2006-06-07 10:08:32 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Masons pay yearly dues which are very minimal. My combined Lodge dues (I am a member of three Lodges) comes to less than the bill for a dinner out for three of us at a nice restaurant.
We also have an opportunity at every Lodge to contribute something (on our own conscience and secretly if it is done in cash) to helping those in need and something towards maintaining the Lodge (rent on building, water, electricity, etc.)
There are also fundraisers where (just like any other club: Elks, Eagles, Rotary, etc) we do our best to raise money for special projects.
As far as a Theocracy taking over America or the world, that is mostly what the Freemasons have tried their best to prevent. Since we recognize ALL Brothers who believe in God (no matter what their religion calls that Supreme Being), a Theocracy - like what the neoconservative folks led by Falwell and Roberston want and seem to be getting - would be the exact opposite.
We believe that the relationship between God and a person is that person's own business. We came to America to escape theocratic England. Remember?
2006-06-11 03:13:52 · answer #1 · answered by NeoArt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know about other lodges but i belong to two lodges. One has a budget of $10,000 per years. The dues equal 6,000. ( $35 dollars per year per person) The other lodges is smaller and has a budget of 4,500 dues equal about 1500(40 dollars per year per person) The rest we get from raffles and public suppers. The problem is the older you are the cheaper it is(over 65 is 20 dollars per year) So if you have a Lodge with a high average age you get less money. Also your lodge doesn't get to keep all of your 40 dollars per year some goes to the grand lodge of your state. Also if you can't afford to buy you don't have to. And a life time membership is $400
2006-06-11 20:23:46 · answer #2 · answered by tatimsaspas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It comes from member contributions. However, many freemasons, especially among the high-ranking ones, have very high-paying jobs, such that they have plenty of money.
By the way, the so-called 'charity' of the masons serves the purposes of building their reputation and proselytizing people, so as to further the purpose of taking over the world and establishing a theocracy, as is the case with the other supposedly charitable theist factions, such as christians.
2006-06-07 19:48:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Through fees, donations, fundraisers, and investments.
It takes a lot of money to support their charitable works and hospitals.
2006-06-07 17:12:41 · answer #4 · answered by blueowlboy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe, (and okay this is just me) but its from the african american community
2006-06-07 17:12:02 · answer #5 · answered by xm_wow 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