Would you join the Freemasons?

[Shahab814@yahoo.com]

I have a friend who is pretty high up in the local masonic lodge, and he has, of late, been telling me how fab it is, and how mutually beneficial my membership would be.

I know all the stories about secret handshakes and mutual back scratching... I also know the various myths, from the rosicrucian connection down to them being the illuminati.

Realistically, though... I'd be interested in people's takes on this. If you were in this position... what would you do?

[pboychuk]

Realistically I would not ask for advice on an online forum.

[jimjim89]

I have a friend who is pretty high up in the local masonic lodge, and he has, of late, been telling me how fab it is, and how mutually beneficial my membership would be.

I know all the stories about secret handshakes and mutual back scratching... I also know the various myths, from the rosicrucian connection down to them being the illuminati.

Realistically, though... I'd be interested in people's takes on this. If you were in this position... what would you do?

My mates dad is a Mason and I can assure you they're not trying to take over the world. Myths are myths because they aren't facts. If an organization the size of the Freemasons (5,000,000) was actively plotting to rule the world, i'd have thought someone would have sold the story to a newspaper by now.

In essence, they're a group of individuals who all share similar moral beliefs (including a belief in a God) and get together regularly. It's just like going down the pub with your mates (except Mason beer is cheaper). Like the Mormons, I understand Masons like to stick close together and are keen on helping each other out.

[1entrepreneur]

I see no problem in getting together with like-minded people, with good intentions.

[Iamnotsatisfied]

I've seen them recruiting members at oxford uni last time I went there. Aren't they related to this illuminati conspiracy?

[Mega B]

The opening poster seems to have a habit of asking bizarre questions !!!

[byzantium]

The days are over when being a Mason was the entree to a town's business and political elite. In 19th century America, in many many towns everybody who was somebody was a Mason. Frequently the Masonic Temple was a grander building than even the county courthouse. Since being a Mason meant that you were part of the elite, the guys who controlled the lodge member list basically controlled the town. From that seed grew the mighty thicket of Masonic conspiracy theories. Since World War 2, it has not been ok to put the world's problems on the shoulders of the Jews, so a substitute had to be found. Freemasonry is just one of the substitutes.

In today's world, Masons are no longer the rulers of Far Western fiefs. The same clubbiness still applies. Many lodges are comprised solely of old men, so efforts to recruit youth have been stepped up. That's likely why your friend is on your case about it-his lodge needs fresh faces, as most do. Freemasonry in today's world is less a secret society than a social club. If a social club comprised mainly of elderly small time merchants appeals to you, great. Most people fail to see the point, though.

The ancient rituals seem to mostly be an afterthought to today's Masons. Once, people took the rituals deadly seriously. To me, Masonry is a boring social club wrapped in heavy layers of myth and conspiracy theories. Once you strip away all the theories and myths, and take the fact that Masonry is no longer at the center of modern small town life (much less city life), you have a bunch of old dudes watching football. Not for me.

[criniit]

I am a mason, have been once since I turned 21 6 months ago so I am new to the organization. (Depends on the state, but some states you have to be 18 some you need to be 21) Not sure on international age limits.

No were not taking the world, no were not illuminati, we are a fraternity of men that have like minded beliefs. The requirments for membership is a belief in a higher being (you do not have to be christian but you do have to believe in a god) and be of upstanding moral character.

Members go above and beyond, and would give an arm and a leg for any other brother, whether they have met before or not.

I would at least go to the lodge and meet some of the members and see if you get along and like them. Good source of business financing

[paul2145r]

Well, to be honest I'm not really qualified to provide any specific answers, but I do have my beliefs.

Even beyond all of the conspiracies, it has been admitted by many upper-tier Masons that the beliefs that they try to instill in their ranks is an offshoot of the Christian religion. What scares me is that this is an "offshoot". I have always been against the pollution of the teachings of the Bible, be it in in the form of denominational tenets, or completely independent cult teachings.

If I am mistaken and this is not the case, then I apologize. From a business sense, any close-knit organization that you can be part of cannot hurt your business (unless it is the KKK, Aryan nation, or other out-there cause). Learn more about the Masons, decide if it 'feels right' to you, and go from there!

[Aletheides]

Your friend isn't supposed to encourage you or talk you into joining.

[1entrepreneur]

Once you strip away all the theories and myths, and take the fact that Masonry is no longer at the center of modern small town life (much less city life), you have a bunch of old dudes watching football.

Nice summary.