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AR15.COM
2/3/2012 8:25:10 AM EDT
I like what I've read about freemasons, and I love their motto.






I agree with all their tenets, and it seems like something I would want to be a part of.







Anyone want to give me a rundown of what being a free mason entails?







I know almost nothing about them other than what I've read online







Thanks

 
2/3/2012 8:30:14 AM EDT
[#1]
Free masons?  Where do I get one?  Is it a "Buy one, get one free" type deal?  
2/3/2012 8:32:56 AM EDT
[#2]
http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_1/162_Masonic_Forum.html
2/3/2012 8:36:21 AM EDT
[#3]
I hate to say it but i would have a hard time with
the keeping secrets from my wife part of it

2/3/2012 8:37:03 AM EDT
[#4]



Quoted:


http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_1/162_Masonic_Forum.html


Thanks, seems like every time I ask a question I find a new forum



 
2/3/2012 8:37:32 AM EDT
[#5]



Quoted:


Free masons?  Where do I get one?  Is it a "Buy one, get one free" type deal?  


whoops. see, told you all I didn't know anything about them

 
2/3/2012 8:42:16 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I hate to say it but i would have a hard time with
the keeping secrets from my wife part of it



My wife has no problem with the "secrets" part and considers it all quite harmless.
2/3/2012 8:51:02 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
I hate to say it but i would have a hard time with
the keeping secrets from my wife part of it



if you can't be trusted not to talk about other peoples business we wouldn't want you
2/3/2012 8:52:00 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I hate to say it but i would have a hard time with
the keeping secrets from my wife part of it



if you can't be trusted not to talk about other peoples business we wouldn't want you


That is fine, I have too much I'm not allowed to talk about as it is.

That is not a knock on the Masons, It is just a factor one needs to consider.
to me it would put a wedge between my wife and I that I would not want there
2/3/2012 8:53:19 AM EDT
[#9]
So basically, if I want to learn more I should just look up a local lodge and go to a meeting?
2/3/2012 8:54:42 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
So basically, if I want to learn more I should just look up a local lodge and go to a meeting?


That would work.
2/3/2012 8:57:10 AM EDT
[#11]
My oldest step son was a Mason, when he became disabled the local group wouldn't have anything to do with him. Rob
2/3/2012 9:01:57 AM EDT
[#12]
Because I am a Freemason ….

… I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and tolerance an indispensable trait of human character. Therefore, I will stand in my lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their belief, as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.

… I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity. Therefore, I will bring my questions and ideas to my lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.

… I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of ritual are important platforms for growth and learning. Therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.

… I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity. I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless, and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship, morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.

… I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partially fulfilled in my patriotism- love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it symbolizes.

… I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others. I will therefore participate in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, while serving the Brothers of my lodge to the best of my ability.

… I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life. I therefore vow to be a faithful friend to my Brothers, while expecting my lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat family as though my family were their own.

… I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry – the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one’s word – is a lesson for all people in all times. I therefore vow to be a man of my word.

… I know that Freemasonry’s power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large. I therefore vow to bring the best of myself to my lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple.

Because I am a Freemason, these values and aspirations are the guideposts for my progress through life.


2/3/2012 9:08:36 AM EDT
[#13]




Quoted:

So basically, if I want to learn more I should just look up a local lodge and go to a meeting?




Take a look around.  Chances are you know someone who is a member.
2/3/2012 9:08:54 AM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
My oldest step son was a Mason, when he became disabled the local group wouldn't have anything to do with him. Rob


i find that hard to believe just based on that alone.
2/3/2012 9:14:10 AM EDT
[#15]




you'll learn the secrets of the universe........in exchange for your soul





2/3/2012 9:18:16 AM EDT
[#16]
I've been told they keep the holy grail in Acworth Georgia
2/3/2012 9:30:53 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
So basically, if I want to learn more I should just look up a local lodge and go to a meeting?


No non-members allowed in the Lodge Room during a meeting.  Prospective members are usually welcome at various social gatherings though.  Many lodges have a meal before or after the meeting and I've heard that the occasional card game is a favorite after the meeting.  Good times for everybody to get to know one another.

