Non-Masons Official ask-a-question or comment Thread - Page 4

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Posted: 7/31/2017 4:53:55 AM EDT

[#1]

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My grandfather was a 33rd degree Mason. My father was a 32nd degree Mason. Both were enrolled in the Manila (Philippines) Lodge shortly after the end of the Second World War. Both had to wait to be invited. Even when I was a teenager (in the 1970's), I was told by both my Grandfather and Father that membership was by invitation only.

It is only in the last decade or so that I have heard the Masons advertising, "If you want to be one, ask one."

When did the change occur?

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It is not to late for you to become a Mason, if you wish to do so. All you have to do is ask to be one.

There is a reason why Masons do not solicit for membership, and if you become a Mason, you will learn the reason.

My grandfather was a 33rd degree Mason. My father was a 32nd degree Mason. Both were enrolled in the Manila (Philippines) Lodge shortly after the end of the Second World War. Both had to wait to be invited. Even when I was a teenager (in the 1970's), I was told by both my Grandfather and Father that membership was by invitation only.

It is only in the last decade or so that I have heard the Masons advertising, "If you want to be one, ask one."

When did the change occur?

Never.
It's always been 2B1A1.

Ever think they didn't think it was right for you?

Welcome to arfcom and the Masons forum. We welcome you to join in any discussion.

Posted: 7/31/2017 4:56:05 AM EDT

[#2]

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Why the secrecy? Who gives a rip that you would want to have a secret handshake kiss, hug or whatever?

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We care.

These days due to the internet the really aren't any secrets however we have all taken an oath that we won't tell you what they are.

When this all started hundreds of years ago it was a stone masons Guild and those secrets were the secrets of Masonry. The grips were their way of identifying each other... simply put.

Posted: 7/31/2017 9:09:52 AM EDT

[#3]

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Why the secrecy? Who gives a rip that you would want to have a secret handshake kiss, hug or whatever?

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read the thread that has been answered several times

Posted: 7/31/2017 9:12:09 AM EDT

[#4]

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I have to preface that I am not a mason but I am going thru the application ,voting, and interview phases , and from what I have researched and be told, they as in members/lodge cannot ask you to join, that you have to want to join on your own free will. I would maybe think some of their friends back then may have invited them to a dinner or public event, but to the best of my knowledge its never been like a military or sports recruiter where they come up and seek you out. my personal experience is that my stepfather is a 33rd degree MM that ive been raised by since the age of 3, and have grown up around Masons and Shriners, and even worked for the family that owned Gus the Shriners camel here in FL, and they have not asked me. From my view you kind of have to find it in your own heart and own time in your life to want to join. I finally took the time and effort to want to join after being the sole caretaker of my biological father for the past 8 years (including him almost dying 5 times and a kidney transplant) , and ask my friends who were all part of the same lodge to have me attend the local dinners every 2 weeks and allowed me after a few dinners to submit my application.

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membership is done my YOU seeking us out and applying. We do not recruit. We expect a man to come to us of his own free will and not through recruiting or having had external force applied. there are rare exceptions and some jurisdiction allow active recruiting. by they are in the minority and those that actually studied freemasonry and adhere to it understand why that is wrong.

Posted: 7/31/2017 9:48:10 AM EDT

[#5]

Wisconsin Masonic Code states you cannot "entice" anyone to join. As a Past Grand Master puts it, "That means we can't offer them a toaster." But there is no prohibition to letting people know who we are and what we do. It only makes sense. Then, to those we believe would benefit from the fraternity, and those that would be a benefit we simply ask, 'Is that something you would like to be a part of?'

Posted: 12/26/2017 12:09:47 PM EDT

[#6]

Im bumping this for the new readers of this section.

Posted: 12/26/2017 2:08:20 PM EDT

[#7]

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Wisconsin Masonic Code states you cannot "entice" anyone to join. As a Past Grand Master puts it, "That means we can't offer them a toaster." But there is no prohibition to letting people know who we are and what we do. It only makes sense. Then, to those we believe would benefit from the fraternity, and those that would be a benefit we simply ask, 'Is that something you would like to be a part of?'

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Ohio a few years back has begun to allow us to do similar when we see a man who we feel would be a valid candidate.

I am proud to be a 3rd Degree Master Mason, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite and Shriner. Same as my father and my younger brother.

