I believe I was wrong about George Washington

[BlindSeeker]

I had a initiated a thread few months ago about America in prophecy, in March I believe, in which George Washington came up and I expressed I did not believe that he was a true Christian. At best, I felt he might be a deist and moralist, but not a Christian.

On that thread some brother question as to why I didn't feel he was a true Christian, and my primary reason was that George Washington was also a Free Mason, and had became one when he was twenty years old. This is an undeniable historical fact, and one that I still have difficulty with in reconciling it to his being a Christian. 

However, I do not remember who it was that questioned me, but he did share that he had study Washington's life and felt that Washington was indeed one. Even though a moderator expressed my sentiments about his being a Free Mason as conflicting with a true Christian. Sorry, that thread was deleted.

But, having spent considerable time researching and reading several books, including a book "George Washington, the Christian," which included a great deal of historical records from his years of service as a general, as well as his presidency, regarding letters, speeches, personal communications, as well as volumes of eye witness testimonies from associates, friends, acquaintances, and even political opponents, all bearing witness to his impeccable character, faith, commitment to prayer and devotion, the poor, his country, family, friends, strangers, and yes, even his enemies.

Therefore, I am posting this to simply acknowledge my wrong judgment of him, as well as to say I enriched by all the research into endeavoring to settle this. However, I still cannot understand the whole Free Mason part of it, as I view it as an construct of the father of lies and a great fountainhead of evil. In all my research, it was really never mentioned with significance in regards to his everyday life.

 

Nevertheless,  I still have difficulty with it in my mind and spiritual understanding. So, if anyone can settle that aspect of his life for me, I'm open. Otherwise, I'm just acknowledging with this post that I have become fully persuaded I was wrong. Thanks for whoever it was who had shared there conviction in his favor, as it prompted me to dig deeper...

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2024 by BlindSeeker
grammar correction

[AnOrangeCat]

I'd say there are two things to keep in mind. One, no one is perfect, and two, the knowledge we have about Masonic rituals and symbolism today is by no means indicative of the knowledge that was available back in the day.

[Ray12614]

Regarding Washingtons' involvement in Masons . . . I defer to those who have dealt with that topic.

Regarding Masons . . . I have only one encounter with them, and that was when they did my wife's uncles funeral.

They recited some scripture, but, it was veiled in an ceremonial phrases like 'Mettda Be' over and over (I am spelling it like it was chanted). The two men who did the funeral ceremony came in just before it started, and they left quickly after it was done, and so avoided any questions I and others might have had. No comforting attempted, just an quick service and then they quickly left. No greeting of people, shaking hands or hugging, or comforting of any kind. It was very odd, and off-balance.

On an side note: The uncle was NOT saved, NOT born again, and during his lifetime was an sinner of the notoriety. He was an truck driver, and had women in many states, kids by those women (that we knew about, probably many more), and there was little redeeming qualities in him whatsoever. Knowing what I know now . . . I am sure that he is in torment now, unless somebody was able to lead him to Jesus before he died and we just didn't know that it happened.

This thread is not about Masons, but, it sparked an memory of what I observed just after receiving Christ as my savior.

Grace and Peace to all who love Jesus . . . Ray . . . 

 

[other one]

10 hours ago, BlindSeeker said:

Nevertheless,  I still have difficulty with it in my mind and spiritual understanding. So, if anyone can settle that aspect of his life for me, I'm open. Otherwise, I'm just acknowledging with this post that I have become fully persuaded I was wrong. Thanks for whoever it was who had shared there conviction in his favor, as it prompted me to dig deeper...

The pastors of the churches that George participated said that he never took communion.  And when he was kind of pushed about it, they said he stopped going to church on the Sundays when communion was taken.

I wasn't there, but I don't know why the pastor would write that.

[debrakay]

Way back in High School all of my friends were part of the Rainbow girls and the Rainbow group was the young women's part of the the Masonic Women's group, Eastern Star.  I joined because my friends were in it, we got to dress up in formal gowns for the big meetings when others would be initiated into the group, we got to do fun things for the community and we each got a Bible when we joined.  It wasn't until I was in it for a few years that I began to understand it was actually some type of prestigious group and only the most elite could be a part of.  The young women who were a part of it came from the wealthiest families, the long standing families, those who had the name regardless of the reputation.  I was a teenage Christian at the time.  I quit when one of the girls inducted into the group was one of the most prideful, meanest, cruelest, heartless bully's in the school only because her father was a well know Masonic and the order wanted to please him and keep him happy.  It was then I realized what a farce it was.  The Masonic Order is nothing but a gloried country club in my book.  I am sure they do some valuable things for the community's but bottom line is their doctrines and rituals are hypocritical of what Jesus taught.  Of course this is only my personal experience and opinion. 

