Free mason question.

Hello, I am brand spanking new to this site, just want to get that out on the table.

My great grandfather was a level 32 free mason (supposedly) I even got to see his hat when he wasn't around. And my father has been asked if he would like to join by some dude we met camping. It was creepy because he was watching us for a while in camp next to us all shady like.

So my question is, will i be approached by a Freemason? and if i do, is it a good idea to get involved? If half the things that i have heard about them are true then i am having serious doubts.

does anyone care to enlighten me?

No, you have to ask to be a freemason. Any other masons here can back that up.

There is rumors another group that goes around supposedly. A group that are anti-masons that try to undo all the work. Were i work, i see many people. I have seen a few mason rings. But, i also saw one that i mistook for a mason ring. But after implying some masonic materials, he seem very confused and out of it. After closer examination, i saw his ring had a skull instead of a G. When i mentioned as such to certain family members, they told me of this rumor....i dont think it would be a bad idea. you would not be going in "blind" my friend. lol

Originally posted by baconvein
Hello, I am brand spanking new to this site, just want to get that out on the table.

My great grandfather was a level 32 free mason (supposedly) I even got to see his hat when he wasn't around. And my father has been asked if he would like to join by some dude we met camping. It was creepy because he was watching us for a while in camp next to us all shady like.

If it was a bellboy hat, then he was a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. Scottish Rite is an appendant body, and there's not higher degree than the 3rd Degree; the Master Mason.

So my question is, will i be approached by a Freemason?

Probably not. I'm of the opinion that the '2B1ASK1' thing is universal, although there's a Mason on here that says that only applies to the U.S. If you want to be a Mason, you have to ask.

and if i do, is it a good idea to get involved?

If you like believe that you can be more than you are now, then yes. If not, then no.

If half the things that i have heard about them are true then i am having serious doubts.

If the things you've heard are from Mason haters or from anti-Masons, then what you've heard is probably all false. The only way to know for sure is to find a local Lodge and talk to Masons and attend some of their public functions (they tend to do quite a bit of community service). Getting it straight from the horse's mouth is always a better idea than getting it from the other end of the horse.

does anyone care to enlighten me?

There are, seemingly, plenty of Masons on this board. Talk to them.

Your pal,
Meat.

Originally posted by THIseNdsnowoldKings
There is rumors another group that goes around supposedly. A group that are anti-masons that try to undo all the work. Were i work, i see many people. I have seen a few mason rings. But, i also saw one that i mistook for a mason ring. But after implying some masonic materials, he seem very confused and out of it. After closer examination, i saw his ring had a skull instead of a G. When i mentioned as such to certain family members, they told me of this rumor....i dont think it would be a bad idea. you would not be going in "blind" my friend. lol

Do you think that religion is blind? Not baiting, just trying to figure this thing out. Thanks

I am going to stay on topic, OP, you shouldn't have any doubts about what Freemasonry is if you took the time to look into it and not let other people do your thinking for you.

reply to post by PontiacWarrior


I know, I'm just trying to figure it all out before I get pulled into it. Sorry, back to the OP's question.

Originally posted by spirit7
Do you think that religion is blind?

Yep.

Your pal,
Meat.

reply to post by mmmeat


Thank you, that helps me to understand a little bit more. So far of the freemasons that I've talked to LnD is the only one that said he doesn't view it that way. Hey Masonic Lite told me one time "Question everything"! But there is one thing that I will absolutely not question and that is Jesus Christ.

reply to post by spirit7


I have a feeling the majority of masons you've met have been on this site. ATS - while a lovely forum indeed - is a website where you are going to find far more anti-religion views that you will in the general population. That is because the foundation of most conspiracy theory is anti-establishment, and religion is often a popular target of being "the" establishment. I would also remind you that atheism and religion bashing is in vogue and fashionable for the time being, so you will find many religion haters in the population and perhaps in masonry. But that doesn't actually mean masonry as a whole is anti-religion, just that the incredibly small subset of the members who go to forums like this are. And that's OK. People can be anti-religion, it doesn't mean the institutions they belong to are.

