quarta-feira, 16 de janeiro de 2013

Freemasonry right or wrong?

This post was translated from my Portuguese post about Freemasonry:

http://religiao-filosofia.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/maconaria-e-cientologia.html

Freemasonry is a secret religious society, and this is the reason why we don't know much about the society and people ask frequently questions:

Why is Freemasonry a secret society?

Why are their members quite often rich people or people very influential within society?

Is Freemasonry a society of true peace and equality?

You can find answers for these questions and other questions in this post.                                                                                           

I. Analyzing Freemasonry from a religious point of view                                                                                
A. Freemasonry is a religious secret association 
                                                                          Traditionally, only men can be made Freemasons in Regular Freemasonry, but there many non mainstream Masonica bodies that do admit both men and women or exclusively women. However the issue of women and Freemasonry is complex and without an easy explanation. Many Grand Lodges do not admit women because they believe that this would break the ancient Landmarks, but here are many non-prevailing Masonic bodies which admit women and men or only women. 

In addition, there are many female orders associated with regular Freemasonry, as the Order of women Masons: The Order of Daughters of Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Social Order of Beauceant, the Daughters of the Nile. 
                                                                            We heard people saying that Freemasonry as an association of people is no different to any other association and even secrets aspects is interpreted not necessarily as a secret society. But we must not forget that Freemasonry is not a commercial or a political body. 

It is a religious association and therefore, when we analyse Freemasonry from a religious point of view we begin to be confronted with serious issues that are not few.


Mixture of religions...

Of course when we say that Freemasonry is a religious association, we are not speaking about an institution or a denomination. 

Freemasonry do not require that the members must be affiliated to a particular religion or religious institution, but only that the candidates and members believe in a Supreme Being.  

But, this aspect is enough to show us that Freemasonry revolves around religious issues. 

For example, in their lodges, meetings always begin with a prayer to the Supreme Being. In fact, all Masonic ceremonies of any degree, a prayer is addressed to the "Supreme Architect of the Universe." 

In this post I will ll try to show what is Freemasonry and the objectives and ulterior motives behind this religious association. I will also try to show why I don't think it is right for a Christian to be a Masonic. I will explain also why I came to the conclusion that Freemasonry is very subtle and has a great potential to mislead people from all religions. 
                                                                            I think the quote below shows us how subtle is Freemasonry: 
                                                                             "If Masonry was simply a religious institution, the Jew and the Muslim, the Brahman and the Buddhist and the Christians consciously could not join its enlightenment, but as Freemasonry make universality their goal, therefore, this opens the way for men of all religions and of any faith to join it and to kneel before the Masonic altar."                                                                                        Can we understand from this quote that Freemasonry in a very subtle way makes men of all faith kneel before the Masonic altar? 

Some people say that there are members of Freemasonry that are agnostics and atheists. 

I don't know if that is true, but what I know reading sites opposing or defending Freemasonry is that for a person to be a member don't need to be affiliated with an institution or a religion, but should at least believe in a Supreme Being, who is called in Masonry "The Supreme Architect of the Universe " 
                                                                            B. It is a religious association open to all religions.                                                                                                                           
No all masons are aware that freemasonry openness to all religious is used as a cover for evil, because in my opinion Freemasonry openness to all religions is a trap. 

Freemasonry is a conspiracy and when someone of any religion fall into this trap and becomes a Masonic he will end up been under a strict religious philosophy, whose hierarchy, symbolism, signs and pass words are very strong and inviolable. 

The learning process is made through suggestion, lies, fear, blackmail, manipulation and seduction. It is very difficult for someone to become Masonic, but it is more difficult for someone who when feeling manipulated and abused wants to leave the association.                                                                                 
It is precisely the rigour that dominates their members that makes Freemasonry a religious society very powerful, though they say they are not a religious institution. 


Open to all religions


You can see below ( see F. below) about the 33 degrees of Freemasonry functions or positions within a very rigid hierarchical structure. 

The power of the symbolism is also very influential, replacing the influence of the religious beliefs of the other religions. 

For a candidate to be a member, he must be proposed by a mason and still takes at least two years to be accepted and become a Freemason.  

Also, in their celebrations, the rituals and the power of hierarchy and symbolism are very strong and influential. In the celebrations each member has a defined function, according to his post and entity. There are many jobs as you can see below (see F. below) when you read about the 33 degrees of Freemasonry.
                                                                            The opening is very solemn, the learners enter, followed by the other members and by the Master who leads the celebration. That is followed by a solemn prayer to the Great Architect of the Universe. 

Then, they speak about the matters to be discussed during the celebration, and that is handled in a very rigid way, not under the principles of any religious belief, but always under the altar of Freemasonry. 

The philosophy of Freemasonry has a very strong and strict religious side, but the political and commercial side is probably stronger, as the political and economic power is behind all the philosophical and organizational structure of Freemasonry.                                                                                                                                                                            
 I I. Aspects of Freemasonry to be considered by Christians. 
                                                                            A. Freemasonry and  members.                                                                                            1. Freemasonry requires that the member needs to have a belief. 
                                                                            In Freemasonry the member must follow some kind of religion, whatever it is. This gathering of different religions is seen from a Christian point of view contrary to the teaching of the Bible. In the Bible there is only one way, one Saviour John 14:6 I am the way and the truth and the life. No ones come to the father except through me: 
                                                                             2. The mason must maintain the secrecy about the Institution.


The members are secret...

The mason must defend at all costs the secrecy about the society. But, to keep the secrecy about the society, their members, masons are induced to go over many social values ​​and spiritual principles revealed in the Bible, for example, lying,  perjury, manipulation, blackmail, extortion are widely used in Freemasonry.                                                                                                                         Handbook of Masonry, Page 183: 

You must conceal all crimes of your brother Masons and Should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason be always sure to shield him. It may be perjury to the this, it is true, but you're keeping your obligations contracts.  

3. In Freemasonry all religions can lead people to God.

For Freemasonry all religions can lead people to God, but their members are not allowed to introduce in the celebrations their religious teachings or practices, because the celebrations must follow solely the Masonic ritual and creed established by the society. 


O cristão deve dizer NÃO
             A Christian should say NO!

Again, that goes against the Bible that reveals Christ as the only "way" to God, and Christ, himself, commissioned his followers to proclaim the Gospel "to all creation and make disciples of all nations" Mark 28 :19-20. The Bible leaves no room for religious syncretism accepted by Freemasonry, New Age and Ecumenism, which teaches that all "religions lead to God"Christians must follow only Christ. 
                                                                            B. Symbolism and links with different religions and beliefs 
                                                                            1. The symbolism of Freemasonry 
                                                                        The symbolism of Freemasonry is completely contrary to the Bible. Freemasonry is basically represented in a symbolic form, and many of these symbols belonged to the religions of ancient Egypt, such as "Eye of Horus", "Obelisks", etc.


The symbolism of Freemasonry...

The incredibly  exaggerated symbolism taught in Freemasonry is terrified and favour the obscurantism of this society

12 recognized signs belonging to Freemasonry symbolism is subliminally inserted in several television programs and in some parts of certain magazines and newspapers. Some parts of certain programs, magazines and newspapers are obscurely related to Freemasonry. 

