[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Masons...Get in here...please? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 5/16/2010 6:16:08 PM EDT
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So I'm a Christian guy, though FAR from the ideal. I was a Boy Scout and my values are impenetrable. I love God, my country, and my family. I love our founders. I'm a Tea Party guy and I have come to the point now that I claim Libertarian as my affiliation. I enjoy a beer or a scotch on the rocks...sometimes both. Can I fit in the Masons?
I have dead relatives that were members (according to the family) so I assume that the BS that goes around is just that. I've always had an interest. I've heard so much crap that I would love to hear from any of the Masons I know we have on this board. It doesn't require anything that would subvert my protestant Christian faith. Correct? IM's are more than welcome. I live in Chesterfield,VA, and there are multiple groups around where I work and live. |
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So I'm a Christian guy, though FAR from the ideal. I was a Boy Scout and my values are impenetrable. I love God, my country, and my family. I love our founders. I'm a Tea Party guy and I have come to the point now that I claim Libertarian as my affiliation. I enjoy a beer or a scotch on the rocks...sometimes both. Can I fit in the Masons? I have dead relatives that were members (according to the family) so I assume that the BS that goes around is just that. I've always had an interest. I've heard so much crap that I would love to hear from any of the Masons I know we have on this board. It doesn't require anything that would subvert my protestant Christian faith. Correct? IM's are more than welcome. I live in Chesterfield,VA, and there are multiple groups around where I work and live. Nothing the least bit incompatible between you, your faith, and speculative masons. There are beliefs/systems that are incompatible with masonry ~for example you can not join if you are an atheist; on the other hand we don't care if you worship a tree or the whole forest. Different lodges have different members and different activities and/or appeal. My lodge is predominantly white, middle class, enjoy a drink here and there, cigars and nickle poker likely after a meeting but not required. There are lodges that would rarely have an activity where alcohol was present, and penny ante cards would be really frowned on. You might want to attend a social event to get a feel for the particular lodge you're considering. . |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. More plausible is that you've been told multiple times, but the answer isn't the one you want to hear. Degree = Candidate is asked some questions, walks around, answers questions, learns something Regular meeting = paying the bills, deciding on awarding scholarships, etc. The extent of religious instruction in a lodge is to be steadfast in the faith of your profession and to study the book of Scripture thereof for the Light it contains. The only question you will be asked regarding religion is if you believe in a Supreme Being. In before the religion pimps. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years?  Must be upper level members...guys I know that are involved are all middle class. Like really middle class. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. More plausible is that you've been told multiple times, but the answer isn't the one you want to hear. Degree = Candidate is asked some questions, walks around, answers questions, learns something Regular meeting = paying the bills, deciding on awarding scholarships, etc. The extent of religious instruction in a lodge is to be steadfast in the faith of your profession and to study the book of Scripture thereof for the Light it contains. The only question you will be asked regarding religion is if you believe in a Supreme Being. In before the religion pimps. I'm serious when I say that is the most profound and plausible thing I've heard from anyone about Masons. "What have you learned of goodness in your faith, and how can you make it a part of your reality?" Seriously, Thank you for that. |
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If it weren't for useful idiots on the internets and jack chick tracts, I'd have never seen that before. |
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We Freemasons are reluctant to refer anyone to the interweb for facts about our fraternity, but I feel that this site is one of the few websites around that gives a truthful view of what this is all about, and of equal importance, what it is not.
Go to the site index, look up the extensive lists of famous Masons, and then ask yourself if these men just might be the type of man you would want to emulate. |
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As many others have said in this thread, go to a local lodge on their stated meeting night, introduce yourself, and talk to them about Masonry and how to join. You will find that they are a great bunch of guys.
As for what the Masons do, it is still the largest fraternal organization in the world, in the U.S. it is one of the (if not the) largest contributors to charities, the Shriners are part of Masonry so there you have the Shrine hospitals and burn centers. If you ever get a chance check out the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria. Pinzgauer Past master Nogales Lodge #11 Nogales, Arizona |
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Quoted: We Freemasons are reluctant to refer anyone to the interweb for facts about our fraternity, but I feel that this site is one of the few websites around that gives a truthful view of what this is all about, and of equal importance, what it is not. Go to the site index, look up the extensive lists of famous Masons, and then ask yourself if these men just might be the type of man you would want to emulate. Thanks for that link! It answers a lot of questions. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme? 
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing |
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First Tuesday of the month is when dinners are held here. If you can't find a Mason before then, stop by the lodge around 7'ish and tell them you want to be a Mason.