I would also remind you God tells you to test (question) the spirits. God likes a rational mind.

Now, on the OP...

While some people are asked to join masonry, a vast majority of people have to ask. In most areas, although not all, it is distasteful to invite someone. I personally would never invite someone. Those who do invite though are usually quite open and not mysterious about it, so if this was some random person "watching" you in a "creepy" way it may be one of the several groups that I lovingly call "fakemasons" - they claim to be masons, but are really just groups trying to establish their identity off the good reputation of freemasonry.

Masonry is not for everyone, indeed, its not for most else the number of masons would be larger than the few million there currently are. If you are curious read a few NON anti-mason sites about the fraternity. Most of what you've "heard" is most likely a lie.

I for one am still waiting on my piece of the national treasure - what about the rest of the brethren?

[edit on 18-1-2008 by LightinDarkness]

reply to post by LightinDarkness



Thanks for the reply Light, I know of at least four freemasons in person and they are all great guys. One of them is a pastor or (with all due respect) whatever they are called at a funeral home. While I first started out trying to impose my religion on many others, I now agree 100 percent with you, like freemasonry it's not for everyone and I should be courteous of that. Ok, so I have to get out of the pre-conception that freemasonry is anti-religion and remind myself a week or two from now not to imply that, lol. I'm just trying to find out Light, that's all. I know it's like bashing your head against a brick wall over and over and over again but some people take longer then others and appreciate your replies so thanks for sticking with me.

Click here for more information.

Looks like someone got rejected and is upset. Or did you have anything constructive to add rather than the typical anti-mason drivel?

It's ok L and D, I'll rub your furry hat with my ten foot stick. Just throw it over here. No, not rejected. The moment I'd take to masonry is the moment I'd take my cyanide pill.

Its fascinating that a fraternity could inspire this much unbridled hatred and foaming at the mouth rabid responses. Are you OK? I seriously suggest you refocus some of that anger, it's not good for your health. I know rejection sucks, but really, its time to move on.

[edit on 18-1-2008 by LightinDarkness]

Originally posted by LightinDarkness
Its fascinating that a fraternity could inspire this much unbridled hatred and foaming at the mouth rabid responses. Are you OK? I seriously suggest you refocus some of that anger, it's not good for your health. I know rejection sucks, but really, its time to move on.

[edit on 18-1-2008 by LightinDarkness]

I have nothing to do with jpm but I was wondering..Can someone be shunned from the freemasons if they broke an oath or revealed a secret?

I spent 50 cents on one of those drop and clasp variety games and didn't get scooby doo. Now that kind of torqued me off. I've never been rejected by the pseudo homo masons mainly because I never ever had any intent of joining them. But if they could make an easier drop and grab game and I could get my scooby doo I'd be most appreciative.

Now your'e shunning me Spirit!? I'm hurt. They only say in their mantras that if anyone divulges secrets the offenders tongue will be ripped out at the knub, rolled in sand, and tossed on the beach for high tide.
I here and now start my own religion. It's called humanism.

Again, I'm sorry about your rejection. Really I am. But it's not for everyone. I highly suggest you redirect this foaming at the mouth hatred at something else, it might be more useful. Or you can keep hating an entire group of people you don't know

Its a sad that people like you make humanism look so bad. It gives a bad name for the vast majority of humanism that is actually made up of good intentioned and brilliant people.

Spirit7:

It depends on the magnitude of what was done. There is nothing secret about freemasonry anymore. Everything is available for you from the web, or even the public library. Most masons still choose to not openly type out the now non-secrets (again) out of respect for the spirit of our oaths. If someone breaks it nothing is going to happen, although I would view it as distasteful of them.

[edit on 18-1-2008 by LightinDarkness]

Sorry, I will not pick up the soap for you. Not today, tomorrow, or the next. You seem to have some inside knowledge of this reject thing I am not privvy to. If it makes you feel better, roll with it. Ya know, you kind of remind me of the Cruise/scienologist thing. I give you the couch.

[edit on 18-1-2008 by jpm1602]

[edit on 18-1-2008 by jpm1602]