Ephesians 4:14

By Rev. Cleon H. Wright, PM
Chaplain, Indiana Masonic Home

That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Ephesians 4:14

Boyd C. Purcell wrote the following explanation of "Spiritual Abuse," published in the July/August issue of the Healing Ministry:

Spiritual abuse is the act of making people believe -- whether by stating or merely implying -- that they are going to be punished in this life and/or tormented in hell-fire forever for failure to live life good enough to please God and thus earn admission to heaven. Spiritual terrorism is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse and may cause serious mental health problems. Those people who have not been spiritually terrorized have not necessarily been spared from spiritual abuse and therefore may still be in need of competent, spiritual counseling. Spiritual abuse, which may be active or passive, can best be conceptualized on a continuum from terrorist to zero abuse. Severity is determined by intensity, age of onset, duration, and individual reaction. The underlying issue in all forms of abuse is control.

Let's ask ourselves, what is the real goal of the Anti-Mason? Is the Anti-Mason's goal the salvation of the Mason's soul? To best answer this question we need to ask a question. Is the Anti-Mason also venomously opposed to any doctrine that does not agree with his? Many of the Anti-Masons that I have heard and read are Anti-any doctrine that is not completely consistent with their doctrine. Our answer to this question determines how we view the Anti-Mason. If the Anti-Mason were also Anti-any doctrine not consistent with his, this would make Freemasons victims of "Spiritual Abuse." Anti-Masons have attacked Freemasonry over and over again as being a religion. Freemasonry is not a religion. Nor do we want the Fraternity of Freemasonry to become a religion. Could the underlying issue be that the Anti-Masons are lying in wait to deceive in order to control?

In August of 1920 a little known man took control of a small political party in Germany. The message of this party was simple and direct; it would restore Germany's prosperity and position as a world power and would utterly crush the Jewish and Communist backed world conspiracy which led to the "undefeated" German Army being "stabbed in the back" in 1918. The message was delivered brutal and efficient! The message was delivered on an emotional rather than an intellectual plane. Anyone who dared question or think different was discredited! Later they were dealt with permanently.

What we say about others sometimes reveals more about ourselves than it does about others. Hitler, the man who shouted conspiracy the most, was in fact one of the greatest conspirators!

We might ask how could we compare Spiritual Abuse to the anti-Mason?

1. The message is delivered on an emotional rather than an intellectual plane.
2. The use of fear to keep followers in line.
3. Believe this doctrine without question or you are going to be lost.
4. Discredit to those who dare to think for themselves.
5. Shun those who think different.
6. Abuse both physical and spiritual of those who disagree.

Now we may ask ourselves how someone can take the unconditional love of God and twist it to mean that you must think as I do. This same form of spiritual abuse is used in convincing a person those solemn vows no longing binding because the person is now a "true believer". We are told that God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Would the God of love, truth, and peace ask you to break your solemn vows made to Him. For that matter would He ask you ever to break your sacred word?

We read that God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In Isaiah 55:9 we read, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Let us take a real good look at the Anti-Mason. The following poem sums it up best. It is titled "Argument" and was written by Edgar A. Guest, noted America Poet and Mason.

ARGUMENT

The dandelion to the daisy said:
There is no Heaven for you,
Who would be crowned when he is dead
Must wear a golden hue.

The timid daisy answered low:
In spotless white we're dressed
That all upon the earth may know
God loves the daises best.

A cynic bee who passed that way
Said: What poor fools are these!
It makes no difference how they pray,
Heaven is reserved for bees.

We shall in glory stand arrayed
When this brief life is gone,
Flowers are but the things our God has made
For us to feed upon!

So the question remains: is it the Anti-Mason's purpose to bring salvation, or control?