Anyone on here a "Free Mason"?

[Galaril]

I was wondering about this group for a while. I had a real good buddy who joined and he could never tell me anything about them. I have heard that they are anti-Biblical and anti-Christian in some of their beliefs. I am not saying this is true just something I have read.

[gottimd]

I was wondering about this group for a while. I had a real good buddy who joined and he could never tell me anything about them. I have heard that they are anti-Biblical and anti-Christian in some of their beliefs. I am not saying this is true just something I have read.Although I have nothing constructive to add, but shouldn't the title of the thread be a "Free Mason" instead of Free "Mason", unless you are referring to any mason that isn't in jail?:D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, I was wondering if there were some $9.95 Masons around :D

[Dutch]

I knew a guy that was a "Free" Mason, but I didn't know anything about it. I just figured, how the hell would anybody even know they wanted to join if they didn't know what it was about....oh well, some secrets defeat their own purpose I guess. :)

[Coffee Warlord]

Attach the Stone of Triumph!

[Groundhog]

My grandfather is a freemason, which means I could be if I wanted to. Though he doesn't talk about it, from what I gather it's mainly just a gentlemen's club of sorts... nothing terribly arcane or out there.

[cuervo72]

Free Anthony Mason!

[Radii]

7 posts without a Stonecutters reference yet? Slackers.

[Klinglerware]

7 posts without a Stonecutters reference yet? Slackers.

post #5?

[Radii]

post #5?

10am, still too early for me to be coherant(or to read, apparently), damn.

[Coffee Warlord]

7 posts without a Stonecutters reference yet? Slackers.

What am I, chopped trout? :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

My grandfather is a freemason, which means I could be if I wanted to. Though he doesn't talk about it, from what I gather it's mainly just a gentlemen's club of sorts... nothing terribly arcane or out there.
I think this sounds right. Two of my friends joined a few years ago. I have no idea why, but they did. It doesn't sound like much more than a gentlemen's club (no, not the type with a Champagne Room) really.

[GrantDawg]

Free Mason's induction ceremonies and traditions have heavy religious content (as in wording and structure). Many Christian groups oppose membership because of this (because much has a very pagan influence and some of the vows call on "other powers"). If you ask members, they'll say that religion has nothing to do with the group and the religious nuts are just being silly.

[Airhog]

hxxp://www.tlio.demon.co.uk/masons.htm

[Mustang]

The secret lies with Charlotte...

And that's all I'm saying.

[DanGarion]

The secret lies with Charlotte...

And that's all I'm saying.
Heh.

[Anthony]

I think this sounds right. Two of my friends joined a few years ago. I have no idea why, but they did. It doesn't sound like much more than a gentlemen's club (no, not the type with a Champagne Room) really.

what DO you actually do in a gentleman's club like that? is there like gambling, or open bars, a game room? is it just to have a place to hang out? what is the purpose?

[clintl]

My great-uncle was a Freemason. He apparently tried to get my dad to join at one point, but my dad decided it wasn't for him. When he died, the Masons handled the funeral services, and while it was a little different from other funerals I've been to, but very much tied to Christianity. He was a regular church attendee, and that side of my family was very religious, so it would surprise me if they really are anti-Christian. I suspect it's a case of some Christians interpreting their rituals as anti-Christians (just as some Christians do not accept Catholics and Mormons as Christians).

[GrantDawg]

My great-uncle was a Freemason. He apparently tried to get my dad to join at one point, but my dad decided it wasn't for him. When he died, the Masons handled the funeral services, and while it was a little different from other funerals I've been to, but very much tied to Christianity. He was a regular church attendee, and that side of my family was very religious, so it would surprise me if they really are anti-Christian. I suspect it's a case of some Christians interpreting their rituals as anti-Christians (just as some Christians do not accept Catholics and Mormons as Christians).
Well, from what little I remember of the history, I do believe it started as an Anti-Catholic group. The Catholic church was pretty agress in trying to destroy them when they first started out. I still think it is a "sin" according to the Catholic church to be a member.

[sterlingice]

Attach the Stone of Triumph! All: Who controls the British crown?
Who keeps the metric system down?
We do! We do!

