knowable and should guide one's life. This is the symbolism of the
VSL.
Lest I mislead the reader, Wiccans have a "special perspective"
on the ritual because of the work we do with similar symbols but no
Wiccan I have ever met thinks that the Masons are an occult lodge in
the generally accepted sense of the word. (I should note that a more
correct usage of the term "occult" refers to the seeking of the inner
truth behind the images and external forms of religion. In *that*
sense only, Masonry is an occult lodge, but not a consciously magical
one.)
I would note that the fourth constitutional question previously
posted requiring an acknowledged faith in *one* Supreme Being is not
asked in our jurisdiction. I have only been asked if I profess faith
in a Supreme Being and the honest answer is yes. I am acutely aware
of a transcendent and immanent power that I identify in the forms of
the immortal gods. Their mystery deals with the unity of existence in
diversity and multiplicity. I felt no need in the middle of my
initiation to clarify my differences with my soon to be brothers or
engage in subtle theological debate. No one has ever asked me how I
conceive "God". I would not dream of asking that question of another
brother. Neither do I feel that the question is relevant to Masonic
values, if the previous question is answered honestly.
My understanding of Masonry is that we are, at root, an
organization based on the Universal brotherhood of all men as children
of celestial parents. (I would note that this belief is supported by
the discussion of Masonic tenets in one of the lectures in the first
degree. The exact content thereof each Mason may review for himself.)
My belief in the Lord and Lady of Life is not violative of this
principle. One of Wicca's most common prayers is "Bless us for we are
your children." This expresses the faith which is the foundation for
two of the tenets of my profession as a Mason. As I read the works of
the Greek pagans who wrote before the birth of Jesus, these ancients
sought to remind us that we were all children of the gods and we
therefore should not see one person as better than another. As
children of the gods we could ask for no higher birth and we all share
a duty to our brothers. These men I suggest were Masons at heart, if
not by initiation. My faith is informed from the same divine source.
The fact that I cannot conceive the Supreme Creative Force as a single
entity as easily as several such entities has never caused me to feel
less a brother of my fellows.
I have sat in lodge with men who have traveled and sat in diverse
jurisdictions. In some lodges they reported that the Bhagavad Gita (a
sacred text of the Hindus) rather than the Bible sits upon the altar
of Masonry. I suggest that if the Hindu faith is not polytheistic, no
faith on the planet can be called polytheistic. Hindus acknowledge
gods numbering in the millions. I echo Peter's earlier comment
reminding the brothers that one thing that Wiccans, Jews and Muslims
all have in common is a belief that Christianity with its trinity is a
polytheistic faith. My point here is to reaffirm that in the heart
there may be much common ground between us that is not completely
apparent in a nutshell synopsis of our religions. Such descriptions
are designed to emphasize the differences but Masonry seeks to find
what we have in common as honest, faithful men of good will.
It has been said by someone, with a poetical rather than
historical viewpoint, that great men of all times have supported
Masonry. I take this to mean that he viewed that the principles of
Freemasonry are an essential truth that all faiths share. These
principles are, I believe, so inherent to the human souls and so
clearly a part of divine design that they rise from men as a religious
urge. These religions will, like bubbles in champagne, appear in the
effervescence of the soul, rise with beauty and, if it eventually
dissolves, it will be replaced by another of equal beauty, strength
and wisdom. All our religions are all constructed on bedrock by a
master builder. Our temple was built by workmen of many crafts and
varying skills at their trade. They worked, united in faith and
fellowship, toward the completion of a common plan for which each made
a necessary contribution. This is the essence of our fraternity.
[name withheld]
==============================================================================
Date: 23 Aug 1992 10:40:33 +0000 (GMT)
From: jonc@status.gen.nz (Jon Clarke)
Subject: Masonic Mealtime customs.
Hi Peter,
I have been reading with delight this weeks issue of the digest
and thought it might be time for a comment from the other side of the
Masonry world, New Zealand.
I have read with interest comments from some of the people
attending Masonic functions and what toasts are given. Please allow
me to attempt to explain what we do here in New Zealand in all four of
the constitutions (English,Irish,Scotish and New Zealand but this is
not the case in all lodges under these several constitutions).
The after lodge function
------------------------
After a lodge meeting here in New Zealand it is a long standing
tradition to attend to the Festive Board. This is known by as many
different names as there are lodges in different districts but the
most common in my travels have been the following
Refectory
The South
The Festive Board
(Note: I have heard the same names used in Australia, United States,
England and Hong Kong in most degrees of Freemasonry)
After an evening or afternoon of honest labour in the lodge we
all retire to the adjoining Refectory. The stewards have laid out the
food and drinks on the tables and have tea and coffee inhand as we
reach the room.
For the first ten minutes most of us stand and chat to friends or
the likes while we quickly puff away on our cigarettes. The reason
for this is quite simple. There is NO SMOKING in Refectory until
after the toast to the Grand Lodge (or in some lodges till the toast
to the Queen) and this can be some thirty to forty minutes away
depending on what sort of a meeting has taken place in the lodge.