The only religious requirement is a belief in God. One, Supreme being. It's almost like Deism. Google it. You will need to associate with a Mason for a year before you're eligible for membership. Good times, good people. |
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First Tuesday of the month is when dinners are held here. If you can't find a Mason before then, stop by the lodge around 7'ish and tell them you want to be a Mason. The only religious requirement is a belief in God. One, Supreme being. It's almost like Deism. Google it. You will need to associate with a Mason for a year before you're eligible for membership. Good times, good people. not true in most areas. definantly not here. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme?
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer 
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The extent of religious instruction in a lodge is to be steadfast in the faith of your profession and to study the book of Scripture thereof for the Light it contains. The only question you will be asked regarding religion is if you believe in a Supreme Being.
So would someone who considers themselves a Deist be eligible or not? It appears they would meet the question requirement just fine, but not a belief in scriptures. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme?
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer
32 degree scottish rite Knights of ST andrew Master Mason Dual Member Hewitt North Bham 592 Sam Thompson #456 Now what are your qualifications within the fraternity? |
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The extent of religious instruction in a lodge is to be steadfast in the faith of your profession and to study the book of Scripture thereof for the Light it contains. The only question you will be asked regarding religion is if you believe in a Supreme Being.
So would someone who considers themselves a Deist be eligible or not? It appears they would meet the question requirement just fine, but not a belief in scriptures. the ONLY religious requirement is that you have a belief in a monothiestic diety. Nothing more. Who/What that diety is is between you and your faith. No mason should ever discuss your faith with you or try to convert you to his. This requirment is very simple. Our obligations are made before you, god and your brothers. With belief in diety your obligation would be meaningless to you. No higher power to answer before. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme?
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer
32 degree scottish rite Knights of ST andrew Master Mason Dual Member Hewitt North Bham 592 Sam Thompson #456 Now what are your qualifications within the fraternity? The history channel! what else!? But seriously, have you ever been there and practiced(or whatever you call it) with them? seeing as how alot of the founding fathers were freemasons i cant see that "they" dont have an input on how things are run in the country/world. |
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I have honestly thought about being one.
I found the Lodge in a town about 30min away but not the one in my town. I know there is one here. My question is what does it cost to be a member as far as dues. Money is tight and I know it's not free. I know they have fund raisers and stuff. What is the adverage it will cost me in a year? I feel drawn to it by historic value and would like to know more about it. the idea of helping others is great. I'm also all for the Brotherhood as in a shop I work in as my job we are all brothers that lookout for each other. |
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The main thing to remember is that Masonry offers no plan for salvation. It is NOT a religion. It will not interfere with your faith. 2b1ask1. Sort of. There are some denominations that feel that the "It doesn't matter in whom (which supreme being) you believe in, aas long as you believe". is a religious statement in itself. I would say to the OP ask the pastor of your church to see if his denomination has an objection to Free Masonry. Again, some do, some don't. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme?
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer
32 degree scottish rite Knights of ST andrew Master Mason Dual Member Hewitt North Bham 592 Sam Thompson #456 Now what are your qualifications within the fraternity? The history channel! what else!? But seriously, have you ever been there and practiced(or whatever you call it) with them? seeing as how alot of the founding fathers were freemasons i cant see that "they" dont have an input on how things are run in the country/world. you don't become a master mason with having gone through the ritual work at least once.
for the last 2 years i have been an officer in one lodge and attend both on a regular basis. I attend the SR meetings every month and am active in the 6th degree team there as well. So yea i'd say i have a bit of real world experience with them. the history channel showed only parts of one states work. the lessons and meanings behind the work were completely ignored in most cases. While many states may let you take an open book test over a weekend to become a master mason, it doesn't mean you have actually learned anything, nor earned it. |
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The main thing to remember is that Masonry offers no plan for salvation. It is NOT a religion. It will not interfere with your faith. 2b1ask1. Sort of. There are some denominations that feel that the "It doesn't matter in whom (which supreme being) you believe in, aas long as you believe". is a religious statement in itself. I would say to the OP ask the pastor of your church to see if his denomination has an objection to Free Masonry. Again, some do, some don't. and that is pure stupidity. masonry does not tell you who or what to believe in. therefore could in no way be in conflict with such beliefs. Some sects feel that becuase we offer a generic prayer and don't specifically name jesus we are evil. They fail to relise we may also have a jewish or muslim brother in the lodge that would find thier prayer equally offensive. Masonry is about promoting harmony among the members. We don't discuss religion for the same reason we don't allow women in or discuss politics. Those are personal issues and decisions that the individual must make. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme?
