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Various [[Christianity|Christian]] churches and [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] are opposed to Freemasonry and state that its teachings are incompatible with biblical Christianity.<ref>[http://www.equip.org/article/should-christians-join-the-masonic-lodge/ Should Christians Join the Masonic Lodge]</ref><ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/masonry.html Freemasonry and the Christian Church]</ref><ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe?]</ref> The Roman Catholic Church opposes Freemasonry, which it first condemned in an encyclical issued by Pope Clement XII in 1738. <ref>[https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/BACAFM.HTM/ Catholicism vs. Freemasonry—Irreconcilable Forever Rev. Robert I. Bradley]</ref> The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is opposed to Freemasonry.<ref>[http://www.orlutheran.com/masoniclodge.html]</ref> The Orthodox Church in America also opposes Freemasonry.  

Various [[Christianity|Christian]] churches and [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] are opposed to Freemasonry and state that its teachings are incompatible with biblical Christianity.<ref>[http://www.equip.org/article/should-christians-join-the-masonic-lodge/ Should Christians Join the Masonic Lodge]</ref><ref>[http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/masonry.html Freemasonry and the Christian Church]</ref><ref>[http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe?]</ref> The Roman Catholic Church opposes Freemasonry, which it first condemned in an encyclical issued by Pope Clement XII in 1738. <ref>[https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/BACAFM.HTM/ Catholicism vs. Freemasonry—Irreconcilable Forever Rev. Robert I. Bradley]</ref> The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is opposed to Freemasonry.<ref>[http://www.orlutheran.com/masoniclodge.html]</ref> The Orthodox Church in America also opposes Freemasonry.  

<ref>[http://oca.org/questions/nonchristiangroups/masonic-fraternity]</ref>

<ref>[http://oca.org/questions/nonchristiangroups/masonic-fraternity]</ref>

 

Freemasonry is also illegal in Islamic countries, where Masonic lodges are sometimes called "Houses of the Devil". <ref>Short page 170</ref>

Contrary to popular belief, Freemasons are not taught to 'prefer' other Masons or to do them special favors. They are pledged, however, to come to the assistance of other Masons if they are in need, so long as this does not involve any violation of one's ethical standards or imperil the well-being of the assisting Mason's family.  

Contrary to popular belief, Freemasons are not taught to 'prefer' other Masons or to do them special favors. They are pledged, however, to come to the assistance of other Masons if they are in need, so long as this does not involve any violation of one's ethical standards or imperil the well-being of the assisting Mason's family.