The Refectory is laid out in many ways depending on local
conditions but they all follow this basic layout
_______________________________________
| Top Table , For visiting Masters |
+---------------------------------------+
__ __ __ __
| | | | | | | | Tables for
| | | | | | | | visiting brothers
| | | | | | | | and
| | | | | | | | lodge members
+--+ +--+ +--+ +--+ (etc)
"Gentlemen, you will pay heed to the Chaplain", is normally the
next order given by the DC. A short prayer is given and we then enjoy
the snack or meal prepared for us.
From here onwards many lodges differ in the toasts but the next
toast is common to all constitutions.
The master stands and says "Gentlemen, I give you the loyal
toast. "God bless the Queen." To which we all rise with glass in
hand and respond "The Queen and the Craft" and resume our seats.
Toasts that follow in most cases are ...
* The toast to the Provincial Grand Master (Or Grand Master)
* The toast to the Grand Master, the Right Honourable ....
The DC stands and says "Those that wish, may". ( You may now smoke)
* The toast to the Visiting Brethren
* The reply from the visitors
* The toast to the Birthday Boys (From initiation in the order)
* The Tilers Toast (Last toast which starts ....
To all poor and distressed Freemasons where ever they may be
on land sea or air etc...)
These proceedings normally last for over an hour but you are free
to retire whenever you wish.
I have noted a few things that the readers of this in the USA do
that we do and visa versa, for instance
- 99% of lodges do have Whiskey, Beer and the likes in Refectory (Thus
the saying a "cut-lunch-job" after an installation as it is not
uncommon for 30 of the 200 odd attending to still be present in the
wee-hours, however this does differ from lodge to lodge) At one
installation and in fact at every meeting of one lodge close to me
here in Auckland, they have a master (now a PM) who makes "home brew"
beer and has the lodges name, square and compass on the bottle which
is indeed a nice touch.
- All meetings summer and winter (remember it is now our winter) are
attended in dinner suits or evening attire. It is a minimum that a
dark lounge suit be worn. (That is right no shorts chaps nor open
necked shirts without jackets, so if you are planning a visit bring a
suit.)
I hope this has been of use.
kind regards
_
Jon Clarke o( )
ARA #348 IC / /\ HSBC NZ EBD
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 92 08:12:58 EDT
From: morgan@engr.uky.edu (Wes Morgan)
Subject: Re: Southern Baptists and Freemasonry (MDv4n13)
>alt.activism
> Subject: News 08/15/92
> Message-ID: <128-PCNews-124beta@ccs.covici.com>
> From: covici@ccs.covici.com (John Covici)
>
> Another 1030 lines of the-world-as-seen-by-Lyndon-LaRouche. Includes:
>
> > The Prince Hall Masons' initiative occurs during a similar,
> >ecumenical campaign by leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention. The
> >Baptists' June 1992 national meeting adopted an anti-masonic
> >resolution targeting the ``racial discrimination'' of secret
> >societies. Recent literature of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod,
> >also hits white masonry for racism against blacks.
While I am not a Mason, I am a Southern Baptist; I consider
myself on the moderate side of the fence. I'd like to point out an
inaccuracy in this message, lest you consider Southern Baptists as
rabid anti-Masons.
During the June 1992 Convention, an individual delegate flooded
the Con- vention with leaflets describing his view of Masonry. While
I haven't read the entire text, the excerpts I have seen indicate
that, for some reason, this fellow *is* rabidly anti-Masonic. He was
successful in collecting enough votes to call for a *study* of Masonry
by one of the standing committees of the Convention. There was no
"anti-Masonic resolution"; the Convention's resolution merely
expressed "concern" and requested that a study be performed.
This has happened once or twice in the past, and the results have
been something along the lines of "Masonry is well within the bounds
of Christianity and the Southern Baptist Convention; Masonic
membership is the province of each individual's choice."
Two important points should be made here:
1) The Southern Baptist Convention is based on the notion that
the national organization cannot dictate policy to individual
churches (other than the basic tenets of the Baptist faith, as
outlined in "The Baptist Faith and Message"). While this "local
freedom" is being challenged (the Convention voted to "withdraw
fellowship" from two churches that ordained homosexuals, sparking
animated debate), the likelihood of a "Baptist encyclical" against
Masonry is extremely small. Even if such an "encyclical" were
produced, it would be considered as "guidance" by individual
churches; it would not have any "strength of law".
2) The member churches of the Convention are resisting the "Masonic
study". There have been many letters in the _Western Recorder_
(the official organ of the Kentucky Baptist Convention) from
Baptist Masons and concerned laymen; they have invariably sup-
ported Masonry. If there's sufficient interest, I could always
type in a few of the letters.
Anyone desiring more information may contact me via email.
