How about Masonry?
Introduction. The particulars of this question pertain to the secrecy surrounding Masonry and if it is a good idea to become a Mason.
Masonry is a religious institution. There are a number of recognized works which one can consult to ascertain the basic nature and tenets of Masonry (Freemasonry). Works such as Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, Morals and Dogma, the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, and Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor. To quote a Masonic work: "Masonry, then, is indeed, a religious institution..." (Ency. Of Freemasonry, Albert Mackey, pg. 729). The Masonic lodge is a temple of religion (Morals and dogma, pgs. 213, 214). The Mason kneels at the altar (Ibid., pg. 327), meets for a sacred purpose (Lightfoot, pg. 2), and searches for light (Morals and Dogma, pg. 741).
Masonry requires practices which are condemned in scripture. The god which Masons are taught to worship is designated as "G.A.O.T.U." (Great Architect of the Universe,'" Ency. Of Freemasonry, pgs. 290, 310). Masonry does not acknowledge Jesus Christ, as such (Ibid. pg. 619). Masonry requires oaths which violate the scriptures: "...binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots," swears the entered apprentice regarding keeping the "secrets" of Masonry (Duncan's Ritual, pgs. 34, 35, cp. with James 5: 12).
Conclusion. Much of the "secrecy" of Masonry has been revealed (see foregoing reference works). The design of the temple, various rites and degrees, and the goals have been disclosed. Notwithstanding, the oath of secrecy is unthinkable (1 Pet. 3:15, 1 Thes. 5: 21). In short, Christianity and Masonry are incompatible.
Masonry is a religious institution. There are a number of recognized works which one can consult to ascertain the basic nature and tenets of Masonry (Freemasonry). Works such as Lightfoot's Manual of the Lodge, Morals and Dogma, the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, and Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor. To quote a Masonic work: "Masonry, then, is indeed, a religious institution..." (Ency. Of Freemasonry, Albert Mackey, pg. 729). The Masonic lodge is a temple of religion (Morals and dogma, pgs. 213, 214). The Mason kneels at the altar (Ibid., pg. 327), meets for a sacred purpose (Lightfoot, pg. 2), and searches for light (Morals and Dogma, pg. 741).
Masonry requires practices which are condemned in scripture. The god which Masons are taught to worship is designated as "G.A.O.T.U." (Great Architect of the Universe,'" Ency. Of Freemasonry, pgs. 290, 310). Masonry does not acknowledge Jesus Christ, as such (Ibid. pg. 619). Masonry requires oaths which violate the scriptures: "...binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots," swears the entered apprentice regarding keeping the "secrets" of Masonry (Duncan's Ritual, pgs. 34, 35, cp. with James 5: 12).
Conclusion. Much of the "secrecy" of Masonry has been revealed (see foregoing reference works). The design of the temple, various rites and degrees, and the goals have been disclosed. Notwithstanding, the oath of secrecy is unthinkable (1 Pet. 3:15, 1 Thes. 5: 21). In short, Christianity and Masonry are incompatible.