Whether you like it or not, you are going to get my opinion of your opinion...
Originally posted by Delta Alter
I am suspicious of ANY secret society that holds members in positions of power, for obvious reasons - and Freemasonry fits the bill there.

Incorrect perception #1. There are very few members of freemasonry that hold 'positions of power'. There are far far more non-masons holding
the reins and any potential influence freemasons would be swamped.
Freemasonry does NOT fit the bill.

I am also suspicious of any group of WEALTHY businessmen that claims that they purely exist for philanthropy - again, for obvious
reasons.

Incorrect perception #2. Freemasony is not a club of wealthy businessmen. There is a mix of people in my lodge in England, from professional
people right down to a retired dustman. In lodges I have visited in Alabama the profile is even more 'working class'. I have met thousands of
freemasons in my 14 years of membership and only half a dozen or so could be described as 'independently wealthy', no more or less than I might
expect to meet in the general population.
Incorrect perception #3. Freemasonry does not claim to be a philanthropic organization. Its primary purpose is to act as a personal development
program, and it achieves this through three major tenets - brotherly love, relief and truth. The giving to charity is as often done in private as it
is publicized; and it is more accurate to describe the philanthropy as a by-broduct of its aims rather than the aim itself.

I am not an intellectual, but I have an opinion and I am certainly not ignorant or arrogant.

That would depend how you define ignorant, as you have demonstrated a stellar lack of knowledge of the real function and purpose of freemasonry, as
opposed to the popular perception of the organization.

I posted this thread because the photograph interested me and I thought maybe it would interest other people - I did not say at any time that
this was IRREFUTABLE PROOF that Helen Mirren is a Mason. I just thought it was a 'bit weird.'

And if you reread the thread you will find my attempts to answer this question, and even assist you in keeping the thread on track.

And as you are Masons, and BOUND to defend your 'craft'

Incorrect perception #4. Freemasons make no obligation to defend the fraternity as a whole, and for the most part over the last 200 years or so
have maintained a dignified silence when baseless accusations have been bandied around. But more and more freemasons are becoming
sick and
tired of the misinformation which is being perpetuated on the internet, promulgated for the most part by innocent pawns who regurgitate theory and
allegation without any basis in fact, and believe what they are told without further investigation.

I have no interest in debating with you on the topic because I am not interested in what you have to say. I was hoping to attract more
'like-minded' people to this thread. I am entitled to that as a member of this forum, despite what you say.

If you want to discuss kooky masonic conspiracy theories with people who will only agree with you, then you are in the wrong place my friend. Here all
kinds of veiwpoints and preconceived notions are challenged and discussed.

Oh, and by the way. Have you considered the fact that maybe you don't understand the full picture about your 'Brethren.'

Alternatively, have you considered the possibility that a freemason of 14 years standing who has been actively delving into masonic conspiracy theory
for over 5 years might know more about these things than a non-mason? If you have some value to add then please add it. Tell me specifics. Or, quite
frankly, get off the pot.
Incorrect perception #5.Most freemasons I know my age work far too long and spend far too little time with the family. The have been many month
when my single evening at lodge
has been the only social activity I have undertaken all month. Your simplistic attempt to portray freemasons as
part of a 'war of the sexes' doesn't begin to cover the reasons why more and more 21st century men are finding such pleasure in freemasonry, and
why they are generally supported in this by their wives.
I urge you to do some serious research into what freemasonry is
really all about, and don't just take for granted what sensationalists and
agenda-driven individuals have to say on the matter.