Why do people still think there are higher degrees in Masonry?

Question

The highest degree of freemasonry is the 3rd. But people here still talk about evil at higher degrees. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonic_appendant_bodies
Just read this before answering( or at least the 1st line)

I am a freemason email with any questions

why not aks.... you are wrong i am a Shriner and a Mason. There are only 3 degree in masonry. The other degrees are groups the require you to be a mason to join but are not part of being a mason. did you even read my link

Answer 1

Brother,
York Rite and Scottish Rite are masonic affiliates. Yes there are only 3 Blue Lodge degrees but in the past you couldn't be a Shriner without being 32nd or in the Commandery Lastly would you pick up a book and only read the first three chapters? Want to walk with Hirum do you know how to receive your wages? York rite will answer alot of questions! Any questions please E-mail me.

Answer 2

I realise that you are trying to help and speaking on behalf of your branch of Freemasonry, but Freemasonry is not one single organisation.

For this reason, it is difficult to answer every question with absolute certainty and without misleading, unintentionally or otherwise.

The facts as I know them are that different Masonic Grand Lodges concern themselves with varying numbers of degrees and some call them "Higher Degrees", particularly the Ancient and Accepted Rite which confers 33 of them.

The Masonic Rite of Memphis Misraim for example, confers over 90 degrees.

You are, of course quite right that most American Lodges only concern themselves with what they call the three Craft degrees and it is a system of learning and qualifying rather than a system of "promotion" to higher degrees, but most if not all of these Lodges take their candidates on to further or higher degrees of either the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite or The York Rite.

My Ancient York Grand Lodge as a case in point, has 10 complete ne plus ultra Craft Degrees. They are not numbered and there are no higher degrees.

Just like your three degree Craft Grand Lodge our degrees are a progressive system of enlightenment and learning open to all members who progress to them all over a period of years.

Answer 3

There are 33 degrees + The Shrine.

At the House of The Temple-- in Washington DC there are THREE MORE OFFICES not talked about.

These are the people who decide who gets to be a Shriner or not.

http://mormonscripturestudies.com/tem/blm/fpof.asp

Answer 4

36?