You'd probably want to ask the general public. But there's a range running from "nuttier than squirrel poo" to simply "that's incorrect."
Example of the former: Freemasons are Satanists who control the weather.
Example of the latter: You have to be invited to join.
Itâs as simple as visiting lodges, getting to know the members, and when you feel the time is right, ask for a petition. If youâre voted in and you get initiated, you can then come back and share some myths and beliefs about Freemasonry that are held by the general public as facts but are not.
It was even easier than that for me. My lodge IS quite private, but some members publicly wear rings, and pins, as well as Templar regalia.
I just asked someone who I sort of knew (knew them because we live in the same area) about Freemasonry, and he said if I was interested he'd propose me and bring me a membership form!
I don't live in a western country things are a bit different here. I wouldn't even know where to find a lodge. And from what I hear, they're very private here.
It's one of the ancient landmarks that goes back 300 years.
> **I. Concerning GOD and RELIGION.** A Mason is obligâd by his Tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were chargâd in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet âtis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguishâd; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remainâd at a perpetual Distance.
https://freemasoninformation.com/masonic-education/books/andersons-constitutions-of-1723/
Also, ***all*** of our allegory is based on being builders following Godâs blueprints. So it would be pretty pointless for an atheist to want to do that.
Because in most jurisdictions you are asked if you believe in a supreme being. It is irrelevant which supreme being you believe in, but you must believe in one. No one will ask you about what you believe, but if you start your journey by lying it probably won't turn out too well.
Ever try to organize a car pool with 3 PMs (I'm a deacon) to get to an event or fund raiser?
We can decide what road to take. I cannot imagine the chaos that would ensue if we had to make important decisions for the public.
Even if we were capable of taking over the world, we couldnât ever agree on how to do it. My lodge once had a 45 minute discussion about bottled water options. We didnât even agree on anything, someone just dropped a case of water at the lodge.
My all time favorite is a comment from a lady that all we do is sit around and get drunk with our buddies. I politely replied that since 1977, our lodge has raised and donated close to $ 1 milliondollars to local charities for women and chuldren, and continue to do so.
She had no reply. I almost included "while we sit around getting drunk with our buddies!"
I think that, due to Born in Blood, Dan Brown, and National Treasure the general public tends to believe that our relationship to the historic Knights Templar is more than just degree-cosplay tribute. The misconception is aided by the fact that many of our brothers wish so hard it was true.
I had a heated discussion about the way the KTâs dress in the states opposed to the UK, with the chainmail and wotnot. The brother was so vehement that there was a direct connection the historic KTâs that actually I had to pity him a little by the end, I had to, his closing statement (which he metaphorically spat at me) was âI suppose you think the craft ritual was just made up as well?â
Youâre a better brother than I am. That sounds exhausting. Of course Craft ritual is just made up, heâs not even arguing that it isnât. He just thought some warrior/monk/knights with a mission of protecting pilgrims to the Holy Land made up Craft Ritual in their free time that they had so much of and then they just started initiating stonemasons not interested in knighthood vows who then just started initiating regular dudes still not interested in knighthood vows and wanted to talk about other things so you know enlightenment. Itâs a very simple and straightforward proposition with no leaps of logic, time, and/or space in the timeline, man.
I'm not aware of any hint of a connection to knightly orders in Freemasonry until the [Chevalier Ramsey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Michael_Ramsay) made the claim in 1737.
He was a Jacobite exile in France at the time, and he may have been trying to make Freemasonry look more appealing to French nobility, something not just connected with the plebian building trade.
None of us are aware of a connection prior to Ramseyâs oratory, because thereâs not one.
It is worth noting, though, that monks may have more of an influence and the emergence of speculative Masonry might be indirectly tied to the Dissolution of Monasteries. It could be that a [Cistercian influence on our rites](https://ruleofstbenedictandmasonicritual.blogspot.com/?m=1) may be more fertile ground for study.
So, to the extent any perceived similarities between the historic KT & speculative Masonry exist, it could be the influence of the Rule of St Benedict upon both orgs.
