why are some people angry at Free Masons?
407868
because it is a "secret society" and people see secret societies as devil-worshiping, tongue-speaking, politician-influencing republicans.  and all of you liberals are scared of the power of the right.  BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE RIGHT!  \n\nj/k, i'm a libertarian.  seriously.
650372
Why put masonic symbols on the $1 note when most folks are not?\n\nLatin (amongst others) is considered the language of the educated and, as such, is often used to give an educated slant to the mundane.\n\nRather than just a simple translation check the link below:\n\nEnjoy
985079
The Skull and Bones cult that Bush belongs too is not connected with the Masonic order. I understand that in one of the Skull & Bones rituals that the members drink wine from the stolen skull of the American Indian Chief Geronimo. This is probably to stop GETTING ridiculed BY Masons. For a number of reasons. One of which is that the skull and crossbones was a flag that Mason's ( Knight's Templar's ) who fled Europe when King Phillip sent an army to kill them in the early 1300's, created. They were men without a country. SOME of them became pirates in order to feed themselves and survive. That is where the orgination of the pirate flag comes from. Mason's are not Satanic. In fact the dominate religion in any area of the globe is central to Masonic Rituals. Be it Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddist. Masonic values are Global. Not confined to one religion or belief. Tolerance and understanding of others rights to believe or not believe as they choose is a cornerstone of their teachings.\n This thing with Bush and the Skulls is another thing all together. From what I have heard and understand, it is a group of MEN who take care of each other by way of wealth and oaths they take, without regard to the betterment of ALL mankind. They seem to be intent to further their own wealth by whatever means they can.
1000228
I dont think that the anger toward Tom is because of his religion. We have so many different religions in this country and everyone should be able to believe what they want to believe. What people have against Tom is that he is so arrogant about it. HE is the one acting like other people shouldnt believe what they believe because HE is right. We dont care what he believes but he shouldnt be telling everyone else that they are wrong.
368379
I agree there is no way to recognize a mason. But there are few ways to ask that you might not realize they were asking. What is "mamacica"\n   For example a well informed Mason would know i was a mason by my screenname  Tat, I m s a s p a s,
554859
What I tell you about Freemasonry will only be MY truth, not some other people's quotations, not something you can google. I will link you to MY Order of Freemasonry and let you read more (but only if you wish to.) Points? If you wish to. The important truth here is that you asked. OK?\n\nFirst, no one knows how far back Freemasonry goes. Many of us believe it is a descendant from the Ancient Mystery Schools of the Middle East. Certainly numbers and geometry play great parts in our work. There are those who say we have roots in the Knights Templar. There are, after all, in many Orders of Freemasonry a degree or more designated to correspond with those men. Some say that all of that is just convenient legends made up to add mystery and to sucker folks in. \n\nSecond, there are many different Orders of Freemasonry. The Order I belong to, American Co-Masonry, is very esoteric and places a great deal of emphasis on the slower alchemy of personal transformation. We also are different from most other Orders in that we admit women and men into Lodge. I am not talking Eastern Star, but fully into the Brotherhood. We admit all races, all religions but you must believe in a Supreme Being in our particular Order. There are even Orders of Freemasonry where that is NOT a requirement. In ours it is a requirement. \n\nWe are more than just a social club, more than just a club that does good for charities; although, both are part of Freemasonry. We are a way of helping make the world better by helping humans make themselves better. We study morality and try to practice it in our own lives. Simply put, we try to live by the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you."\n\nWe use the working tools of real stone masons as allegorical symbols to remind ourselves of principles. Thus you see those tools as symbols everywhere after you become a Freemason and see their application too. Funny thing, when you join and ask what a certain symbol means, you are asked, "What does it mean to you?" The others are not mocking you; they want you to find answers within yourself and to help them find answers, too.