CozInCowtown
Moderator
Anybody here a member of a local lodge?
Well the first question I always ask is, why do you wish to join?I am considering joining the local lodge, just looking for input from others.
Sorry I missed this post this morning. Was a bit groggy after the benadryl last night the wife forced me to take, got stung by a bee and the foot swelled up.My husband tried to join them but they wouldn't accept him and to this day he does not know why. He has a sparkling clean record and he has a reputation as being a good man. He's the man everyone comes to for help, but the Masons didn't want him and didn't give him a reason.
Are you referring to this book http://www.amazon.com/Book-Hiram-Freemasonry-Venus-Secret/dp/1402735200/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325348599&sr=8-1There are a lot of half-truths and legends surrounding the Masons. Seriously, read "The Book of Hiram". Many of the Mason rituals are so secret that the people peforming them have forgotten their purpose, symbolism and significance. The authors set out to find the source of these rutuals as well as the history of free masonary. It's a very good book.
As far as the person who wasn't allowed to join, I believe membership is by invitation only.
Sadly you are right. There are always bad apples in any group. Hopefully though, those bad apples will be weeded out.As with any group of people you will find some jerks, but overall I'd say they are definitely a cut above any random sampling.
Yup, that's the one.Are you referring to this book Amazon.com: The Book of Hiram: Freemasonry, Venus, and the Secret Key to the Life of Jesus (9781402735202): Christopher Knight, Robert Lomas: Books
The reason why I ask, is it's author is Christopher Knight. A lot of Freemasons have problems with his writings. He often makes larges leaps and assumptions that many Freemasons do no agree upon.
A lot of the degree work is explained as you go through. But I will agree some do not go further into their meaning. But with symbols, there are often multiple meanings, and those meanings may change as you progress through life. How many know the origins of putting up a Christmas Tree, hanging up mistletoe, lighting a Yule Log, the symbol of a fish, the Celtic cross, or even as something as why we shake with the right hand.
As far as joining, the saying goes, to be one ask one. It is a long held tradition that you have to ask to join, we are not allowed to ask. Some states have changed the rule, but you will find many people still require you to ask.
I have been reading and researching and this is what I think I understand so far....I always see the Freemason signs on their meeting buildings, and always wondered what they did. Everything is so secret, but I hear they help the community. I would read up on Freemasons, but I am afraid I would get too intrigued by all the books.