[Apologetics] Can Catholics also be Masons?

[Dianne Dawson]

http://annunciations.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/can-catholics-also-be-masons/
   
  Can Catholics also be Masons?    The answer is no!
   From The Pilot:
    The question repeatedly arises, and the answer is still no, a Vatican official reminded participants at a recent conference on Freemasonry.
  The worldwide fraternal group certainly accomplishes impressive charitable works, as its 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children attest.
  But Freemasonry’s core philosophy is incompatible with the Catholic faith, noted Bishop Gianfranco Girotti at a forum on the issue at Rome’s St. Bonaventure Pontifical Theological Faculty, Zenit news reported.
  Bishop Girotti, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, quoted the 1983 “Declaration on Masonic Associations,” signed by then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
  The text states that since the principles of Masonic associations “have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church,” membership in them, therefore, “remains forbidden.”
  Later in the article they reference the excellent book by John Salza (a former Mason) on the topic:
    Apparently there are more than a few clergy unclear on the issue.
  In a book released by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, author John Salza explains how as a lifelong Catholic, he was initiated into Wisconsin’s Masonic Lodge.
  Although attracted by its camaraderie and philanthropy, he became increasingly troubled by its philosophy. His parish priest was unaware of any prohibition against joining.
  Finally, Salza became more literate in his own faith, and found theologians who showed him the light. In “Masonry Unmasked: An Insider Reveals the Secrets of the Lodge,” he gives a Catholic perspective.



Like a deer that longs for running waters so my soul longs for you, O God.

Ps 42:1
 
 



       
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