--Wes
[ PT: This post is in response to part of one of my 'tidbits from the ]
[ net' articles - in fact, to a Lyndon LaRouche supporter's post. ]
[ LaRouche is notorious for spreading disinformation. ]
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 92 09:32:00 EDT
From: "brianh::naylor"@nearsd.ENET.dec.com>
Subject: Correction
In the article of mine in digest V4#13, the MWGM of Maryland is
named as John MacDaniel Smith. This was a typo (how did that get
through??). The MWGM is, of course, John McWilliams.
Brian
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1992 09:23 CST
From: "Alan Bradley (Bradley@Sask.Usask.Ca) DAVS, Room 26, Ed. Bldg."
Subject: Upon the brevity of Time
In Masonic Digest, Vol.4, Number 13, Todd Williams wrote:
> So much to read, so much to comment on, so little time, so little
> space. Seems I have heard this lament somewhere before.
It was, I believe, Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote so appropriately of
"the lyfe so short, the crafte so long to lerne"
Alan Bradley
==============================================================================
From: infmx!pythagoras!cardinal@uunet.UU.NET (Edward Cardinal)
Subject: Random Masonic Digest Replies
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 92 15:56:44 PDT
Just wanted to put forward some random thoughts that I have been
letting collect for a while...
Disclaimer: I'm at work, and don't have my library here (It's
actually quite extensive...) so if my facts are wrong, I apologize.
RE: IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME TO JOIN?
PTGARVIN@aardvark (Ted) asks if this is the right time to join.
While I firmly believe joining a lodge is about the best thing I've
ever done, I have found that all the activities can take up some time,
particularly when going through the degrees (learning the "work" of
the Craft). It takes even more time when you become an officer in the
line (something I wholehearted recommend). Doing this, and school, and
work, could take up all your free time and then some. Make sure you
will be able to make the commitment necessary to get the most out of
the experience.
Don't worry about the age of the membership, IMHO. I'm 33 years
old, and had the same doubts. What I found was that the older members,
while a bit stodgy on making some of the changes us younger members
are proposing, are a wonderful source of friendship, advice, humor,
and history. I spend a lot of time just listening to the great
stories. In my lodge, it took only a few younger members to start a
trend; our line now has an average age of about thirty-five. (I am
currently Senior Deacon, and will be jumping up to Senior Warden; our
current Senior Warden just celebrated his 30th birthday!) The older
members really like being able to relax and enjoy lodge more -- many
of them had served each chair in the officer's line multiple times.
I would suggest you join a lodge close to where you live during
the week; most lodges meet on a week night. I joined a lodge near
where I lived, then moved about 40 miles away. I still belong to my
original lodge, but the commute is pretty tough.
RE: SCOTTISH VS. YORK RITE
Brandon Ray asked about which to join.
I am a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree (Valley of San Jose, CA), as
well as a Noble (a.k.a. "Shriner" -- Islam Temple, SF CA). I have not
yet gone through the York Rite, but others I know who have been
through both tell me that in general, the York Rite has a slightly
more religious (read: Christian) flavor to its rituals. The Scottish
(not "Scotch") Rite is mainly historical in its rituals, and while
some religion oriented topics are presented, they try (in my opinion)
very hard to present multiple and unbiased (generally) views. Any
York-Riters out there care to enlighten me?
As far as Scottish Rite itself goes, their learning-disorder
clinic here in San Jose has done some spectacular work. I've had a lot
of fun there, too; I'm on the degree stage crew, I get a chance to
meet more Masons outside my Lodge, and they have one terrific Masonic
Library.
RE: WHY DID I DECIDE TO BECOME, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE, A MASON
Unlike a lot of Masons, no one in my immediate family is
Masonically connected in any way (POP! there goes one myth). In fact,
my Grandfather was in the Knights of Columbus (a Catholic fraternal
organization), and I myself am Catholic (POP! there goes another
myth). So, what happened?
My interest in Freemasonry started when I was quite young, as I
came across references in various literature, fiction and non-fiction.
The idea of a "secret" conspiratorial organization of powerful men was
fascinating to me. Of course, I thought, I could never _belong_
myself, being a middle-class Catholic and all.
When I was in college, I had the opportunity to re-charter a
fraternity that had been on campus since the turn of the century, but
had "gone under" in the turbulent Sixties (I went to Berkeley, where
at the time, "Fraternity" = "Establishment" = "Evil".) It turned out
the fraternity was founded by Masons, and an original requirement had
been that members had to be Master Masons. Hence, a LOT of the
fraternity ritual was derivative of Masonic ritual. The Masonic
requirement had gone away in the 20's-30's, but the ritual had stayed
the same. A number of the older Alumni had gone on to become Masons,
and by talking to them I realized my original conceptions about
Freemasonry were totally wrong. It was nothing like the fiction and
myth-as-non-fiction of my youth! They de-bunked the fantastic notions
of my childhood; instead, they talked of the charities, the
fellowship, and the social activities -- much like that I knew from
the college fraternity.
