--Previous Message--
: Well, Pete, thus far the evidence available
: for easy analysis lacks substance worth
: commenting on.
Not too sure why the analysis has to be "easy" but nevertheless numerous authors and researchers have written at length as well as many testimonies from former Masons which extensively cover Masonry's hostility (direct and indirect) against the Catholic Church and it's teaching.
e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Lodge-Door-Freemasonry-America/dp/0895554550
""Behind the Lodge Door is at once an in-depth and probing analysis of Masonic activity in four principal areas of influence, especially as they relate to the United States, but it is also an overview of the Masonic fraternity in general that will enlighten and inform the reader and make a perusal of this book most worthwhile. Those four areas are: 1)the religious education issue in the U.S.; 2) opposition to the Catholic Church; 3) the molding and directing of national political and social policy; and 4) how the Masons attract their members.
"But further, the author who documents thoroughly everything he writes touches upon a host of interesting topics, such as the birth and rise of Freemasonry, its roots in the ancient mystery religions and gnostic cults, the Catholic Church's early and traditional condemnation of the Craft, its scope and influence in American national social and political life, its opposition to the practice of religion, its activities in various other countries (Italy, Germany, France, Japan, China, the Philippines,etc.), its rapprochement with the Catholic Church (especially during the 1960s), how it is in a very real sense a religion of its own, how it is politically extra-national, and many others.
"This book shows how for over 150 years the political policy of the United States was marked by governmental cooperation with and encouragement of Christianity in the schools and in social and political life. However, the situation changed dramatically beginning in 1941 when the Supreme Court for the first time in its history became dominated by justices who were members of the Masonic fraternity. It was a dominance that continued for the next 30 years, and resulted in the imposition of an alien secular humanism on American education and upon the country's political life."
:
: We could all begin to imagine that the
: clerical sexual abuse scandals are part of a
: grand conspiracy courtesy inspired by the
: Masonic lodges. On the other hand the
: criminal justice systems of many countries
: appear not to detect any Masonic influence
: on the ongoing investigations, and trials of
: the miscreants.
I haven't heard that the clerical sexual scandals WERE considered a Masonic conspiracy. The overreaching message of the article posted and of Papal condemnations is of the significant philosophical and theological implications of Masonic principles and activity that has clearly underpinned and influenced the shaping of the modern world for the last several hundred years, from the French and American revolutions, atheistic communism and the liberal secular state associated with alienation of the Catholic Church and it's teaching.
: Paranoid behaviour never persuades me.
:
Critcizing Freemasonry also seems to bring out a paranoia in some individuals which sees them leap to knee jerk accusations that others must be paranoid to even dare suggest Freemasons and their philosophy may be in any way problematic.
: On the other hand when/if something of
: substance is presented that ties a Masonic
: lodge to action against the institution...I
: will be pleased to discuss this matter with
: relish.
As I have indicated there already exists a vast body of substantial writings, research and testimonies. You appear unwilling to acknowledge or fairly examine this material in favour of repeating defensive and cliched accusations against anyone who addresses the subject.
Pete
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