For this reason, Christians should examine everything they read and see in the light of God's Word, asking for discernment of God's Holy Spirit to deal with what they see on television or hear on the radio or see in magazines and newspapers.
                                                                            2. The connection of Freemasonry with cults. 
                                                                          Freemasonry is linked to many cults and some of these cults are Satanic. Some say that at least 5% ' of the masons are Satanists. But Satanists may exist in several places other than Freemasonry. 

Also, even within Christians Churches there are many form of seduction that is used by the devil to keep people away from the Bible and Christ. The reason why it is not a surprise to find people who call themselves Christians and become followers of Freemasonry, New Age, Ecumenism etc!                                                                                                                   3. Beliefs and practices involved in Freemasonry 
                                                                            Masonic rituals use Kabbalah, astrology, numerology, occult etc For Freemasonry the Bible is not the only rule of Faith and conduct, and masons worship pagan beliefs and practices that the Bible condemns. 
                                                                            4. Freemasonry has syncretist view of God 
                                                                            For example, God, is  identified as been the same that Om, the sun god of the Egyptians. For Freemasonry any religion can lead man to God. And this goes completely against the biblical teaching. 
                                                                            5. For Freemasonry  Jesus Christ is only the founder of Christianity  
                                                                          For Freemasonry Jesus Christ is only the founder of a religion. But in the Bible, Jesus Christ is presented as the Son of God and the only savior of the world. Freemasonry evokes many saints and gods. And all this goes against biblical teaching.                                                                                                                                
I I I. What is Freemasonry? 
                                                                          A. Brief History of Freemasonry 


The Grand Lodge

Everything seems to indicate that Freemasonry's modern format was officially founded in 1717, when a group of former masons trying to keep on this association or movement, decided to meet in London to form the Grand Lodge. 

These three masons decided to negotiate the unification of the four lodges in a single lodge in London - the Grand Lodge. In 1930 there were 100 lodges in England and Wales under the Grand Lodge which began to spread throughout Europe, North America and India. 

Of course, this Lodge had rivals, but later, in 1809, the two great rivals came together and Freemasonry continued expanding throughout the world. 

The Grand Lodge formed after some fights between rival lodges, was called by many the Mother Grand Lodge and Freemasonry's modern format began, though of course that has been some changes to the present day.                                                                                                       We may ask, what were their origins? 
                                                                          Some historians claim Freemasonry come from ancient pagan mysteries of ancient Egypt's religious and ancient Greece. Others admit that it was originated during the construction of the temple of Jerusalem in the reign of Solomon, king of Israel (1082-975 BC) and point as founder, Hiram Abif, the alleged architect of that temple. 

That is why many think that origins of Freemasonry's modern format came from the Middle Age, when already some groups of masons have learned from those times in their lodges secret signs and words. In turn these medieval groups have had also their origins in older groups. 

However many writers believe that Freemasonry came to existence when a brotherhood of masons, created by Numa in 715 BC, who traveled through Europe. Over the years, however, the society has lost the primitive character and many people were admitted to the society. 
                                                                            I took the comment below from a friend who read my Portuguese post about freemasonry on my blog: 
                                                                            "There are strong indications that Freemasonry began with the appearance of the Gothic architectural style.

During this time, builders began to be hired to built Arabesques and Gothic architectural style and began increasingly to be better paid they became a more important figure in society than a simple worker. Freemasonry supposedly began there (most likely without all their beliefs and rituals) as a kind of union of masons who defended their interests." 
                                                                          Whether this reader is right or not, the beliefs and rituals were gradually being associated with such union of masons, giving birth to Freemasonry as we know it today, a secret society that apparently revolves around religious values and religious symbolism, where all their members have to believe in "the Arquictet Supreme of the Universe.

But some (not all) of the ulterior motifs behind the society are political, industrial, commercial and sexual, processed in a very secretive and dark way. 
                                                                          B. Freemasonry claims 
                                                                          Freemasonry claims to seek truth, morality, fraternity and solidarity and claim to be working for the moral, intellectual and social development of mankind, so that its components are more or less happy sufferers, thanks to greater mutual understanding, through the practice of fraternity. 

They say that they follow the principle of tolerance and mutual respect, without imposing dogmas to people, giving them the right to think and discuss freely. 

They consider that metaphysical conceptions belong exclusively to the domain of  each member and they don't admit dogmatic assumptions that can not be discussed rationally. Their motto, they say, are "Liberty," "Equality" "Justice," "Truth", "Work" and "Brotherhood". 
                                                                          C. His followers must devote themselves to doing good deeds
                                                                          They say "our people must devote themselves to doing what is good, without ostentation, not for vanity, but as urgent duty of human solidarity. Help others is not a favour but the fulfilment of our duty". The mason betrays his oath when he loses an opportunity to do good. What for many "profane" is a meritorious act, for the Mason is an imperative duty, sacred. 

Freemasonry considers that their primary duty is to extend to all mankind the fraternal ties that unite the various rites of the Masons dispersed over the surface of the globe. Recommended to their fans by word of mouth advertising, by writing and example of his teachings, without distinction of race, nationality or religion. 
                                                                          Freemasonry also says that Masons have a duty, under all circumstances of life, to protect their brothers, defending them against the injustices of men. 

But this statement contradicts the statement above that masons must devote themselves in doing what is good and also the claim that they seek truth, because when a mason is involved in a problem, business, political decision or whatever, they always use anything to protect their "brother". 

Truth and justice never comes first, but the welfare of the brother that needs protection, to make money, gain reputation etc
                                                                            D. Symbols of Freemasonry 


Compass, ruler, square...

Although they accept people who have nothing to do with architecture, Freemasonry uses building instruments as symbols of entity. We find among the instruments of Masonic symbolism: the compass, ruler, square, level, plumb, the scope, the gavel, the lever, and many others used by the masters of architecture. 

The compass means the need for the Mason to get away from anything that is against wisdom, strength and beauty, words of great mean in the Masonic vocabulary. That means that the mason should regulate his conduct and actions, especially as a tribute to the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe, that masons claim to be God. 

The level teaches that all masons are of the same origin, branches of one trunk and participants of the same essence. 

The prop is the criterion of moral purity and of the truth, which teaches the mason to walk away from envy, evil and injustice. 
                                                                            E. The Masonic Trilogy 
                                                                          Wisdom, Strength and Beauty are three words in the Masonic vocabulary. According to this trilogy, the mason must take into the consideration, the Wisdom that guide him in his projects; the Force to sustain him in his difficulties, and Beauty, to reveal the noble and fraternal feelings of the true Freemason. 
                                                                            F. The 33 degrees of Freemasonry 


Masonry degrees

We are speaking here, about Scottish Freemasonry, that dominates the England, France, Latin America, including Brazil. 

The figure below represents the steps of the knowledge of Freemasonry. You can see by this figure how important is the hierarchy that dominates completely the celebrations and beliefs of the masons. 

At the top of the hierarchy are people with high positions in society, presidents, ministers, kings, queens, bishops and influential and wealthy men in certain countries. There are rumours that there is a Lodge at Buckingham Palace in England, but many say that the royal family is not happy about it!? 

Masonic Learning is divided into steps. Each step is developed in a chamber or room with their degrees. Below you can see 33 degrees divided in 5 chambers or rooms.

Symbolic Degrees:
 Entered Apprentice
2° Fellowcraft. 
3° Master Mason. 

