Posted: 2/16/2013 10:04:12 PM EDT
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I have been struggling with a decision for several years now. My Uncle, deceased-grandfather, and stepfather are all masons. My grandmother is or I was told a northern something cant remember for sure. However, when I was younger I remember going to a meeting. I was young and I mean very young. What I do remember was being scared just to knock on the door, and I dont remember much after that. But my uncle when I see him still asks me a question that I have still been unable to answer. I think he gets all little frustrated when I cant answer back. "I guess I didnt travel far enough I guess" But anyways my stepfather and uncle said they would be honored to sponsor or speak for me.
I have some ideas of the history and beliefs of what the brotherhood is about. My father however, has not really been accepting of the free people because of what he says it really is. Im sure you know. Maybe im wrong for even posting here since its freely open to anyone to see and probably shouldnt of but just thought I would vent some......thanks |
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Basics - it's not a cult, and it's not a religion. Becoming active in your own denomination or church is encouraged, but not mandatory, as generally speaking religion does tend to make people want to be better people, and helps them on that path,
Freemasonry a gentlemens club dedicated to making good men better, and to leaving the world a better place than when you found it, through education, philosophy, and charitable works. Fourteen presidents have been Freemasons. 13 of 39 signers of the constitution were Freemasons. 9 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Freemasons as well. If you see the Shrine Circus, chances are all the Shriners in funny hats were Masons. Also, the guys who drive the funny cars in the parades with fez's on? Yeah, Masons. The Shrine also sponsors 22 children's hospitals in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Patients and their families receive care free of charge, ncluding room and board and travel expenses. They are not government subsidized nor are they cash and carry. We raise over 2 million a day for charity. |
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Quoted:
Basics - it's not a cult, and it's not a religion. Becoming active in your own denomination or church is encouraged, but not mandatory, as generally speaking religion does tend to make people want to be better people, and helps them on that path, Freemasonry a gentlemens club dedicated to making good men better, and to leaving the world a better place than when you found it, through education, philosophy, and charitable works. Fourteen presidents have been Freemasons. 13 of 39 signers of the constitution were Freemasons. 9 of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Freemasons as well. If you see the Shrine Circus, chances are all the Shriners in funny hats were Masons. Also, the guys who drive the funny cars in the parades with fez's on? Yeah, Masons. The Shrine also sponsors 22 children's hospitals in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Patients and their families receive care free of charge, ncluding room and board and travel expenses. They are not government subsidized nor are they cash and carry. We raise over 2 million a day for charity. Excellent post brother. |
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Eastern star that sounds right. Is it for women I guess?
I don't know if I'm asking the wrong questions on this site, or even should be asking at all. I'm interested in this organization, but more cause of family history. I have looked on this masonic forum and I keep seeing the same symbols. Some I know cause of the family told me just enough of what certain things mean. Like living a true life, being a well rounded man and a few other things. However, some of the stuff I have noticed seems to be foreign to me. I seen the pictures and they appear Egyptian and almost Arabic in nature. Now I'm not sure if I'm asking a no-no but im a correct in this? Now like I said before my step father said he would gladly speak on my behalf for me. My thing is not knowing if self is worthy enough to even ask. In my job I enforce certain things for the government, i wont go any farther into that....... But I have since being in the field I chosen have always done my job with three principles. Legally, ethically, and morally correct. If all three are done then I can feel better about myself. Nor have I never expected someone to do what I wouldn't do. Im not sure if that's what is a prerequisite for asking to join. All that I ask if this is true, that it not be associated with satanic rituals and no burning of crosses. Like I said I grew up with being told it was a cult. However some people I know I would not see them as being this type. Sorry if I seem naive I just don't want to take part in weird things if that makes sense and in any traditions. Some might look at me like what the..........but I heard castrate before. Im not to big into that if you know what I mean....... hope I didn't rub anyone the wrong way |
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You can ask any question you want. You can open a discussion about anything you want. We will determine if we can answer them, so don't be shy, ask away. If you choose to petition the lodge, know that it is of your own free will and that nothing is done in Masonry that violates your morals, your religion or the laws of your country . |
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Masons promise six things. We will help, aid and assist our fellow man. And we will never cheat, wrong or defraud him.
Not satanic in any way, shape or form. Not a cult. Members are free to demit (quit) at any time. As far as the castration thing. That's a new one. I hadn't heard that before. I'm sorry but I must say - 
My oldest son and his wife have had two beautiful baby girls after his joining. |
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Yes, the Order of the Eastern Star is actually quite a popular women's organization in the US.
