Hi Jayb No I am not a JW. They are a false cult who twist the Scriptures and have their own translation of the bible as you seem to know. You also know JW's don't vote.

O sung Wu There is no denying that many freemasons do many great works and are some of the nicest people going around. Some Muslims especially from places like Indonesia are lovely people. The Christian faith has been examined, criticised, or believed upon by some. Christ either rose from the dead and spoke the truth or it's all garbage as most on ill and probably in Ausie believe. If freemasonry is based on the truth then you should be secure in it and its teachings. I happen to believe it denies Jesus Christ as the Risen Lord and the only way to salvation.

OSW: I can only hope you're not casting aspersions upon Freemasonry or Freemasons.

Not at all. My own Grandfather was a Freemason. I believe the "Order of St. Michael" is reasonably high up. He certainly had a lot of paraphernalia on his Apron. Mind you, in the Burdekin you couldn't get a job in the Sugar Mills unless you were a Mason. The Temple in Ayr, Nth. Qld. is Huge.

runner: then a 7DA, possibly. I went to a "Get ya head together" TAFE Course in Beauy when I first got here. (PTSD) Mainly to get to know some of the locals. It turns out the Instructor was a 7DA Skypilot who turned the Course into a recruiting Campaign. He said the only way to get your head together was to read the Bible anything else was rubbish. Suddenly the Course was starting & ending with a Prayer & we were referring to the Bible all the time. I referred him to the TAFE Administration along with his Course Material. He got the sack & came around & abused me.

Hi there RUNNER & JAYB...

RUNNER my friend, I've always supported much of what you've said here, on the Forum. And I can assure you categorically, there nothing in Freemasonry that will conflict with either your religious nor your moral convictions.

G'day there JAYB...

You might be interested to know, modern Freemasonry actually commenced in Scotland in the early 1720's or 30's. Whereas the recorded history of Masonic existence, goes back to the times of the building of King Solomon's Temple. Masons were always highly valued and prized artisan's, so much so they had a unique system of secret signs, tokens and words that would allow them to travel all the lands (of those times) virtually unhindered and untouched. It came to pass; the Kings & Queens of those times conveyed upon these Masons, the title of 'Free' to their moniker. The full & 'correct' title of a Mason is; including the **spelling** 'Antient and Accepted 'Freemason'.

Moreover JAYB, I believe the 'Order of Saint Michael' is one of a Masonic assemblage, rather than a specific degree. Myself I've gone through the Blue up into the Red Lodge. Most Freemasons are more than content to remain in the Craft Lodge (the Blue Lodge), where there's much work to be done. I entered the Red Lodge through encouragement, which is an entirely different Lodge altogether - all part of Freemasonry nevertheless. Hope this helps JAYB & RUNNER.

Jayb and o sung su No I am not a sda. Simply put I am a Christian believing that you can only be saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Whether you attend a Baptist church, Church of Christ, independent church or some Pentecostal churches I believe it makes little difference as long as they adhere to the essential teaching of Scripture. We could argue all day long about what these essentials are. I believe they are: 1. Man is sinful and needs a Saviour 2. Jesus Christ is that Saviour 3. Jesus Christ is the only way to God 4. Jesus Christ is divine and always existed with His Father 5. Jesus was crucified, resurrected and lives forever more 6. Jesus Christ will return next time as judge 7. All things were created through Jesus Christ. Big bang is nonsense. 8. All Scripture is inspired by God 9.In one sense Christianity is a relationship. With God rather than a religion. I know anyone of these points and many more could create endless discussion. You can post endless internet posts so I have tried to summarize my points. W

Have a stack of photos taken at NSW HQ of the Masons, they run conferences there these days, and as the NSW department I worked for has many they held meetings there often you had to be one or not get a job in the country town of my birth, still uninterested as a result of that