Freemasonry???

Question

Is it good or bad? Do you know about Freemasonry or have experience with that organization?

Answer 1

There are several good Freemasonry sites on the net - of course there are way more ill informed anti sites.

The origins of Freemasonry are shrouded in history, but they might have had connections to the Templars, but nothing conclusive has been shown.

As the world's oldest Fraternity and attempt to be both tolerant and non-discriminatory, it is dedicated to making good men better through moral science.

Catholics may join Masonry, but the Catholic church is less than favorable in it's view of Masons.

Edit:
Yes lodges tend to be reflective of a town's views, but there are many Gay masons, and a largely gay lodge in DC.

Answer 2

I am a Freemason.

It is a good social fraternity that studies morality through ritual, symbol and allegory. Its main tenants are faith, hope, charity and brotherhood. The USA was founded upon masonic principles and most of the greatest inventors and artists throughout history were masons. Additionally, masons provide billions of dollars per year in charity in the form of free hospitals, schools, youth and retirement homes, scholarships, etc...

to some other responses:

* what does freemasonry have to do with a job fair? are do you think Author Al is asking about becomming a stone mason?

* regarding the Templars and the Catholic Church, for 700 years the Catholic church has condemned them. However now a new book is going to be published by the Vatican based on manuscripts found in its own archives that are 700 years old that completely exonerates the Templars. It will be interesting to see how the official Church position changes, if at all. Its a shame, 700 years of lies and hatred, all for not.

* It is not homophobic

Answer 3

Freemasonry is good. Most of our founding fathers were freemasons, including Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, etc. The Freemasonry really is a fraternity for guys. You must ask to join and be approved. Masons donate and raise over 1.6 milion dollars every day of the year. They own and operate the completly free shriners hospitals and childrens burn centers. They also go to bat for each other. It is basically something one joins to meet new people, enhance their social network, connect more with the community and human expeience, and do a little good. It is theorized that maybe upper lever members of the Freemasons manipulate the governments of the world, while this is possible- another question is- if they are, then are they doing it because theiy are Masons or because of who they happen to be as individuals with certain powers or positions?

Hope this helps. Also, it is a secular and non secualr organization. The only stipulation for joining is a beleif is a higher power, and of course to be a man. There are two "rights" you can choose- Scottish (non-chrisian) and York (christian only). You can be both if you wish, I will go Scottish when I join for I am not a christian.

Answer 4

I will just reinforce the statement that Freemasonry is NOT a Homophobic organization. As with any large organization the feelings and attitudes of individuals may vary from lodge to lodge. The ONLY mention of any gender or sexual charicteristics I have found in the ritual is the prohibition of a Eunuch from membership- and this is just a survival from the working tradition of stonemasons where such an individual would not be considered able to perform work. (No such inquiry is made of potential candidates)

Answer 5

There are already some great answers here, so I won't congest the board with more. As for Freemasonry being homophobic, allow me to set the record straight: Some of the highest ranking Masons I know, who also happen to be held in the very highest regard in the international masonic community and in the upper echelons of various concordant and invitational bodies are indeed....gay!

Answer 6

I am a Free Mason from a long line of Free Masons. Free Masonry is a great organization and extremely charitable.
It's roots go back to King Solomon's temple. There are some secret rituals but nothing sinister. Mainly, the guys at the lodge are just a good bunch. Just because I am gay doesn't make it a gay organization, it isn't at all.

Answer 7

I don't know what is freemasonry and i never worship God but something i know is we should take care of ourselves and enjoy our lives i have seen masons eat blood and always are angry with everything so set yourself free from everything .

Answer 8

I believe it was the bible that stated: "not of works lest any man should boast". In other words, i don't care about your good works..what do you promote? Remember the part where it states "I know of your good deeds, but I'm afraid I never knew you" quote the Lord. In other words, yes, the organization does many good things. Yes, they say all that's required is the belief in God (of your choice). (by the way, Satan believes in God, but does that mean anything?) For the Christian, belief in Christ along, through faith alone is the recipe for reconciliation to God. As scripture says, 'not of works,lest any man should boast'. For a Christian to set down and call brothers those who are basically pagans, is no less than committing spiritual adultery.(it's in the scripture, look it up)....One might say "but look at all the good they do"...As one great evangelist said of such things..."it's never right, to do wrong, to do right!".

Answer 9

No, but I have lots of friends who are into it. If am not mistaken, it started some years after Jesus death. There were Knights Templar who served the bishops then. In fact, they were sanctioned by the bishops to protect the roads that Christians use to traverse going to Jerusalem. They were also zealous in promoting Christianity.

Am not to sure about their status now in the Catholic Church, but do still have plenty of members.

Answer 10

You're asking this question in the wrong category. But Freemasons were the backbone in building America. GOOD!!