Edited September 2, 2024 by debrakay

[other one]

 

[Vine Abider]

11 hours ago, BlindSeeker said:

I had a initiated a thread few months ago about America in prophecy, in March I believe, in which George Washington came up and I expressed I did not believe that he was a true Christian. At best, I felt he might be a deist and moralist, but not a Christian.

On that thread some brother question as to why I didn't feel he was a true Christian, and my primary reason was that George Washington was also a Free Mason, and had became one when he was twenty years old. This is an undeniable historical fact, and one that I still have difficulty with in reconciling it to his being a Christian. 

However, I do not remember who it was that questioned me, but he did share that he had study Washington's life and felt that Washington was indeed one. Even though a moderator expressed my sentiments about his being a Free Mason as conflicting with a true Christian. Sorry, that thread was deleted.

But, having spent considerable time researching and reading several books, including a book "George Washington, the Christian," which included a great deal of historical records from his years of service as a general, as well as his presidency, regarding letters, speeches, personal communications, as well as volumes of eye witness testimonies from associates, friends, acquaintances, and even political opponents, all bearing witness to his impeccable character, faith, commitment to prayer and devotion, the poor, his country, family, friends, strangers, and yes, even his enemies.

Therefore, I am posting this to simply acknowledge my wrong judgment of him, as well as to say I enriched by all the research into endeavoring to settle this. However, I still cannot understand the whole Free Mason part of it, as I view it as an construct of the father of lies and a great fountainhead of evil. In all my research, it was really never mentioned with significance in regards to his everyday life.

 

Nevertheless,  I still have difficulty with it in my mind and spiritual understanding. So, if anyone can settle that aspect of his life for me, I'm open. Otherwise, I'm just acknowledging with this post that I have become fully persuaded I was wrong. Thanks for whoever it was who had shared there conviction in his favor, as it prompted me to dig deeper...

 

 

 

Appreciate your sharing and candor with this subject!  It is difficult to tell, and as @AnOrangeCat alluded to, Christians get into all sorts of wonky things that do not testify Christ well.

My grandpa who (mostly) raised me was a Mason, but interestingly enough, his favorite hymn was "The Old Rugged Cross."  (however, that might have something to do with his involvement with the KKK in his early years . . .)

But regardless of how many of the founders were actually born-again, we've seen many times in the bible where God has used others to bring about His purpose.  (e.g., Cyrus, king of Persia & even a speaking donkey)

[NConly]

From what little I know of The Free Masons they do not reveal their true mission until one is very high up the latter. I don't know how true that statement is.

[Mr. M]

11 hours ago, BlindSeeker said:

I had a initiated a thread few months ago about America in prophecy, in March I believe, in which George Washington came up and I expressed I did not believe that he was a true Christian. At best, I felt he might be a deist and moralist, but not a Christian.

On that thread some brother question as to why I didn't feel he was a true Christian, and my primary reason was that George Washington was also a Free Mason, and had became one when he was twenty years old. This is an undeniable historical fact, and one that I still have difficulty with in reconciling it to his being a Christian. 

However, I do not remember who it was that questioned me, but he did share that he had study Washington's life and felt that Washington was indeed one. Even though a moderator expressed my sentiments about his being a Free Mason as conflicting with a true Christian. Sorry, that thread was deleted.

But, having spent considerable time researching and reading several books, including a book "George Washington, the Christian," which included a great deal of historical records from his years of service as a general, as well as his presidency, regarding letters, speeches, personal communications, as well as volumes of eye witness testimonies from associates, friends, acquaintances, and even political opponents, all bearing witness to his impeccable character, faith, commitment to prayer and devotion, the poor, his country, family, friends, strangers, and yes, even his enemies.

Therefore, I am posting this to simply acknowledge my wrong judgment of him, as well as to say I enriched by all the research into endeavoring to settle this. However, I still cannot understand the whole Free Mason part of it, as I view it as an construct of the father of lies and a great fountainhead of evil. In all my research, it was really never mentioned with significance in regards to his everyday life.

 

Nevertheless,  I still have difficulty with it in my mind and spiritual understanding. So, if anyone can settle that aspect of his life for me, I'm open. Otherwise, I'm just acknowledging with this post that I have become fully persuaded I was wrong. Thanks for whoever it was who had shared there conviction in his favor, as it prompted me to dig deeper...

 

 

 

To not pass judgment on any man, but to speak by observation,

it behooves leaders to be a Christian as a leader of Christians.

It may be wrong to compare Washington to modern politicians

who pander to a constituency to get elected. For me the 

real question for any Christian is not "am I or is he or she 

a 'real' Christian", but has our life brought glory to Christ?

Did the American Revolution bring glory to God?

[BlindSeeker]

14 hours ago, AnOrangeCat said:

I'd say there are two things to keep in mind. One, no one is perfect, and two, the knowledge we have about Masonic rituals and symbolism today is by no means indicative of the knowledge that was available back in the day.

...or perhaps, it was not as corrupt and secretive back then.