I had always wondered why my father never asked me to join as some others on here. While he was in the hospital, fighting lung cancer, I had spoken with a close friend of mine about joining and he gave me the rundown on it. I had him to get the petition for me and 2nd line it. I then took it to my father and asked him a few weeks before he passed (March 2008). That was one of the rare times I had seen him smile during his battle. He said he would be proud to sign it for me but that he probably wouldnt be around to be in lodge, but he would see it. Since he passed, I could not use that petition but had another one signed by his best friend and my best friend. It seemed perfect. His best friend was a Past Master of another lodge and was able to raise me. Something I will never forget. I know Dad was watching.

Posted: 12/26/2017 3:34:35 PM EDT

[#8]

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It's a different reason for must of us. My Grandfather was a Mason. I wanted to be just like him growing up. If he was a Mason it had to be a good organization. With that in mind I asked a buddy of mine who is a Mason about joining. Sadly this happened after my granddad passed.

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I sat with one Grandfather when he got his 50 year do-dads. That was cool.
The other couldn't make it to the lodge anymore by the time I was raised.

Posted: 12/26/2017 3:34:48 PM EDT

[#9]

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It's a different reason for must of us. My Grandfather was a Mason. I wanted to be just like him growing up. If he was a Mason it had to be a good organization. With that in mind I asked a buddy of mine who is a Mason about joining. Sadly this happened after my granddad passed.

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I sat with one Grandfather when he got his 50 year do-dads. That was cool.
The other couldn't make it to the lodge anymore by the time I was raised.

Posted: 12/26/2017 3:36:52 PM EDT

[#10]

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Ask yourself why does he continue with it if it's all mumbo jumbo?
I suspect he doesn't want you to join, otherwise he would explain it to you properly.

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I had one friend that I discouraged from applying. He is basically a good guy but he wouldn't have made it unfortunately.
If he would have asked, I would have got him an application.

Posted: 12/26/2017 3:39:48 PM EDT

[#11]

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ironically the secret stuff in both of those is almost identical to each other, apart from a few specific phraseology changes. lol.

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I can understand that for the most part. As far as the secrets secret stuff. I guess to each his own. But I was told the same line growing up in Mormonism. I don't buy either excuse.

ironically the secret stuff in both of those is almost identical to each other, apart from a few specific phraseology changes. lol.

I spoke to a guy who had applied to a lodge and he was learning the work.
He had been in another "secret" group here in the deep south

earlier in his life and he said all the work was basically the same "apart from a few specific phraseology changes."

Posted: 12/26/2017 4:40:09 PM EDT

[#12]

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I spoke to a guy who had applied to a lodge and he was learning the work.
He had been in another "secret" group here in the deep south

earlier in his life and he said all the work was basically the same "apart from a few specific phraseology changes."

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I can understand that for the most part. As far as the secrets secret stuff. I guess to each his own. But I was told the same line growing up in Mormonism. I don't buy either excuse.

ironically the secret stuff in both of those is almost identical to each other, apart from a few specific phraseology changes. lol.

I spoke to a guy who had applied to a lodge and he was learning the work.
He had been in another "secret" group here in the deep south

earlier in his life and he said all the work was basically the same "apart from a few specific phraseology changes."

Im not going to mention the other secret group, but its a shame because all the profanes that I have met in the south think that we are the same group. I think thats horrible.

Posted: 12/26/2017 4:42:02 PM EDT

[#13]

If any of you Brothers in here dont have a badge next to your user name and want one.... click here

Posted: 12/26/2017 10:22:32 PM EDT

[#14]

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I spoke to a guy who had applied to a lodge and he was learning the work.
He had been in another "secret" group here in the deep south

earlier in his life and he said all the work was basically the same "apart from a few specific phraseology changes."

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Odd Fellows?

Posted: 12/26/2017 11:10:25 PM EDT

[#15]

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Odd Fellows?

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I spoke to a guy who had applied to a lodge and he was learning the work.
He had been in another "secret" group here in the deep south

earlier in his life and he said all the work was basically the same "apart from a few specific phraseology changes."

Odd Fellows?

send him a pm. I dont want this topic to mar this thread or our reputation.

Posted: 12/27/2017 11:09:34 PM EDT

[#16]

Are there any official Masonic texts which are studied? What is the difference between the ‘3 degrees’ and the ‘33 degrees?’

Posted: 12/28/2017 11:55:48 AM EDT

[#17]

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Are there any official Masonic texts which are studied? What is the difference between the '3 degrees' and the '33 degrees?'