Ineffable Degrees:
4° Secret Master
5° Perfect Maser
6° Intimate Secretary
7° Provost and Judge
8° Intendant of the Building
9° Master Elect of Nine
10° Master Elect of Fifteen
11° Sublime Master Elected
12° Grand Master Architect
13° Master of the Ninth Arch
14° Grand Elect Mason
Historical Degrees
15° Knight of the East or Sword
16° Prince of Jerusalem
17° Knight of the East and West
18° Knight of the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M

Philosophical Degrees:
19° Grand Pontiff
20° Master ad Vitam
21° Patriarch Noachite
22° Prince of Libanus
23° Chief of the Tabernacle
24° Prince of the Tabernacle
25° Knight of the Brazen Serpent
27° Commander of the Temple
28° Knight of the Sun
29° Knight of St. Andrew
30° Grand Elect Knight Kadosh

Consistory Degrees:
31° Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander
32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret

Official Degree:
33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
                                                                          G. In regular Freemasonry women can't join a Masonic Lodge? 
                                                                          Having developed from Craft Masonry that built up temples and cathedrals, Freemasonry adopted some of the old regulations like the one below: 
                                                                          "The persons admitted as members of a Lodge must be good men of mature age and being prohibited the admission of women and men of dubious or immoral behavior."
                                                                          However the issue of women and Freemasonry is complex and without an easy explanation. Traditionally, only men can be masons by Regular Freemasonry. Many Grand Lodges do not admit women because they believe that this would break the ancient laws. 
                                                                          However, there are many Masonic bodies which admit women and men or only women. In addition, there are many female orders associated with regular Freemasonry, as the Order of women Masons, the Order of Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Social Order of Beauceant, Daughters of the Nile. 

I do not want to discriminate against homosexuals here, but  being homosexuality a dubious behaviour (many believe it is an immoral  behaviour), it is not strange that Freemasonry accepts homosexuals and put so much opposition to the admission of women? 

Freemasonry discriminating against female sex seems to keep some outside interests. There are many testimonies of people who ensure that Freemasonry is very much connected with Pedofolia, or at least defends masons who are suspect of committing  this pervert action against innocents children. 
                                                                          You can search the internet and read about the connection Freemasonry, Opus Dei and other secret societies have with the cases of Pedofolia, like for example the case of "Casa Pia" in Portugal. 

It has been very strange, how judges were removed from the process and the Portuguese Court put others in their places. And the main suspects remain free and some are seeking compensation. 

Anyway, all this to say that I find very strange that Freemasonry put so much opposition to the admission of women, but does not have the same attitude toward homosexuals, but rather everything seems to indicate that they are privileged people . 
                                                                          H. Freemasonry and the sexual act 


satanic masonic symbols

Freemasonry represents and glorifies sex in many of the symbols, just as you would expect it from any Satanic group. 

A study of the 'deeper meaning' of many symbols proves that Freemasonry is Satanic. For example, you see sex integrated in the cross, sex in the Masonic rainbow, sex in the Masonic gavel is represented upside down, and sex in the Masonic Temple. 

You can consult the site below to understand better how sexual intercourse is included in so many masonic symbols. In some symbols appear as a true abomination. Freemasonry is satanic.                                                                                  I. Secret signs, compliments and words of Freemasonry


secret signs...

Many say that masons can be identified by the way they speak or greet each other by passwords, signs and compliments. 

They can be identified by the way they sit down or shake hand. 

If you want to know influential people who are involved with Freemasonry, you can see lists of masons on the Internet, even on wikipedia, but I do not know if these lists correspond to the truth!? 


secret compliments...

At the site below you can see more about signs, passwords and compliments in Freemasonry.

http://www.whale.to/b/12_masonic_signs.html 


I V. The true aims of Masonry 
                                                                          When we read about the true aims of Masonry, we understand how subtle and misleading is Freemasonry. For someone who does not know the Bible, it seems that Freemasonry advocates good for humanity. But the question is "what is behind it all"? 

I am trying to explain that Masonry is a religious secret society that seems to embrace "good" but there are many social, political and economic interest behind Freemasonry and also I am trying to show tat Freemasonry puts people against the Bible and Christ. So, let me say something about the real objectives of Freemasonry: 
                                                                          A. Freemasonry proclaims a self-salvation. 



Freemasonry is one of the 10 most popular secret societies in the world. It is a secret society followed by five million members around the world. It is a society that proclaims self-salvation, saying that people are saved by observing the principles of Freemasonry, regardless their religion. Proclaiming salvation by doing good, Freemasonry is immediately placed outside of the Bible, which proclaims a salvation solely through the redemptive work of Christ. According to the Bible no one can be saved through works of charity so emphasized by Freemasonry 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are we saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works, that no one can boast. 

Freemasonry is therefore a pagan society when it is examined in the light of the Scriptures. It is not a church or a denomination, but it is a very dangerous syncretistic religious movement.                                                                                           B. Freemasonry is not just an association.


The wolf in sheep's clothing 

Freemasonry is not just not association of people looking to do good in various levels of society, it is rather  a satanic society, with the main purpose to achieve social, political and economic goals and to keep people away from God, more precisely of Jesus Christ? 

It is "the wolf in sheep's clothing!" To become a Freemason we only need  to believe in a religion. But that comes against the Bible that says: 

John 14:6 "Jesus said to them: I am the way, the truth and the life: no man come to the Father, except by me."                                                                                                   
Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no other, because under heaven, there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved." 
                                                                          Christianity is not in any way against the practice of good, but reveals that the real deeds are done for the glory of God and not for the glory of man, and they are possible only after recognizing that we are sinners and we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, who gave his life for our sins". 
                                                                          C. Masonry does not confess Jesus Christ as savior.
                                                              Freemasonry does not confess Jesus Christ as savior and God. So, the God of Freemasonry is not the true God.


Lord and Saviour of the World 

By not confessing the true God who is revealed in the Bible, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can declare that Freemasonry is nothing more than a pagan and idolatrous religion.

The way of salvation by works taught by Freemasonry is represented by a ladder.

So Masonic Encyclopedia says:

"This ladder is a symbol of progress. His first three steps, are Faith, Hope and Love, showing us the way we move from earth to heaven, from death to life, from mortal to immortal. The first step represents the world, the last step, the top one, is a symbol of Heaven.

So, Freemasonry teaches salvation by "works" or "deeds" and not by exclusive faith in Christ.

D. The followers of masonry are secret

The masons are secret. Non masons can not attend the celebrations in the Masonic Lodges, because they are reserved only to masons, and nobody can know them, they are secret.


a secret society....

There are some who say that we can not call Freemasonry a secret society, comparing Freemasonry with others anonymous societies.

But we must not forget that Freemasonry is not a sport, business or a political society. Freemasonry is a religious society, so why should their members be secret. what is the purpose or the real reason behind the rule that does not allow masons to be known?

What other religious institution teaches that their members must remain secret or anonymous?

E. The ulterior motives of Freemasonry to maintain secrecy

1. Freemasonry wants to look like a fraternal society to mislead people

People may think that the aims of Freemasonry is solidarity and to do good, but although apparently this seems to be true, when we go a bit deeper in our knowledge of Freemasonry we begin to notice that people who are involved in Freemasonry are in search of political power and commercial gain .

