The other day I wrote that I can't turn on my computer without finding something bizarre or goofy written by a Christian. I'm coming to the conclusion that the more a Christian is concerned with "the Dark Side," the more strange and more annoying he or she is. It's the zealots — the anti-Mason, anti-Trilateral, anti-liberal, anti-Mormon, anti-Wiccan, anti-freedom conspiratorial crowd that always amuses and occasionally scares me. You know the ones... the junior-grade Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, John Ankerberg wannabes. It's as if they need Satan in their lives so they have something to fight against. (And the lesson is not lost on me, as I apparently need them in my life so I have something to write about — or write against.)
Yet another pastor wants us to renounce Freemasonry. Pentacostal pal Pastor Jerry, of Lewiston, Idaho, is a staff member of a christianized version of MySpace called Your Christian Space. Today on his page he reprinted from Isaiah 54 Ministries a prayer he wants us to recite so we can "become free from the curses brought upon [our]selves and [our] bloodline because of involvement with Freemasonry and other secret organizations." I first came upon (and wrote about) this prayer's 12-page version in April 2006. It was on the website of a metro Atlanta church. Pastor Jerry's newer version says the author was Steven Selwyn from New Zealand.
Here's just one paragraph from this Prayer of Renouncement:
I renounce and forsake all involvement in Freemasonry or any other lodge or craft by my ancestors and myself. I renounce witchcraft, the principal spirit behind Freemasonry, and I renounce Baphomet, the Spirit of Antichrist and the curse of the Luciferian doctrine. I renounce the idolatry, blasphemy, secrecy and deception of Masonry at every level. I specifically renounce the insecurity, the love of position and power, the love of money, avarice or greed, and the pride that would have led my ancestors into Masonry. I renounce all the fears that held them in Masonry, especially the fears of death, fears of men, and fears of trusting in the name of Jesus Christ.Woo hoo! Are we feeling better now?
Pastor Jerry claims he's been directed by the Holy Spirit to spend 2007 sending out a "daily devotional entitled 'Walking In The Fullness Of Our Inheritance.' These daily send outs will be focused on various topics concerning the true Christian life — with a view to one entering into the fullness of their precious inheritance, in Christ."
Thanks, Jer!
Apparently quite a few Christians are unhappy that Wiccan soldiers' military tombstones can now be marked with a pentacle. Jennifer Emick's altreligion.about.com gives several links to unhappy bloggers, including one who called the Veterans Administration's decision a "victory for Satan." Another is disgusted that his Christian relatives may have to take the Eternal Dirt Nap lying next to a "Satanist."
The comments section of the blog The Way We See It, which Jennifer links to, is rather interesting. The blogger asks a commenter why she gave up Christianity for Wicca. Her story is quite interesting; she gives him a helluva response. She was a deeply religious and very active Christian for much of her life, until she had a change of heart. It's comment number five.
Image: Grave markers at Arlington National Cemetary
UPDATE: I've joined My Christian Space, and already Pastor Jerry has asked to become my friend.
Masons | Anti-Masons | Renouncing of Freemasonry | Freemasonry | Christianity | Burning Taper | BurningTaper.com
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