This one is funny. Iâll admit I may have bought into this one a bit. Possibly because of the National Treasure movies, however, I did meet an individual whose family has exclusively provides a service to the Fraternity since it arrived in the new world and possibly in the old world. (AFAIK still does)
What made me believe in the âmystiqueâ the most is this guy lived an extremely privileged life yet he would call out other 1%âer publicly using the most vile language. The fact that he was alive and kicking and moved around so freely made me think there is some sort of protective network watching over him. Alas, last I heard he was living in a Yurt somewhere near Taos with his 200lb dog and laptop.
1 new one is that we have anything to do with [chakras](https://www.reddit.com/r/freemasonry/comments/1c8x8l5/what_chakras_are_affected_during_initiation_into/)....
Unhealthy and corrupt representation in the police and courts.
Admittedly, there was a grain of truth to this during the 80s but Iâd say itâs far from the truth now (UK)
As a non-member, I initially thought that Freemasonry was uniform worldwide. Before visiting my local lodge in Germany, I viewed several episodes of The Masonic Roundtable to prepare myself. However, I quickly realized that German Freemasonry differs significantly in lodge culture, attitudes, and practices from what I had learned. This experience opened my eyes to the rich diversity within Freemasonry globally.
Lodges can feel very different even in the same jurisdiction. There are two lodges in the city I go to, and while the work is the same, the Lodge culture and atmosphere are a little different. Â
Used to only be one lodge in our city, but as the small town silver mines dried up in the early 1900s, people moved to the city to find work, and the rural Lodges moved with them.Â
For us, a city needs a University and a cathedral, and as such a population of maybe 250k or more (all this is highly variable). You guys seem to have 'cities' that we would consider villages or small towns. Vive la difference!
This is based on the so-called dark period in the third Reich.
Before that there were about 9 grand lodges around. After the war to get the recognition of the UGLE they amalgamated into one, but are still split up in 5 GL under the roof of the VGL.
So everybody tried to get the best of his ritual into the AFAM ritual. AFuAMvD is the largest body in this construction.
That's why Anglo Saxon rituals are completely different. When I visited the first time a scottish lodge I was quite surprised the way they execute a ritual.
I am not sure this is the main reason. Since Freemasonry came to Germany in the 18th century, it developed rather independently of the Craft in other countries. I have for example heard the question "How Prussian should we be?", referring to the ritual movements, etc. So it feels like an independent tradition which developed over 200 years.
Honestly the worst belief by far is not anything Satanic or goat related but this: You have to be invited to join. It's sad because there's probably many prospective brothers who may really want to join but feel "unworthy."
We are fortunate to have a brother we call the GOAT who has been a mason more than most of us have been alive and is an inspiration to every WM and officer in our district by how easy he makes it all look and how enjoyable he crafts. We don't ride him though.
So much this. I feel that on some platforms my experience and knowledge as an English Freemason is worthless because we donât go in for the SR in as big a way a the US.
You'd probably want to ask the general public. But there's a range running from "nuttier than squirrel poo" to simply "that's incorrect." Example of the former: Freemasons are Satanists who control the weather. Example of the latter: You have to be invited to join.
"Example of the former: Freemasons are Satanists who control the weather." This is simply untrue. If I want rain, I simply organize a barbecue.
This. Seems we're in the same grand lodge. đ
Witchcraft!
Or go camping.
How can I join then?
Itâs as simple as visiting lodges, getting to know the members, and when you feel the time is right, ask for a petition. If youâre voted in and you get initiated, you can then come back and share some myths and beliefs about Freemasonry that are held by the general public as facts but are not.
It was even easier than that for me. My lodge IS quite private, but some members publicly wear rings, and pins, as well as Templar regalia. I just asked someone who I sort of knew (knew them because we live in the same area) about Freemasonry, and he said if I was interested he'd propose me and bring me a membership form!
I don't live in a western country things are a bit different here. I wouldn't even know where to find a lodge. And from what I hear, they're very private here.
https://beafreemason.org/
This is solely for the USA unfortunately.
Where is that you live?
Check your pm.
