Are Freemasons Heretic? Resources

https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/21060/fast-facts-on-the-masonic-lodge

It depends, you hear all kinds of stuff or watch all kinds of stuff in the history channel.

I worked for a group home in the midwest years ago and each big house had the masonry sign in the corner of the houses. Nice big houses with basements that could be another house with all the rooms they had! Each house had its own apartment too! Perfect for tornado season 💨

DAL

Paul Caneparo

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

I am not a mason nor do I intend to experiment with it. But, some of the authors I respect have been charged with being associated with this organization. And, as is well documented some of the founders were said to have been masons. The Washington Monument is an obelisk, a well known symbol of masonry. I'm looking for a resource/resources that reliably discusses these issues and places them squarely against the truth of the gospel.

Does this book help?

Ken

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

I am not a mason nor do I intend to experiment with it. But, some of the authors I respect have been charged with being associated with this organization. And, as is well documented some of the founders were said to have been masons. The Washington Monument is an obelisk, a well known symbol of masonry. I'm looking for a resource/resources that reliably discusses these issues and places them squarely against the truth of the gospel.

Removing all the conspiratorial Dan Brown stuff aside, Freemasons behave like Gnostics and other mystery cults. You don't even have to get into their doctrines - just the practice of mystery and "special knowledge" in and of itself is heretical and against the Gospel of Christ. Christ came to give himself freely. Not relegate people into levels and "degrees" of knowing him, and encourage elitism. The was what was so false about original gnosticism too. You don't even have to get into their doctrines - it's the insistence on mystery and elitism that is the opposite of the "Good News" of Jesus Christ (it wouldn't be "good news" if it was hidden from most people). The red flag in,s ay, the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas is that Jesus would tell some of his disciples one thing, but only set aside Thomas (or in some texts, Mary Magdalene) and give the "real" truths. It ascribes malice and elitism to Jesus and has him treat people like worthless fools. And to this day, this kind of thinking has a certain appeal to some. They want to be feel "special" and "elite" and privy to things others don't. But Christ told us that the greatest of the kingdom of heaven shall be a servant - or a child even - not an elite.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167768#Comment_1167768

It could depend on the denomination as well. Some forbid membership. Not knowing anything about what church you might belong to, I can't really offer more than that.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167768#Comment_1167768

Does this book help?

https://ebooks.faithlife.com/product/21060/fast-facts-on-the-masonic-lodge

Its inexpensive. I didn't find it when I searched with headword freemason. Thanks! Paul.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167770#Comment_1167770

It could depend on the denomination as well. Some forbid membership. Not knowing anything about what church you might belong to, I can't really offer more than that.

I belong to a non-denominational assembly. Our minister of music is a mason, I think he's got himself into a pickle, but it's not my place to judge.

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

It is certainly reasonable to ask for resources on the relationship between Christianity and Freemasonry - historical and contemporary. To ask that they be authoritative, requires that I know what you consider authoritative, which I do not.A quick search of the store gives

The Question of Freemasonry and the Founding Fathers | Logos Bible Software - I know nothing about the author or publisher but a quick view of the TOC leads me to believe this may be fairly superficial.
Freemasonry: The Invisible Cult | Logos Bible Software - a quick view of this leads me to an all thumbs down assessment; it would be impolite to explain why.
Fast Facts on the Masonic Lodge | Logos Bible Software - the resource spends time trying to disprove the self-definition of the Masons ... this usually means the authors haven't taken the time to actually understand Freemasonry in it's own right.

My own experience tells me that there are at least two very different branches of Freemasonry - there is a benevolent social society one and there is an occult one. Knowing this, in your position, I would start by making sure I knew what "Freemasonry" I wanted to learn about -- there are probably multiple correct answers.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167775#Comment_1167775

It is certainly reasonable to ask for resources on the relationship between Christianity and Freemasonry - historical and contemporary. To ask that they be authoritative, requires that I know what you consider authoritative, which I do not.