Karl: Who leaves Atlantis off the maps?
Lenny: Who keeps the Martians under wraps?
Alien: We do! We do!

All: Who holds back the electric car?
Who makes Steve Gutenberg a star?
We do! We do!

Skinner: Who robs cavefish of their sight?
Homer: Who rigs every Oscar night?
All: We do! We do!


SI

[sterlingice]

The secret lies with Charlotte...

And that's all I'm saying.I just watched that last night, for the first time. Fun movie

SI

[clintl]

Well, from what little I remember of the history, I do believe it started as an Anti-Catholic group. The Catholic church was pretty agress in trying to destroy them when they first started out. I still think it is a "sin" according to the Catholic church to be a member.

Maybe so. I haven't really read up on them much. If so, it wouldn't have bothered my great-uncle, because that side of my family (my mother's) was anti-Catholic.

[Marc Vaughan]

Free Mason's induction ceremonies and traditions have heavy religious content (as in wording and structure). Many Christian groups oppose membership because of this (because much has a very pagan influence and some of the vows call on "other powers"). If you ask members, they'll say that religion has nothing to do with the group and the religious nuts are just being silly.
Free Masons to my knowledge started off as a christian group (originated from the Knights Templar if I recall correctly) - I've a friend who's about to join them so have been discussing them a fair bit with him recently (a few of his family have been masons in the past).

They have some religious stuff in their ceremonies but are fairly careful not to aim it at any particular relgiion from what I understand (ie. its aimed at 'God' without a particular spin in any direction).

A lot of Christian groups appear to have a problem with them, one church I attended for a while blamed them for all number of things (which to be frank I found somewhat bemusing as from what I understand they're mainly a business club for helping fellow members out rather than an occult hive of activity) ...

[oliegirl]

Damn, I thought this thread said Anyone on here want a Free "Molson"

[Glengoyne]

Grantdawg pretty much has conveyed my impression of them. Right down to the religious imagery and symbolism in their ceremonies. A church I belonged to once rented a Masonic Lodge while we were building a building, and there was some very odd stuff in that place. Steeped in ceremony was the impression I got.

As for the Anti Catholic bit. My grandfather was a high level mason, and when my Uncle married a Catholic girl, he refused to participate, or even attend, his son's wedding. That was in the late 40s or early 50s. So that component was present at that time, although I have spoken to people with current Masonic ties who deny it exists today.

[vex]

Grantdawg pretty much has conveyed my impression of them. Right down to the religious imagery and symbolism in their ceremonies. A church I belonged to once rented a Masonic Lodge while we were building a building, and there was some very odd stuff in that place. Steeped in ceremony was the impression I got.

As for the Anti Catholic bit. My grandfather was a high level mason, and when my Uncle married a Catholic girl, he refused to participate, or even attend, his son's wedding. That was in the late 40s or early 50s. So that component was present at that time, although I have spoken to people with current Masonic ties who deny it exists today.
From what I have always understood, only the higher level masons really know the true meanings of being a mason.

[scooper]

My dad (we're Catholic) used to tell me stories about dating a girl whose father was a higher up in the Masons and the rift her dating a Catholic caused. So I was nervous upon learning my girlfriend's (now my wife) father was a Mason.

He couldn't be nicer and neither could the guys from his lodge that I met over the years. A couple attended our wedding at a Catholic church. My wife converted before the wedding and her dad gave her no grief.

Unless her dad's lodge was an exception, I'm guessing that aspect went out the window years ago.

[sterlingice]

From what I have always understood, only the higher level masons really know the true meanings of being a mason.http://tt.mainstreet.net/ttoutpost/Homer_The_Great4.jpg

You mean him?

SI

[Bubba Wheels]

May be helpful:http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/secret_societies.htm

[Desnudo]

http://tt.mainstreet.net/ttoutpost/Homer_The_Great4.jpg

You mean him?

SI

And now, the final ordeal: the Paddling of the Swollen
Ass...With Paddles.

[Calis]

I know they're closely tied to the Illuminati....

and therefore responsible for everything important that's happened in the last several hundred years. Don't cross them.

[CamEdwards]

no, but I dated a Rainbow Girl while I was in high school.

