Who's afraid of Freemasons and why?
535103
The Churches are afraid of the Freemasons.  The Freemasons do not believe it is necessary to belong to a church to enter the kingdom of the Triune God...that your salvation is between you and God alone... and that is opposite of all churches as they want you to believe that the only way into God's kingdom is thru them ... the CHURCH and only the church.  That is why in the past... the churches condemned the joining of the Freemasons... but the Catholic Church does not now... they have removed that penalty of excommunication if you become a Freemason... I don't know about other churches... I don't see any CHURCHES that has hospitals for children where they can get FREE medical and surgical help, while they also pay for the family member to live close by while the child is in the hospital... Have you ever heard of the SHRINER'S HOSPITALS??? Well that is all Freemasons who pay for that!
449079
Masons are a Secret Society originally developed in Europe in the late middle ages. They required secrecy and ritual in order to ensure their secrets were not divulged to the authorities (ie. The Roman Catholic Church) who would persecute them. They are also the foundation for most modern University Fraternities.
479394
There are several secret societies, and we all know that.\n\nThe reason for people having an opinion that is not necessarily positive, is because they are afraid of them  and because they dont take into account the fact that y ou can be Master of your own existance.  This is way too much complex for people to understand and believe, so as a Mason yourself, you must know evolution is differnt in every being.\n\nSo Ignorance, would be the right answer for this.
823866
Good start: asking questions. I wish more folks would, instead of just condemning others.\n\nI am a Master Mason (and a Mark Mason) of an esoteric branch of Freemasonry called Co-Masonry. We admit women and men of all races, all religions, as long as they are tolerant of faiths other than their own, at least 21 years of age, and good folk. \n\nOur ultimate goal is to take ourselves and improve ourselves -- only person you can change is yourself. Why? To make ourselves "more fitting vessels for The Light, smoother stones to be used to build the Temple of Solomon." Metaphors for beings who are shining beacons of goodness who can work well together.\n\nFunny thing, we learn without dogma, without folks preaching to us. The lessons are subtle. Many come in the door, but few stay. Each degree teaches more but it takes awhile to learn each degree. \n\nYou get where you trust your Brothers (yep, we call women in our Craft "Brother," too) to do what they say they are going to do. You also give them help and give help to other charities that need it. Why? Because you realize we are all here by the help of others. We need to be able to trust each other. \n\nCo-Masonry is more than just a fraternal organization, we are part of the mystery schools of old. We nourish the spirit of mankind but do not tell you how to worship God. We do not tell you what comes after this life, just what works best in this one. Thus, we are not a religion, just a system of morality. Make sense? Sometimes it does to me, sometimes not.\n\nIf you want to talk more about it, feel free to write to me. There are things I cannot discuss but I will tell you what I can. You can also click on the link below. No salesmen will call. *grin*\n\nA Master Mason\nAmerican Co-Masonry\nHiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)\nAmon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)\nSapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)\nAdamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
719070
As a three time Past Master of my Masonic Lodge and a Christian Pastor I can tell you that there are many myths about masonry.\nIt is strictly a fraternal organization that teaches brotherly love, relief and truth.\nIt does not promote any one religion but does admonish you to read the BIBLE and make it the rule and guide of your life.
227427
Freemasons are a rather contraversial group. Today, they still have secrets. My dad is one, I should know. Anyway, to be a mason, you have to be reccomended by at least two other Masons, and you have to be male. The masons were supposedly founded in the days before the Crusades in the form of the Templar Knights of france. There are a lot of stories surrounding that. one of them is that the king of France wanted to steal or otherwise procure the Templar's treasure. They refused, and were almost wiped out. Sucks to be them. Any other questions?
1035765
I am not afraid of them, but I do feel intimidated by them - I don't know why this is.\n\nI have discussed it with my friends and they all share my view.
1148218
The explanation given by the "co-mason" NeoArt is accurate and informative.  I, as an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason (the "real" Masons if you will), can only add this.  "Co-masons" are generally not recognized by real Masonic Lodges and will most likely not be permitted to attend meetings.  Many Masons in this country still are not even aware that this group exists.  \n\nNeoArt mentioned that Co-masons require that their "brothers" must declare belief in a higher power, but are not pressed further on the issue and there are no religious requirements apart from not being an atheist.  This is the case with real Masons as well.  There is no futher requirement where religious belief in concerned.\n\nCo-Masons seem to mean well, and are most likely very good hearted individuals who are lookinig to improve themselves and their community, just as real Masons are and have.  They just seem to differ in a few areas that caused them to form their own fringe group.  Co-masons should still be respected as people who are trying to do good, but they will not be accepted by real Masons, as doing so would violate the oath that every Freemason takes.