Authoritative for me means that the author or authors have a record of scholarship and are well informed on the subject they are writing on and are committed to making a fair document of the subject they are presenting on. Thank you for the question and your list of resources.

I would further comment that we appear to need more resources on this subject.

Ronald Quick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167775#Comment_1167775

I haven't read this book by Barton, but I do own the Wallbuilders collection that it is in. The book is 116 pages. Here are a couple quotes from it that give you an idea of his perspective:

"Despite abundant historical proof to the contrary, many current writers on the subject of Freemasonry in the Founding Era still wrongly espouse that: (1) virtually every one of the Founding Fathers was a Freemason; (2) early American Freemasonry was no different from modern Freemasonry; (3) American Freemasonry was a hotbed for the Illuminati; and (4) the Founders established America on cultic principles"

"Numerous other similarly ludicrous charges have been made—charges that receive wide publicity and which, regrettably, are today believed by many. Yet, to accept such fables, one must ignore the unequivocal historical facts documented in this book: (1) the overwhelming majority of the Founders were not Freemasons; (2) many who were Masons were at best inactive; (3) the Freemasonry of the Founders is not Freemasonry of today; and (4) the overwhelming majority of both Masonic and non-Masonic Founders were generally orthodox Christians who were very pro-God and pro-Christ in both words and actions."

David Barton, The Question of Freemasonry and the Founding Fathers, Wallbuilders’ Historical Issues Series (Aledo, TX: WallBuilders Press, 2005), 115–116.

I do enjoy reading Barton and he includes numerous citations throughout his works so you can check his accuracy.

https://www.logos.com/product/163925/the-question-of-freemasonry-and-the-founding-fathers

https://www.logos.com/product/17337/wallbuilders-american-foundations-digital-library

Adam Borries (Logos)

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

No.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167783#Comment_1167783

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

No.

I respectfully disagree, but I accept your assessment. I will stay away from inflammatory language and baseless observations.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167783#Comment_1167783

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

No.

Thank you Adam for your clear and reasonable response.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167786#Comment_1167786

Bible cannot have contradictions

Talk about a theologically loaded assertion ... Have you read any apophatic theology?

Hi MJ: I got this email that you posted to the other thread that was on the same topic. For some reason, your post was not posted there before it got closed. So I am posting here and responding. Sorry didn't know how to respond otherwise.

Since I am not seminary-educated, I had to google "apophatic." I have read a few books on the attributes of God. Some of them talk about what God is NOT. Don't know if that is what you mean by apophatic.

I had no intention of making a theologically loaded assertion. Is it possible you misread my mind? To me, since the Bible is the word of God, the ultimate author is effectively God and, therefore, there cannot be contradictions. To me, this belief (that there can be no contradictions) is as central as believing Jesus is God. Maybe, this is not central to all Christians. I didn't know that.

Going forward, it would be helpful to know what is a litmus test to determine what is a "theological assertion" because it looks like that is not allowed in the Forum.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167783#Comment_1167783

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

No.

I might need clarification here. Unless I missed the point, isn't this a question about what resources FL has on the subject?

Robert M. Warren

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167793#Comment_1167793

Is it possible to stay within the forum guidelines and get recommendations on authoritative resources that discuss whether or not freemasonry is heretic to Christianity?

No.

I might need clarification here. Unless I missed the point, isn't this a question about what resources FL has on the subject?

Yes.

Adam Borries (Logos)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167793#Comment_1167793

I mean that the question is inherently theological. What constitutes "authoritative?" Whose definition are you using of "heretic"? If we want to give resource recommendations for studying what freemasons believe, great. The minute we make an evaluation on orthodoxy, it is theological by nature.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167792#Comment_1167792

To me, since the Bible is the word of God, the ultimate author is effectively God and, therefore, there cannot be contradictions.