[Antmeister]

Interesting discussion...

My grandfather (on my mother's side) was a "Free Mason". My living grandmother (on my mother's side as well) still belongs to a group called the "Eastern Star". I don't know much about either one, but as children, my mother and siblings were offered a chance to join and all 11 of them turned it down as they were asked at different stages in their lives.

[rkmsuf]

Do they have a secret decoder ring?

[Airhog]

May be helpful:http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/secret_societies.htm

This thread can be closed now, end of discussion...

[Pumpy Tudors]

If you don't know, you don't need to know. That is the answer.

[Tom E]

I thought Anthony Mason punched out John Starks...

[Mustang]

Do they have a secret decoder ring?

Yes but, unfortunately, its only used to decode Ovaltine ads.

[Pumpy Tudors]

At least one Freemason has posted in this thread.

[Critch]

All I know about them is that they killed JFK and/or Elvis.

[DanGarion]

I think they run the illuminati.

or so they say...

[Surtt]

just as some Christians do not accept Catholics and Mormons as Christians.


How could Catholics not be considered Christians?
Isn't every other Christian religion derived from them?

[DanGarion]

Here this might help, none of that OMG they are out to kill us hoopla!

http://www.freemasonstore.com/aboutfreemasonry.php

[clintl]

How could Catholics not be considered Christians?
Isn't every other Christian religion derived from them?

I know it doesn't make any sense, but there are some Christians around who don't believe that Catholics are true Christians. I'm not endorsing their view in any way (because it's completely absurd), just stating that these people do exist.

And, FWIW, I believe a truer statement would be that almost every other Christian religion derived from Catholicism. I might be wrong, but I think Gnostic and Coptic Christians diverged well before Catholicism established itself as the dominant Christian sect.

[clintl]

May be helpful:http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/secret_societies.htm

Of course, the guy says right there on the top of the page that everything he includes on his page might be unreliable.

[Bubba Wheels]

I know it doesn't make any sense, but there are some Christians around who don't believe that Catholics are true Christians. I'm not endorsing their view in any way (because it's completely absurd), just stating that these people do exist.

And, FWIW, I believe a truer statement would be that almost every other Christian religion derived from Catholicism. I might be wrong, but I think Gnostic and Coptic Christians diverged well before Catholicism established itself as the dominant Christian sect.

AnaBaptists would also be covered under that definition.

[st.cronin]

I know it doesn't make any sense, but there are some Christians around who don't believe that Catholics are true Christians. I'm not endorsing their view in any way (because it's completely absurd), just stating that these people do exist.

And, FWIW, I believe a truer statement would be that almost every other Christian religion derived from Catholicism. I might be wrong, but I think Gnostic and Coptic Christians diverged well before Catholicism established itself as the dominant Christian sect.

Your characterization would be more accurate the other way around. Many Catholics believe that 'there is no salvation outside the church.' Mel Gibson has publicly stated that he believes his wife (who I believe belongs to the Church of England? I forget...) is doomed.

There are a few Protestant sects vehemently anti-Catholic, even going so far as to consider them un-saved, but it's pretty unusual.

[Surtt]

And, FWIW, I believe a truer statement would be that almost every other Christian religion derived from Catholicism. I might be wrong, but I think Gnostic and Coptic Christians diverged well before Catholicism established itself as the dominant Christian sect.

I'm sure there are a host of others.
I was thinking of religions that came out of Luther's reforms or with the COE break.

[Bubba Wheels]

Your characterization would be more accurate the other way around. Many Catholics believe that 'there is no salvation outside the church.' Mel Gibson has publicly stated that he believes his wife (who I believe belongs to the Church of England? I forget...) is doomed.

There are a few Protestant sects vehemently anti-Catholic, even going so far as to consider them un-saved, but it's pretty unusual.

Protestants believe that salvation is only through Jesus Christ. Catholics have tended to teach that salvation is through the Church as guided by devine inspiration through the Pope (very simplified explanation) although lately with the last 2 Popes being very conservative and promoting Christ (present Pope has even stated salvation is only through Christ) the two sides have gotten very much closer in shared vision and faith.