332469
I think they are more important than people realize.  The freemasons made up about 20% of the population of the US before the Antimasonic party was formed.  There are many smaller very influential groups like the Skulls and Bones.  I think it is pretty scary that such a high level of cronyism runs our country.  I know that I probably sound like a conspiracy theorist but I am not.
649961
I have an ebook of their entire history. 550 pages all about them and their practices. There's a lot more on them than people think, far too much to go into here.\n\nI also know a small collection of Freemasons, and wheni identified one he has actually takenme into his confidence, which is how i got the eBook. \n\nLife can be great when you know the right people!!
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.
181641
Masonic lodges are listed in phone books, and online, and put large signs on very noticeable buildings.  If it is a secret society it is the worst kept secret in the world.  It has not been a secret since it became public in 1717.  I know several Catholic Masons.  Yes, it is all-male.  I am trying to figure out where people get the idea that every activity has to be co-ed.  Fraternities are male, "frater" meaning "brother".  Sororities are female, "soror" meaning "sister".  Masonry is a fraternity.   Why do men still join it?  Less do all the time.  But the reason is simple.  A Masonic lodge consists of men who are devoted to community, family and God.  They strongly believe in freedom of religion, and would rather associate with like-minded men than with those who are closed minded or who are more interested in going out and getting drunk and trying to pick up women.  Does every Mason live up to the moral code he has been charged with?  Certainly not.  But most do.  They better their communities, they support and assist each other, they offer a set of moral instructions based upon the Biblical values, using working tools as symbols of how to "build your own temple" and they offer a mature, respectable alternative to hanging out with self focused drunks, or self righteous zealots.  "Moral values...religious freedom...social responsibility....it's not for everyone"  PS..in regards to one of the anwers posted on here...you are NOT invited to join.  very few states actually allow invitations at all, and even less Masons will do it.  Plain and simple..2B1, ASK1.
266784
There are numerous Yahoo groups on Masonry, and many dont require you to be a Mason to join.  I am a Mason, and I would gladly discuss Masonry with you,and give you frank and honest answers about anything that I can.  There is very little about us that cant be told, and I am always happy to share with others, and chip away at the wall of misunderstanding.  my email is pilgrim1033@yahoo.com
998320
They are afraid. Their fear of what they don't understand makes them always on the definsive. They are walking around in life in total darkness, while we as Christians can go through this world in Christ's light and not live in fear.\n\nThey fear what they can't control or see. What they do not realize is that when you become Christian, God gives you more of life than what you had without HIm. But since non believers don't have concrete proof of this, their fear of the unknown caused them to lash out foolishly. Essentially what they re doing is telling the world that they are satan's disciples when they behave that way. But consequentiy they will have all the proof they have been asking for, but by then, us Christians will be sitting with Jesus in heaven, and they will be sitting in hell with their lying buddy satan. But they made that choice. God did not put them there. They put themselves there.\n\nJesus is our armour in life. His name is as beautiful as the life we live with Him. His strength is more powerful than all the strongest men in this world put together. And He keeps His promises, which is something that most mortal people can't seem to. So...\nIf the Lord says something, you can bet your life that it is so.\n\nCome visit my prayerline at...\nhttp://www.freepowerboards.com/praywithcarol/praywithcarol.html\n\nEmail me at carolbmartin1958@yahoo.com and I will give you a access code if you wish to become a free member of our little prayerline family in Christ. We even have a chat line called the shout box where you can chat online if you wish. The posting on the prayerlien is for Members only.\n\nGod bless you\ncarol
640762
George Bush is not a mason.  As a mason myself, I can tell you with 100% confidence that neither George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, or Ronald Reagan, were Freemasons.
557031
I agree with you on this one. I too fear that civilization might regress to a point of a Theocracy and tyranny. I see the Dark Ages as the worst time in humanity. Not because of the massive amount of death and suffering, though that did happen, but because of the lack of scientific progress and development of society. \n\nThat being said I saw your site and I fear that while I agree with there ideas I disagree with their approach. From what I saw it seemed to be that it was a Atheistic/agnostic organization that was fighting against religious theists. I am afraid that mentality will cause more conflict and ill will instead of addressing the problems. Rather such organizations should reach out to like minded theists that also want a secular society that way not only do you have a broader base but you can say that you represent both sides and are working for the common good of all.
828153
That's a good question. I never really thought about it before. Right now I don't have and answer but next time I see someone getting scared of other peoples' actions I will definitely take that to mind. I am really sorry I don't have a good answer but I really want to get back to you on this.