Freemasonry involve skills that are divided in five stages or chambers, namely knowledge of morality, hidden in allegories and illustrated by symbols. Masonry says that this spiritual knowledge is beyond human understanding and so it has to be kept secret.

The passwords and symbols that lead to this knowledge can not be known, unless by masons as they go up in the learning of these five stages of knowledge .

Like I said Masonic knowledge is divided in five stages. Each step is developed in a chamber itself, with their degrees.

There are the following stages: (some people might call other names)

Symbolic Degrees: - 1 to 3 degree.

Ineffable Degrees: - 4 to 18 degree

Philosophical Degrees - 19 to 30 degree.

Consistory Degree - 31 to 32 degree.

Official Degree - 33 degree.

The knowledge gained in each of these steps must be kept in a highly secret.

Although Freemasonry says that this knowledge is to be beneficial to all mankind and so he opened this knowledge to people of all religions, Freemasonry has the ulterior motive to open opportunities for political and commercial manipulation, as well spiritual manipulation.

Freemasonry is a religious body that is controlled by some masons who do not want to serve others, but rather, they want to be served, because of their selfish ambitions in the pursuit of power, money and other interests.

Freemasonry in the light of the Bible is a false religion that keeps man from the Bible and from God.

2. What is behind the non-admission of women.


Women in freemasonry?

I do not want to discriminate against homosexuals here. But it is not strange that Freemasonry accepts homosexuals and do not accept women? It seems if in discriminating women, they want to keep some interests. 

There are many testimonies of people who ensure that Freemasonry has much connection with Pedofolia.

You can search the internet and read about the connection Freemasonry, Opus Dei and other secret societies have with the cases of Pedofolia, like for example the case of "Casa Pia" in Portugal. 

It has been very strange, how judges were removed from the process and the Portuguese Court put others in their places. And the main suspects remain free and some are seeking compensation. 

Anyway, all this to say that I find very strange that Freemasonry put so much opposition to the admission of women, but does not have the same attitude toward homosexuals, but rather everything seems to indicate that they are privileged people .

What is behind this secret society of men?

3. Freemasonry deals with issues that are very secret.

Like I said, you can search the internet and read about the connection Freemasonry, Opus Dei and other secret societies have with the cases of Pedofolia, like for example the case of "Casa Pia" in Portugal. It has been very strange, how judges were removed from the process and the Portuguese Court put others in their places. And the main suspects remain free and some are seeking compensation. 

It seems if Freemasonry is also involved in obscure cases of political, economic and moral matters, which need to be treated under high secrecy.

Don't be blind. There is a dark and obscure reason why masonry is a secret society and the members are kept secret. Surely, is not for a good reason that a religious society needs to be so highly secret.

Freemasonry in their Lodges of higher degrees discuss and decide about political, economic, religious and moral matters of great influence within societies.

That's why there are degrees or steps, and the higher degrees are only for members who are very reliable and have a great influence in society.

4. Are the people mentioned below masons or not?

I can not say that it's true what they say about people named below, but you can give a look in some websites at the bottom of this section:

Are they freemasons or not!? 
                                                                      President Barak Hussein Obama
http://www.masonicinfo.com/obama.htm

President George Bush
http://www.espada.eti.br/n2001.asp

Many sites on internet speaks about the involvement of Gerry and Kate MacCanns with Freemasonty

Gerry and Kate MacCanns
http://gerrymccan-abuseofpower-humanrights.blogspot.co.uk/
                                                                     
                                                                          V. Can a Christian be a part of masonry?


no, no, no...

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Any religious teaching that does not conform to the scripture is false and the devil uses deceptive spirits that through false prophets propagate such teachings.                                                                                                           

If a Christian becomes part of Freemasonry he disobeys the Bible and Christ. Look below at one of masonry's oath to realize that this completely wrong for a Christian to be part of Freemasonry:

"So and so, I swear and promise of my own free will and without been forced, under my honour, and according to the precepts of my religion, in the presence of the supreme architect of the universe, which is God, and before this assembly of masons, solemnly and sincerely never to reveal the mysteries, symbols or allegories that are explained to me as a regular mason. 

If I miss this oath, even when confronted by death, from the moment I commit such a crime, I must be declared infamous before God and before men, and I deserved to be dishonoured. Amen.

RATorrey once said he doesn't understand how an intelligent and devoted believer can belong to a secret society. It is obvious disobedience to a specific mandate of God in

II Corinthians 6:14-18

I personally think that if a Christian belongs to any secret society, he fails to follow what is written in 

Matthew 5:14-16. 

You are the light of the world.

Philippians 2:15 

We must shine as lights in the world.

Believers are called to live as a light before all men, not in secret, and reveal to all the people the truths of the Bible, they must shine  as lights in the world.

V I. Do Freemasons worship Lucifer?

Over the years, some people have claimed that Freemasons worship Lucifer, or Satan.  

The truth of the matter is that the name Lucifer is not found in the rituals of the Blue Lodge, or the York Rite.  We do not believe that Lucifer is mentioned by name in the Scottish Rite degrees, either. 

However, one of the "Sacred Words" in the17th Degree of the Scottish Rite is "Abaddon," the angel of  the bottomless pit, mentioned in Revelation 9:11. 

Worship does occur in Masonic Lodges. 

One of the primary purposes of Freemasonry is worship.  That fact is clearly stated in the Declaration of Principleswhich is contained on pages 37-39 of the Indiana Monitor and Freemason's Guide.  (To examine the source materials, see footnotes.) 

Masons worship a god which they call the Great Architet of the Universe.

The symbol they have chosen to represent their god is the All Seeing Eye, which the Egyptians used to represent their pagan god, Osiris.   

Many Masons are well aware of the pagan connection.  It is clearly stated in a number of Masonic Monitors.  An example is found on page 116 of the Kentucky Monitor. 

Since Freemasonry teaches a false plan of salvation, Masons are not following in the teachings of Jesus Christ.  

2 John 1:9 allows us to know that since they are not following in the teachings of Jesus, they do not have God. Freemasonry is classic paganism.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21 allows us to know that the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, rather than God.

Although we can say with certainty that the god of Freemasonry is a demon, we do not know specifically which demon Masons worship in lodge.  We simply know that they refer to their demon as the Great Architect of the Universe, or GAOTU. 

All demons are under the leadership of Satan.  Therefore, Freemasons cannot avoid worshiping Satan by proxy.  Very few of them realize the facts in this aspect of Masonic worship.  

A great numbers of Masons, even some who do not claim to be Christians, would leave the lodge immediately if the names of Satan, or Lucifer, were substituted for the GAOTU in Masonic prayers. 

Satan would not allow that to occur, because the more effective lie is the one which is closer to the truth, without being true.   The reason that a name such as the GAOTU is chosen for the object of worship is discussed on The Men's Club, an essay on the Ex-Masons for Jesus Website:

Ex-Masons for Jesus Website:


This article is from the site below:



V I I. Testimonials of people who left Freemasonry
                                                                        Testimony of the famous theologian Charles G. Finney:

V I I I. I would give your life to God.

If you read this post and you have recognized that you need to ask for God's forgiveness, to put faith in Jesus Christ, to recognize Him as your personal Saviour and you want to receive Eternal Life, you can do with all your sincerity the prayer below:


Forgive me...

Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a inner. I believe in you and that your word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and eternal life. I know that without you in my heart my life is meaningless.