This is a very theologically bound belief and does not reflect the majority of Christianity across space and time. As a hint, think of God's ways not being our way's ... that he is not bound by what we perceive as contradictions is a common theological position. In fact, the rule of non-contradiction is being challenged in physics and other sciences. A basic rule of thumb for those who have neither the interest or the time to explore the breadth of Christianity is "if the Sunday school teachers, preachers, faith formation leaders, ... felt they had to teach me why it is true and/or teach me how to defend, it is probably theological.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167805#Comment_1167805

Here's an interesting looking resource: Freemasonry: An Introduction not too expensive and may answer my questions.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167808#Comment_1167808

That looks like a good choice.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167809#Comment_1167809

That looks like a good choice.

Your affirmation settles it!

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167805#Comment_1167805

1Cor10:31">
To me, since the Bible is the word of God, the ultimate author is effectively God and, therefore, there cannot be contradictions.

This is a very theologically bound belief and does not reflect the majority of Christianity across space and time.

First, Could you please point out the data that shows that this belief "does not reflect the majority of Christianity across space and time?"

Second, the implication is that if the majority believed something, you can make a statement in this Forum. That makes zero sense for several reasons.

(1) No clear data exists to show what % of Christian population (btw, should it be US or the whole world?) believe in a given doctrinal statement. So no one can figure out if a doctrinal statement is held by a majority.

(2) Assuming the Forum allows theological assertions, why is it ok only to make an assertion that the majority believe, but not otherwise?

(3) As far as I can see, the Forum guidelines states "Please do not discuss or debate biblical, theological, or other controversial topics." I see nothing about making theological assertions.

(4) Do you keep track of all the posts where people make numerous theological assertions and push back everytime?

As a hint, think of God's ways not being our way's ... that he is not bound by what we perceive as contradictions is a common theological position. In fact, the rule of non-contradiction is being challenged in physics and other sciences.

Well, why are you assuming (yet again) that I am talking about human contradictions? God cannot contradict Himself is an absolute truth. You want to believe something else, that's fine. But why come and contradict me. It seems like you want to get into a theological debate, not me.

A basic rule of thumb for those who have neither the interest or the time to explore the breadth of Christianity is "if the Sunday school teachers, preachers, faith formation leaders, ... felt they had to teach me why it is true and/or teach me how to defend, it is probably theological.

Who came up with this definition? Who decides on whose definition of what is a theological assertion?

Even abstracting away from the above two questions, why is yours a bogus definition? Because nobody can go back and tell exactly which truth you believe was taught by your Sunday school teacher, which was taught by your pastor, which you picked up from reading books, which you picked up yourself from reading the Bible, which you picked up by watching Youtube sermons,...

Let me wrap it up. I don't understand why I am a trigger for you. Discrimination annoys me to no end. I'm asking you: is it possible for you to come to the Forum after checking your biases at the door? Because this is getting annoying.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167802#Comment_1167802

I mean that the question is inherently theological. What constitutes "authoritative?" Whose definition are you using of "heretic"? If we want to give resource recommendations for studying what freemasons believe, great. The minute we make an evaluation on orthodoxy, it is theological by nature.

Okay, I think I’m starting to grasp it. If the question had been “does Logos have any books about Freemasonry,” that would be okay. But “does Logos have any books about whether Freemasonry is heretical” is theological?

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

In 1995, Zondervan Academic published Masonic Lodge whose 2016 ebook is available on general.ebooks.faithlife.com (Noet replacement), which can be used in Faithlife apps.

Keep Smiling [:)]

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167814#Comment_1167814

I am not going to get trapped in a theological discussion with you - they are not permitted in the forums. Just as I answered your question about what is theological, I will answer a couple that can be useful in pointing you in a useful direction for learning more and I can answer in a non-theological manner.

First, Could you please point out the data that shows that this belief "does not reflect the majority of Christianity across space and time?"

Across geography and time means that for the first chunk of Christian history the Oriental Orthodox churches' view has significant weight as the center of Christian growth; for the second chunk, the Eastern Orthodox churches' view become the primary growth area; finally the tag-along Western Catholic view becomes primary. Eventually, the Reformation groups become the growth area. Put an idea as predominate, minority, non-existent in each of the four buckets, add some weighting, and one can make a decent estimate of whether or not it represents the majority view across space and time.

