2006-08-29 22:36:53 · 3 answers · asked by raul b 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Bedcause everyone believed in hokey **** like eastern mysticism back then (and most people still do). Oooooh strange and unexplained! Even the major religions. We all worship their gods. A bunch of different middle and far eastern sects wrote texts and distributed them and we all still worship them to this day.
2006-08-29 22:39:18 · answer #1 · answered by ferdinand 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Shriners' formal full name is the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Like its contemporate, the Mysterious Order of the Veiled Prophet of the Enchanted Realm (or "the Grotto"), it took on an Arabic theme because it was popular in those days, due to the popularity of "Arabic Nights". It, in reality, has nothing to do with Islam since it is a fraternal and not a religious organization. Religiously, the only religious requirement for joining the Shriners or the Masons is a belief in a Supreme Being--any Supreme Being.
Incidentally, the abbreviation for the Shriners--A.A.O.N.M.S.--is an anagram for "a Mason". Officially, that's just a coincidence.
Hope that helps.
2006-08-30 05:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by hotstepper2100 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are Masons.
2006-08-30 05:38:02 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