Nobody, I repeat NOBODY, moves from 1st Degree to 32nd Degree in 5 months. The anticipation of moving that fast in the FIRST place, would have been viewed as IMMATURE and handicapped you from even becoming 2nd Degree so quickly. Also, the other lodge brothers would have REJECTED the idea because they had to WORK for their rank, and it took a LOT longer than 5 months.

I think Hiram Ranger would have to agree. No?

Why do you think I know nothing "First Hand"? I have had an interest in Freemasonry for about 20 years. The first 10 years were of a positive nature, the last 10 years have been of a skeptical nature. I could have easily become a Mason if I had wanted to, but I was a little too wild to think I would have had any fun.

I had one VERY accomplished Uncle who was a Mason, another that was 2nd or 3rd Degree for about 20-some years, and 2 aunts who were Order of the Eastern Star for quite awhile too.

One aunt became a 'saved' Christian a few years ago, and made it perfectly clear that in NO WAY was there EVER to be an Eastern Star motif on her tombstone! LOL.

Nothing could be worse than Scientology...

What 'secrecy'?  They're listed in the phone book!

They wear their own rings, they have bumper stickers, they hold public events, they drive crazy little cars at the parades, they wear funny fez-type hats, they hang out at clearly marked lodges, they have their pictures taken at public events, they tend to stand out in public service, they list their degrees and lodges in their resumes, if they run for public office they list their mason connection and affiliation.

In short, they are the most out in the open secret organization that I can imagine!

If there was anything sinister about it, I know my brother would not have joined, nor would his father-in-law, who is a thoroughly honorable veteran of WWII.

So let's hear it, what crap have they done that has gotten y'all's goat?

Helping orphans, burned and crippled children, is a problem for y'all?

Eric The(Hmmmm?)Hun[>]:)]

Ok. Without giving to much away. There are only 3 degrees in Masonry and you only need to take the 32nd degree to be a 32nd Degree. You get that afterward in Scottish Rite, Commandry or York Rite. Thats all I can tell you. You seem to think you are a know it all in this situation, so nothing I say you are going to believe. I'm dropping this now. Its not going anywhere. You believe whatever you want to believe.

What degree do you need to be to drive the little cars?

You need to be a 32nd degree shriner[:D]

"Ok. Without giving to much away. There are only 3 degrees in Masonry and you only need to take the 32nd degree to be a 32nd Degree. You get that afterward in Scottish Rite, Commandry or York Rite. Thats all I can tell you. You seem to think you are a know it all in this situation, so nothing I say you are going to believe. I'm dropping this now. Its not going anywhere. You believe whatever you want to believe."- CAPITALIST
 
You're absolutely right Eric, what secrecy?  Oh the things I ponder.  I admit, I'm no expert but I am suspicious of everyone just for being human and even more suspicious of ANYONE with ANY political, military, or religious power.  Maybe the fact that many U.S. presidents were Freemasons doesn't get your mind thinking.  Maybe super secret squirrel meetings between such powerful people from all over the world doesn't set of that little thinking light in your head.  Don't take this as a flame or as harsh criticism or personal attack upon yourself, I'm just conveying my suspicions; I hold many.

Gotta take a water break and head back to the sidelines.[;)]

Everyone wants to be something, REAL or IMMAGINED, as it is only HUMAN NATURE.........

i dont know if its a cult or not, i know some masons, they seem like good guys.
masons do have some strange customs or rituals.
one guy i know his title is
"Worshipful Master" this is on his business card.
i will let Jesus Decide who his children are.
that is his job to do, i try not to worry about other groups ,there are to many.
i would not become a mason though.
Walter

I actually did not WANT to flame anyone, but the little evil advocate in me sometimes gets away.

Capitalist, if we ever meet on a range, I guarantee you that we will have a good time and walk away friends, as I detest having enemys, well, at least ones who own guns...LOL

That applies to all of you.

I generally don't like to make people angry or pissed, I just like to make them THINK. And as far as thinking goes, the further out of the box, the better =)

The "Worshipful" in Worshipful Master means "Respected".  "Master" Means the leader of the Lodge. It means "Respected Leader"  . Its not that the man is to be worshiped[:D]