I believe in my heart that you, Lord God, raised Him from the dead. Please Jesus forgive me, for every sin I have ever committed or done in my heart, please Lord Jesus forgive me and come into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior today. I need you to be my Savior and my Father.

I give you my life and ask you to take full control from this moment on; I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ."

Amen.


If you did this pray, please before you go to bed tonight read in your Bible about What shall I do to be saved? (Acts 2:37, 16:30)

See “Mr Good Person” - Way of the Master – Ray Comfort

http://viriatomartins-religionphilosophy.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/mr-good-person.html


I X. Some attachments

Although this post on Freemasonry has been written by me, I took some items from the sites below:

http://palavradaverdade.com/print2.php?codigo=2817

http://overlordsofchaos.com/html/freemasonry_.html

See below about 10 secret societies:

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-secret-societies.php

Presented in no particular order and with no guarantee of Masonic relevance, the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon assumes no responsibility for the contents of the following websites:



X. United Grand Lodge of England

When you read below what the United Grand Lodge of England says about "What is Freemasonry", it looks nice, good and right. 

But don't let them mislead you, it is all ugly, bad and wrong.

If you become a mason, soon you will realize that freemasonry is ugly, bad and wrong, but when you will realize that, it might be too late to leave.


WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. 
Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. 
The following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.
Freemasonry teaches its members a moral and ethical approach to life: its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. 
Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
CHARITY
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

X I. FREEMASONRY AND THE ILLUMINATI

The Illuminati
Popular history texts and encyclopedias generally paint the Illuminati as having its origins in 1776 Bavaria. However, the origins go back much further. The Illuminati are tied directly through masonry to the sun and Isis cults of ancient Egypt.

The term 
“Illuminati” was used by one early writer, Menendez Pelayo, as early as 1492 and is attributable to a group known as the “Alumbrados” of Spain.
The Alumbrados were said to receive secret knowledge from an unknown higher source, resulting in superior human intelligence. This group was condemned by an edict of the Grand Inquisition in 1623, in what was another battle in the long-running war between the catholic Church and the secret societies.

Some writers claim that a group known as the “Illumined Ones” was founded by 
Joachim of Floris in the eleventh century and taught a primitive, supposedly Christian doctrine of “poverty and equality.” This tactic to disguise Illuminism behind a thin veil of Christianity is now a well-established theme. Later, this group is said to have become violent, plundering the rich and thereby discrediting Christianity as a whole.

Still other writers trace the Illuminati to the dreaded Ishmalean sect of Islam, also known as “the Assasins” Founded in 1090 by 
Hassan Sabah, this group combined the use of the drug hashish with murder as their main path to illumination.

Killing was a mystical experience to this branch of 
the Mystery Schools. They not only maintained their control by murder and threats of murder, they believed that the assassin could acquire the gnosis, or soul energy from the victim. This is the theory behind the human and animal sacrifices of Satanists throughout history (and the ritual child abuse etc).

Primitive religions get the same effect by dancing and drumbeating. Seeking this form of illumination was the main attraction of drugs like marijuana, hashish, and LSD to teenagers of the 1960s and the 1970s. Buddhists can gain the same illumination through sexual rituals known as Tantric Yoga, or through the different forms of mediation. Witchcraft covens still meet in the nude and participate in group sexual rituals for the same effect. Mass participation in animal sacrifice is another way to scavenge gnosis.
 
The sad fact is that although sex, drugs, dancing, and drumbeating are believed to release a lot of gnosis, Satanists believe that sacrifices release more of it than anything else. Such are the dark and sordid machinations of the deluded souls who think their gnosis accumulations and illumination will give them some form of deity or immortality.

In what may be the most beautifully composed denunciation of Masonry ever written, 
de Poncins wrote:
The great task of freemasonry is to spread ideas sometimes noble and beautiful in appearance but in reality destructive, of which the prototype is the famous motto: Liberty, equality, fraternity.”
Masonry, a vast organism of propaganda, acts by slow suggestion, spreading the revolutionary ferment in an insidious manner. The heads sow it among the inner lodges, these transmit it to the lower lodges whence it penetrates into the affiliated institutions and into the press, which takes in hand the public.

Tirelessly and during the necessary number of years, the suggestion . . . works upon public opinion and fashions it to wish for the reforms from which nations die. In 1789 and 1848 [the years of the French revolutions], 
freemasonry, in its momentary command of power, failed in its supreme endeavour.
Taught by these experiences, its progress has become slower and surer. When once the revolutionary preparation is obtained and judged sufficient, masonry leaves the field to the militant organizations, Carbonari, Bolshevists, or other open or secret societies, and retires into shadows in the background. There it is not compromised; in case of check, it seems to have remained apart, and is all the better able to continue or take up again its work, like a gnawing worm, obscure and destroying.

Masonry never works in the full light of day.
Every one knows of its existence, its meeting places and of many of its adepts, but one is ignorant of its real aims, its real means, its real leaders.
The immense majority of masons themselves are in that position. They are only the blind machinery of the sect which they serve... Many honest masons are so blind that they would be stupefied if they knew for what they are being used.
 
The Masonic Ritual revealed
Every Mason swears to a set of oaths so ancient that a separate term has been set aside to describe them. These are called “blood oaths.”

Masonry, as we know it today in America, is thought of as having thirty-third degrees, or levels. Many offshoot organizations have developed over the years that have attempted to add additional degrees above the publicly known thirty-three. Mormonism is one such offshoot. As shown in a later chapter, its founder 
Joseph Smith, and most, if not all of his initial inner circle of supporters were Masons. He borrowed heavily from Masonic ritual for his newly-created Mormon ceremonies.

With each successive degree, the Mason must swear to ever more cruel and barbarous oaths. The following details of the initiation oaths of the first three degrees of Masonry are closely guarded Masonic secrets. In fact, every Mason musts swear to kill any fellow mason who reveals them.
Fortunately for humanity, however, several brave souls in the last 200 years have felt compelled to speak out, publishing this “secret work” for the world to see. It is thanks to these courageous men that we have the exact wording and rituals of at least the first three degrees. 
The personal experience of Lucifer is not often described in literature. What it was like to be Hitler living in a physical body with the incarnational Luciferian energy can only be hinted at in his biographies. The traditional Hollywood idea of fangs and claws and large ‘devilish’ bodies is a stereotype that does not equate to the assimilation of these energies into 3rd dimensional living. Perhaps some of Aleister Crowley’s life might hint at it in part.  
Alan Richardson, perhaps to some extent, manifests in his book Earth God Rising, the slow descent into what might be called Luciferianism.


sexta-feira, 28 de dezembro de 2012

Como Não Ser Uma Vítima Do Abuso Espiritual,

I PARTE

DEFINIÇÃO: 

DO TERMO CARACTERÍSTICAS DO ABUSO ESPIRITUAL.


Abuso espiritual...

1. DEFINIÇÃO DO TERMO:

Abuso espiritual é o uso da posição de liderança ou do poder para seduzir, influenciar e manipular as pessoas a fim de alcançar interesses próprios. 

Os praticantes do abuso espiritual são muito hábeis para passar a impressão de que o que querem é do interesse de Deus e da sua obra quando, na realidade o que buscam é seu próprio interesse.

