Hello all,

Before opening the topic, I would like to congratulate all moderators for their brotherly spirit and the professional expert advise they give all inquiries.

I am a new EA, ready to sit the FC test in Oct. My initiation ceremony will stay fresh in my soul and memory for the rest of my life. I guess for a long time I will still be finding meanings in the ceremony and its symbolistic.

I an educated in exact sciences (engineering), but I have been interested in philosophy and the history of religions for a long time. I am not an expert in this matter, but i do not speak as an ignorant either. What I firmly believe is that there is nothing in the realm of beliefs, doctrines, moral codes, or creeds that comes as close to the essence of human existence and its quest for enlightenment and communication with the Eternal Creator as freemasonry does. In religious terms, I am a deist who firmly believes that if Christianity were to develop according to Jesus and not to Peter, Paul and Constantine, human development and civilisation in general would be farther advanced today.

The craft has done its part in reducing and limiting the damage and suffering that obscurantism and dogma propagated by the Catholic Church have created for many centenaries. For the past 4500 years, those seeking brotherly love, truth and higher consciousness have a welcoming door to knock to.

I am very hopeful that the Craft will continue to do its part toward strengthening the human spirit, elevating humankind consciousness and enlightening its soul in direct communication with the Great Geometer. Therefore I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of that quest. Thank you so much!

George

Cascade #5 Lodge, Banff, Alberta

Welcome brother.

Might I suggest that you refrain from making statements such as you did?  What you are basically is doing is using your first post on our forum to say that you believe the religious groups of one are superior to the others.  Not a good start, Masonically speaking.

Whether or not I may personally agree with your opinions, know this: that kind of behavior is inappropriate and unwelcome, not to mention offensive to some of the members here.  Freemasonry brings men of different backgrounds and faiths together.  Comments like yours are what separates men. 

There are members here who are Catholic, just as there are members here who are not Christian at all. 

You are welcome here to discuss all things about Freemasonry, but if you are here to evangelize or judge others based on your interpretation of God, you are better off finding another place to do it.

Now that all that is out of the way, I truly hope you enjoy this forum.  Best of luck as you progress toward the sublime degree of Master Mason.

Hello Bro.Dan,

I am very sorry that my post has created this perception, in no way was my intention to offend anyone, let alone ‘evangelise’ a certain belief. Please accept my apologies.

George

Don’t worry brother, we’re all good now.  As long as we all play by the rules, everyone is happy.  Didn’t mean to bite anyone’s head off, just wanted to make sure the point was understood.

I hope I didn’t scare you away.