what is the Masons beliefs and practices?
95428
This site is incredibly informative.\n\nhttp://freemasonry.bcy.ca/
388168
Freemasons are not a cult by any stretch of the imagination.\nThe Illuminati (as I recall) was an old German private organisation that tried to compete with Masonry but died out some time ago. Masonry is a fraternal organisation with several sub-groups. There are over 65 separate Masonic bodies in the US. The more common being the so called "Blue lodge", the Scottish and York rights and the Shrine.\n\nMost of our founding fathers were Masons. Thirteen of the signers of the declaration of Independence were Masons. Several (including Geo. Washington) were Masters of their lodges.
1016185
I really doubt you are going to find your answers here.  There really WAS a Kinghts Templar, but answers about the Vatical's 30 miles of secret shelves will not be disclosed on the pages of yahoo answers.  If that could happen, it would be general knowledge, and you wouldn't be asking the question.\n\nAs for the Freemasons, if you want to learn about our history, read the book "American Freemasons".  It deals mostly with Masonry in America, but explains a bit about our history, as well as the history of other fraternal organizations.
647539
SHARON, I am the daughter of a man in the masons. Of course he had to make it sound so great-one of my brothers joined. they've been in a long time. I almost married a man who was beginning to go through all the Junk!!  I am a born again Christian, and believe me, God layed Freemasonry HEAVILY upon my heart. He even gave me a bunch of questions to ask anyone going into[or in ]the Masons. It was soooo hard having this stuff on my heart- I prayed to Jesus to choose someone else to bear the burden. I never married that man but Married a believer. I am so happy he is not into that.
544942
You wished to talk with an esoteric Freemason? You got it. I will give you only my take on the questions you asked. Freemasons are that, FREE. We speak for ourselves.\n\nFirst, there are branches of Freemasonry that are more esoteric than others. \n\nSome are truly simple fraternal service organizations. Shriners do enormous good for children - orthopedics and burn hospitals that do not take a penny from families unable to pay. Go ahead and dis that and then tell me what YOU are doing to help the world. *sorry, I do get tired of the anti-Masonic stuff occasionally*\n\nI am a member of the American Co-Masons. We are Freemasons who admit women and men of all races and religions, who are of legal age, good repute, and believe in a Supreme Being. Most of all that person must ASK to join. We do not recruit. \n\nWe are a system of morality. We use the symbols of ancient operative stone masons as reminders of how to conduct our daily lives. Symbols have only the meaning we choose to invest in them. Sounds like a cop out. Strangely enough though, when a new member of the Lodge asks what a particular symbol means, he is often asked right back, "Well, what does it mean to you?" We layer meanings, you see. We find new meanings for the symbols as they apply. \n\nLet me give you a made up example (yes, I do wish to keep within due bounds of my own oaths here not to reveal things I am sworn not to reveal - more on that in a second, promise): Suppose we had a society based upon Shepherding. I mean that would be as rich in symbols, right? The head of our Lodge might be called "The Faithful Shepherdess" and we would talk about using the Shepherd's Crook of our conscience to keep the sheep of our thoughts from straying away from our sworn tasks. Later on, some Brother might say he found that he used the Shepherd's Crook to remind his Brother not to go into that barroom with that dancer and instead to head home to his wife.  Silly madeup example but there you go.\n\nOK, you may read many interpretations about the Square and the Compasses. Notice, it is not compass (that is a magnetic thing that shows direction) but compasses (that is a drawing tool). Interpretations abound online. Each Freemason is encouraged to bring their own meanings to them. I will give you only a little to chew on.\n\nThe Square is unchanging. It measures a block to make sure it is uniform. What a wonderful thing that was in building! If you "square your work or area up" what does that mean? It means to make it as perfect as you can. Square is truly a 4 sided object (two sides are missing in most representations). \n\nThe Compasses is used in circles and in trigonometry. It has three parts. It opens and closes. Nice complement to something so rigid as a Square, right? \n\nThere are those who find their combination to be something sexual. Some say it looks like a guy and a gal together, some say it looks like a mandorla. There are those who laugh when the school cafeteria serves hotdogs on buns, too. *sigh*\n\n\nIn regards to the G, not all Lodges have a G. The French have a D. Ahem, does that give you a clue? Mon Dieu! Did I give you too much? Perhaps. In my Order we have a five pointed star, the pent-alpha with a Yod (Hebrew letter) in the center of that. Wonder what that means?\n\nOne can argue that there is a select cabal of very rich men who run this world. And of course you do not know their names because they are secret. You cannot disprove this because no proof is ever given. You can say it is the Roman Catholic Church, the Freemasons, the Jews, the Mafia, the Illuminati, or all of them. The Freemasons I know are upright and law-abiding folks. We work pretty hard at trying to improve the world and ourselves. Personally, I would be unwilling to take the reins of anything beyond myself right now. Too daunting. \n\nRegarding secrets. Mostly what we want for the candidate of each degree is that he or she not have expectations of the
1048501
All of the previous answers are incorrect, and are obviously not answered by Masons.  Let me give you the real answer:\n\nTo become a Mason you must:\nBe a man over 18 years old (21 in some places).\nBelieve in a higher power (whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc.)\nYou must ask to join.  We do not ask people to join.  You must ask us.\n\nSo if you are interested in becoming a Mason, just contact the Masonic lodge in your area and tell them you want to know more about them.  They will be happy to talk to you.  \n\nIf you have any other questions, please learn from real Freemasons such as myself.  Feel free to contact me.