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer
32 degree scottish rite Knights of ST andrew Master Mason Dual Member Hewitt North Bham 592 Sam Thompson #456 Now what are your qualifications within the fraternity? The history channel! what else!? But seriously, have you ever been there and practiced(or whatever you call it) with them? seeing as how alot of the founding fathers were freemasons i cant see that "they" dont have an input on how things are run in the country/world. you don't become a master mason with having gone through the ritual work at least once.
for the last 2 years i have been an officer in one lodge and attend both on a regular basis. I attend the SR meetings every month and am active in the 6th degree team there as well. So yea i'd say i have a bit of real world experience with them. the history channel showed only parts of one states work. the lessons and meanings behind the work were completely ignored in most cases. While many states may let you take an open book test over a weekend to become a master mason, it doesn't mean you have actually learned anything, nor earned it. But you still havent answered the yes or no question Have you been to DC and "practiced" with them at the "head office"? |
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I have honestly thought about being one. I found the Lodge in a town about 30min away but not the one in my town. I know there is one here. My question is what does it cost to be a member as far as dues. Money is tight and I know it's not free. I know they have fund raisers and stuff. What is the adverage it will cost me in a year? I feel drawn to it by historic value and would like to know more about it. the idea of helping others is great. I'm also all for the Brotherhood as in a shop I work in as my job we are all brothers that lookout for each other. it varis by lodge. one of my lodges is 100.00 per year the other is 30.00. you won't pay dues until you become a master mason. there is generally a fee associated with each degree. here that totals about 120.00 for all 3 and in genral there is no enforced time line to coomplete them. Lodges can also waive dues for brothers in hard times and real need. |
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I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme?
you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer
32 degree scottish rite Knights of ST andrew Master Mason Dual Member Hewitt North Bham 592 Sam Thompson #456 Now what are your qualifications within the fraternity? The history channel! what else!? But seriously, have you ever been there and practiced(or whatever you call it) with them? seeing as how alot of the founding fathers were freemasons i cant see that "they" dont have an input on how things are run in the country/world. you don't become a master mason with having gone through the ritual work at least once.
for the last 2 years i have been an officer in one lodge and attend both on a regular basis. I attend the SR meetings every month and am active in the 6th degree team there as well. So yea i'd say i have a bit of real world experience with them. the history channel showed only parts of one states work. the lessons and meanings behind the work were completely ignored in most cases. While many states may let you take an open book test over a weekend to become a master mason, it doesn't mean you have actually learned anything, nor earned it. But you still havent answered the yes or no question Have you been to DC and "practiced" with them at the "head office"? no, and i'd have no need to. the degree work in DC is the same as it is anywhere else. The council is simply made up of reps of all areas that meet to lead the organization. They oversee the degree work and mandate how it is done in the local SR lodges. there is no "practice" at the head office that statement alone shows your complete ignorance on the subject and the leadership structure of the scottish rite.
There is NO grand lodge of the united states. EVERY state grand lodge is a completely soverign entity. For me to "practice" with the leadership here i'd have to go to the grand lodge of alabama in montgomery. |
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As for what the Masons do, it is still the largest fraternal organization in the world, in the U.S. it is one of the (if not the) largest contributors to charities, the Shriners are part of Masonry so there you have the Shrine hospitals and burn centers. That is truly righteous work. My family and I have directly benefited from the Shriners' Hospital of Philadelphia. They helped preserve my sister's ability to walk. When a person has spinal fusion surgery and the hospital says "Don't worry about the bill, it's covered," you know you're in the company of good men. |
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Find a lodge near you or talk to a mason you may know. A mason won't ask you......you must ask a mason. There's a lot of BS out there. Masonry will not interfere with your faith. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile It will if you're Catholic. http://www.scripturecatholic.com/freemasonfaq.html#faq10 EDIT: That is not an authoritative link, but it appears to be roughly accurate. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I've never been able to get a straight answer as to what it is the masons actually do. We control the money and the debt. Where you been the last 200 years? The "original' ones from scotland that are in DC? i can believe The "pyramid scheme" ones that are in every town? i would say not pyramid scheme? you do realise those "scottish" ones in dc are the same ones as those in every town. your ignorance is showing Have you been there,or participated in any of their "activities"? YUP,im ignorant on everything. I just added a new sig due to this thread/post. thanks beer 32 degree scottish rite Knights of ST andrew Master Mason Dual Member Hewitt North Bham 592 Sam Thompson #456 Now what are your qualifications within the fraternity? The history channel! what else!? But seriously, have you ever been there and practiced(or whatever you call it) with them? seeing as how alot of the founding fathers were freemasons i cant see that "they" dont have an input on how things are run in the country/world. you don't become a master mason with having gone through the ritual work at least once. for the last 2 years i