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Yes and no on the texts. It depends which jurisdiction you are in. Most of the learning is passed on from mouth to ear.
The guys teaching are certified by us as instuctors.

The blue lodge has the first 3 degrees.
4 to 32 are degrees within the Scottish Rite body. 33rd is a SR degree that is honorary to a man, who has exemplary service to Freemasonry in general. Not many gets this.

Posted: 12/30/2017 6:37:40 PM EDT

[#18]

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I had a great college fraternity experience and have been in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR and CAR) pretty much since birth. I would love to get that experience again but am limited in time. Oh and also the fact that I don't believe in a god. Always a shame when organizations exclude quality prospects based off religious belief. Seems outdated but it's your club so you get to make the rules and I can respect that. Just always seems like a missed opportunity to do good service with an interesting group. Oh well, not meant to be. Have fun!

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The requirement for a prospective member to have a belief in Deity is not religious. it is meant to serve as an acknowledgement that there is a greater power than man and that through that understanding we are humbling ourselves. We are not religious and have no requirement that the Deity be of one specific denominational construct.

Posted: 12/30/2017 6:44:33 PM EDT

[#19]

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

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That's a completely different topic worthy of discussion itself. I personally do not think there is any room in the modern era for the kind of bigotry that would exclude formal recognition of our PH Brothers. I am proud to have been raised in Missouri where the PH Lodges are not only recognized, but the MWM of the GLPHM is invited to the Annual Communications and warmly and genuinely greeted with Grand Honors.

Posted: 12/30/2017 7:02:03 PM EDT

[#20]

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That's a completely different topic worthy of discussion itself. I personally do not think there is any room in the modern era for the kind of bigotry that would exclude formal recognition of our PH Brothers. I am proud to have been raised in Missouri where the PH Lodges are not only recognized, but the MWM of the GLPHM is invited to the Annual Communications and warmly and genuinely greeted with Grand Honors.

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

That's a completely different topic worthy of discussion itself. I personally do not think there is any room in the modern era for the kind of bigotry that would exclude formal recognition of our PH Brothers. I am proud to have been raised in Missouri where the PH Lodges are not only recognized, but the MWM of the GLPHM is invited to the Annual Communications and warmly and genuinely greeted with Grand Honors.

They are recognized here, but none are near my AO. We have a couple black guys in our lodge. none attend.

Posted: 12/30/2017 7:51:52 PM EDT

[#21]

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

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42 of the 51 US Grand jurisdictions recognize Prince Hall Masonry.

Posted: 12/30/2017 7:55:32 PM EDT

[#22]

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42 of the 51 US Grand jurisdictions recognize Prince Hall Masonry.

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

42 of the 51 US Grand jurisdictions recognize Prince Hall Masonry.

FYI, a year ago when I posted that, I wasnt as smart as I am now about that fact.

Posted: 12/30/2017 8:15:08 PM EDT

[#23]

1. How old is your granny...?
2. What is the connection between the Masons and the mason jar?

Posted: 12/30/2017 8:54:33 PM EDT

[#24]

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1. How old is your granny...?
2. What is the connection between the Masons and the mason jar?

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110
None. John Mason invented the jar.

Posted: 1/2/2018 2:32:04 AM EDT

[#25]

Found a local lodge with "AF" and "AM" on the main board with the lodge number, etc. What do those acronyms mean?

Secondly, it seems on the building it mentions Order of the eastern Star, should this mean anything other than they rotate use of the building?

Thanks guys!

Posted: 1/2/2018 3:11:16 AM EDT

[#26]

I have long considered joining and am looking to take the first step. Would I show up randomly to the posted meeting date, or should I touch base with the membership first?

Posted: 1/2/2018 3:43:56 AM EDT

[#27]

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Found a local lodge with "AF" and "AM" on the main board with the lodge number, etc. What do those acronyms mean?

Secondly, it seems on the building it mentions Order of the eastern Star, should this mean anything other than they rotate use of the building?

Thanks guys!

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AF&AM is short for Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Some jurisdictions (goes by the state) drop the first A and is is just F&AM.

Order of the Eastern Star is an offshoot organization from the masons for certain women associated with Master Masons

Posted: 1/2/2018 3:48:10 AM EDT

[#28]

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I have long considered joining and am looking to take the first step. Would I show up randomly to the posted meeting date, or should I touch base with the membership first?