\n\nWe work together because stones are smoothed (big analogy here) best by rubbing together. We work in Lodge and out of Lodge. Not the conspiracy business. I do not have a Ferrari. I did get to sit in one owned by a non-Mason the other day and it was too small. *sigh* We talk and email each other with encouragement and insight. \n\nWe are not for everyone. You have to be of legal age (21 in most places, sometimes 18 for children of Freemasons). You have to be free. You have to be of good moral character. \n\nI belong to two Lodges: one in Santa Cruz, CA and one in Los Angeles. I drive 360 miles round trip to each one each month. That is 720 miles. Lots of gas. We have very little time for socializing. We get our Lodge set up, do our ceremony, put away the Lodge furniture, have a quick potluck, and drive home. I am an officer of both Lodges. I do work outside the Lodge for both. \n\nWhat do I get from it? My daughter (23 years old and pretty cynical Libra, IQ at least 10 pts higher than mine) says that she sees a change in me. That I am more capable, less stressed, kinder to myself, more at peace, a lot more honest, even better to my ex-wife. \n\nOh, guess I should address the business of secrets. There are some. We have handshakes, certain words, etc that are traditional means of recognition. I suppose you could google around and find most of those. Cannot guarantee they would get you very far into a Lodge. There is a great deal of memorization work. I had to work pretty hard to learn all that took to get proficient in the first degree and second in order eventually to become a Master Mason (3rd degree). That is not so much a secret as it is a tough part of Masonry. \n\nOh, the real secret? Want to know that? I could put it in words all day but it really would not mean anything to you. Let us leave it wit
391311
Before the reader commits me to hell (as if they had that power -- remember who the Judge is!) please set aside any closed minds and speak not ill of that with which you have no real knowledge. \nFreemasonry is a very ancient fraternal order and very misunderstood. It's written history goes back hundreds of years and it's origins much farther (thousands) It requires a monotheistic belief, that is, a belief in a single non-plural God (yes, Christianity IS monotheistic even if you believe in the Trinity of the Godhead) but will not allow it's members to require anyone to accept a name for the Supreme Being other than the "Supreme Architect of the Universe. (By the way, the "G" in Masonry refers to geometry but "is also the initial of the Supreme Architect...") It is not a religion as it has no creed (salvation beliefs) It assumes one is right with God to begin with and then goes on to use the tools of buillding as a metaphor for right living on this earth. Each stands for a trait of good character. An open Bible and prayer are part of all meetings as Masons feel that all great undertakings should be with the guidance of God. It often is said that Masonry "takes a GOOD MAN and makes him BETTER." \nI have asked many ministers what the beef is and most have said it is because we will not name Jesus Christ as God alone but will allow each man to call God by the name he chooses. What name a man chooses is between himself and his creator. Then they quote the verse that says "Anyone who is not for me is against me; if he isn't helping me, he is hurting my cause." (Luke 11:23 LVB) This apparently means to them that since Satan is Jesus' main rival then it must stand to reason that Masons are Satanists. There is not one shred of evidence for this. It's main teaching is tolerance to our fellow man and so is in direct contradiction to most religions as they feel that theirs is the only one. How sad that most churches do not actually follow the entire Bible, merely the parts that (usually taken out of context) appear to promote their agenda! Also possibly because we refer to the fraternity as "The Craft" although this is in the sense of craftsmanship not witchcraft. Masons may not ask others to join as they adhere to a strict philosophy that one needs to search for the truth of and by their own free will. One must SEEK for truth -- not be forced or led into it by any. (but God) This also angers many religions, particularly Catholics. (although Catholics have since recently rescinded that bias) By the way, God is known by many names (as tough as this may be to swallow) Yahweh or Jehovah in hebrew, Theos in greek, Allah in arabic, and was called the Great Spirit by early native americans -- you get the picture...\nYes, there are obligations taken. Terrible things like promising to take care of your fellow man's needs when possible, NEVER to violate the chastity of women, promising to love your wife, and promising to NEVER lie, cheat or steal -- you know, all the "bad" stuff... There are some pretty nasty penalties, although they are for emphasis only and pertain to Masonry's allegories. You also say you promise to keep them all "so help me God." Another rub is the title of the master who is refered to as the "Worshipful Master." This does not mean that they are worshipped, but respected. (Interesting that preachers who find this bad are themselves referred to as "reverend!") \nBasically the deal here is two-fold. On the one hand if people don't understand something they have a tendancy to make up something. (Hence the number of religions today) And secondly, millions of dollars are made in the propagation of anti-masonic literature. (And I think this is the real answer!) Just for your information, Masons are not a secret organisation, merely an organisation with secrets. (Such as modes and words of recognition.)
