Jonathan
Well-Known Member
I am not sure if this is the exact forum this should be on, but I figured it was the most likely, but if not, please move it to where it is more appropriate.
Before I even ask my question(s), please, do me a favor and realize I have almost no desire or chance to join the Freemasons. I have heard from many sources I trust that involving myself in the group is a perilous undertaking. So, please, don't tell me to "STAY AWAY!!!" because I have no plan to get near.
I recently began working with a fellow in a volunteer capacity who is a freemason. When he mentioned this, I said, "Interesting! While I don't know too much about it, before my grandfather passed, I think he reached level 32 or something. Honestly, he never would talk about it anyone in his family."
My friend said "Yea, that would be Scottish Rite, which is the highest rank, but you also have to remember that the only thing that makes you a mason and equal to EVERYONE else in the lodge s passing through the first three degrees. Anything beyond that is up to the mason whether or to to pursue." Anyways, I asked him a few more questions and he said, "Honestly, this would be the sort of conversation better had over a beer (we were busy doing our tasked duties at the time).
But, I have done some preliminary research, and one of the things that stands out to me is that, apparently they have two important rules (amongst others):
A) You HAVE to believe in a higher power/God, but it is also forbidden to argue religion while attending a lodge function
B) In the same vein, you DO NOT TALK ABOUT POLITICS while at the lodge.
Which, to me, makes me want my entire extended family to become Masons and my house declared a Lodge. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners would be so much more enjoyable. ;P
But seriously, I am writing for someone to give me a few links that explain what freemasonry is all about in the FAIREST of all possible way. Sometimes commentators go well above and beyond the truth of something in order to dissuade anyone from a danger. Seeing as I have absolutely no intentions of becoming a Mason, if anyone can provide some sound, even-keel links describing Freemasonry and it's problems, I'd appreciate it.
Before I even ask my question(s), please, do me a favor and realize I have almost no desire or chance to join the Freemasons. I have heard from many sources I trust that involving myself in the group is a perilous undertaking. So, please, don't tell me to "STAY AWAY!!!" because I have no plan to get near.
I recently began working with a fellow in a volunteer capacity who is a freemason. When he mentioned this, I said, "Interesting! While I don't know too much about it, before my grandfather passed, I think he reached level 32 or something. Honestly, he never would talk about it anyone in his family."
My friend said "Yea, that would be Scottish Rite, which is the highest rank, but you also have to remember that the only thing that makes you a mason and equal to EVERYONE else in the lodge s passing through the first three degrees. Anything beyond that is up to the mason whether or to to pursue." Anyways, I asked him a few more questions and he said, "Honestly, this would be the sort of conversation better had over a beer (we were busy doing our tasked duties at the time).
But, I have done some preliminary research, and one of the things that stands out to me is that, apparently they have two important rules (amongst others):
A) You HAVE to believe in a higher power/God, but it is also forbidden to argue religion while attending a lodge function
B) In the same vein, you DO NOT TALK ABOUT POLITICS while at the lodge.
Which, to me, makes me want my entire extended family to become Masons and my house declared a Lodge. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners would be so much more enjoyable. ;P
But seriously, I am writing for someone to give me a few links that explain what freemasonry is all about in the FAIREST of all possible way. Sometimes commentators go well above and beyond the truth of something in order to dissuade anyone from a danger. Seeing as I have absolutely no intentions of becoming a Mason, if anyone can provide some sound, even-keel links describing Freemasonry and it's problems, I'd appreciate it.