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You certainly could just show up, just dont be discouraged if and when they leave you while they have a meeting. When I started, I actually found a web forum that is no longer up, where I found a member of the lodge I ended up joining and he really helped me through. Another option for you could be to find someone with a square and compass displayed and express your interest. What part of Texas?

Posted: 1/2/2018 4:42:49 AM EDT

[#29]

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it is explained to a new mason he has 4 duties in this order:

duty to god
duty to himself and his family
duty to his country
duty to his brethren and masonry

masons in the higher degrees above the blue lodge are also charged with defending the weak against tyranny, specifically political, religious and scientific. So while yes we are charged with being a good and faithful citizen to our country, our higher duty is the protection of our family and the weaker members of our society unable to protect themselves. As long as the government is just it should be supported. When that is no longer the case your duty becomes to defend your family, brothers and country against tyranny.

i struggled with that charge a good bit myself until i began to seriously study the higher degrees. at that point it made much more sense. Remember masonry is about trust and education. A new mason must earn his place within the lodge. Each degree passes more knowledge to the man and builds upon the previous degree. I can easily see charging a new man with being a faithful to his government to help keep eyes off the lodge during civil issues. due to a mans zeal i can easily see people going off the deep end as the "new guy" if the proper charges and vetting have not been done. This is a reason masonry is and should be a life long study, not a 2 day workshop to become a mason. Many lodges today have worked themselves into being another social club and much less of a true masonic organization.

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Sorry for quoting an old post, but I just found this thread and am working through it. The part in red caught my eye, because it is very close to the Scout Law used by the Cub/Boy Scouts.

Posted: 1/2/2018 9:25:53 AM EDT

[#30]

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AF&AM is short for Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Some jurisdictions (goes by the state) drop the first A and is is just F&AM.

Order of the Eastern Star is an offshoot organization from the masons for certain women associated with Master MasonsAM

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Found a local lodge with "AF" and "AM" on the main board with the lodge number, etc. What do those acronyms mean?

Secondly, it seems on the building it mentions Order of the eastern Star, should this mean anything other than they rotate use of the building?

Thanks guys!

AF&AM is short for Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Some jurisdictions (goes by the state) drop the first A and is is just F&AM.

Order of the Eastern Star is an offshoot organization from the masons for certain women associated with Master MasonsAM

AF&AM is the ancients lodges. in 1738 there was a split in england when the grand lodge changed the ritual work. The Ancients lodges continued with the work in the original format and started their own lodges and grand lodge. the 2 lodges reconciled in 1813. While technically separate organizations both recognize the other and are mainstream lodges fully accepted. in the US this is typically a state issue. Some states were originally chartered under the UGLE and are AM. Other under the AF&AM lodge and bear that name.

Posted: 1/2/2018 10:42:10 AM EDT

[#31]

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We just have to come to terms with the fact that there are some people that we will never be able to satisfy with our answers. Some people want to believe the conspiracy theories because they are so much more interesting that what actually goes on. People mention "higher degrees" and they can't wrap their head around the fact that the 3rd is the highest degree in masonry. Yes, there are bigger numbers than three, but a 32nd degree is not superior to a 3rd degree.

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So what are the other degrees for? From casual reading, it seems they are mostly associated with the sub/affiliated organizations and/or a recognition of seniority/history, if not superiority. I could be completely wrong on that.

ETA - NM, I see that was answered a few posts above.

Posted: 1/2/2018 12:00:32 PM EDT

[#32]

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I have long considered joining and am looking to take the first step. Would I show up randomly to the posted meeting date, or should I touch base with the membership first?

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I'll provide,you with some links to look at when I get home and some further suggestions.

Heck, I'll even make contact on your behalf if you want.... I've done it for a lot of guys on here, and will certainly do it for you.

Posted: 1/2/2018 1:14:32 PM EDT

[#33]

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So what are the other degrees for? From casual reading, it seems they are mostly associated with the sub/affiliated organizations and/or a recognition of seniority/history, if not superiority. I could be completely wrong on that.

ETA - NM, I see that was answered a few posts above.

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We just have to come to terms with the fact that there are some people that we will never be able to satisfy with our answers. Some people want to believe the conspiracy theories because they are so much more interesting that what actually goes on. People mention "higher degrees" and they can't wrap their head around the fact that the 3rd is the highest degree in masonry. Yes, there are bigger numbers than three, but a 32nd degree is not superior to a 3rd degree.