O evangelho "barato", pregado atualmente por algumas igrejas gerou um grande número de pastores, bispos, apóstolos e lideres que não medem consequências para alcançar seus objetivos. 


Esse mesmo estranho evangelho também permitiu a abertura de igrejas por pessoas totalmente despreparadas que se auto-intitularam pastores. Geralmente eles são oriundos de alguma igreja onde não tiveram oportunidade no ministério. Existem também os que estão interessadas apenas em conseguir recursos financeiros, e exercer poder.


E por último existem os que são servos de Deus sinceros, mas por não possuírem qualificação ou chamado para o cargo, são inseguros e essa insegurança é disfarçada por um autoritarismo exarcebado. O certo é que a maioria deles são danosos aos membros de sua congregação, gerando um grande número de pessoas feridas e decepcionadas com o evangelho.


2. CONVITE AO ABUSO:


As igrejas são constituídas num sistema hierárquico que consiste num verdadeiro convite ao abuso religioso. Esse tipo de regime autocrático centrado na figura carismática do pastor predomina nas igrejas mais novas, em especial nas pentecostais e neopentecostais surgidas nos últimos trinta anos. 

Claro que não podemos generalizar, pois nesse meio tempo também surgiram igrejas sérias, fundadas por homens de Deus, com único objetivo de pregar o verdadeiro evangelho e ganhar almas para o Reino de Deus.

O pastor Paulo Romeiro escreveu no livro "Decepcionados com a Graça": “Em termos de governo, o neopentecostalismo verticalizou a igreja. O líder forte no topo da pirâmide, que não presta contas a ninguém, que toma decisões sozinho em questões financeiras e doutrinárias, acaba tirando das pessoas a oportunidade de funcionarem como um corpo, como deve ser a igreja. 

Em tais circunstâncias, os abusos se multiplicam. Alguns líderes religiosos têm dificuldade de administrar o poder”.

Por ter uma organização mais democrática, com estabelecimento de conselhos e assembleias, as igrejas protestantes históricas são um pouco menos tentadas nessas áreas, embora não estejam imunes. 


3. CARACTERÍSTICAS ABUSO ESPIRITUAL:

Na maioria das vezes o abuso espiritual se origina por posições doutrinárias anti-bíblicas. Mas ele ocorre também porque os interesses pessoais de um líder, ainda que legítimos, são satisfeitos de maneira ilegítima.

Sistemas religiosos espiritualmente abusivos são comumente descritos como legalistas, controladores mentais, religiosamente viciadores, e autoritários. Apresenta as seguintes características:


Sou eu que mando!


4. LIDERANÇA AUTORITÁRIA: 

A característica mais evidente de um sistema religioso abusivo, ou de um líder abusivo, é a ênfase excessiva em sua autoridade. Normalmente o grupo se diz ter sido estabelecido diretamente por Deus, e, portanto, seus líderes se consideram como tendo o direito de comandar seus seguidores.

Em Mateus 23:1–2 Jesus disse que "na cadeira de Moisés, se assentaram os escribas e os fariseus", uma posição de autoridade espiritual. Ainda que outros termos sejam usados, essa posição, nos grupos abusivos, é de poder, e não de autoridade moral.

Àqueles que se submetem incondicionalmente, são prometidas bênçãos espirituais. A eles é dito que devem se submeter completamente, sem o direito de questionar os líderes; se os líderes estiverem errados, isso é problema deles com Deus, e Deus ainda assim abençoará àqueles que se submetem incondicionalmente.


5. PROIBIÇÃO DE CRÍTICAS:


Feche o bico!

O sistema religioso, por não ser baseado na verdade, não pode permitir questionamentos, dissensões, ou discussões aberta sobre questões. A pessoa que questiona se torna o próprio problema, ao invés da questão que ela levanta.    

As resoluções sobre qualquer questão vêm diretamente do topo da hierarquia, que são passadas sem abertura para qualquer indagação. Qualquer tipo de questionamento é considerado como desafio à autoridade, ou rebelião.

O pensamento autônomo é desencorajado, sob a alegação de que ele leva à dúvida, que por sua vez é vista como sendo falta de fé em Deus e em seus líderes ungidos. Desse modo, os seguidores procuram controlar seus próprios pensamentos, por medo de que possam estar questionando Deus. 



II PARTE:

APARÊNCIA EXTERNA E ATITUDE DOS DOS PASTORES.


1. APARÊNCIA:

Tais lideranças procuram sempre manter uma aparência de santidade. A história do grupo ou organização geralmente é distorcida para dar a impressão de que têm um relacionamento especial com Deus.O caráter duvidoso de tais lideranças é negado ou encoberto para que sua autoridade não seja questionada, e para manter as aparências. 

Padrões legalistas de pensamento e comportamento, impossíveis de serem mantidos, são impostos aos membros.

O fracasso em manter tais padrões é usado como constante lembrete de que eles são inferiores aos líderes, e, portanto devem se submeter a eles. Apenas uma imagem positiva do grupo é apresentada àqueles que não fazem parte dele, porque a verdade sobre o sistema religioso abusivo seria obviamente rejeitada se fosse conhecida.

Os líderes, normalmente, mantêm segredos que não divulgam a suas congregações. Esse sigilo está baseado na desconfiança geral dos outros, porque o sistema é falso e não pode resistir a escrutínios.

2. DESIQUILÍBRIO:

Os grupos abusivos têm de se distinguir de todos os outros grupos religiosos para que possam alegar serem únicos e especiais para Deus.

Isso normalmente é feito através de uma ênfase exagerada em posições doutrinárias menos centrais, através de legalismo extremo, ou uso de métodos peculiares de interpretação bíblica.


Desiquilibrio!

Dessa forma, suas conclusões e crenças são exibidas como prova de que são únicos e especiais para Deus. Em Mateus 23, Jesus nos dá uma importante descrição dos líderes espirituais abusivos.

Em Gálatas, Paulo argumenta contra aqueles que queriam impor um cristianismo legalista, subvertendo a mensagem do evangelho. Jesus Cristo era Deus encarnado, a segunda Pessoa da Trindade, o Criador do universo, mas não usou essa autoridade para subjugar seus discípulos, para colocá-los sob o jugo de regras e regulamentos legalistas.

Nem tampouco Jesus procurava manter as aparências externas. Aos fariseus legalistas, Jesus aplicou as palavras de Isaías: "Este povo honra-me com os lábios, mas o seu coração está longe de mim. E em vão me adoram, ensinando doutrinas que são preceitos de homens" (Mt. 15:9).

Jesus não era paranoico como os líderes abusivos, seu ministério era transparente ao publico (Jo.18:19–21), não tinha nada a esconder. Jesus não só criticou os líderes religiosos por suas doutrinas errôneas (Mt. 15:1–9; 23:1–39; etc.), mas também, quando criticado, ele não os silenciou, mas deu-lhes respostas bíblicas e racionais às suas objeções (Lc. 5:29–35; 7:36–47).

3. TUDO PELA VISÃO:

Líderes que cometem abusos contra os membros de sua igreja, geralmente estão obcecados por uma visão. Estão convencidos que receberam uma visão divina, e em nome dessa visão passam por cima de tudo e de todos.

Sigam e calem-se!

