OK, OK. Let me apologetically concede your point regarding the CBF definition…but that leads to my aforementioned frustration with the lack of biblical, doctrinal consistency on many issues, including homosexuality, by those who style themselves moderate or liberal or whatever (see, herein lies my gripe…for the sake of discussing a view point, no one of those broadly brushed into ‘your camp’ will allow the issue to be nailed down!…Much like the argument from Dr. Gushee. He appears to follow the lead of Brian McLaren in asserting that we need to have a generous orthodoxy…or a sort of patient “careful, unhurried process of Christian discernment related to scriptural teachings”).

[Careful Debbie, here comes some popcorn :-) ]…

Scripturally we have a “faith once for delivered to the saints” (Jude v. 3) for which we are called to contend. How can anyone defend that which they will not clearly define?

Chris and Tom,

While I can appreciate the discussion on Freemasonry, let’s not stray too much further off topic, please.
;-)

SOLA GRATIA!

Just as the sin of homosexuality is typically a closet issue, I think it is healthy for the leadership of the church not to sweep things under the rug with Freemasonry. Obviously, Freemasonry is a closet issue and idolatrous activity by design of the group. So, it is beneficial for the church to love these Christian men that have entered into idolatry as they would with a Christian that continues to have homosexual tendencies or thoughts.

I get the same reaction from those engaged in idolatry that I get from those engaged in homosexuality…..but that should not stop of from sharing how Christ can free us from those sins that so easily beset us. That’s what brothers and sisters in Christ do.

The SBC did attempt to say something back in 1992,…but the “broom” won. Exposing sin for what it is seems to be allowable by God….

Ephesians 5:6-13 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (7) Therefore do not be partakers with them; (8) for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (9) (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), (10) trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (11) Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; (12) for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. (13) But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Certainly the light has exposed Freemasonry for what it is…but, the closet door seems to have been nailed shut for some time in a lot of congregations. Fortunately some congregations are confronting this hideous secret sin and their congregations are blessed.

Good question though,

Blessings,
Chris

Do you think Baptist Churches should have something to say about Masons, because I rarely hear anything spoken about the Masons?

Do you think Baptist Churches should have something to say about Masons, because I rarely hear anything spoken about the Masons?

Do you think Baptist Churches should have something to say about Masons, because I rarely hear anything spoken about the Masons?

I hate to keep taking up so much space here (I’m sure others would agree with that). But you hit again on an important fact when you said “At least a couple Southern Baptists described the Masons as a non-issue”. That is the same response you get from a Christian man choosing the homosexual lifestyle. They say, that’s just the way I am,…or was born to be (a good community Samaritan). Mason’s are no different in their estimation. They say that it is just a business fraternity…its been in the family for generations. Its just seems natural and we do a lot of good things in the community. They choose to worship idols for different reasons….No harm done.

Same song, second verse.

Blessings,
Chris

My point is “fallen man” can pick their poison. God places Idolaters in the same category as homosexuals, so it appears that man is naturally bent to sin, whether as an idol factory or in sexual perversion (whether the man lusts after a woman or a man). The church has always treated certain sin with less fervor than other sin, but that does not license the leadership in the church to turn an unhurried blind eye to either and should share the peace of the gospel with both.

The reason I mention both of these blatant sins, is that both are easily seen, but seem to have different treatments inside the church. Both should be met with the truth of scripture and the patience of men and women to confront the sin in love to the glory of God.

Blessings,
Chris

I’m not well versed on the Freemasons but there was an interesting discussion over at BaptistLife.com just a few weeks ago on the topic of Freemasonry. At least a couple Southern Baptists described the masons as a non-issue.

I believe that Free Masonry is in the same category of natural sins of behavior as Homosexuality. Both idolaters and homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God according to Him. A comparison of treatment in the church on those behaviors may raise a few eyebrows.

Blessings,
Chris