So what are the other degrees for? From casual reading, it seems they are mostly associated with the sub/affiliated organizations and/or a recognition of seniority/history, if not superiority. I could be completely wrong on that.

ETA - NM, I see that was answered a few posts above.

the higher agrees ONLY associate to the body giving them. IE 32/33rd in the scottish rite. In the blue lodge which is where masonry begins 3rd is master mason. That is as high as it goes. A 32nd SR mason does not "outrank" a 3rd master mason in a blue lodge. Each degree in the extra bodies are designed to teach a lesson, each building on the other. Some have to do with ethical dilemmas, some leadership etc. the higher degrees simply means the Master mason has engaged in some "extra" masonic education. the degree numbers are not a rank structure in general terms.

Posted: 1/2/2018 1:27:35 PM EDT

[#34]

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What part of Texas?

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What part of Texas?

Near the Austin area

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I'll provide,you with some links to look at when I get home and some further suggestions.

Heck, I'll even make contact on your behalf if you want.... I've done it for a lot of guys on here, and will certainly do it for you.

Much appreciated, I'll PM you.

Posted: 1/2/2018 1:45:51 PM EDT

[#35]

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They are recognized here, but none are near my AO. We have a couple black guys in our lodge. none attend.

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

That's a completely different topic worthy of discussion itself. I personally do not think there is any room in the modern era for the kind of bigotry that would exclude formal recognition of our PH Brothers. I am proud to have been raised in Missouri where the PH Lodges are not only recognized, but the MWM of the GLPHM is invited to the Annual Communications and warmly and genuinely greeted with Grand Honors.

They are recognized here, but none are near my AO. We have a couple black guys in our lodge. none attend.

PHA is recognized here but PH is not.

Posted: 1/2/2018 2:18:20 PM EDT

[#36]

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PHA is recognized here but PH is not.

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

That's a completely different topic worthy of discussion itself. I personally do not think there is any room in the modern era for the kind of bigotry that would exclude formal recognition of our PH Brothers. I am proud to have been raised in Missouri where the PH Lodges are not only recognized, but the MWM of the GLPHM is invited to the Annual Communications and warmly and genuinely greeted with Grand Honors.

They are recognized here, but none are near my AO. We have a couple black guys in our lodge. none attend.

PHA is recognized here but PH is not.

PHA is the regular PH lodges. PHO is clandestine even to PH lodges.

Posted: 1/2/2018 6:24:05 PM EDT

[#37]

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AF&AM is the ancients lodges. in 1738 there was a split in england when the grand lodge changed the ritual work. The Ancients lodges continued with the work in the original format and started their own lodges and grand lodge. the 2 lodges reconciled in 1813. While technically separate organizations both recognize the other and are mainstream lodges fully accepted. in the US this is typically a state issue. Some states were originally chartered under the UGLE and are AM. Other under the AF&AM lodge and bear that name.

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Awesome. I don't know the terminology to use, I guess I wanted to make sure they were on the "up and up". They are listed on the NC Mason website as well which makes me feel better. Should I know anything or be concerned with the Eastern Star part?

Thank you everyone for your responses and info, very informative!

Posted: 1/2/2018 6:36:49 PM EDT

[#38]

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Awesome. I don't know the terminology to use, I guess I wanted to make sure they were on the "up and up". They are listed on the NC Mason website as well which makes me feel better. Should I know anything or be concerned with the Eastern Star part?

Thank you everyone for your responses and info, very informative!

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Yes, they usually do Puddings, Jellos, and other various old school concoctions for deserts.

My lodge is an A.F.&A.M. Not clandestine at all.

Most clandestine lodges allow women, which is a huge clue.

Posted: 1/2/2018 6:47:19 PM EDT

[#39]

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I agree about the demographic of the PH lodges, and that might have something to do with their religious fervor, but the sales pitch sounds the same. "good men better, btw, check out all the money we give away. You are probably asking yourself..." I really wasn't. nice humble brag, though.

That last paragraph really sounds like a copy/paste from the brochure.

I'll let you get back to answering questions of guys here who might be interested in becoming masons. Good luck, sir.

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You sound like a very bitter person.

Posted: 1/2/2018 6:58:45 PM EDT

[#40]

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As a Mason, I have heard similar statements before from others that wish to join but don't meet the very few requirements for one reason or another.