Who came up with this definition? Who decides on whose definition of what is a theological assertion?

I did at your request as a quick rule of thumb for those of us who are not theologians by interest or trade; I did so to answer your question. Somehow, I didn't think you would appreciate a description based on how I personally think of it -- if it requires belief-revision logic it's theology.

I don't understand why I am a trigger for you.

I don't consider you to be a trigger - but I was surprised when you resurrected a deleted post from another thread. Given that this thread was started by a clearly theological question framed in a "is this permitted?' frame, the question of theological/not theological seemed fundamental to the discussion, especially when there were still questions after Adam's response.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167819#Comment_1167819

Okay, I think I’m starting to grasp it. If the question had been “does Logos have any books about Freemasonry,” that would be okay. But “does Logos have any books about whether Freemasonry is heretical” is theological?

Yup

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167825#Comment_1167825

Maybe it’s time to lock 🔒 this one up too 👍😁👌

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167859#Comment_1167859

No. People can't just harass others and then try to lock it up. Keep it open and I want to highlight pure discriminatory harassment that is going on by MJ.

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167863#Comment_1167863

If this thread was above the board until now, it definitely left the rails with personal attacks against other users.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167865#Comment_1167865

If this thread was above the board until now, it definitely left the rails with personal attacks against other users.

Yeah, not even going to respond to that diversion. I’ve (hopefully) learned my lesson.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167825#Comment_1167825

Okay, I think I’m starting to grasp it. If the question had been “does Logos have any books about Freemasonry,” that would be okay. But “does Logos have any books about whether Freemasonry is heretical” is theological?

Yup

Good enough. It took me some time to reason that one out.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167865#Comment_1167865

If this thread was above the board until now, it definitely left the rails with personal attacks against other users.

It started boiling a few posts ago, that’s why I said it was time to lock it up🔒 👍😁👌

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167824#Comment_1167824

I want a Faithlife moderator to intervene. A new Forum user like me has the same rights as someone who has been there for eternity. No one has any right to harass/discriminate others, especially someone of MJ’s standing.

The more power you have, MJ, the more responsibility you have to set an example for others. And discriminately harassing someone is ugly.

but I was surprised when you resurrected a deleted post from another thread.

I had to put it here because, as I said, the previous thread that you posted this reply was closed. I resurrected because you forced my hand. Here is the odd part.

I got the following email, which say that you posted:

From: Logos Bible Software Forums <forums@logos.com>
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2021 6:51 PM
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Andrew Murray Christian or Nay?

MJ. Smith posted to Re: Andrew Murray Christian or Nay? in the General forum

quote user="1Cor10:31" Bible cannot have contradictions

Talk about a theologically loaded assertion ... Have you read any apophatic theology?

When I went to look up, your post was not there. Uh! Why? Did you delete it? If so, why did you delete it? Did you feel that you let your bias creep in, and you wanted to erase the evidence? It looks like that. Why do I believe that?

Here is something that I noticed today. Even though the post (Re: Andrew Murray Christian or Nay?) is closed, Mike Binks was able to post today! (see below the post that I cut-paste).

Faithlife: How can someone post to a thread that is already closed? Why are some allowed but not others to post on closed threads? That is discrimination.

Clearly, some people are allowed to post on closed threads. If Mike can post, MJ should have been able to post. The fact that I got the email, but the post is not there tells me that she deleted her post to hide her harassment. Of course, I can’t prove intentions. But as financial economists, we try to infer people’s preferences based on behavior (google “revealed preference”). That is what I’m doing now.

[Brother Mike: this is not about you. I have deep respect for pastors, most of whom toil away serving their people, including my own pastor that I love. This is about showing that people can post on closed threads.]

Mike Binks | Forum Activity | Replied: Today 5:03 AM | Locked

Beloved Amodeo:

This post is formed to establish evidence that will answer whether the writings of this man can be trusted to put forth a reliably Christian viewpoint. I have read and found useful his writings on humility and abiding in Christ.

