It's a bit like an Australian telling a Swede what it's like to live in Sweden.

Except that the Swede doesn't really know what it feels like to live in Sweden, because the Government are keeping it a secret.

Of course, the Australian knows this, because he's not a Swede...

I've been brought up to believe that if there is an elite of men pulling all the strings of the world, that they are masons. But now, I find that idea amusing. It seems everyone knows someone who is a mason, therefore making it about as elite and malicious as AD&D role-playing. The only thing I would concede is that the masons may serve as a recruiting ground for higher forces, like the illuminati. But then, I sometimes wonder if even the illuminati is a diversion away from the real puppetmasters of world control.

Originally posted by Cythraul
It seems everyone knows someone who is a mason, therefore making it about as elite and malicious as AD&D role-playing.

Correct!

The only thing I would concede is that the masons may serve as a recruiting ground for higher forces, like the illuminati.

They are not related in any way.

[edit on 13/11/2007 by Saurus]

Country Clubs have more pull than the Masons these days. The Masons are a group of guys who get together and DRINK. They have ceremonies, secrets, rituals, etc. but they're not dangerous.

sucked in by the great deceiver....ignorance rampant.

Thanks, that answers that!

The Duke is just a puppet for the QUEEN. Hello!

The queen is not male, and therefore cannot be involved with Freemasonry!

Maybe the question should be, what good have the Mason's done?

No money/charity projects. We'll never know where all the money goes.

Even the most strongly anti-mason groups acknowledge the charity work done by masons.

Both masons and anti-masons alike are well aware of masonic charities.
They can be found in any internet search - even anti-mason sites mention them frequently.

You are alone on this - statements like these reduce the credibility of your arguments.

The Bible gives us a great lesson.

The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth.

Translated in our time.

Those that you now look down upon, you shall serve.

FOREVER

sorry, had to emphasize that it is FOREVER!

[edit on 13-11-2007 by stompk]

I believe somewhere here I saw Kennedy brought up. Kennedy stated in a speech that he was not going to let the "Gnomes of Zurich" tell him what to do. The "Gnomes" are, I believe, not Masons in particular. If I recall correctly, he wasn't around long after that.

Originally posted by kosmicjack


The first I have wondered since I was a child - Why don't the temples and meeting halls have windows? This sends up a huge flag to me. What's going on in there?

Fraternity halls are generally windowless to keep non-members from spying on private initiation ceremonies.

Secondly, what is this "craft" they practice?

Modern Freemasonry is the descendent of the medieval English stonemasons guild, which was the chief architectural craft.

Third, why is it so important that a prospective member be vetted so thoroughly and no one is to be trusted until they are a full member?

It's not that we don't trust non-members. It's only that, when a man becomes a Mason, he represents us all to the general public, like it or not. So if some guy gets in who lacks the proper qualifications, then commits a crime or some sort of gross immoral act, he makes us all look like idiots, at least to non-Masons.

Why is it important to behave so cautiously and up-rightly so as to not draw unwarranted attention? What else is going on?

It is important to act uprightly and respectable because it is our duty to do so, to our God, to ourselves, and to provide an example for others. It has nothing to do with not drawing attention.

Why can't they talk about Freemasonry concerns with family, friends or neighbors?

We talk about Freemasonry all the time.

It's not my intention to alienate any Masons here, I am just very curious. Why do these traditions continue when they have such negative connotations in modern society?

I don't think it has negative connotations at all. At least in the USA, Freemasonry is generally supported by the public, as is evidenced by the success of the Shriner parades, charitable fundraising, and films like "National Treasure" and the recent TV shows on Masonry on History, A&E, and National Geographic channels.

Originally posted by trustnobody


I used to be a member of B.O.T.A. They are nothing more than a mystical group started by Paul Foster Case. They have courses on the study of Tarot, Kabbalah, and Alchemey. The ritual they preform is a healing ritual. The idea of secrecy is to protect it members.

I'm also a long time member of BOTA. To respond to the OP, that organization, even though founded by a Mason, is not Masonic. One does not have to be a Mason in order to join BOTA.