From the outside looking in, I can see why you might think that way.

From the inside looking out, I can see why you shouldn't be a Mason.

That's not to say you are not a good person, for I'm sure you are.

The fraternity of Freemasonry is an organization that has existed for nearly 300 years with very minimal changes in its rules or requirements for membership. You are correct -- it is quite outdated, but you are mistaken in the belief that "outdated" means "incorrect".

What you are saying is, that despite the thousands of Masons who have all met the same requirements for membership in the past and present, it should change to accomodate your system of beliefs, or make an exception to its traditions because of your belief in yourself.

That is not how Freemasonry works. Great emphasis is placed on the commonality of belief and experience that each Mason undergoes as they learn the lessons that Freemasonry provides. To say that an exception should be made, or the rules changed for some reason, is to do a disservice to all those Masons that have come before and accepted and met the requirements for membership.

For a person that is not a Mason to say such a thing is, in my mind, a prime example of a person who should not be a Mason.

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I am a Master Mason (though I am not currently a member of a Lodge, nor current on dues so I suppose those facts may mitigate that somewhat).

I have never been particularly Religious, when I am I lean agnostic to the Pagan/Heathen side of things, I just don't buy a "One True God" thing and I tend not to worry about it much more than that... but when I joined the Lodge back in in the day I was able to honestly say I believed in a higher power, which is what I was asked.

While I could have gone Scottish Rite had I stayed in and chosen to do so (My grandfather was in the SR), I couldn't have done the York Rite because that body EXPLICITLY requires a belief in the Christian God, I had ZERO interest in the Shrine (you need to go through SR or YR before you can become a Shriner).

I got out of it though because I had too many varied interests that required my time and in the grand scheme of things, the Lodge fell by the wayside, when I was involved I was working my way through the chairs (officer positions) though so it was more involved (time commitment wise) than just being a member.

Posted: 1/2/2018 7:05:39 PM EDT

[#41]

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I doubt there's any PH masons on ARF. Most states don't recognize that organization as legit.

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Wut? That's funny because the PA Grand Lodge recognizes Prince Hall lodges as regular, most States do (more than don't anyhow)

Posted: 1/2/2018 7:50:34 PM EDT

[#42]

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Near the Austin area

Much appreciated, I'll PM you.

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What part of Texas?

Near the Austin area

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I'll provide,you with some links to look at when I get home and some further suggestions.

Heck, I'll even make contact on your behalf if you want.... I've done it for a lot of guys on here, and will certainly do it for you.

Much appreciated, I'll PM you.

I have an email out to the Lodge you want to join. I'll see what they say and contact you.

In the meantime, please watch these videos and have a look around this website... Grand Lodge of TX

Posted: 1/2/2018 7:51:52 PM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
yes scro. youre good people too.

To become a Freemason in Connecticut, you must:

Have been a resident of the state for 12 months prior to application.
Be an adult male of good character and at least 18 years of age.
Be a man who expresses a belief in a Supreme Deity. (We do not accept atheists or agnostics, but beyond that we are not concerned with specific religious beliefs or theological distinctions. )
Have not been coerced into joining, but do so of your own free will and accord because you have a favorable impression of the Fraternity.

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Since Buddhists do not believe in a Supreme Deity it would seem that we would not be eligible either.

Posted: 1/2/2018 8:21:39 PM EDT

[#44]

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Quoted:

Since Buddhists do not believe in a Supreme Deity it would seem that we would not be eligible either.

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actually buddhism does qualify and is on the list of accepted religions. they will also provide the buddhist bible <forgive me i forget the correct name> for you to take your obligations on should you decide to join. the belief in deity is a bit weird in how it is interpreted. I agree by the letter of the law buddhism and several other major religions would not appear to qualify on the surface.

Posted: 1/2/2018 8:23:01 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
I am a Master Mason (though I am not currently a member of a Lodge, nor current on dues so I suppose those facts may mitigate that somewhat).

I have never been particularly Religious, when I am I lean agnostic to the Pagan/Heathen side of things, I just don't buy a "One True God" thing and I tend not to worry about it much more than that... but when I joined the Lodge back in in the day I was able to honestly say I believed in a higher power, which is what I was asked.

While I could have gone Scottish Rite had I stayed in and chosen to do so (My grandfather was in the SR), I couldn't have done the York Rite because that body EXPLICITLY requires a belief in the Christian God, I had ZERO interest in the Shrine (you need to go through SR or YR before you can become a Shriner).