One day, after I had graduated, I was at a luncheon for the
fraternity. I was talking to someone I knew was a Mason, and I
finally summoned up the courage to ask: "What do I need to do to
become a Mason?" He replied, "You've just done it." He talked about
the requirements, and the application procedure. Unfortunately, he
went out of the country shortly after our talk, and we didn't connect
to follow through. About two years later, I was talking to another
fraternity brother over dinner. He said (to my surprise: he was much
younger than I) that he had just become a Master Mason. Immediately, I
said: "I want to be a Mason," and after the preliminaries, I became
one.
In a way, I was drawn to the fraternity by the mystery, but was
captivated by the reality. I am an active Mason now, because I enjoy
doing good for my community, I enjoy the fellowship of my brothers
(many of whom are now also close friends), and I like the idea that I
am preserving and passing on an immensely old tradition, one that I
feel truly deserves to be carried on.
(P.S. I've been told by conspiracy theorists that because I'm
Catholic, I'll never be initiated into "true" Masonry, only the
"cover" organization they maintain for appearances... :-)
RE: JARGON DICTIONARY FOR NON-MASONS:
Anyone interested in a thread to help out some of our non-Mason
subscribers? (Maybe this could be part of a FAQ). I have 10-15 entries
already, and could come up with more.
[PT: Excellent idea!]
[ Ed Cardinal Senior Deacon ]
[ Menlo Park-Penninsula Lodge #651]
[ cardinal@informix.com F&AM, AASR(SJ), AAONMS(SF) ]
[ DISCLAIMER: My Opinions. MINE! MINE! MINE! ]
==============================================================================
From: jprovo@gnu.ai.mit.edu
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 92 23:45:14 PDT
Subject: Masonic loyalty to the (just) State?
Thanks to the many who have sent me personal answers, as well as
those who have posted related material to the digest. I'm sorry if
again this sounds offensive, but from the realm of pure intellectual
curiosity wells a few questions...but I must say that I am greatly
saddened in seeing what a friend termed "political thinking" and
"demons of triviality" to do their work on something that seems so
idealistic as Masonry.
Anyway, onward; one more before I sink back into lurking. I
caught a reference to an oath to 'the State' a while back.... keeping
in mind some of the ideals of Masonry & some of the actions of Masons
in history, shouldn't that _really_ be 'a *just* State'? I had been
under the impression that politics [or, rather, extra-Mason politics]
were taboo; isn't any statement on a governing body [a toast to the
Queen, say, or president] political? [OK, maybe not in an Ideal
World, but....]
Joe, off to lurk more.
Disclaimer: "I'm the only one foolish enough to claim these opinions as mine."
jprovo@gnu.ai.mit.edu jzp@gene.ummed.edu
Russell Street UN*X Consultations and Development (NIC handle: JZP)
Rev. Dkr. Nick LaRG0, ASC
[ PT: I don't have my reference to hand- I'll try to reply later. ]
==============================================================================
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 92 17:29:27 PDT
From: bergman@panzer.net.com (Bill Bergman)
Subject: Unusual apron spotted.
Peter, I thought I might mention briefly an apron that I saw at
the San Mateo County Fairgounds antique show. One of the dealers had a
black triangular shaped apron displayed. On the front of the apron was
a skull and crossbones. Along thesides were what looked like pewter
colored medallions with strange symbols on each. One of the symbols
was definitely Masonic (square and compass etc.) and the hair on my
neck actually stood up when I made this discovery.
I wanted to buy it to get it out of public view, as I saw it as
one more undeserved negative about Freemasonry. As it was, I did take
pictures of it, andshowed it to my father, who has more Masonic
history than I. He had never seen something quite like this either,
and speculated that it was probably one more group in history that
tried to use Masonic symbols to appear a part of Masonry.
Dad doesn't get appalled as readily as I do. Unfortunately, the
price was too high. Have you heard of anything like I described?
-Bill Bergman
[PT: Probably an old Knight Templar apron.]
==============================================================================
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 21:33:16 EDT
From: David White
Subject: Freemasonry
Louisville, Kentucky
Phone: 502-339-0470
Peter,
Could you please explain to me the difference between F&AM and
AF&AM? Can a member of a F&AM lodge visit a AF&AM lodge? Do they
consider each other regular lodges?
I saw the AF&AM lodge mentioned in the last digest. I am a
member of a F&AM lodge. Since I am a new member to the fraternity, I
try to learn everything I can about Masonry. Your digest has helped
me to learn something about what is going on in the rest of the
country concerning Masonry.
Thanks,
David L. White
Pewee Valley Lodge #829
[ PT There was a major schism in Masonry in the mid 18th - mid 19th C.]