Some have asserted that he was a Freemason and others have questioned whether he wrote doctrinally sound works. What is your view on this man whose works are well represented by Logos?

As a working pastor taking many funerals of those that have never darkened the church's door I studiously endeavor not to presuppose the relationship that the deceased had with Jesus. I would hesitate to judge anyone especially one who lived in such different circumstances and is separated by so much time.

I rather like Tom Wright's assertion that it is likely that as much as 20% of what he teaches is illinformed. The problem is that he does not know which 20%.

Here is where I want Faithlife to specifically intervene because it involved discriminatory harassment:

In my post, I had the following “Bible cannot have contradictions.”

Is this an acceptable statement for me to make in a post? In my mind, it is the most innocent comment that I made.

If so, why is it ok for MJ to enter and say that this is “a theologically loaded assertion,” implying that this is unacceptable?

Here is further discrimination.

By following that unnecessary quip by asking “Have you read any apophatic theology?” she is effectively asking for theological debates, which are not allowed. Then she is accusing me of wanting theological debates. Yes, I asked your CEO to know if it is ok to have theological debate and he said No. I know to respect authority.

Please intervene. I don’t have to put up with people randomly dinging me for no reason. I just want my right to participate in the Forum.

I am not bringing past abuse of authority of MJ in other threads, but am happy to do so.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167884#Comment_1167884

It started boiling a few posts ago, that’s why I said it was time to lock it up🔒 👍😁👌

Mr DAL, historically, you've seen the future too often. Hmmm.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167893#Comment_1167893

It started boiling a few posts ago, that’s why I said it was time to lock it up🔒 👍😁👌

Mr DAL, historically, you've seen the future too often. Hmmm.

Definitely time to lock it 🤦‍♂️

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167896#Comment_1167896

Why can't we wait for Faithlife to address the issues being raised by me? What is the rush to lock? Nobody wants to face ugly truths below the surface, it seems. Why continue to sweep everything under the rug? To protect whom?

David Thomas

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167887#Comment_1167887

Even though the post (Re: Andrew Murray Christian or Nay?) is closed, Mike Binks was able to post today! (see below the post that I cut-paste).

I have no horse in this race, but is there ANY evidence that Mike Binks made this post AFTER the thread was locked? Is it possible that the thread was locked sometime after Mike posted but before the quoted user viewed the forum today?

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167898#Comment_1167898

Why can't we wait for Faithlife to address the issues being raised by me? What is the rush to lock? Nobody wants to face ugly truths below the surface, it seems. Why continue to sweep everything under the rug? To protect whom?

Because you might end up getting locked up for a few days. Hint…hint…

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167910#Comment_1167910

1Cor10:31">
Why can't we wait for Faithlife to address the issues being raised by me? What is the rush to lock? Nobody wants to face ugly truths below the surface, it seems. Why continue to sweep everything under the rug? To protect whom?

Because you might end up getting locked up for a few days. Hint…hint…

DAL

Sorry DAL, I don't get your hint.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167905#Comment_1167905

1Cor10:31"> Even though the post (Re: Andrew Murray Christian or Nay?) is closed, Mike Binks was able to post today! (see below the post that I cut-paste).

I have no horse in this race, but is there ANY evidence that Mike Binks made this post AFTER the thread was locked? Is it possible that the thread was locked sometime after Mike posted but before the quoted user viewed the forum today?

The email I received was Friday 6:51pm. I had my email open, so I clicked right away. It was locked already.

From: Logos Bible Software Forums <forums@logos.com>
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2021 6:51 PM
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Andrew Murray Christian or Nay?

I posted at Friday 9:35pm and I didn't see Mike's post at that time. Mike Bink's post was today at 5:03am. Even adjusting for different time zones, it seems that his post was after it had been locked.

Mike Binks | Forum Activity | Replied: Today 5:03 AM | Locked

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167911#Comment_1167911

1Cor10:31">
Why can't we wait for Faithlife to address the issues being raised by me? What is the rush to lock? Nobody wants to face ugly truths below the surface, it seems. Why continue to sweep everything under the rug? To protect whom?