I got out of it though because I had too many varied interests that required my time and in the grand scheme of things, the Lodge fell by the wayside, when I was involved I was working my way through the chairs (officer positions) though so it was more involved (time commitment wise) than just being a member.

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Quoted:

Quoted:

As a Mason, I have heard similar statements before from others that wish to join but don't meet the very few requirements for one reason or another.

From the outside looking in, I can see why you might think that way.

From the inside looking out, I can see why you shouldn't be a Mason.

That's not to say you are not a good person, for I'm sure you are.

The fraternity of Freemasonry is an organization that has existed for nearly 300 years with very minimal changes in its rules or requirements for membership. You are correct -- it is quite outdated, but you are mistaken in the belief that "outdated" means "incorrect".

What you are saying is, that despite the thousands of Masons who have all met the same requirements for membership in the past and present, it should change to accomodate your system of beliefs, or make an exception to its traditions because of your belief in yourself.

That is not how Freemasonry works. Great emphasis is placed on the commonality of belief and experience that each Mason undergoes as they learn the lessons that Freemasonry provides. To say that an exception should be made, or the rules changed for some reason, is to do a disservice to all those Masons that have come before and accepted and met the requirements for membership.

For a person that is not a Mason to say such a thing is, in my mind, a prime example of a person who should not be a Mason.

I am a Master Mason (though I am not currently a member of a Lodge, nor current on dues so I suppose those facts may mitigate that somewhat).

I have never been particularly Religious, when I am I lean agnostic to the Pagan/Heathen side of things, I just don't buy a "One True God" thing and I tend not to worry about it much more than that... but when I joined the Lodge back in in the day I was able to honestly say I believed in a higher power, which is what I was asked.

While I could have gone Scottish Rite had I stayed in and chosen to do so (My grandfather was in the SR), I couldn't have done the York Rite because that body EXPLICITLY requires a belief in the Christian God, I had ZERO interest in the Shrine (you need to go through SR or YR before you can become a Shriner).

I got out of it though because I had too many varied interests that required my time and in the grand scheme of things, the Lodge fell by the wayside, when I was involved I was working my way through the chairs (officer positions) though so it was more involved (time commitment wise) than just being a member.

iirc only the higher degrees in the YR require a profession of faith. There is NO requirement in the shrine beyond being a MM and apparently that is becoming optional in some states.

Posted: 1/2/2018 8:25:51 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
iirc only the higher degrees in the YR require a profession of faith. There is NO requirement in the shrine beyond being a MM and apparently that is becoming optional in some states.

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Used to have to be in SR to become a Shriner. Now just MM.

The optional MM requirement for Shrine is news to me. Pretty sure that was shot down about 4 years ago.

Posted: 1/2/2018 8:31:44 PM EDT

[#47]

someone mentioned it in the thread running in GD. i know it was on the table.

Not a shriner so i don;t really keep up with it. i do know the SR/YR requirement has been gone for a LONG time. i have been a MM since 2005 and it was old history then.

Posted: 1/2/2018 10:24:44 PM EDT

[#48]

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Quoted:

I had one friend that I discouraged from applying. He is basically a good guy but he wouldn't have made it unfortunately.
If he would have asked, I would have got him an application.

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Why do you say he wouldn't have made it?

@HELOBRAVO

Posted: 1/2/2018 10:30:51 PM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
someone mentioned it in the thread running in GD. i know it was on the table.

Not a shriner so i don;t really keep up with it. i do know the SR/YR requirement has been gone for a LONG time. i have been a MM since 2005 and it was old history then.

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What!?

I am as old as you are. lol

Posted: 1/3/2018 10:56:37 AM EDT

[#50]

Quote History

Quoted:
someone mentioned it in the thread running in GD. i know it was on the table.

Not a shriner so i don;t really keep up with it. i do know the SR/YR requirement has been gone for a LONG time. i have been a MM since 2005 and it was old history then.

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If I recall correctly, the SR/YR requirement to become a Shriner was eliminated in 2000.

Shriners International has a recruiting drive going on now and the wording in the online referral form seems to indicate that a man must still be a Master Mason in order to join the Shrine.

https://webfez.shrinenet.org/referral

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Non-Masons Official ask-a-question or comment Thread (Page 4 of 7)

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