Saturday, October 13, 2007
Seven Hundred Years Ago Today
Seven hundred years ago today, a king and a pope conspired to rob, kill and destroy the monastic order of the Knights Templar. They succeeded, for the most part. Fortunately, a number escaped with their lives and, likely, their treasure. The latter was especially frustrating for the king.
Were the Templars perfect? Were they always on the side of the right? Were they likely to have been foes to my Baptist ancestors? Would they have been my adversary? Certainly, they would not have considered a Baptist boy like me as friendly to their regal troupe.
Yet, it's amazing how persecution and suppression can make such strange bedfellows. Now, centuries later, many Baptists proudly belong to this holy fraternity. Evolution and revolution have made changes in society, religion and culture that have transformed old enemies into new friends.
Isn’t that the foundation of Masonry? Brethren of vastly differing circumstances and religions finding a common ground through their faith in God, a hope for the Resurrection and confidence that men can be better than they are. It’s a legacy that, should the Lord delay His return another seven hundred years, I hope and pray survives and thrives and perseveres in binding men together by the cement of brotherly love.
Holiness to the Lord!
Were the Templars perfect? Were they always on the side of the right? Were they likely to have been foes to my Baptist ancestors? Would they have been my adversary? Certainly, they would not have considered a Baptist boy like me as friendly to their regal troupe.
Yet, it's amazing how persecution and suppression can make such strange bedfellows. Now, centuries later, many Baptists proudly belong to this holy fraternity. Evolution and revolution have made changes in society, religion and culture that have transformed old enemies into new friends.
Isn’t that the foundation of Masonry? Brethren of vastly differing circumstances and religions finding a common ground through their faith in God, a hope for the Resurrection and confidence that men can be better than they are. It’s a legacy that, should the Lord delay His return another seven hundred years, I hope and pray survives and thrives and perseveres in binding men together by the cement of brotherly love.
Holiness to the Lord!
Labels: Baptist, Freemasonry, History, king, Knights Templar, legacy, Pope
Thursday, October 11, 2007
You Might Be a Mason If...
I received this email from a brother and thought it would be nice to post on my blog.
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We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. Here's an interesting spin that you might enjoy.
We all respect the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so Masons to back me up.
You might be a Mason if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."
You might be a Mason if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a Mason if: You still say " Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival." or "Happy Holidays.'
You might be a Mason if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a Mason if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a Mason if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You might be a Mason if: You've never burned an American flag.
You might be a Mason if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a Mason if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You might be a Mason if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
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I'm sure you'll agree. That was a thoughtful little email.
*********************************************************************************
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. Here's an interesting spin that you might enjoy.
We all respect the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so Masons to back me up.
You might be a Mason if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."
You might be a Mason if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a Mason if: You still say " Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival." or "Happy Holidays.'
You might be a Mason if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a Mason if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a Mason if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.
You might be a Mason if: You've never burned an American flag.
You might be a Mason if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a Mason if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You might be a Mason if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
*******************************************************************************
I'm sure you'll agree. That was a thoughtful little email.
Labels: country, flag, God, Masonry, patriotism, veterans