2/3/2012 9:31:55 AM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Quoted:
My oldest step son was a Mason, when he became disabled the local group wouldn't have anything to do with him. Rob


i find that hard to believe just based on that alone.


+1

2/3/2012 9:45:33 AM EDT
[#19]
My wifes fraternity has secrets.  They have a secret password, a secret chant, a secret handshake, their initiation procedures are secret.  Masonic secrets are pretty much the same.  She has her frat secrets and I have mine.  Not that big of a deal
2/3/2012 9:52:12 AM EDT
[#20]
rumor has it if you're a mason they can get you really great jobs....just what i heard.

the whole secrets by degree thing grabs people i think.
2/3/2012 9:55:25 AM EDT
[#21]




Quoted:

Because I am a Freemason ….



… I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and tolerance an indispensable trait of human character. Therefore, I will stand in my lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their belief, as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.



… I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity. Therefore, I will bring my questions and ideas to my lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.



… I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of ritual are important platforms for growth and learning. Therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.



… I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity. I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless, and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship, morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.



… I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partially fulfilled in my patriotism- love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it symbolizes.



… I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others. I will therefore participate in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, while serving the Brothers of my lodge to the best of my ability.



… I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life. I therefore vow to be a faithful friend to my Brothers, while expecting my lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat family as though my family were their own.



… I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry – the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one’s word – is a lesson for all people in all times. I therefore vow to be a man of my word.



… I know that Freemasonry’s power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large. I therefore vow to bring the best of myself to my lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple.



Because I am a Freemason, these values and aspirations are the guideposts for my progress through life.









+1 this awesome, Because I am a Freemason!



say it loud say it proud brother!
2/3/2012 10:03:00 AM EDT
[#22]

When I have more time available to me, I plan on asking to join/apply.

Some of the best men I have ever met, including some off of this forum, have been Freemasons.
2/3/2012 10:04:08 AM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
rumor has it if you're a mason they can get you really great jobs....just what i heard.

the whole secrets by degree thing grabs people i think.


I would assume that they're pretty adept at figuring out who is applying to join for something like that.
2/3/2012 11:02:00 AM EDT
[#24]



Quoted:





Quoted:

Free masons?  Where do I get one?  Is it a "Buy one, get one free" type deal?  


whoops. see, told you all I didn't know anything about them  


Couldn't resist....



 
2/3/2012 2:45:25 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
rumor has it if you're a mason they can get you really great jobs....just what i heard.

the whole secrets by degree thing grabs people i think.


i know a LOT of masons out of work right now just like everyone else
2/3/2012 2:50:26 PM EDT
[#26]
They make a really nice jar . I have asked about joining but never pursued it
2/3/2012 3:01:24 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
Free masons?  Where do I get one?  Is it a "Buy one, get one free" type deal?  


They are not free.  You  can't buy one, but you can rent one.  Sometimes bartering works(a fine scotch).  I have 3 very old (50+ years of service) FM that are neighbors...very close neighbors...for a long long time.  I have many stories.....  Many are true
2/3/2012 3:10:22 PM EDT
[#28]
Dont they keep down the electric car?
2/3/2012 3:29:58 PM EDT
[#29]
I didn't get any more special treatment when job hunting from Masons than I did from anyone else. If that's what you're after, forget it.

As far as keeping secrets from the wife, it's less offensive than not giving her the password to login to my work account. She didn't get password for corporate routers, either. I don't feel particularly guilty about any of those things, and she doesn't care. There really aren't any great secrets, regardless of what the conspiracy nuts insist on believing
2/3/2012 4:07:12 PM EDT
[#30]





Quoted:



I've been told they keep the holy grail in Acworth Georgia



Nope, Its on my desk right now. Goes to a one legged, six fingered High Pooba in Riverton Wyoming next.






Quoted:


Dont they keep down the electric car?


That would be GM. They don't keep them down so much as burn them down.











 
2/3/2012 4:10:18 PM EDT
[#31]
My dad was one.  I used to read the Masonic Herald all the time.  
2/3/2012 4:17:09 PM EDT
[#32]
http://www.ephesians5-11.org/index.html
2/3/2012 4:43:56 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
http://www.ephesians5-11.org/index.html




that site has been debunked on here so many times it's laughable.