[Klinglerware]

Catholics have tended to teach that salvation is through the Church as guided by devine inspiration through the Pope

The pope has nothing to do with salvation. During my 12 years of catholic school, I was never taught anything to that effect...

[DanGarion]

Your characterization would be more accurate the other way around. Many Catholics believe that 'there is no salvation outside the church.' Mel Gibson has publicly stated that he believes his wife (who I believe belongs to the Church of England? I forget...) is doomed.

There are a few Protestant sects vehemently anti-Catholic, even going so far as to consider them un-saved, but it's pretty unusual.
That reminds me of a talk I had with my fiancee recently. She's a Christmas/Easter Catholic and when I was telling her about this (non denomonational) Christian Wedding planner, she said neither of us are Christain. First she feels that since I was never baptised I'm not Christian, which I disagree with, because it's what you feel in your heart and mind that makes you Christian IMO, not the things that you do to be Christian. And then she she said she wasn't either because she's Catholic, but then she back tracked on that when I reminded her it was "non-denomenational".

[st.cronin]

Protestants believe that salvation is only through Jesus Christ. Catholics have tended to teach that salvation is through the Church as guided by devine inspiration through the Pope (very simplified explanation) although lately with the last 2 Popes being very conservative and promoting Christ (present Pope has even stated salvation is only through Christ) the two sides have gotten very much closer in shared vision and faith.

I don't think that's an accurate characterization of Catholicism now or ever. Yes, they do often say salvation is only possible within the church, but not 'through' the church.

[Bubba Wheels]

The pope has nothing to do with salvation. During my 12 years of catholic school, I was never taught anything to that effect...

Well, not to quibble, but being raised a Catholic myself maybe we were taught differently here in the Midwest. Whatever, point is in the here and now Catholics and Protestants are pretty much on the same page concerning salvation through Christ. Although I think that the Catholics see the physical taking of the Eucharist as central to this also.

[thesloppy]

I lurned everything I need to know about them thar Catholics and Masons from the most trusted source of knowledge in the modern world: miniature comic books that I find at the bus stop.

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0071/0071_01.asp

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0093/0093_01.asp

http://www.chick.com/tractimages40774/0093/0093_09.gif

This is where things start to get really weird (http://www.chick.com/reading/comics/0112/0112_fourpages.asp?pg=01)

[Bubba Wheels]

I lurned everything I need to know about them thar Catholics and Masons from the most trusted source of knowledge in the modern world: miniature comic books that I find at the bus stop.

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0071/0071_01.asp

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0093/0093_01.asp

http://www.chick.com/tractimages40774/0093/0093_09.gif

This is where things start to get really weird (http://www.chick.com/reading/comics/0112/0112_fourpages.asp?pg=01)

Ha! Good old Chick tracts! Yes, they have a definite anti-Catholic bent to them, no denying that!

[Klinglerware]

Well, not to quibble, but being raised a Catholic myself maybe we were taught differently here in the Midwest. Whatever, point is in the here and now Catholics and Protestants are pretty much on the same page concerning salvation through Christ. Although I think that the Catholics see the physical taking of the Eucharist as central to this also.

Could be differences having to do with the order (Franciscan, Dominican, etc) in charge of your religious education. I've never heard of any teachings that are as pope/institution-centric as you suggest, however.

FWIW- I was raised Catholic, but now consider myself agnostic...

[JPhillips]

On a side note, the Masons have a great theatrical tradition in the U.S. There was a time when several scenic studios competed to produce the most elaborate drops and costumes for Masonic rites. Most Masonic Temples had a fully functional theatre and some, including one in Allentown that I worked in, are still active today.

They would do some crazy things. I remember seeing pictures ofan electric sword that shot sparks when it connected to another sword. The basic design was, "Attach wires to sword. Plug wires into outlet."

[Flame Eater]

Masonry is the oldest (est in 1717) and largest (5,000,000 members) fraternaty in the world.

Each state (most countries outside the U.S.) has their own Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodges act independently. So some differences that you hear about might be regional.

