Ask A Freemason

[nonconformist]

So I'm debating joining a fraternal or community organization outside of my church. Why would I want to join the Masons over say, the Kiwanis club, or the Rotary?

Cos by the sounds of the Secrecy, it sounds a bit like the LDS

 

[Methos]

Even if, as you say, no particular religions is required, in practice most;at least many; of the members are chirstioans.

I will agree that in the US Masons are predominantly Christian, but outside the US that's not always the case.

How do you guys cope with the imperative of secrecy of the society, if christians also have an imperative of spreading the word of the savior? Because, if there is no common points (making the qiestion irrelevant), than there is no substance in the claim that it is religious based.

There are common points, a belief in a Supreme Being is just one of them. Note that Masonry teaches with symbols and any one symbol can mean different things to different people. Masonry helps expand on your own religious beliefs and teachings.

I should also state that both politics and religion aren't allowed to be discussed in Lodge. While that may seem odd, it maintains harmony within.

I realize I'm rambling, but I'm not sure the best way to answer your question. Without having experienced it, I'm not sure there is a way to give you the answer you seek. I can only say that it isn't a problem.

Also, how do you justify the secrecy? If you know (or think you know) some information that is of utter relevance, that are relevant enough to gather a whole society just to keep it, shouldn't the information be release to the world to know, even the non-members? Or is it some "don't throw jewels to pigs" scenario?

Freemasonry isn't just about the end goal, but about the journey. Consider this. If you explained to me about being a lawyer and all that you had experienced, could I then go and apply for the job of a lawyer? You just told me what I needed to know, right? You attained your position through years of experience and hard work. More then likely if I try and use what you tell me its only going to cause me trouble. So if I give you all that I know of Freemasonry, rather then have you experience it yourself, am I truly granting you a gift, or just something else? Basically, yes, its the "don't throw jewels to pigs" scenario.

 

[downtown]

Cos by the sounds of the Secrecy, it sounds a bit like the LDS

Its funny you mention that, because the things that we don't talk about (mainly, temple rituals) share a lot of Mason symbols. Smith was a Mason, as were lots of other early LDS church leaders.

 

[nonconformist]

Weird. There's a museum of Masonry in Canterbury, in the high street, equidistant from the Cathedral and the LDS church.

 

[Methos]

So I'm debating joining a fraternal or community organization outside of my church. Why would I want to join the Masons over say, the Kiwanis club, or the Rotary?

Cos by the sounds of the Secrecy, it sounds a bit like the LDS

Its funny you mention that, because the things that we don't talk about (mainly, temple rituals) share a lot of Mason symbols. Smith was a Mason, as were lots of other early LDS church leaders.

Downtown is correct. Joseph Smith and at least one of his brothers was a Mason and while I'm not a Mormon, I've heard that, as downtown said, our rituals are similar.

As to your question, I know nothing of the Kiwanis club, or the Rotary, so I won't be able to answer that part of the question. What I can answer is that Masonry helps build upon your religious beliefs. Our goal should be to better ourselves, both spiritually and as a person. If that is your goal, then Freemasonry can be a great benefit to helping you on that journey. Note that Freemasonry doesn't ask you to do anything that is agains your spiritual beliefs, or family requirements.

 

[nonconformist]

Methos, could you answer my question, or at least say you can't if that is the case?

 

[Methos]

Do you hate Russia and the Orthodox Civilization?

No, I do not hate either.

If no, then why so many liberals (enemies of Russia) were masons and masonry is associated with liberalism?

My knowledge of Russia is rather limited, so my answer is going to be more of an assumption. I would think that due to our tenants and the government of Russia at that time, then all Freemasons would be considered as liberals due to what they were facing. Whether they were liberals or not, who knows.

While Freemasons aren't necessarily liberals, we do espouse liberal values (equality, freedom, etc.).

 

[.Shane.]

How much time per/week or month do you spend on Mason-related activities?

You said earlier that you had to be a believer of some sorts? Could you clarify? Meaning, I assume that if you admitted atheism that would disqualify you. What about being agnostic?

 

[ParkCungHee]

We're not a secret society, but a society with secrets. The York Rite does have the Knights Templar, which I am a member of.

Neat. Are you up for a joust against the Knights of Columbus?

 

[Methos]

To what extent do Masons screw other people over to give advantages to other members, even if it's illegal?

I mean, for example, would a mason hire another mason over someone else who is better qualified?

Would a mason judge/police officer go easier on a mason than someone else?

The problem with this is its going to happen in any organization. People often grant more benefits to those they know, or share something with. Masons are supposed to follow the law, so doing something illegal is against our principles. As to whether they would go easier on them, it probably happens. I do not think a Mason would purposely screw someone over to benefit another Mason.

Having said that, there are always bad apples in every bunch. I can only reply how it should be and IMO how the majority act.

 

[Methos]

Do you know why nazis hate free masons?
Is there a rank (hierarchy) and if there is which rank are you?