I must ask you a couple questions: 1.) Do you believe in God / a God? 2.) If so, are you a practicing member of a particular Church / Denomination? (Your answer doesn't exclude you from being a Mason, but some Churches / Denominations greatly dislike Freemasonry due to common misconceptions / hearsay, or historical grudges resulting from criticisms of certain Religions / Denominations) You will find that the teachings of Freemasonry are teachings of PHILOSOPHY. It is NOT a religion, and NOT a Cult. Some of our practices are considered OCCULT though... cult
noun, often attributive \ˈkəlt 1: formal religious veneration : worship 2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents . Note how this differs from the word OCCULT. 1oc·cult
transitive verb \ə-ˈkəlt, ä- Definition of OCCULT : to shut off from view or exposure : cover, eclipse — oc·cult·er noun Examples of OCCULT <occulted their house from prying eyes by planting large trees around it> <the actor's private life had long been occulted by a contrived public persona> Origin of OCCULT Latin occultare, frequentative of occulere First Known Use: 1500 This is where things get confused - Freemasonry is NOT a "Cult"... We are NOT a religion, and do not profess any sort of means of Salvation - that is what your CHURCH is for... We are not a "CULT" in that we are not a FORMAL RELIGION, therefore we have no system of religious beliefs - only a request that each member believe in God. The God to whom they worship in their Church / Religion. WE DO have rituals - and they ARE Occult in nature - but OCCULT isn't necessarily a "Bad" thing. My penis and whatever I do with it - is defined as Occult. My bed chamber, and what happens therein is considered OCCULT. It just means Hidden from View, Secret, Covered. We are a fraternity that functions in three primary roles: 1.) We teach PHILOSOPHIES, many of which are based out of the Bible (particularly teachings of the two Saints John), as well as Philosophies based out of Jewish religious texts, Old Testament, Torah, and Kabbalah. These philosophies ARE NOT counter to one's own religious beliefs, and in fact will often draw most members to further strengthen their own religious beliefs in their own denominations... Just because we don't go around advertising what these philosophies are, how we impart them upon members, and other things doesn't make it BAD - just Secret, and therefore some people call it OCCULT as though it's bad. Such people tend to have an ignorant view on things in life. Though we often must TOLERATE ignorant people, we do not hold it against them. 2.) These Philosophies are taught through Rituals, which are designed to convey meanings, depth, and importance through signs, symbols, and allegories. Some ignorant people see this and scream, "CULT!!!" When in fact, we are NOT teaching religious beliefs - we are teaching Philosophies. Many of which are found in the Bible, or in texts of Judaism (upon which Christianity is somewhat based), etc... People forget to note that Christ himself taught in Symbols, Allegories, and Parables. Allegory and Symbolism is an ancient means of conveying meaning, and quite effective for thousands of years. These Rituals are also tools. Tools to test the mettle of prospective members. 3.) Charitable works & contributions to society. We are, at heart, devoted to not only improving ourselves, but dedicated to the improvement of our communities. To bring order out of chaos. To build a world where every man has equal recourse under the law - where no man, no politician, no congress, nor any thing being above the law - and that law being the natural law, the law of God, like our Constitutional Law. A law that is derived from natural, incontrovertible reason, and not in any way in-congruent with the laws of God. We do this by contributing to society via good works. Supporting hospitals, healing the sick, working soup kitchens, battered women's shelters, orphans, helping others, and taking several obligations upon our selves to aid or assist other Brothers or their families in times of need, etc... A good way to get a further understanding of the Fraternity, and what goes on therein, is to read the book, "Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry." Hope this helps. If you do decide to join... Don't mind the goat - he doesn't bite. |
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The Order of the Eastern Star is what's called an appendant body of Masonry. It has something to do with Masonry, but it is not the actual Masonic Lodge. The lodge is the umbrella group for all of the Masonic Lodges in the state or country.
Your uncle probably asked you if you are a travelling man. Regarding Masonry - it's not for everybody and it is certainly much to ask a man to join a group when we won't tell him what the group's cherished secrets really are. The not so secret stuff is simple. We're a fraternity dedicated to helping good men be better men, morally and spiritually. We believe in ourselves. We believe in right and wrong. We believe in God. We believe that humanity is good. We believe your family is sacred and your life is your own. We believe you choose your life. You're welcome to read the threads here and to meet Masons in your area and judge them for yourself. I believe you will find them worthy. If you consider joining us, know that nothing we will ask will ever harm you or offend God. |
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I don't know what just happened but post disappeared maybe i just said to much Not sure what happened to the post. Sometimes when I'm posting a lengthy message, it errors out saying "Session Timed Out." Always a good idea to select all the text you typed right before you submit it, and then copy that text (control C) just in case it errors out. Then submit, and then if it doesn't post, refresh to double check, then attempt to re-post by pasting your text. |
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Quoted: As far as certain lodge? Not really an idea just probably the ones that I know people or knew family something where it wouldnt seem as weird if I showed up We are used to men inquiring about joining. You have to seek out membership in our Fraternity. There is nothing weird about it at all. I am sure your family would be happy to have you in their lodge, but if it is too far for you to attend regularly, then joining a closer lodge is appropriate and understood. The nice thing about Masonry, is about meeting new people, and making new friends. |
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Quoted: Where are the ones in Morgantown? Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: http://www.wvmasons.org/ Morgantown Union No. 4 Corner of Burroughs & Windsor Streets Morgantown, WV 26505 on the website there is a list of all the lodges in WV. The one above is in Morgantown. There may be others on the outskirts of town, but you will have to look, because I dont know the towns very well. |