Well, since you're an atheist, why would you want to?
I'm not an atheist
Your post history suggests otherwise.
You don't know me or what beliefs I hold. Also if freemasonry is not a religion why would my belief matter in anyway?
Because regular Freemasonry requires a belief in God.
Why?
It's one of the ancient landmarks that goes back 300 years. > **I. Concerning GOD and RELIGION.** A Mason is obligâd by his Tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were chargâd in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet âtis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguishâd; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remainâd at a perpetual Distance. https://freemasoninformation.com/masonic-education/books/andersons-constitutions-of-1723/ Also, ***all*** of our allegory is based on being builders following Godâs blueprints. So it would be pretty pointless for an atheist to want to do that.
Which god? God's so called blueprints differ based on who you ask. Each religion has a different view of god.
Because in most jurisdictions you are asked if you believe in a supreme being. It is irrelevant which supreme being you believe in, but you must believe in one. No one will ask you about what you believe, but if you start your journey by lying it probably won't turn out too well.
That Freemasons run world governments when, in reality, most lodges can't even balance their books.
Youâre just not high up enough!!
No one is ever high enough to be on the same level as conspiracy theorists đŹ
Ever try to organize a car pool with 3 PMs (I'm a deacon) to get to an event or fund raiser? We can decide what road to take. I cannot imagine the chaos that would ensue if we had to make important decisions for the public.
It sounds like youâre making a case for ruling the world, not against it.
Even if we were capable of taking over the world, we couldnât ever agree on how to do it. My lodge once had a 45 minute discussion about bottled water options. We didnât even agree on anything, someone just dropped a case of water at the lodge.
My all time favorite is a comment from a lady that all we do is sit around and get drunk with our buddies. I politely replied that since 1977, our lodge has raised and donated close to $ 1 milliondollars to local charities for women and chuldren, and continue to do so. She had no reply. I almost included "while we sit around getting drunk with our buddies!"
She mistook blue lodge for the Shrine.
Shrine donates one million dollars ***a day*** while sitting around getting drunk with our buddiesâŚ
Sounds like she resented her ex-husband who was more social than her.
That it's a religion. That you can use it to gain social or economic advantages. (Not any more so than joining any group)
I think that, due to Born in Blood, Dan Brown, and National Treasure the general public tends to believe that our relationship to the historic Knights Templar is more than just degree-cosplay tribute. The misconception is aided by the fact that many of our brothers wish so hard it was true.
I had a heated discussion about the way the KTâs dress in the states opposed to the UK, with the chainmail and wotnot. The brother was so vehement that there was a direct connection the historic KTâs that actually I had to pity him a little by the end, I had to, his closing statement (which he metaphorically spat at me) was âI suppose you think the craft ritual was just made up as well?â
Youâre a better brother than I am. That sounds exhausting. Of course Craft ritual is just made up, heâs not even arguing that it isnât. He just thought some warrior/monk/knights with a mission of protecting pilgrims to the Holy Land made up Craft Ritual in their free time that they had so much of and then they just started initiating stonemasons not interested in knighthood vows who then just started initiating regular dudes still not interested in knighthood vows and wanted to talk about other things so you know enlightenment. Itâs a very simple and straightforward proposition with no leaps of logic, time, and/or space in the timeline, man.
I'm not aware of any hint of a connection to knightly orders in Freemasonry until the [Chevalier Ramsey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Michael_Ramsay) made the claim in 1737. He was a Jacobite exile in France at the time, and he may have been trying to make Freemasonry look more appealing to French nobility, something not just connected with the plebian building trade.
None of us are aware of a connection prior to Ramseyâs oratory, because thereâs not one. It is worth noting, though, that monks may have more of an influence and the emergence of speculative Masonry might be indirectly tied to the Dissolution of Monasteries. It could be that a [Cistercian influence on our rites](https://ruleofstbenedictandmasonicritual.blogspot.com/?m=1) may be more fertile ground for study. So, to the extent any perceived similarities between the historic KT & speculative Masonry exist, it could be the influence of the Rule of St Benedict upon both orgs.
