What do many United States Senators and many preachers of our day have in common, at least to a great extent? All too often they both lack the integrity to tackle the really tough problems of our day in a decisive and forthright manner. Two of the best examples of this today are seen in the failure of the once respectable body known as the United States Senate to deal with a corrupt president and the failure of the once aggressive for truth Southern Baptist Convention to deal with the long-standing Masonic presence in its ranks. Unfortunately, the temptation for both preacher and politician is to do what is expedient, popular, and safe. Whether leaders turn to Louis Harris, George Gallup, or John Q. Church member to find out what will be popular, pleasing the masses - rather doing what is right, regardless of consequences - seems to be today’s norm, if not the rule.

The Senate spent weeks posturing, looking for a way out of dealing with an obviously corrupt President. Although his guilt, both morally and legally was evident to any intelligent person, the Senate chose not to remove him from office. Many of the senators were either compromised by skeletons in their own closets, afraid of hurting their re-election chances, or just blindly partisan. Similarly, Southern Baptists have their own dirty laundry which they have not been willing to address. Many within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) recognize the problem with the presence of Freemasonry exerting its occultic influence in its ranks. They feel it would disturb the tranquillity; it would not be popular to deal with this cancer in the spiritual body. Some have the attitude that since the convention has had so much controversy, at this time it would be harmful to its image to have more negative publicity. So that they might appear to be zealous for the truth, the SBC has addressed less controversial societal problems such as homosexuality, abortion, and racism. It has refrained from cleaning up its own house with regard to Freemasonry. However, there may yet be a change of attitude in this matter. It is time! Wait and see.

Tragically, a society such as a representative democracy cannot remain healthy when politicians, preachers, or both, openly condone wrongdoing. Where are the prophetic voices who are afraid of NO issues, intimidated by NO group or organization, and worried ONLY about pleasing God?

Listen to the words of D. L. Moody, uttered when told he should not allow Dr. Charles Blanchard, a former 33rd degree Mason, to speak against the lodge. Moody was told if he did allow Blanchard to speak against the lodge, he would lose the support of some wealthy people who helped fund his schools. Moody replied,

"Here is a man who knows what he is talking about, and you say that unless I silence him, you will not support the schools. I say if vital truth has to be sacrificed so that the schools live on, then let the schools die."1

Charles Finney, a revivalist, an evangelist, and a former Mason, said of Freemasonry,

"Would you have me cower before this enormously extended conspiracy? Or would you have me sear my conscience by shunning the cross, and keeping silence in the midst of the perils of both Church and State?"2

Men like Dwight Moody and Charles Finney are as rare as hen's teeth today, and our nation suffers as a result.

In the 1800's, former president John Q. Adams was bold in denouncing the Masonic lodge. He said in part,

"A conspiracy of the few against the equal rights of the many; anti-republican in its sap, from the first blushing of the summit of the plant, to the deepest fiber of its root. Notwithstanding these horrid oaths and penalties of which a common cannibal would be ashamed, the general Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the U.S.A. forbade their abandonment. That Masonry sanctions these barbarities is therefore proven beyond a question."3 In fact, Adams wrote an entire book addressing the problem. We have had presidents and currently have leading senators and presidential hopefuls who have ties to the cult of Freemasonry. Today, many preachers will not denounce it. Some have even become Freemasons. We have come a long way, but unfortunately we are traveling in the wrong direction.

Christians are called to be salt and light. Whether it be the individual preacher in the local church, or the corporate body of the denomination (SBC), a definitive stand must be taken with regard to Freemasonry. Its presence will weaken the church, stifle revival, and hamper evangelism.

Will America survive the malignancy of pathetically weak politicians pandering to the craven wishes of special interest groups, greedy big business, crass partisanship, and fickle public opinion polls? Can it survive when so many preachers selectively deal only with those issues which will not cost them a job, will not hurt the size of the offering, or will not deprive them of the applause of men? Don't count on it! America and Southern Baptist congregations are doomed if men of righteousness, fearlessness, and integrity do not come to the forefront.

To put all of this in perspective, it should be said that the root of the troubles of our nation lie not in the White House, or the courthouse, but in the church house. The problem lies not only in the pulpit but also in the pew. The preachers must fearlessly proclaim the Bible and let the chips fall where they may with respect to ALL issues - whether they be abortion, divorce, homosexuality, racism, or the participation of church members in secret societies such as Freemasonry. Alexis de Tocqueville said in the 1800's,

"I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors. . .; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good and, if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."4

People must be called to repentance of sin and to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. They must be challenged to follow Him uncompromisingly. Only a return to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of God's Word can reverse America’s precipitous slide into the abyss of once-great nations.

1. From an address on audio tape given by Dr. Stephen Mansfield.

2. Finney, Charles, The Character, Claims and Practical Workings of Freemasonry, edited by John Daniel, (Texas: JKI Publishing), 1998, p. 182.

3. Harris, Jack, Freemasonry: The Invisible Cult In Our Midst, (Maryland: Jack Harris),1983, p. 127.

4. Scarborough, Rick, Enough Is Enough, (Pennsylvania: Whitaker House), 1996, p. 69.

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