[ In 1717 the Grand Lodge of England was formed, but in the 1750s (?) a ]
[ rival, the "Antient" (Ancient) GL appeared, claiming older practices ]
[ than the original (Modern) GL. This schism continued for over 80 ]
[ years, and spans the time the American War of Independence. Different ]
[ Masonic factions gained the upper hand in different states, and ]
[ started to call themselves either Free & Accepted Masons, or Ancient ]
[ Free & Accepted Masons. Many differences in ritual practice can be ]
[ traced to this history. Masons from F&AM and AF&AM lodges today mingle]
[ with no problems. Sigh... I should have a FAQ for this sort of stuff. ]
==============================================================================
From: Jacques M. Goldsmith
Subject: Re: Masonic Digest, Vol. 4, Number 13.
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 92 10:43:59 EDT
Peter,
>[ PT: I myself was raised in Courland-Centennial #763, which meets in ]
>[ the Colonial Room on the 16th floor of the GL of New York. If you ever]
Not to nit-pick, but the Colonial Room is on the 10th floor.
jmg
[ PT: Jacques is the man who brought me into Masonry. ]
==============================================================================
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 92 10:29:45 CDT
From: "Don Stowell, Jr."
Organization: North Dakota Higher Education Computer Network
Subject: Scottish Rite Theatrical Symposium
This is an attempt to give clear notice to readers of a
Symposium, "Theatre of the Fraternity: Staging the Sacred Space of the
Scottish Rite", taking place September 10, 11, and 12 in Minneapolis,
with trips to Duluth and St. Paul.
The Symposium is the result of a Planning Grant from the National
Endowment for the Humanities and sponsored by the Art Museum of the
University of Minnesota, Lyndel King, Director, which wrote the
proposal. The Symposium is being called to advise those of us
involved in the collection and interpretation of images from Scottish
Rite degree work what directions we should pursue to complete the
project. The deadline for the Implementation Grant is December, so
the timing of this Symposium is crucial.
While the Symposium is not "open to the public," since it is
conceived as a working session, if anyone were really "on fire" to
attend, arrangements might be made. Most of us are not masons, but
several masonic scholars are involved. The S.G.I.G. of Minnesota as
well as officials in Washington, DC, and Lexington, MA, are well aware
of the event and have given their blessing. Anyone interested in
attending should contact Dr. Duane Anderson, Chair, Mathmatics
Department, 108 Heller Hall, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55812
Office (218) 726)8255. Dr. Anderson is an active brother and has
advised the project for several years.
The schedule is as follows: Thuesday, Sept. 10. Scottish Rite Temple,
Minneapolis, 9:00 a.m. Sketches (scenic and costume), models, extant
costumes, catalogs, and ancillary pieces will be available for
examination. Ten scholars will give 30 minute presentations. Five
minutes will be allowed for discussion by participants, consultants
and the Scottish Rite Advisory Board, comprised of Dr. Anderson; S.
Brent Morris, Columbia, MD; Dan Levenduski, S.G.I.G. of MN; David
Board, Nat'l Museum of History; Keith Bailey, President, Fraternal
Supplies, Inc.
Presentations:
1. Dr. Duane Anderson (Scottish Rite Historian)
2. Mary Clawson (Sociologist, masonic analyst)
3. Lynn Dumenil (Historian)
4. Barbara Franco (Gender Issues; former curator, Museum of Our
National Heritage, Lexington, MA; now MN Historical Society)
5. Dr. M. Kent Neely (Myth and Ritual in Drama)
6. Paul Larson (Architecture of the Temple)
7. Will D. Moore (Regalia and Equipment for the Blue Lodge)
8. C. Lance Brockman (Use of Theatrical Scenery)
9. Dr. Don Stowell, Jr. (Development of Costuming and Regalia)
10. Dr. Larry Hill (Use of Stage Lighting and Effects)
Friday, Sept. 11. Scottish Rite Temple, Duluth. Travel 2 1/2 hrs to
Duluth to view scenery supplied by the Sosman and Landis Company of
Chicago, to examine costumes, and to demonstrate lighting effects.
Saturday, Sept. 12. Scottish Rite Temple, St. Paul. Look at selected
scenes, costumes, and lighting effects from this collection. Main
objective is to develop strategy for the writing implementation grant.
The ultimate aim is to attain funding for a touring exhibition
which explains the ties between the theatre and the fraternity. Most
of the scenery hanging in lofts above the stages of the Scottish Rite
Temples was painted around the turn of the twentieth century by
artists who were employed initially and primarily as scenic painters
in the theatre. Their skills were considerable, but have nearly
become extinct. Since theatre tends to throw away what is not of
immediate value to them, most of this scene painting has long since
disappeared.
The impetus for this whole project began nearly 25 years ago with
my scene design professor at the University of Texas at Austin, the
late Dr. John R. Rothgeb. John was an excellent scenic painter and
admired the elder artists. He obtained for the Theatre Collection a
salesman's sample theatre with a set of Scottish Rite scenery in
minature. From that origin, he sought entrance to the Temple in
Austin, but had to resort to asking the Governor of the State, Allen
Shivers, to force members to show him the scenery. Years have passed
and attitudes have softened. We honor his vision and his memory
through pursuing this work. John had actually obtained an unpublished
autobiography of a major scenic artist, Thomas Moses, which has
provided us endless insights and clues about how the work was
accomplished.