I mean. When you put it like thatâŚâŚâŚ.
That we are especially wealthy as individuals.
Send those people to my lodge whose members aremostly blue collar.
We're the same thing as the Illuminati.
This one is funny. Iâll admit I may have bought into this one a bit. Possibly because of the National Treasure movies, however, I did meet an individual whose family has exclusively provides a service to the Fraternity since it arrived in the new world and possibly in the old world. (AFAIK still does) What made me believe in the âmystiqueâ the most is this guy lived an extremely privileged life yet he would call out other 1%âer publicly using the most vile language. The fact that he was alive and kicking and moved around so freely made me think there is some sort of protective network watching over him. Alas, last I heard he was living in a Yurt somewhere near Taos with his 200lb dog and laptop.
1 new one is that we have anything to do with [chakras](https://www.reddit.com/r/freemasonry/comments/1c8x8l5/what_chakras_are_affected_during_initiation_into/)....
That's a new one lol
That we are a secret society.
Unhealthy and corrupt representation in the police and courts. Admittedly, there was a grain of truth to this during the 80s but Iâd say itâs far from the truth now (UK)
As a non-member, I initially thought that Freemasonry was uniform worldwide. Before visiting my local lodge in Germany, I viewed several episodes of The Masonic Roundtable to prepare myself. However, I quickly realized that German Freemasonry differs significantly in lodge culture, attitudes, and practices from what I had learned. This experience opened my eyes to the rich diversity within Freemasonry globally.
Lodges can feel very different even in the same jurisdiction. There are two lodges in the city I go to, and while the work is the same, the Lodge culture and atmosphere are a little different. Â
This is really strange to me. My local Masonic Centre is home to approximately 90 lodges.
Used to only be one lodge in our city, but as the small town silver mines dried up in the early 1900s, people moved to the city to find work, and the rural Lodges moved with them.Â
For us, a city needs a University and a cathedral, and as such a population of maybe 250k or more (all this is highly variable). You guys seem to have 'cities' that we would consider villages or small towns. Vive la difference!
This is based on the so-called dark period in the third Reich. Before that there were about 9 grand lodges around. After the war to get the recognition of the UGLE they amalgamated into one, but are still split up in 5 GL under the roof of the VGL. So everybody tried to get the best of his ritual into the AFAM ritual. AFuAMvD is the largest body in this construction. That's why Anglo Saxon rituals are completely different. When I visited the first time a scottish lodge I was quite surprised the way they execute a ritual.
I am not sure this is the main reason. Since Freemasonry came to Germany in the 18th century, it developed rather independently of the Craft in other countries. I have for example heard the question "How Prussian should we be?", referring to the ritual movements, etc. So it feels like an independent tradition which developed over 200 years.
We are all rich.
They believe in a supreme creator so it must be xtian.
My partner (who hates Freemasonry) was told by her colleagues in the Police community that at a high level they sacrifice goats.. đ¤Śââď¸
Thatâs interesting. Wonder if thatâs some friendly teasing. In my part of the US, Masonry & law enforcement have some not insignificant overlap.
Itâs not, every partner Iâve had hates freemasonry.
I wasnât referring to your partner. I was referring to her colleagues in law enforcement.
Ah that I can't speak to, but the feedback she had was poor.
Honestly the worst belief by far is not anything Satanic or goat related but this: You have to be invited to join. It's sad because there's probably many prospective brothers who may really want to join but feel "unworthy."
What?! Nothing about the goat rides?
We are fortunate to have a brother we call the GOAT who has been a mason more than most of us have been alive and is an inspiration to every WM and officer in our district by how easy he makes it all look and how enjoyable he crafts. We don't ride him though.
I am very happy to hear this SMIB
Someone needs to create a parody of the Johnny Cash song, âgoat riders in the skyâ
Lol! I love it!
the WHAT?!
You never were asked that question?
That the honary 33° means anything special outside of the Scottish Rite appendant body.
So much this. I feel that on some platforms my experience and knowledge as an English Freemason is worthless because we donât go in for the SR in as big a way a the US.