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!
1078680
I am not so sure u are a mason. A mason in distress can ask for help with out being so blunt. How do u think the fact you are a mason would help?
1063971
maybe you have to be a stone worker (not stoned worker lol) which is why they are called the stone masons.
1183214
It definitely is NOT the Masons.  As a Mason myself, I can attest to that.  I'm busy enough with my own job.  Add to that the responsibility of doing charity work and running the local lodge, and I have absolutely no time to run the country.\n\nWe Masons are a NON political organization.  We have no interest in government, except to obey the laws of the government under which we reside.  We are only interested in helping others through charity and through improving ourselves.\n\nThe decisions in the country are made by the exact people that you think make them, the president, vice-president, congress, and the supreme court, followed by each state's government.
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.
464614
THey do these thing because they are selfish and inconsideragte. The laws are in place for a reason. Breaking them does not signal the ned for their abolition.
837339
Hello, I am a Freemason of the esoteric kind, American Co-Masonry. We admit women and men, who are over the age of 21, of all races, who believe in a Supreme Being, who are tolerant of races and religions other than their own, who wish to improve the world by improving themselves.\n\nBlaming strange occurances and bizarre murders upon a group such as Catholics, Jews, Freemasons, or Mormons may make exciting reading but is rarely (if ever) factual. \n\nWhat we in Co-Masonry are about is to continue the aims of the Ancient Mystery Schools. We are about helping the person mold their character, to make the world right here better. We use the tools of ancient stone masons as symbols. After all, how difficult is it to change human character as an adult? About the same as shaping stone. Right? We do our best to stimulate the values of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth within our members and to apply that throughout our lives and dealings with all of humanity.\n\nThis was what Freemasonry always was about. Again, we are a bit different because we admit women and we admit all races (some states in the US have problems with that) but truly that is the aim. We are not about going out and killing folks. \n\nWe are also not a religion. People of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Taoist, Wiccan, Latter Day Saint, Deist, and whatever else may meet peacefully in Brotherhood and fellowship in our Lodges. We are about this world. We urge our members to attend their own churches and become better community members, better family members. That is what we are about.\n\nIf I may be of more assistance, feel free to write me. Click on the link below to learn more about American Co-Masonry.\n\nA Master Mason\n\nHiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)\nAmon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)\nSapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)\nAdamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
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.
1127037
As a Mason myslef, I know all about the conspiracy theories.  They are quite ridiculous, even funny, but I can understand why people come to those conclusions, since many people don't really understand what we are all about.  \n\nSince there are hundreds of conspiracy theories, I can't begin to address every one of them here, but I would be happy to answer any questions emailed to me.  For now I will only say that we are a group of men who are trying to do good in our lives and in the lives of others, and most of this work comes through charity.  How can a group that treats children all over the world with burns and bone issues FOR FREE, and gives over $2 million a day to charity be an evil group?\n\nFeel free to take me up on my offer to answer any questions you may have, and I'll do so honestly and openly.
1154355
It really hurts my soul to know that there are people out there who protest the rights and freedoms of the United States, and do it in someone elses name, someones name that gave them the right to protest and speak there mind. Most of these people have never been throught the Military and have no clue what it means to be apart of a brotherhood, a band of brothers, to go to war with your best friend you watch his back he watches yours, you bond and you respect that fact. Many tears have been shed, and blood spilled all spilled and shed so some asshole has the right to protest his or her name becuase of what they believe, someone needs knock some sense into some people. \n\nSemper FI