From a costuming standpoint, I have located photographs of the
English actor Henry Irving wearing costumes in the 1880's which could
have been made by the same hand as those I recently photographed in
Guthrie, OK, and Wichita, KS. I have traced the history of The C. E.
Ward Company of New London, OH [now Fraternal Supplies, Inc., and the
source of original Ames Sword Company materials]; The M. C. Lilley
Company of Columbus, OH; The Henderson-Ames Company, Kalamazoo, MI;
the E. A. Armstrong Company, Detroit and Chicago; among others. I
would be delighted to hear from anyone with information or insights on
these, or any other costume suppliers; my interest is primarily in
nineteenth century and early twentieth century pratices, not in
today's.
I have been working to establish a permanent archives to preserve
and study the costumes no longer used in fraternal bodies. The Home
Economics Department of Clothing and Textiles at North Dakota State
University has an extensive clothing collection and is eager to accept
the few costumes I have collected in my travels. The aim is to
preserve, conserve, and exhibit costumes as a way of NDSU recently it
may be because of the announced donation of musical arrangements and
memorabilia from the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. The long-range goal is
to have a major public display area which would attract visitors and
would interpret our cultural arts within a university context.]
The point is, I think, that the theatrical heritage of the
Scottish Rite is of enormous interest, both within and outside of the
brotherhood. We have always approached this project with respect and
honor and look forward to receiving any suggestions, ideas, catalogs,
or costumes. Thank you for your interest in this project.
I can be reached on Bitnet STOWELL@NDSUVM1; Office (701) 237)2732;
FAX (701) 237; Snailmail: Don Stowell, Jr., Director, Division of
Fine Arts, North Dakota State University, Box 5691, SU Station,
Fargo, ND 58105)5691
==============================================================================
From: "JS"
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 11:28:21 -0500
Subject: Unsatisfied with Rainbow.
[ PT: JS is a recent addittion to the list]
One concern I have: I was a worthy matron at a young age (19)[I
had been a worthy advisor in Rainbow girls, we had someone drop out of
"the line" I was the only person who would take the position without
having been the proceeding positions.] I haven't been active in my
middle age but I pay my dues. My biggest problem with the Masonic
Lodge and associated bodies in general is the lack of allowing
minorities to participate. Its ok in other countries I'm told for a
black to be a member but not in the USA [they have their own lodges].
The ONLY reason I was given was that most Blacks were descendents of
slaves... Well, as any one in genealogy knows, they were a great
number of white indentured servants that came to the US in the late
1700's. I hope the younger members are considering addressing these
issues. Those of us in the dependent organizations have to go by the
rules the Masons set up so in Rainbow we were not allowed to have a
black member, but a Filipino girl was OK [Although several people were
consulted on this]. I prefer to spend my free time hours being
involved at Toastmasters where I get great emotional support and
there's no restrictions on membership. Rarely, have I met members in
Toastmasters that would not come up to the ideals promulgated in the
Masonic order and its associated groups. I really hate to see the
membership declining so! Does anyone else have concerns over these
issues? [If you publish this question please remove my name and
company, thanks]
JS
[ PT: I've responded to JS privately, but don't know much about the ]
[ current situation in Rainbow. ]
==============================================================================
Date: Mon, 07 Sep 92 15:50:47 MEZ
From: Rudolf WYTEK
Subject: A note from Austria
Many thanks for your thorough TOC of American Masonic Review - it
is very interesting that your American problems with Prince Hall
masonry are similar to the discussions here in Europe about women and
masonry. So we all have our rough stones which need a lot of time and
work, common work without a lot of noise as we all know good enough.
You mention a Masonic Renewal Committee revealing a blueprint for
the year 2000. Could you give a little more information to this?
[ PT: Don't have the AMR to hand - I'll try to get it. ]
And last but not least: This Masonic Digest is a super idea and I
thank you very much for all this work and
the privilege to get the fruits of this work.
Notice: The GL of Austria celebrates during September the 250th
anniversary of the founding of the first Austrian lodge
with the name 'AUX TROIS CANONS'.
There is a masonic symposium with several themes from the
past, the present and the future. Vienna's historical museum
opens on the 17th of September a large exhibition about
freemasonry from 1742 to 1992 will be opened. Also the
exhibition in castle Rosenau - the Austrian Masonic museum -
has the same theme. I can write you more if there should be
interest.
[PT: Please do - also any info on new activity in Eastern Europe. ]
Best regards on the points of the triangle, Rudolf Wytek, Vienna, Austria.
==============================================================================
Subject: Masonic tidbits from the net.
--------------------
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Subject: Re: Orthodox
You may remember that in the previous issue I was taking Mark
Gilstrap to hand for mentioning that in Indianapolis the People's
Temple and an irregular Russian Orthodox group met near the "masonic
mall", which I took as a typo for "Masonic Hall".
