2006-09-20 06:39:36 · 6 answers · asked by Angela M 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
The reason that we have been reluctant to ask people to join in the past is that we want members who decide to join on their own, and do not feel pressure to do so. One way to do this is to just wait until they ask. However, many people do not realize that they need to ask in order to join, and many members have of late been mentioning to people that they should join. There is no harm in it, and we aren't breaking any rules by doing so. In fact, in my state (Mass), members are being encouraged to ask people to join if we believe them to be quality men with upstanding character and values. Apparently someone thinks pretty highly of your husband, and this should be taken as a compliement. Most likely, even if your husband chooses not to join, the Mason who approached him will not think any less of him and it will not affect their relationship.
So we are allowed to ask, but haven't done so as much in the past due to tradition and the fact that the saying goes that a man has to want to be a mason in his heart and mind before he joins, and should not be pressured into doing so. We don't want people who don't want to be there, as it impedes the friendships and bonds made within the lodge.
2006-09-20 07:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by maboot24 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Masons sometimes recruit members if they think they have good moral and spiritual values. Any person joining or willing to join a Masonic lodge will need at least 1 or 2 sponsors depending on jurisdiction. There is no harm for a Mason to ask someone to join the Freemason fraternity.
It is not a usual practice though.
2006-09-20 06:49:12 · answer #2 · answered by GoodGuy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the lodge rules and also the area the loge is in
9i.e. juridiction), whether direct solicitation is allowed. Your husband seems to be in one that allows it. An approach that explains the organisation and what it is followed by offer to sponser the person is usually o.k. in most jurisdictions.
Although Masons are not permitted to disclose what goes on in a lodge, let me assure you that none of their rituals are bizarre, demeaning nor bear any resemblance to ritual college hazing.
the organization is not political and is not a formal religion. Indeed it accepts people of all faiths.
Masonic candidates are carefully selected and are honest solid community citizens.
The Shriner's organiztion does great charitable work, and all Shriners must be Masons first.
D.
2006-09-20 06:47:21 · answer #3 · answered by Dan S 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be on ask one was the reason Masonic numbers have plummeted over the years
2006-09-21 11:26:58 · answer #4 · answered by Dan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Dad is a Mason, and they are not supposed to ask people. They are supposed to wait until the person brings it up to them.
However, your husband should take it as a compliment for sure.
2006-09-20 06:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by Leah 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
masons are allowed to sponser people they feel are of good character
2006-09-20 06:41:51 · answer #6 · answered by Skipper 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