542934
As an avid Freemason I continue to get this question. (my credantials include Past Master "President" of my local Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Valley of Harrisburg, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Royal Arch Chapter, Commandery Knights Templar, Pennsylvania Shield and Square Club, and the Order of the Amaranth.)\n\nFreemasonry is not a religion, our membership does not seek salvation through the lodge, and many members of Freemasonry take on active roles in thier respective churches or places of worship. Membershop however does require that you belive in a god or "supreme being". \n\nAs a result of not endorsing any one religion, there are Freemasons from nearly every religion and walk of life. There are Grand Lodges in India, Japan, to Spain and France. We leave the question of religion to the individual member, and we do not discuss religious theology inside the lodge.\nOur degrees however come from the bible, hence can be religious in nature. Members are reminded that it is a duty not necessarily for religions sake but for us as human beings to be good citizens and live by the golden rule regardless of religion.\n\nWe are an order, a way to live. to do to others that we would have done to ourselves, and seek no reward for our benefit religious or otherwise.
586978
Speculations as to the origins vary as has been discussed earlier. Personally, I am with the small crowd that does not believe it strictly came from the stone masons. Stone masons, however, were one of the very few groups of men who were not tied to the land and could travel in small groups. OK, I like the Templar theory, but it is MY liking. Freemasons are that, free to speculate.\n\nMany rituals harken back to the ancient mystery schools. More than that I cannot say. I would refer you to my Order's website (link below) for more information. I am a Co-Mason (women and men in Lodge together).\n\nFreemasons have not conducted Inquisitions nor burned people for not believing as they do. We encourage people to think and to explore, to extend the hand of friendship to people of all faiths. I know of few RELIGIONS which do that.
1089572
James,\nYour travels in Masonry have already begun.  In your heart you know that you want to be a Freemason.  Because the fraternity does not evangelize in any way we never ask anyone to become a Mason.  Every member has joined of his own freewill and has not been persuaded to become a member.  Your own Grandfather followed this rule and never asked you to join his lodge.\n\nSearch out the most respected members of your community and you will find that they are probably Freemasons.  Tell your desire to one of these men and he will secure for you a petition to the lodge.  A committee of inquiry will call on you at your home to make sure that your desires are true,  that you are a respected member of the community and worthy to become a Mason.   If the committee approves of you; the entire lodge will be notified and you must pass a unanimous ballot.  If any member of the lodge feels that you are unworthy; you will never become a member of the lodge as long as the objection exists.\n\nAs a member you will be part of the world's oldest and greatest fraternity.  You will find charitable needs and causes, education, fellowship, and friendship.  One of the greatest gifts a man can give to another is to help him become a Mason.  I hope that I am responding in such a way that I can give this gift to you.
265113
Freemasons?\nI have known many men, some from my church who were masons. Some from the Gideon organization I belong to, some from my own family, they all are very active in the faith and most are pillars of the church.\nI've since been provided with a great deal of information which as far as I can test, seems to suggest that freemasonry is anything but Christian, if others answer this question I would like to hear comments.
