I Hate To Be A Kill Joy On The Subject Of Masons But...

Originally posted by mr conspiracy

people cant just line up and join the grand masters.

Well, not exactly, but any Mason can be a Grand Master if he chooses to persue that honor.

They pick you.

Yes, by universal suffrage of the brethren.

you cant make an application and hope for an interview.

Well, I'm not sure of the exact procedure, and I'm sure it's a little more complicated than this, but I would say (I'm guessing) that you would have to be a Past Master, and perhaps even work your way up the Grand Chairs just like you would in your home lodge. It's an elected office, and when your term is up you just go back to being a plain old Mason, only you get a nifty "PGM" title to add to your name.

only true believers are selected.

Here we go... True believers in what, exactly? Hmmm?

when they are convinced that you will never break their sacred constitution, you might get the call.

Their "sacred constitution" huh?

And who are they? You minght "get the call," eh? And what call is that?



[edit on 8/30/05 by The Axeman]

Originally posted by mr conspiracy

people cant just line up and join the grand masters.

They pick you.

you cant make an application and hope for an interview.

only true believers are selected.

when they are convinced that you will never break their sacred constitution, you might get the call.

...and this comes form your "extensive" research or involement in the Craft? or just more rumor and paroniod conjecture?
Your statements are completely without merit.

Here's how to join
www.nymasons.org...

If you have questions, then simply ask.

Joining the masons is one of the easiest thing in the world. The hard part is actually staying longer than the first 3 degrees, (the good stuff comes after), and actually apply in your life the principles you will learn there.

IS it true that almost every president since George Wasington has been a Mason?

Originally posted by Twice Fooled
IS it true that almost every president since George Wasington has been a Mason?

No. 16 Presidents of the United States have been Masons (including Washington). The last Mason who was President was Brother Gerald R. Ford.

What about the beast that Masons have to worship as their God after the 39th degree

What about the beast that Masons have to worship as their God after the 39th degree

I am sorry but, you must have us confused with some other group. Try the OTO

Originally posted by jimstradamus
What about the beast that Masons have to worship as their God after the 39th degree

Masons don't have to worship ANYTHING, ever. Also, there is no 39th degree.

Originally posted by sebatwerk
Masons don't have to worship ANYTHING, ever.

Is there not the requirement to believe in a "Higher power"?

So you dont know of the Royal Arch Degree or the true name of the Masonic God.... Jahbuhlun

Originally posted by intrepid

Originally posted by sebatwerk
Masons don't have to worship ANYTHING, ever.

Is there not the requirement to believe in a "Higher power"?

Yes, but they are not required to WORSHIP it.

So you dont know of the Royal Arch Degree or the true name of the Masonic God.... Jahbuhlun

So if I am in lodge and I refer to God as the big guy upstairs, it makes the big guy upstairs a Masonic God?

Originally posted by jimstradamus
So you dont know of the Royal Arch Degree or the true name of the Masonic God.... Jahbuhlun

That has nothing to do with a 39th degree. The Royal Arch degree, while not being named as a number, is 4th in the order of the York Rite bodies.

And there is NO such thing as a "masonic god"!!! That is anti-mason hogwash!!!

[edit on 31-8-2005 by sebatwerk]

Originally posted by sebatwerk

Originally posted by intrepid

Originally posted by sebatwerk
Masons don't have to worship ANYTHING, ever.

Is there not the requirement to believe in a "Higher power"?

Yes, but they are not required to WORSHIP it.

This is an interesting point, can you define the difference between "belief" and "worship"?

Originally posted by intrepid
This is an interesting point, can you define the difference between "belief" and "worship"?

I believe in a Supreme Being that created me and the universe, but I don't pray to him, sacrifice to him, attend church for him, etc. etc. etc.

here's the definition of worhsip:

The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.
Ardent devotion; adoration.

Masons are not required to do any of the above things... only BELIEVE.

[edit on 31-8-2005 by sebatwerk]

Thanks for expanding on this seb, I have to admit that you made me think. I took a pause.

I have only one reference to work from. I've looked into many religions but I'm only well versed in Christianity, which states, "Faith without works is dead". I would take that as worship, prayer, action, etc., Can you say why this doesn't apply to Masonry? Why is worship, prayer, etc. not required, only belief?

Sorry for my typo, its after the 29th degree that you learn of Jahbuhlun and its comforting to know that Masons dont have to worship but only believe in the Devil.

Originally posted by jimstradamus
Sorry for my typo, its after the 29th degree that you learn of Jahbuhlun and its comforting to know that Masons dont have to worship but only believe in the Devil.

The 29th degree is the Scottish Knights of St. Andrew, which is a degree in which I have taken part. There is NO mention of ANY god in that degree, only knighthood, chivalry, honor and the rest of the knightly virtues. Why don't you do some research before trying to improvise an argument to someone who knows what he's talking about?

Originally posted by intrepid
Thanks for expanding on this seb, I have to admit that you made me think. I took a pause.

I admit that I've never really thought about this before either. Maybe we'll both learn something

I have only one reference to work from. I've looked into many religions but I'm only well versed in Christianity, which states, "Faith without works is dead". I would take that as worship, prayer, action, etc., Can you say why this doesn't apply to Masonry? Why is worship, prayer, etc. not required, only belief?

I don't think that the phrase applies to Freemasonryt simply because Freemasonry is NOT a religion, nor a religious organization. It is only a fraternity of men who have one thing in common: a belief in a supreme being. But THAT is where all the religious requirements stop.

Being a fraternity, the requirement is necessary simply because many of the lessons taught in Freemasonry are taught under the assumption that a God created the universe and man, and the lessons would not mean much to someone who does not believe in a supreme being.

Aside from that, Freemasonry has ALWAYS left a mason's individual religion, worship and faith completely up to him. How, where and when a mason practices religion does not affect the lessons he is taught in lodge, like belief in a supreme being does.

Lastly, keep in mind that different religions all have different standards for worship. If freemasonry wants to keep all men equal, it cannot separate them by creating standards that would be acceptable to some men, but unacceptable to others, in terms of worship and faith.


[edit on 31-8-2005 by sebatwerk]

I have no argument just a curiosity

[edit on 31-8-2005 by jimstradamus]