To be a Mason you must believe in God, and we don't care which one. So there are Christian Masons, Jewish Masons and Islamic Masons. There may be others, but I know at least the BIG THREE are covered. Some of my best friends are Catholic Masons. I've heard of lodges in up-state NY that had priests as members. I've NEVER heard of Catholic/Masonry problems. I know there are problems with some fundamentalist sects of Christianity. I don't fully understand their problems, but I think it has something to do with swearing an oath to somebody/something other than God?

Also to be a Mason you must be a man, free born (meaning your life must be yours...no slaves, indentured servents - remember 1717. Modern meanings include such things as not being in jail.), of lawful age (21) and well recommended (have some Mason friends who think you'll make a good Mason or impress the investigating committee that will check you out before you enter the lodge.)

Masonry's degrees (or rites of passage if you will) each have moral teachings (with symbols). Theses teaches are the basis of Masonry - Make good men better by association with other good men. We work to be better men, husbands, neighbors, fathers and brothers (our basic Masonic title.).

Masonry is not a religion, but it is very religious. Most of our ritual and symbols revolve around the building of King Soloman's Temple. Some of the other posts were accurate that all of the religious work is very basic - God. Using the Old Testament is very basic also since all three of the BIG THREE include that text in their holy books.

That's a very shotgun answer to the question. There are entire libraries dedicated to the subject of Masonry. If you have any other questions, please ask. I'll do my best to answer them.

P.S. If Free Masons are controlling the world economy and politics they've left me and my local Brother Masons out of the loop:)

[Glengoyne]

As for Catholics and Christians. I'd say that most Christians would say that Catholics are Christians, they would quibble amongst themselves about declaring Catholics as "saved". Many Protestants/Christians think the Catholics have lost their way so to speak, but I think it would be near ludicrous to pronounce that Catholics aren't Christian. Catholicism is a branch of the Christian church.

Someone mentioned that some Christians(maybe I should say Protestants) don't consider Mormons to be Christians. I'd go further and say that most don't believe that Mormons are Christian, and some would go so far as to declare Mormonism a cult.

Flame Eater, thanks for shedding some light on this subject.

[Galaril]

Masonry is the oldest (est in 1717) and largest (5,000,000 members) fraternaty in the world.

Each state (most countries outside the U.S.) has their own Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodges act independently. So some differences that you hear about might be regional.

To be a Mason you must believe in God, and we don't care which one. So there are Christian Masons, Jewish Masons and Islamic Masons. There may be others, but I know at least the BIG THREE are covered. Some of my best friends are Catholic Masons. I've heard of lodges in up-state NY that had priests as members. I've NEVER heard of Catholic/Masonry problems. I know there are problems with some fundamentalist sects of Christianity. I don't fully understand their problems, but I think it has something to do with swearing an oath to somebody/something other than God?

Also to be a Mason you must be a man, free born (meaning your life must be yours...no slaves, indentured servents - remember 1717. Modern meanings include such things as not being in jail.), of lawful age (21) and well recommended (have some Mason friends who think you'll make a good Mason or impress the investigating committee that will check you out before you enter the lodge.)

Masonry's degrees (or rites of passage if you will) each have moral teachings (with symbols). Theses teaches are the basis of Masonry - Make good men better by association with other good men. We work to be better men, husbands, neighbors, fathers and brothers (our basic Masonic title.).

Masonry is not a religion, but it is very religious. Most of our ritual and symbols revolve around the building of King Soloman's Temple. Some of the other posts were accurate that all of the religious work is very basic - God. Using the Old Testament is very basic also since all three of the BIG THREE include that text in their holy books.

That's a very shotgun answer to the question. There are entire libraries dedicated to the subject of Masonry. If you have any other questions, please ask. I'll do my best to answer them.

P.S. If Free Masons are controlling the world economy and politics they've left me and my local Brother Masons out of the loop:)

Flame Eater you might not be able to answer this question but what type of activities take place at Masonic lodges and why the secrecy around Masons in general? Thanks for fielding questions.

[stevew]

Someone mentioned that some Christians(maybe I should say Protestants) don't consider Mormons to be Christians. I'd go further and say that most don't believe that Mormons are Christian, and some would go so far as to declare Mormonism a cult.