78941
Freemasonry has a lot of bad things going on in it.\n\nSome of it is hard to understand.  \n\nThey basically worship Satan as (lucifer) and claim that Satan is the same as Jesus.  They wrongly use Isaiah 14:12, and you need to understand that Satan was never called “lucifer” by Isaiah.  Isaiah the Prophet called that fallen angel, Heylel (said as “hay-lale).  People often take away from the interpretation of the name, Heylel, too.\n\nForemost, the name means, to shine; and has relation to the sun, meaning that Heylel was ORIGINALLY a shining one. Heylel was once a radiant, good angel --- but he fell from grace.  He is no longer radiant, as he once was.\n\nHeylel, means to make a show, to rave and celebrate in rage, to boast, to be clamorous and foolish. This name is descriptive and also means the following: \n\nTo feign or falsify (misrepresent) one’s self\nTo be a counterfeit, a fake, or even a fraud\nTo make believe and pretend\nTo be mad against someone or something (mainly God --- but Satan hates humankind too)\n\nSatan’s name “Heylel” also has meaning of his title ‘The Adversary.”\n\nIsaiah was in NO way saying that Satan was a light bringer… he was saying instead – to Heylel – look!  You have fallen from heaven! ---  He was taunting him…\n\nFreemasons worship Heylel, calling him the light bringer, the light bearer, and the bright morning star.  Satan is a spirit of darkness, not of light!  They confuse Satan with Jesus.\n\nJesus, and him only, is the Light of the World.\n\nFew… high ranking masons will admit to this… but they do this.   Freemasonry also has many “demonic” symbols and rites as well.  It is basically occultism.  (most low ranking masons, maybe unware of this)\n\nNo Christian should be involved in freemasonry… because it denies Jesus… and can cause you to commit a sort of spiritual adultery with false religions.\n\nEdit: (I never said "Freemasonry" was some sort of 'religion' as Islam, so forth.  Freemasonry is 'just' wrong --- it acts occult --- by its practices)  Any practice of the people (world system) can be 'wrong' for Christians to be apart of if it contains 'bad' things.  \n\nPlease listen to the Spirit of the Lord... don't resist the Spirit!  Be careful with any such thing as Freemasonry... test it.
242807
The only thing I know is this:\n\n"Many of [the freemasons] secret signs of recognition, for example, are borrowed from the system of words, signs, and touches that Hiram of Tyre, the master mason of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, was said to have used in order to communicate with the vast army of workers under his command."\n\nJust happened to read it yesterday.
204815
Most of the rituals revolve around the building of King Solomon's Temple. We use the building tools of the ancient operative stonemasons symbolically as an allegory for how to live our lives as just and upright men.  (on the level...fair and square, etc.) It's no secret. Only the passwords, and grips we use to identify ourselves to each other are secret, just like in any college fraternity or sorrority. Also, we cant quote the rituals.  But as far as what they are about....pretty much public knowledge to anyone who will put down their pre-conceived notions and just ask.  Many lodges hold open houses a couple of times a year where the community can tour the building and ask questions.  The cross-spitting thing that one answerer mentioned is a myth.  Just like they say we ride goats, worship the devil, make ritual sacrifices, and...(oh, my personal favorite) have sex with satan in our initiation.  If anybody honestly believes any of that, then they deserve to make fools of themselves by stating them out loud.
5538
As a Mason and a Minister of the Gospel I feel that the problem is the secrecy of the organazation. Often times when people don't understand something they have a fear of it. It should be known that this country, America, was founded by Masons and that a vast majority of our leaders have been members of the Masonic order. It is a Fraternity, not a religion.
451656
I beg to differ with the first answerer. The masons are not associated with any cults they are simply a group of usually Christian religious men interested in community service.
7408
Dude...it depends on who you ask.  If you know a Freemason, they'll tell they don't worship the devil and they are community service oriented.  However, if you believe conspiracy theorists, they worship the devil and they actually have to kill someone in order to be dubbed Grand Marshall of their group.  For the most part, I think the conspiracy theorists just like most people don't like the secrecy around Freemason and made stuff up...just like the Spanish Inquisition.
152805
I know! You know who the worst of all the masonry is? The tiles. Those sons-of-guns are running the whole country.\n\nSeriously though, yes they are behind some big stuff but it would be too obvious to think the masons are behind everything. Especially these days. What we know as the Masons more likely changed their identity and left behind a "sceleton crew" to maintain the facade that the "Masons" still exist. Functioning only as a red herring to detract from the real masters who continue on with anomynity. In any case the Masons, or what they became anyway, arn't the whole of the conspiracy just a cog in a grand scheme to keep us stupid and working our lives away for just enough incentive to keep us from realizing just how deep the roots go. Look up flouride dangers, look up Chomski, look up the real cause of John Wayne's death. The secrets are left right out in the open for you to find. That is how arrogant the ruling class have become. Things are all ready so bad they know most people wouldn't believe the truth even if they were staring at it. Fact is, you even asking this question is puting yourself on the radar. And I doubt you realize just how serious this really is. Keep looking. Every day brings new horrors.