REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES WITH MASONS
by Ron Rhodes
Harvest House Publishers, 308 pages, $11.95

Apologist Ron Rhodes delivers another volume in his "Reasoning from the Scriptures" series. While his three earlier campaigns were directed at Jehovah's Witnesses, Latter day Saints, and Roman Catholics respectively, his latest offering will target some who claim to hold to an orthodox, evangelical Christian faith.

For many years, Freemasonry has presented itself as being quite compatible with Christianity (and/or any other religion). Rhodes looks beyond the many good works (like providing free hospital care for children) and the admirable moral standards of Masons. These characteristics alone have given the centuries old fraternal order acceptability within some Christian churches. He reveals the true religious nature of Freemasonry, delving into its occultic symbols, secret oaths, and clandestine rituals.

Rhodes first lays a fundamental groundwork to help the reader who may be completely unacquainted with the Masonic Lodge. He succinctly covers such basics as its history, organizational structure (the various types or degrees of Masons), and the indoctrination process of becoming a Mason.

Rhodes next questions as to whether Freemasonry can or should be correctly identified as a religion. He also tackles other theological issues of importance, including the Masonic view of Scripture and the nature of God, its degrading of Jesus, and its redefining of sin and salvation. The book also contains a chapter asking, "Should Christians Be Masons?" and another which provides brief, but helpful, suggestions for evangelizing Masons.

As with his previous volumes in the series, Rhodes again interjects thought provoking questions throughout the book to spark discussion with Masons. Subject and Scripture indexes are also furnished and are helpful when using the volume as a reference tool.

While Masons may not be as prolific in recruiting members as Jehovah's Witnesses or Latter day Saints, or as numerous as Roman Catholics, Reasoning from the Scriptures with Masons is a vital work to help combat Masonry's acceptance within the Church and to expose its inconsistency with the Christian faith.

-- MKG

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