Main reason that I strongly doubt Mass Gov. Romney has a chance in hell of winning the Republican nomination in 2008. I strongly doubt a Mormon can pull the right wing of the party.

[hukarez]

I was wondering about this group for a while. I had a real good buddy who joined and he could never tell me anything about them. I have heard that they are anti-Biblical and anti-Christian in some of their beliefs. I am not saying this is true just something I have read.Interesting that you brought this up.

My buddy's dad is a free mason, and my buddy's been thinking about joining up with them. Of course, he's been trying to get me to join up with him as well. I see a few vehicles here and there with the free mason badge on their cars, and I never really figured it out. Anyways, we talked about it for awhile (both our dads being retired Navy) though my dad was never a free mason.

He talked about how they got weird discounts sometimes, such as the time they returned to Japan during the earlier years, and watching his dad interact with the airline guy. Next thing that happens, they got bumped up to 1st class on the flight. In all honesty, I figured he wanted to join because of some perks. Some special 'greeting' that they have, and that his dad would often say weird sayings or what not to certain folks.

I guess free masons easily recognize other free masons in that regard.

Nonetheless, the free mason 'guild' (I guess that's what you call it) that my buddy went to grab an application at was based off in Coronado, an island/peninsula just outside of San Diego. Apparently, from what he tells me, all they do is get together and smoke cigarettes and hang out all day long.

There's some other rumors about history that are probably discussed in the links in the thread, but he mentioned that the only requirement that he understood so far was that one had to believe in the "one true god".

Didn't specify which one, though.

[CamEdwards]

Main reason that I strongly doubt Mass Gov. Romney has a chance in hell of winning the Republican nomination in 2008. I strongly doubt a Mormon can pull the right wing of the party.

Well, that and the fact that he's a Republican from a blue state. I don't see that going over too well among the party faithful.

I confess, when it comes to Mormonism, they lose me on the whole "we become gods of our own planet" thing.

[Desnudo]

P.S. If Free Masons are controlling the world economy and politics they've left me and my local Brother Masons out of the loop:)

So any insight into how much we'll be paying for gas in 2006? ;)

[Desnudo]

Well, that and the fact that he's a Republican from a blue state. I don't see that going over too well among the party faithful.

I confess, when it comes to Mormonism, they lose me on the whole "we become gods of our own planet" thing.

I get confused when two womanizers who get chased out of every state for sleeping with the local women somehow become religiously persecuted and found a major religion around being able to sleep with as many local women as they like.

[Flame Eater]

Galaril -

There are really no "big" secrets left concerning Free Masonry. The biggest that we work to preserve are the signs of recognition - the handshakes and the passwords.

That being said, I have seen the full ritual for all three symbolic degrees (the first three degrees of Masonry) performed on a TV program on the A&E network (complete with handshakes and passwords). You can also buy books that have the ritual translated out into English. I'm not going to tell all the secrets here because I said I wouldn't, but if you are interested you can find them.

As to what happens at a meeting -

Most meetings are regular business meetings. There is a ritual in opening the lodge which is a dialog between the officers which includes checking to see that all present are actually Masons (taking the password/handshake). During the meeting we pay the bills, process petitions for new members, etc. And we also try to have a talk/lecture/"Masonic" sermon if you will. These talks involve self improvement, motivation, etc. Remember we are trying to be better men!

Other meetings involve degree work. New members must go through three degrees to become Master Masons. This work is done in the "Symbolic" lodge; often refered to as the "Blue" lodge. There are many other "Masonic" bodies, but they are all based on the work of the Symbolic Lodge. In each of these degrees the new members are introduced to increasing levels of Masonic knowledge until in the Master Mason degree they become Free and Accepted Masons.

Why are some Masons so secretive? Mostly out of habit. There was a time around the Civil War when masonry was repressed to the point that lodges closed, and Masons didn't admit their affiliations for fear of persecution. Most lodges today do their best to be seen well in the public eye. If you're interested in Masonry ask a Mason. They should be very willing to discuss Masonry, and help you get into a Lodge if you want. And if you can't find one that will talk to you, ask me. I love to talk about the Fraternity.

[Galaril]

Flame Eater thanks alot I might do just that.