A Master Mason means that you have completed your third degree and that you are a full Mason. Scottish Rite Freemasonry is an organization that builds on the moral lessons of Freemasonry with an extra set of degrees from 14 through 32. There is no organization of Freemasonry called the "sir knights", but you may be referring to the Knights Templar, which are a part of the York Rite of Freemasonry. This is a branch similar in idea to the Scottish Rite, but taking its ideas from a different part of Europe. As for the Shriners, that is known as the "playground of Masonry", and was created as a more fun organization for Masons who have become 32nd degree Masons. (Nowadays, any Mason can join the Shriners, regardless of degree, provided that he is a Master Mason, or 3rd degree).
All of these organizations are a part of Freemasonry, and the primary requirements to become a Freemason are that you be a man over the age of 21 (or 18 in some places), that you believe in a higher power, and that you are of good moral character.
Most of the Masons I know are Christian, but I also know several who are Jewish and Muslim. We do not discuss religion in our meetings. Most members are active in their churches outside the lodge, and worship as they see fit. We are not a religion, we are a fraternal organization.
As for how we are thought of by society and religious groups, that varies greatly. Society sees us as being several things. It sees us as benevolent contributers, giving millions of dollars a day to charity, building hospitals and youth centers, and donating blood. Then there are extremists who believe that we worship satan and that we are hell bent on controlling the world, which we find laughable, but some people's paranoia never ceases to amaze me. I have met many Christian ministers who are good family men and great preachers who are Masons. There is also the whole issue of the Catholic church, who's problem with the Masons is not fully understood. However, I am a Catholic, and find nothing in the activities of my lodge that contradicts my faith. The fact that we are accepting of other faiths is probably one of the biggest problems that some Christian groups have. These groups hate all non-Christians, and therefore hate anyone who accepts non-Christians. All I can say about them is that they are welcome to believe that, if that is what they believe the bible tells them. I would not put them down for their faith any more than anyone else. What faith a man chooses to believe has nothing to do with his membership in our fraternity.
We are good men, who strive to become better, and to make our communities a better place through helping others.
2006-08-15 03:10:01
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answer #1
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answered by maboot24 5
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They are all good but not christian. both of the Masons groups you mention are the same and trace their roots back to the builders of the pyramids that used the Golden measure to figure out how buildings should be built. Sir Knight may be from the Knights Templar a now disbanded warriors arm of the Catholic church. The Shiners are also of the Egyptian based religion.
2006-08-11 15:55:49
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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