The Intertwining of Protestantism and Freemasonry
One of the reasons - if not the main reason - why Progressivism was able to spread almost unopposed within the Evangelical Churches was the close and centuries-long entanglement between Protestantism and Freemasonry.
A few examples will suffice for now:
One of the most influential American dispensationalists was the theology professor and Freemason Alva J. McClain. He was one of the editors of the revised Scofield Study Bible, which has been translated into several languages, including German. Freemason and New Testament professor J. Gresham Machen was the founder of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Westminster Theological Seminary. Machen belonged to the same Masonic organization as theologian Harry Emerson Fosdick, the former pastor of Riverside Church in Manhatten, New York City, who was widely known for his advocacy of liberal theology. Theologian and Freemason Benjamin B. Warfield became famous for his many books, which are still read by countless pastors today.
Jude 4: For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God […] and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
NASB 1995
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I am quoting a passage from a scholarly article:
It is important to note in this context that Reformed and Lutheran Protestantism does not distinguish between ordained and non-ordained members, but in the nineteenth century a process of clericalisation of the pastoral function took place, so that in Protestant countries, the pastoral function had a great influence on social life. Bible societies were founded with the help of pastors and their masonic lodges (for instance in Geneva and New York), or were directed by masons (as in Paris). Protestant masons were also active in the propagation of the gospel through Evangelical Missionary Societies, founded in the first decade of the nineteenth century. On august 19, 1846, the Evangelical Alliance was launched in Freemasons’ Hall in London, and for many years the meetings of the Alliance were held at the same place. Nevertheless, much work is still to be done to explore the whole range of the interrelationship between Bible societies, associated Protestant missionary institutions and Freemasonry.
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First, I agree with you that Masonry and some forms of Protestantism have connections. I'd also agree that Masonry and biblical Christianity are diametrically opposed to each other. But, does every person who can be labeled a Mason, teach and believe Masonry? I think historically of W. A. Mozart and J. Haydn. Both were technically Masons. Mozart wrote a number of pieces for Masonic ritual use, including K. 148/125h, K. 429/468a, K. 468, K. 471, along with several others, not to mention "The Magic Flute" which is regarded as being rife with Masonic symbolism. Haydn: not so much. As historians can best tell, it appears Haydn attended only one Masonic meeting: his initiation. To paraphrase David L. Gray-he has researched the subject extensively-Mozart found a home and fame with the Masons, while Haydn realized he'd been duped into joining a pagan religion. Interestingly, Haydn is on record as saying he served God joyfully (one thinks of his late work: "The Creation"). My point is that I hope in your upcoming blog entries you will provide specifics in terms of ways that Warfield and Machen mixed Masonic doctrine in with their biblical teaching. I should add that overall, I very much appreciate your blogging.
We’re speechless...about Machen and Warfield especially. Any sources for us to read with more information or names?