have been an officer in one lodge and attend both on a regular basis. I attend the SR meetings every month and am active in the 6th degree team there as well. So yea i'd say i have a bit of real world experience with them. the history channel showed only parts of one states work. the lessons and meanings behind the work were completely ignored in most cases. While many states may let you take an open book test over a weekend to become a master mason, it doesn't mean you have actually learned anything, nor earned it. But you still havent answered the yes or no question Have you been to DC and "practiced" with them at the "head office"? no, and i'd have no need to. the degree work in DC is the same as it is anywhere else. The council is simply made up of reps of all areas that meet to lead the organization. They oversee the degree work and mandate how it is done in the local SR lodges. there is no "practice" at the head office that statement alone shows your complete ignorance on the subject and the leadership structure of the scottish rite. There is NO grand lodge of the united states. EVERY state grand lodge is a completely soverign entity. For me to "practice" with the leadership here i'd have to go to the grand lodge of alabama in montgomery. Very true. The English do have a "head office", UGLE (United Grand Lodge of England), but we have left the Grand Lodges to the states, to make their laws as they see fit. Although every state has a Grand Lodge, as well as some countries, all of them are considered our brethren, and the ritual is mostly the same. In other words, a Mason is a Mason is a Mason...some lodges do things slightly different, but it will all be familiar to anyone that has traveled East. All Masons meet on the level, and although there is a hierarchy in Lodge, no Mason is over any other Mason...a 33rd Degree Mason is no higher than a 3rd degree Mason. The 3rd Degree, or Master Mason, is the highest degree any Mason can attain, although they can choose to further themselves to a numerically higher degree in an appendant body. |
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Find a lodge near you or talk to a mason you may know. A mason won't ask you......you must ask a mason. There's a lot of BS out there. Masonry will not interfere with your faith. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile It will if you're Catholic. http://www.scripturecatholic.com/freemasonfaq.html#faq10 EDIT: That is not an authoritative link, but it appears to be roughly accurate. iirc the pope has recinded the ban on masony... by the way look into the history of the knights of columbus. |
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As for what the Masons do, it is still the largest fraternal organization in the world, in the U.S. it is one of the (if not the) largest contributors to charities, the Shriners are part of Masonry so there you have the Shrine hospitals and burn centers. That is truly righteous work. My family and I have directly benefited from the Shriners' Hospital of Philadelphia. They helped preserve my sister's ability to walk. When a person has spinal fusion surgery and the hospital says "Don't worry about the bill, it's covered," you know you're in the company of good men. We had a brother whose daughter was very ill, without any prompting from anyone within the lodge her entire cost of care was covered. If men like that are to be damned, I will be damned as well standing shoulder to shoulder with them. |
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The Bible mentions human and animal sacrifices on several occasions, so becoming a Freemason shouldn't create any contradictions with your faith. Actually the only thing my pastor has ever said about masons is that as one you cannot try to convert a fellow Mason who is of some other faith....so prevents you from spreading the word of Christ. That, my pastor denounces. Not just Masons but any group that prevents converting non-Christians. I have many friends who are Masons. I am not...my father was one but quit and told me as I grew up to absolutely NEVER be one.  He refuses to talk about it.
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The Bible mentions human and animal sacrifices on several occasions, so becoming a Freemason shouldn't create any contradictions with your faith. Actually the only thing my pastor has ever said about masons is that as one you cannot try to convert a fellow Mason who is of some other faith....so prevents you from spreading the word of Christ. That, my pastor denounces. Not just Masons but any group that prevents converting non-Christians. I have many friends who are Masons. I am not...my father was one but quit and told me as I grew up to absolutely NEVER be one. He refuses to talk about it.
and if the tenents of your faith are such then that is perfectly fine. Masonry would not be for you. are you encourage to convert at jr's soccer games? How about the office? Does that mean your supervisor is a devil worshiper or anti-christian? |
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Find a lodge near you or talk to a mason you may know. A mason won't ask you......you must ask a mason. There's a lot of BS out there. Masonry will not interfere with your faith. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile If I remember correctly a Mason showed me his "burial clothes" or something like that. All I remember is that they were white. I think the special clothes might get in the way of some faiths/religions in terms of other burial clothes and such. Im not trying to be confrontational, just stating things that I have observed in the past. |
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Find a lodge near you or talk to a mason you may know. A mason won't ask you......you must ask a mason. There's a lot of BS out there. Masonry will not interfere with your faith. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile If I remember correctly a Mason showed me his "burial clothes" or something like that. All I remember is that they were white. I think the special clothes might get in the way of some faiths/religions in terms of other burial clothes and such. Im not trying to be confrontational, just stating things that I have observed in the past. we don't have burial clothes. you can have your coffin or body drapped with your apron and there is a masonic funeral rite if requested. thats it. |