Quando o líder entende que recebeu uma visão de Deus para sua igreja, tudo passa a ter valor inferior. Tudo e todos na igreja devem ser direcionados para a visão do líder. Nada pode ser feito se estiver fora da visão. Quem não quer participar da visão começa a ser discriminado e colocado como rebelde. 

A mais importante missão da igreja, que é pregar o evangelho começa a ser colocado em segundo lugar. As pessoas que estão na igreja para receberem cuidados pastorais, vão sendo esquecidas.

Muitas vezes o líder está tão embevecido pela pressa de incutir na cabeça das pessoas a sua visão que nem nota que está ferindo pessoas. Começa a separar o “joio do trigo”. Quem aceita a visão é “trigo”, quem não aceita é “joio”, e passa a ser tratado diante de toda congregação como rebelde, desobediente e infiel. 

As humilhações em publico passam a acontecer naturalmente. Isso é feito para que outros não trilhem o mesmo caminho do “rebelde”. E assim muita gente se cala com medo das consequências ou por não ter coragem de desafiar o líder.

4. MEDO NOS MEMBROS:

Outro modo muito utilizado de abuso contra os membros de uma igreja é colocar o medo no coração das pessoas. O pastor começa a pregar coisas do tipo: “Se você não der o dizimo, Deus mandará o devorador, o gafanhoto para destruir o que é seu”; “A rebeldia é como pecado de feitiçaria” e outras coisas do gênero. 

O uso de versículos fora do contexto, neste caso são utilizados constantemente para validar as estranhas doutrinas da liderança.

Estou cheio de medo!

Ensinam que quando alguém comete um pecado está abrindo brechas para Satanás agir em sua vida, está dando “legalidade ao diabo”. Parece que qualquer deslize que se comete, é como se desse uma senha secreta para o diabo apropriar-se da pessoa e de seus bens. É uma doutrina esdrúxula que só serve para manter o seguidor cativo à igreja. 

Que Deus é esse que a qualquer pequeno erro de um filho seu, Ele o entrega a Satanás?

Também não tem base bíblica à atitude de alguns líderes que querem prender as pessoas na sua igreja com ameaças de saírem “debaixo de maldição” se mudar de igreja. Numa igreja saudável com um pastor equilibrado as pessoas podem mudar para outra igreja sempre que assim o desejarem. A pessoa é livre para servir a Deus onde se sentir melhor.

5. COBERTURA ESPIRITUAL:

Novas doutrinas difundidas pelo movimento neopentecostal, também colaboram para o crescimento dos excessos. Uma delas é o ensino sobre “cobertura espiritual”, que concede ao líder posição de autoridade e responsabilidade espiritual sobre todos os membros de sua igreja. 

Quem sair de sua cobertura fica sem defesas contra o inimigo, Deus sequer ouve suas orações.

O termo “Cobertura Espiritual” baseia-se em uma doutrina falsa, que nada mais é que abuso religioso. Não tem base bíblica. Nossa cobertura espiritual é o amor de Deus, que se estende sobre nós como um lençol. Como alguém humano e falível poderia ser cobertura espiritual? Não tem sustentação, é manipulação.

Numa igreja saudável, espiritual e emocionalmente equilibrada, todos os membros oram uns pelos outros, compartilham e dividem os “fardos” como manda a Bíblia (Gl 6.2). Não é apenas a oração do pastor que tem validade diante de Deus. Todos somos filhos, então todos estamos sob a cobertura de Deus.

6. O UNGIDO DO SENHOR:

O pastor Ed René Kivitz, comenta no livro "Feridos em Nome de Deus": “Outro meio de abuso é o conceito difundido de que o pastor é o “ungido do Senhor”. Este conceito é do Velho Testamento. 

Muitas igrejas evangélicas, especialmente as pentecostais e neopentecostais tratam sua liderança como eram tratados os profetas do passado, com reverencia intocável. Isso tudo é coisa do Velho Testamento. No Novo Testamento não há hierarquização, todos somos sacerdotes, somos nivelados. 

Há hierarquia no governo eclesiástico, ou seja, o pastor é autoridade sobre o membro no que diz respeito ao governo da igreja, mas não no que diz respeito à experiência pessoal com Deus. 

O pastor não é intermediário entre o rebanho e Deus, este papel pertence a Jesus, único mediador entre Deus e os homens. A única mediação que existe é a de Jesus Cristo. Está errada essa visão do Antigo Testamento de que o pastor é um oráculo profético. Isso não tem espaço no cristianismo”.


III PARTE:

TIPOS DE PASTORES QUE COMETEM ABUSOS.

Como já citamos no início desse estudo, existem vários tipos de pastores que cometem abusos. 

Vamos comentar aqui sobre os dois tipos mais comuns, citados no livro "Outra Espiritualidade", pela clareza como são definidos.

1. PASTORES-LOBOS: 



Cuidado com o lobo!

São lobos vestidos de pastores. São corrompidos, alguns conscientemente, outros sinceramente enganados. Mas corrompidos na alma, na mente e no coração. Corrompidos no entendimento da verdade, na relação do sagrado com o divino. São pastores de si mesmos. 

Homens que se utilizam da fé e do desespero alheios para alcançar seus próprios objetivos, servir seus próprios interesses que é: implementar sua visão particular, desenvolver seu projeto pessoal de poder. 

São homens que atuam no ramo da religião, no segmento evangélico, mas que estão absolutamente distantes do Evangelho de Jesus. 

Distantes de sua mensagem, de seu espírito, de seu caráter, de seus propósitos, de seus valores e de seus conteúdos mais profundos. São os grandes geradores de ovelhas feridas. São os maiores abusadores do rebanho.

2. PASTORES-OVELHAS: 


Estes são ovelhas vestidos de pastores. São cristãos sinceros e dedicados a obra de Deus, mas que jamais deveriam ter sido investidos da autoridade pastoral por não terem chamado para essa função. 

Homens que pretendem servir a Deus, e o fazem com integridade e sinceridade ao longo dos anos, mas que nunca foram separados pelo Espírito Santo, isto é o Espírito Santo jamais os constituiu pastores, foram colocados por decisão humana. Falta-lhes autoridade divina. Falta-lhes coração e alma de pastor. 

Falta-lhes entranhas de pastor. Receberam o cetro, receberam o titulo, mas não receberam o mais importante, a unção de Deus para o cargo. E essa não pode ser forjada, inventada ou manipulada. Seriam ótimos crentes, ótimos pregadores do evangelho, mas são péssimos pastores. 

Estes geralmente são inseguros e querendo mostrar sua autoridade, exageram e passam a dirigir a igreja ditatorialmente, não aceitam interferência em suas decisões. Não cometem abusos propositadamente.


IV PARTE:

AS VÍTIMAS DO ABUSO.

1. AS VÍTIMAS.

Os abusos espirituais continuam acontecendo e vai deixando atrás de si um enorme número de pessoas que não querem nem ouvir falar em igreja evangélica. Não é difícil encontrá-los. 

Alguns formaram comunidades na Internet para se ajudarem, e muitos estão sendo cuidados em consultórios de psicanálise. O abuso deixa marcas profundas. Traumas psicológicos, depressão e até doenças graves são relatadas pelas vitimas.

O abuso religioso é um assunto bem discutido em livros, revistas e internet, mas que ainda não está esgotado porque as coisas continuam acontecendo. Muitas publicações foram feitas com o intuito de alertar para esses males, mas infelizmente poucos são alcançados. 