Because you might end up getting locked up for a few days. Hint…hint…

DAL

Sorry DAL, I don't get your hint.

Nobody really talks about it, but you get locked out of the forums for a few days if your behavior is deemed inflammatory or is perceived as trouble maker for being too persistent on certain things whether it’s true or not. Or someone might report you and that’ll get the ball rolling for you to be seen as the trouble maker. It happens every now and then. Part of the cancel culture everybody is adopting.

DAL

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167913#Comment_1167913

Nobody really talks about it, but you get locked out of the forums for a few days if your behavior is deemed inflammatory or is perceived as trouble maker for being too persistent on certain things whether it’s true or not. Or someone might report you and that’ll get the ball rolling for you to be seen as the trouble maker. It happens every now and then. Part of the cancel culture everybody is adopting.

I haven't heard about that, but if it was true, I'd definitely see it as responsible action by Faithlife. They moderate these forums with a very light hand, and people get away with lots of things that would have them banned at other sites. If they lock users only for a couple of days, that's very generous. Actually your claim that this is part of Cancel Culture asks for a ban, too.

I have reported 1Cor's aggressive postings earlier and hope FL will act upon that.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167915#Comment_1167915

Nobody really talks about it, but you get locked out of the forums for a few days if your behavior is deemed inflammatory or is perceived as trouble maker for being too persistent on certain things whether it’s true or not. Or someone might report you and that’ll get the ball rolling for you to be seen as the trouble maker. It happens every now and then. Part of the cancel culture everybody is adopting.

I haven't heard about that, but if it was true, I'd definitely see it as responsible action by Faithlife. They moderate these forums with a very light hand, and people get away with lots of things that would have them banned at other sites. If they lock users only for a couple of days, that's very generous. Actually your claim that this is part of Cancel Culture asks for a ban, too.

I have reported 1Cor's aggressive postings earlier and hope FL will act upon that.

This is an absolute joke, right. The person who is reporting being harassed and seeking redress is being asked to be quietened! Wow!

Mike Binks

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167887#Comment_1167887

I want a Faithlife moderator to intervene. A new Forum user like me has the same rights as someone who has been there for eternity. No one has any right to harass/discriminate others, especially someone of MJ’s standing.

You have the same 'right' to report abuse as any other forum member.

I resurrected because you forced my hand. Here is the odd part.

Wow!

[Brother Mike: this is not about you. I have deep respect for pastors, most of whom toil away serving their people, including my own pastor that I love. This is about showing that people can post on closed threads.]

Thank you for exonerating me –– perhaps time frames have some odd effect on the 'Locking' mechanism. I certainly didn't notice that the thread was locked when I contributed. Actually, this is the first thread that I have ever seen locked. There may have been others I just have not seen them.

In my post, I had the following “Bible cannot have contradictions.”

Is this an acceptable statement for me to make in a post? In my mind, it is the most innocent comment that I made.

Sorry, but I am of the opinion that it is not an acceptable statement. It may be a statement of conviction. A quick trawl through some of the sermons posted online might convince you that there are many who do not share your conviction, many, in fact, that seem to have no conviction at all.

It seems to me that the statement, of itself, misses the point of the forums.

Which are broadly

To discuss and enable folk to use Logos Software.

To point to resources that might inform a user about a certain subject.

I am sure that there are many resources in Logos that address the matter of 'false contradictions in scripture' and that you could have phrased your post to refer to them. You might even get away with

'It's isn't available in Logos, but Andy Capp's tome 'The fairness of life' deals with a number of supposed contradictions. The fairness of life would be a great addition to the Logos store.'

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167922#Comment_1167922

1Cor10:31">
In my post, I had the following “Bible cannot have contradictions.” Is this an acceptable statement for me to make in a post? In my mind, it is the most innocent comment that I made.