I had to eat crow on this one. Turns out that there is a large
mall in the area, which includes the Scottish Rite Temple!
--------------------
Newsgroups: alt.conspiracy
Subject: Masons
Message-ID: <1715@grivel.une.edu.au>
Date: 25 Aug 92 17:41:36 GMT
> Could anyone tell me about the Freemasons? It seems like a massive
> orginisation, yet it is almost never spoken about. I have heard that
> Jack the Ripper was actualy a Mason(this is doubtful though).
This was followed up by several posts, including one from myself
reccomending the Masonic Digest. It segued into discussions of Jack
the Ripper and Mormonism.
--------------------
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.history
Subject: Re: Rantings from the "new" religious right
From: DGPAZ@CLEMSON.BITNET
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 15:47:00 EDT
...wonders if any prominent Republicans are Masons (apparently in hope
of driving a wedge between them and Fundamentalist Christians).
--------------------
From: mol@jyu.fi (Mika O. Latokartano)
Subject: Re: The Necronomicon and H.P. Lovecraft
Message-ID: <1992Aug28.111912.6051@jyu.fi>
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 11:19:12 GMT
Quotes "Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, 2nd Ed." that
Lovecrafts father was an "Egyptian Freemason".
--------------------
From: markk@sagredo.West.Sun.COM (Mark Kampe)
Newsgroups: alt.magick,soc.culture.german,soc.culture.jewish
Subject: Re: Crowley's Significance? (Hitler)
Date: 28 Aug 1992 16:33:23 GMT
Message-ID:
Notes (Crowley's) "scholarly works on the history of Fremasonry..."
(without naming them).
--------------------
Newsgroups: alt.pagan
Subjects: Knights Templar||Who/what is Baphomet?||Templars not Masons
Authors: Various.
Date: Late Aug/early Sept
Extended thread covering the Templar/Mason theories. Much
confusion over the "Order of DeMolay". Includes multiple posts from a
"gerda@brewich.hou.tx.us (Gerda Thunarsson)" who insists that the
Masons are "Luciferian". I strongly reccomend reading this thread if
it's available to you. Many of the followups have been excellent.
--------------------
Newsgroups: alt.magick
Subject: Lost Keys of Fremasonry
From: markk@sagredo.West.Sun.COM (Mark Kampe)
Message-ID:
> I recently picked up and read this work by Manly Hall. I very much enjoyed
> it, but I saw little relationship between that book and the Shriners I
> have known. I was simultaneously impressed and depressed - impressed by the
> significant structure dedicated to completing an important work - depressed
> by the fear that these keys are indeed lost (or at best little-used).
> I have knowingly known a few high-degree masons. While they were nice guys,
> none of them impressed me as having made great progress towards the
> completion. Comeraderie ... yes. Philanthropy ... yes. Fraternity
> ... yes. Spiritual growth, transformation and purification ...........
> Are there lodges that are more dedicated to the spiritual growth elements
> of masonry? Is everyone over twelfth degree actually dedicated to building
> the temple and I just never noticed it? Is the spiritual path actually
> tended by a few 38+ degree wierdos who have long since learned that talking
> about it is alot like teaching a pig to sing?
I get a lot of posts like this... Perhaps the digest can halp draw
like-minded Masons together.
--------------------
Newsgroups: alt.conspiracy
Subject: Apocalypse Culture (was Re: the rapture)
Message-ID: <1992Sep4.033314.7719@news.nd.edu>
Date: 4 Sep 92 03:33:14 GMT
> Speaking of the book _Apocalypse Culture_, what do you think of the
> Masonic conspiracy article that was in it? (I think it was entitled
> something like "King Kill 33") Basically it stated that the Masons
> were powerful magicians who were on the verge of world domination
> because of the high level spell called "King Kill" (?). It was a
> three part spell- the first was the killing of the king (JFK
> assassination), the second was "Drawing down the moon" (the astronauts
> bringing back moonrocks) and I forget the third part. (I believe it
> might have had to do with nuclear testing.)
> Anyway, the author, who claims to be in hiding because he knows too
> much, cites the fact that Masons were involved in all of the above and
> are about to take over. Has anyone read any of this elsewhere?
....I just gotta get a copy of this :-)
-----
Follow-up from: anachem@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (mark gilstrap)
Message-ID:
> If there is truth to this recounting, then the king would not be JFK,
> but a real monarch. The actions of Freemasonry are more than simple
> spell-casting and symbology.
>
> It is reported that the widespread assasinations of royalty in the
> first decades of this century were the result of masonic conspiracy.
> Most notably the removal of Tsar Nicholas (the last reigning emperor
> in the lineage of Constantine - christian mon- archy ) has been
> equated to the end of the Roman era (Moscow was the third Rome after
> the second - Constantinople) as pro- phesied in the Book of Daniel.