Hitler claimed that all Jews were Freemasons and therefore all Freemasons were Jews. Obviously that isn't true. I can't speak for Hitler, but I'm guessing he didn't like that Freemasons consider others as equals, which Hitler obviously didn't feel towards the Jews.

Not necessarily a rank structure, but there are positions. I'm currently the Junior Warden and the Lodge Education Officer.

Are there any sort of dues/fees you need to pay to be a member?

Yes, each Lodge and appendant body has dues. Some go towards building maintenance and normal organizational stuff. Other parts of our dues go towards charities and a fund that helps fellow Brothers who are in need. The dues are broken down by how they are divided, so each member knows what his dues are being used for.

What responsibilities do you have as a member?

You are not required to do anything. If you want, you could receive the three Blue Lodge degrees and then never attend again. Masonry is what you put into it. There are plenty of options if one desires to help in some way, you only have to ask. There's also the personal responsibility that each Mason should follow and that is to continue his own personal studies to become a better person.

For a person interested in being a member, what recommendations can you give to improve their chances of being accepted into the order? Important prerequisites, qualifications, etc?

There is nothing I can say to help you cheat the system. The idea isn't just to join, but to join because you want to better yourself.

Consider this, some go to Church every Sunday, but do nothing else. Are they bettering themselves? Why do they go, or why did they join that Church then? It's the same with Freemasonry. If you only join to say you are one, then there's no point at joining.

A friend of mine gave me a book, his grandfather gave him, from a lodge and its all in what looks like coded words. Maybe acronyms, maybe something more, but I'm not sure.

Any clue what it would be?

Yes, I know what it is. I'm guessing his grandfather was a Mason. Personally, I'd give him the book back. If he was a Freemason, then the book itself wasn't the gift. Unfortunately your friend didn't see it.

 

[nonconformist]

The problem with this is its going to happen in any organization. People often grant more benefits to those they know, or share something with. Masons are supposed to follow the law, so doing something illegal is against our principles. As to whether they would go easier on them, it probably happens. I do not think a Mason would purposely screw someone over to benefit another Mason.

Having said that, there are always bad apples in every bunch. I can only reply how it should be and IMO how the majority act.

Cool, cos that's the common conception of masons...do the secret handshake, and that murder rap goes away.

 

[Methos]

Do you have any specific duties due to your Freemasonry besides protocol duties?

Primarily a duty to oneself, which I'm guessing most won't understand.

Do you know of any countries where freemasonry is persecuted/illegal?

Yes, but it still exists there. What's interesting is I've also heard of Lodge's that have both types of Muslims in attendance, as well as Christians and other faiths, are spending time together in harmony.

Does this Supreme Being have to be associated with a particular religion (christianity) ? Is it strictly one personal God, or could Pantheists and Polytheists still become members ?

No, Freemasonry doesn't associate with any particular religion. Our members consist of men from many faiths, even conflicting faiths. As to pantheist I would think that would be acceptable, though I'm not as sure about polytheists. I do know of Buddhists that are Masons and while my knowledge of them is limited, I didn't think they believed in a single Supreme Being.

 

[Methos]

Cool, cos that's the common conception of masons...do the secret handshake, and that murder rap goes away.

I know of a Mason who is a homicide cop in Colorado and he once had to arrest a Mason for murder. Murder, among other things, are against our principles and no Brother is allowed to ignore such an act.

 

[Mechanicalsalvation]

I dont know much about Freemasonry. But I like it from your answers.
Could the answer to my question be something like:
Freemasons are striving to preserve and pursue the universal Truths which has been revealed through history by Divine Providence and its instruments. There is one Universal Truth which can be reached by different roads and wieved from different standpoints. This Truth can be attained through selfperfection by any man who sincerely aspires for it.

 

[Patroklos]

The Pope has declares membership in Freemasonry a sin, do you have Catholics in your lodge?

 

[Methos]

The Pope has declares membership in Freemasonry a sin, do you have Catholics in your lodge?

Yes, there are. I went to a Catholic funeral of the wife of a Masonic Brother. Usually I'll wear a Masonic tie to a funeral, but I was worried I would cause him trouble by doing so, so I didn't. I learned afterwards that some knew of his activity in Masonry.

Another Brother was, or used to be, a Lutheran. At one point he had informed his Pastor/Preacher (title?) that he was a Freemason. The leader of the Lutheran Church told him he had to quite Freemasonry, or leave the Church. Obviously he left that Church and found another.

Sometimes I wonder if its more the individual, then the denomination overall.

 

[Mechanicalsalvation]

The Pope has declares membership in Freemasonry a sin, do you have Catholics in your lodge?

I am realy curios to know the whys to that.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Are there any misconceptions about it you'd like to clear up.

Why do you think that sometimes they get a bad reputation.

Have you ever felt discriminated because of being one.

Why is it so secret.

 

[Jehoshua]

@Gorakshanat

Its main issue with freemasonry is that it encourages religious indifferentism, and that it works against the Church and encourages the heresy of deism.