Por isso neste espaço também queremos falar sobre o assunto, já que quanto mais avisos, mais pessoas podem ser alcançadas.

O abuso Espiritual tem um efeito devastador na vida das pessoas. Elas normalmente depositam um alto grau de confiança em seus líderes, os quais deveriam honrar e guardar tal confiança.

Quando essa confiança é traída, a ferida que se abre é muito grande, até mesmo a ponto da pessoa nunca mais poder confiar em líderes espirituais novamente, mesmo que eles sejam legítimos.






Além de desenvolverem medo e desilusão com relação a líderes religiosos, as vítimas de abuso espiritual muitas vezes têm dificuldade em confiar em Deus. Elas se perguntam, "como é que Deus pode ter permitido que isso acontecesse comigo? Tudo o que eu queria era amá-lo e servi-lo!"

Muitas vezes, essas pessoas desenvolvem grande rancor, que se não for tratado, pode estabelecer raízes de amargura e incredulidade com relação a tudo que seja espiritual.

Para que haja uma recuperação dos males causados pelo abuso espiritual, é preciso que a vítima entenda o que aconteceu, por que aconteceu, e como aconteceu. Precisa entender que ela não é a única pessoa vitimada por esse tipo de abuso. 

Ela deve procurar grupos de apoio, e ser contínua e pacientemente ensinada sobre a graça de Deus.

2. TODOS PODEM SER VÍTIMAS

Por mais estranho que possa parecer, o abuso espiritual não acontece apenas contra pessoas simples e de baixo nível escolar. A verdade é que pessoas esclarecidas e de classe alta, são facilmente manipuladas e se tornam escravas de lideres maquiavélicos. 

As pessoas manipuladas deixam de usar a razão e passam a ouvir o coração. Quando se dão conta do que está acontecendo com elas geralmente já se encontram no fundo do poço. Já perderam quase tudo que tinham, já não tem mais amigos, se afastou dos familiares e muitos perderam esposa ou esposo. Tudo para servir integralmente a igreja (pastor).

V. PARTE:

COMO SE PREVINIR DO ABUSO ESPIRITUAL.

1. FIQUE ATENTO:

Existem algumas maneiras de identificar o abuso espiritual, mas não há uma regra básica, já que todos os dias são criadas novas técnicas de abordagem para “aprisionar” os incautos.

Cuidado com frases do tipo:
“Você ainda não recebeu nossa visão”;
“Isso é uma verdade espiritual que você ainda não tem condições de entender”;

“Abençoe-me e você será abençoado”;

“Não toque no Ungido do Senhor”.

Fique Atento e:


2. NÃO ACEITE NADA QUE NÃO POSSA SER QUESTIONADO: 

Preste atenção se o líder tem tendência de se autoelogiar.

Preste atenção se a “visão” da igreja é mais importante que as pessoas.

Seu pastor lhe causa medo? Ele ameaça os membros com revelações sobre sua vida pessoal? Vive dizendo que Deus lhe mostra tudo que acontece ou o que as pessoas fazem de errado?

Observe se seu pastor trata de maneira mais próxima os membros que tem uma posição financeira melhor.

Se é comum alguém ser escolhido para ser humilhado diante de todos.

3. N
ÃO IDOLATRE O SEU PASTOR: 


Pucha burro!

Por mais carismático que ele seja, trate-o apenas como pastor, respeitando-o como autoriade eclesiástica, mas nunca como um "deus" ou pessoa infalível.

Servir a Deus é maravilhoso, mas isso não quer dizer que você deva se separar dos amigos e da família por não serem crentes. Continue tendo amigos descrentes, continue com seus laços familiares. 

Ir à festa de família não o obriga a utilizar bebida alcoólica, muito menos participar de conversas inadequadas. Estando entre amigos e familiares descrentes você terá oportunidade de falar do evangelho para eles.

4. COMUNHÃO COM DEUS:

Faz parte da natureza humana a transferência de responsabilidade, mas a experiência espiritual não permite a transferência de responsabilidade. Ninguém se relaciona com Deus em nome de outro alguém, cada um se relaciona por si mesmo. 

Então, que cada cristão procure se relacionar com Deus, independente do que pensa alguém da liderança da igreja sobre suas orações. Se disserem que sua oração é “fraca” não chega ao céu, não se preocupe, quem está recebendo sua súplica é Deus. 

Você está orando em nome de Jesus e não de seu líder. Isto quer dizer que sua comunhão com Deus não pode ser medida pela liderança de sua igreja.

5. PASTOR PODE SER QUESTIONADO:


Acreditar que o pastor tem uma visão iluminada a respeito das verdades espirituais e que ele sempre conhece mais a Bíblia que todos na comunidade, é um erro de avaliação. Isso facilita a supremacia do pastor sobre todos. 

Tudo que ele diz se torna verdade. O líder passa a ser intocável. Quem tenta questioná-lo é tratado como endemoninhado, sem visão e “ovelha negra”. 




Não deve ser assim, o pastor pode e deve ser contestado quando está usando a Bíblia de maneira errada. O pastor pode e deve aceitar questionamentos e contestações dos membros, afinal todos fazem parte do corpo. Seria bom se o líder tivesse coragem de dizer que não tem resposta para todas as questões, reconhecesse que não é infalível. 

Pedro era uma das colunas da Igreja de Jerusalém. Paulo em comparação com ele era um “novato” no ministério, mas quando foi necessário o “novato” corrigiu a atitude do apostolo Pedro (Gl 2.11). 

O próprio Paulo elogiou os crentes de Beréia, porque examinavam as Escrituras confirmando se o que apóstolo ensinava era verdade (At 17.11).


CONCLUSÃO:

1. PASTORES NA PLENITUDE DO ESPÍRITO

Existem pastores sérios, homens de Deus e de alta confiança. O grande problema é identificá-los. Mas ore a Deus para que você na sua busca "tropece" em algum deles. São homens que parecem que romperam a linha que nivela os mortais. 

Pessoas equacionadas na alma, resolvidas, que vivem no patamar do que a Bíblia chama “plenitude do Espírito”, sendo essa plenitude não uma experiência eventual, mas uma qualidade que se consolidou. 

São homens que receberam do Espírito Santo o chamado para o pastorado. São homens com entranhas de pastor. Homens que sabem o valor de uma ovelha para o Reino de Deus. São confiáveis, com eles você pode tratar de qualquer assunto sem medo de que ele use seus problemas contra você.

2. PASTOR QUE RECONHECE SUAS LIMITAÇÕES


Pastor que reconhece que tem fragilidades, que trata suas emoções com delicadeza, que desabafa com seus auxiliares, que reconhece que pode falhar e não posa de semideus; não alimenta a dependência de pessoas do rebanho, mostrando a elas que o pastor é um ser humano e não um ser infalível, tem menos chances de cometer abusos.

3. RECEBENDO OS FERIDOS

Existem igrejas sérias que recebem esses feridos e tentam recuperá-los. É um trabalho árduo e complicado, já que estas pessoas estão desconfiadas de tudo e de todos, cheias de traumas e até doenças geradas pelo sofrimento a que foram submetidas. Só muito amor pelas almas é que movem essas igrejas a receberem esses irmãos, Deus irá recompensá-las devidamente por esse amor.



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