> The removal of the "power which restrains" evil in this world (II
> Thess 2) was the effect of the murder of the Tsar (this is hard for us
> to understand, but the influence of the Christian Emperor over Church
> life all over the world was remarkable at that time - if for no other
> reason than the vast wealth which was sent everywhere in the
> missionary activity - there are many churches in the USA built by the
> direct contribution from the Tsar).
>
> The removal of this influence from the face of the earth was the
> turning point in what my grandparents, who were alive at that time,
> saw as the rapid degeneration of morality and the rise of apostasy,
> wars and all sorts of disruptions. The events in Russia were pro-
> phesied by certain 18th century saints and truly the 70 years of
> suffering there was precipitated by these events of biblical
> proportions. The arising of the New Age of neopaganism is an- other
> sign of the post-Christian nature of this century. World War I (which
> began in Serbia) never ended. New World Order as a term was first
> widely used by Woodrow Wilson. The literal invasion of the West by
> demon worshipping swamis and fakirs, channeled religion such as Madame
> Blavatsky's (and her white lodge ascended masters) and such as
> Theosophy all date to this very active time in history when all Hell
> began to break loose
>
> (literally - the bonds were loosed - "their time has come" as the
> neopagans chant on the feast of Samhain when they dance with the
> demons.) Today we see in the news that a new age guru channeler in
> Cinncinnati accurately predicted the appearance of a Marian apparition
> in Cold Springs Ky - these who commune with demons, now predict
> visions which act to severely delude those who pay them any attention.
> I find it very interesting that "Jesus" and "Mary" appear on cue from
> channelers. It is clear in Scripture that demons can appear as angels
> of light and even appear as the Lord himself. We see that the demons
> have increased their activity. The appearance on the scene of UFO's in
> the midst and aftermath of nuclear war (WWII) is another sign of the
> times (the times of demonic delusion before the end).
>
> I digress.
>
> The anti-monarchist, anti-clerical prejudices of Freemasonry are well
> known and were displayed quite openly in the French Revolution. In
> Russia, the truth was more hidden in a darkness borne out of
> additional experience in these matters. But there cer- tainly seems to
> be truth in the "death of monarchy" aspect of a conspiracy by
> Freemasonry.
>
> The Grand Architect of Freemasonry is a god above all other gods. That
> is why masons can accept christians, jews and muslims in their lodges
> depending on the prevailing religion in an area. They are the
> promulgators of the concept of Ecumenism which forces a false respect
> for others' beliefs while all the while imposing a new god who stands
> in opposition to the old, who will sit in Jerusalem as if he were god
> and pro- claim to be god - who is the Antichrist. It is my opinion
> that the conspiracy of freemasonry is the preparation of the world for
> the reign of the Beast.
>
> Overstated perhaps, but for your serious consideration,
> Fr Mark
Mark's been on this kick for at least two years now, and has
literally expressed pride in his refusal to be drawn into rational
debate on the subject.
--------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: alt.activism
Date: 05 Sep 92 08:52 PDT
Subject: Time to Loosen Organge Grip on Unio
Message-ID: <1296500332@igc.apc.org>
Claims Protestants in Northern Ireland have a stranglehold on labor
unions there, and maintain it by such means as meeting in "Orange and
Masonic Halls (no-go areas for Catholics)".
--------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: sanet.talk.politics
From: g91h7029@alpha.ru.ac.za (Wayne Humphries)
Subject: Dear Noble Savage
Message-ID:
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 06:36:04 GMT
Mr. Humphries (who appears to be avidly pro-apartheid) claims of
the "ex-police generals" of South Africa (whom he seems to regard as
insuffiently pro-white):
> The ex-police generals are all freemasons. That's how they got to the
> top, and that's why they are falling from the top.
--------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
From: jewell@MACE.CC.PURDUE.EDU (Larry Jewell)
Subject: 'NamVet Newsletter, Vol.5, no.6, (3/7)
Message-ID: <9209060244.AA07139@mace.cc.purdue.edu>
Date: 6 Sep 92 02:41:26 GMT
Discusses work with a local Masonic lodge to raise funds for a
wheelchair needed by a woman with Multiple Sclerosis.
--------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: alt.rock-n-roll
From: cdaly@access.digex.com (CHRIS DALY)
Subject: Re: Amused to Death
Message-ID: <1992Sep2.145117.4570@access.digex.com>
Date: 2 Sep 92 14:51:17 GMT
> If you are interested in Rogs side of the Story (Plus good "digs" at
> the Masons) you should check out "ROCK LIVES" by Timothy White. This
> book has a GREAT interview of Rog and talks about the "Original"
> Amused to Death album that Rog wrote in '88.
BTW, there seems to be a group called Boxcar which has a track
called "Freemason (You broke the promise)". Anyone know what it's
about?
==============================================================================
End of MASONIC Digest
*********************
E-Mail Fredric L. Rice / The Skeptic Tank
|