Sorry, but I am of the opinion that it is not an acceptable statement. It may be a statement of conviction. A quick trawl through some of the sermons posted online might convince you that there are many who do not share your conviction, many, in fact, that seem to have no conviction at all.

It seems to me that the statement, of itself, misses the point of the forums.

Thanks Mike: I have 2 questions for you.

1. Please see my comment in the right context (see below the full post from other thread). Let me know if the simple post with zero intent to have theological debate is still inappropriate.

1Cor10:31">
I don't know the background of Andrew Murray, so can't comment. But here is a framework I use to decide. Don't know whether you'll find it helpful or not.

Every person in this world has some wrong theology. My pastor has some wrong theology. Pick your favorite pastor and he/she has some wrong theology. Even our beloved apostle Paul. Of course, since I believe that the Bible is inerrant, whatever we see in the Bible from Paul is 100% true, but I am confident that His theology outside of the Bible was wrong sometimes. This assertion of mine, by definition, is true because only God is 100% right 100% of the time!

Thus to me, if the person is making a point using Bible verses and it makes sense, I'll take it. I have found some tweets by Joel Osteen to be good even though I don't believe in the prosperity gospel he preaches. I love Spurgeon and CS Lewis a lot, but I think they have contradictions in their belief system (and Bible cannot have contradictions). So I'll ignore some of the stuff they say.

Trying to find someone who is 100% right will have to wait till we reach Heaven!

2. If my sentence (Bible cannot have contradictions) in the context of a post is going to be flagged as inflammatory and not allowed, would you please go back to the previous thread (https://community.logos.com/forums/p/200976/1167842.aspx#1167842) and just see for yourselves whether "theological statements" were made by different posters? Let me know if you find any.

I have no problem if the Forum guidelines prohibit it (though I doubt people's innocent comments can be 100% free of beliefs). But what I do not like is one person discriminating against me by pointing out what I post, but not pointing out all the theological statements made by others in the same thread. Such discrimination is unacceptable to me. If people can't leave their biases at the Forum door before entering, then don't call me out but refrain from calling your "friends" out. I don't want to be discriminated against. Apply guidelines uniformly. It's a simple request.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167887#Comment_1167887

Did you delete it? If so, why did you delete it?

Yes, I deleted it because upon reflection I thought it would not be taken in the spirit in which it was intended - a reminder you were crossing the line (as the guidelines request I do) and a direction of reading that could show you why.

Adam Borries (Logos)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1167935#Comment_1167935

Ultimately, it's unproductive to set rules that specify exactly what statements are permitted, and which should not be allowed as "theological." Those rules would only beget more rules, until we spend all time litigating what counts as "correct" speech.

We have guidelines, not specific rules, precisely because we trust the people in our community to make wise choices to create a welcoming and helpful atmosphere.

Please abide by the following guidelines as you interact on our forums.

Please keep your discussions focused on Logos Bible Software: our software, products, websites, company, tools, etc.

Please do not discuss or debate biblical, theological, or other controversial topics. Use one of the many web forums intended for these kinds of discussions.

Please treat each other with the love, courtesy, respect, and kindness that you would if you were sitting in your living room together.

-- from Forum Guidelines

I understand the tendency to include our deeply held beliefs in normal conversation, sometimes even as unstated premises that we take for granted and assume that everyone else here agrees with. And you know what, that's... fine. That's normal. It's also okay if someone gently points out that your belief might make someone else, who doesn't share it, uncomfortable. We just don't want the conversation to be dominated by those topics here. They are extremely important discussions, but that's not the purpose of this forum. We want our users to help each other with Faithlife products and tools, and no one should ever feel unwelcome, or feel like they can't get the help they need because they don't believe "the right things." (Because, really, no two of us believe exactly the same thing.)

Ask yourself:

Does my post help someone understand Logos?
If a random person found this page off of a Google search, would it give them a good impression of Faithlife users?
Does it contribute to a positive community experience for my fellow forum members?

At Faithlife, we have a long-held motto that guides our company culture: Honor God. Love Others.

That should serve as good advice to our forum members as well. Commit to kindness.