Who are Free Masons? Whats all the hoopla about?
595357
the Masons are not a  religious organization or a religious cult. No matter what the uneducated 'bible thumpers' will say. the ceremonies and rituals are religious in nature but the Masons accept all religions with the exception of an atheist. you must believe in a supreme being. This is why the Christians don't like the Masons.\noriginally the Masons were like a gentleman's club with the most powerful and influential men in the town, or city belonging. \nif you want more information talk to a Mason.
13499
According to Wikipedia - \n\nFreemasonry is a worldwide fraternal organisation. Its members are reportedly joined together by shared ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature, and, in most of its branches, by a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is a secret or esoteric society, but not occult, in that certain aspects of its internal work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasons give numerous reasons for this, one of which is that Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and that the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It often calls itself "a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
105602
The purpose? Both the Illuminati and the Masons work to achieve the same goal. A NEW WORLD ORDER meaning CONTROL of EVERYTHING. )Just take a look on the back of a dollar bill and see..) And so far, they have done a good job considering Iraq especially. And how are they doing this? Because we let them by doing absoluetly nothing.
674969
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization. Members are joined together by shared ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature and, in most of its branches, by a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being. Organisationally, Freemasonry is governed on a geographic basis by independent, Sovereign Grand Lodges and Grand Orients which may, or may not, be in a state of mutual recognition.[1]\n\nA candidate for Freemasonry must apply to a Private (or Constituent) Lodge in his community, obtaining an introduction by asking an existing member. After enquiries are made, he must be freely elected by secret ballot in open Lodge. Members approving his candidacy will vote with "white balls" in the voting box. Adverse votes by "black balls" will exclude a candidate. The number of adverse votes necessary to reject a candidate, which in some jurisdictions is as few as one, is set out in the governing Constitution. Lodges conduct these elections in a number of different ways; a wholly secret ballot where every member is given the means to vote either way, or semi public where members who choose to vote go to the ballot box and cast a secret vote.\n\n\nGeneral requirements\nGenerally to be a regular Freemason, one must[18]:\n\nBe a man who comes of his own free will. Traditionally Freemasons do not actively recruit new members. \nBelieve in a Supreme Being. \nBe at least the minimum age (18–25 years depending on the jurisdiction, but commonly 21). \nBe of sound mind, body and of good morals, and of good repute. \nBe free (or "born free", i.e. not born a slave or bondsman). \nHave one or two references from current Masons (depending on jurisdiction). \nA candidate is asked 'Do you believe in a Supreme Being?'. Since an initiate is obligated on that sacred volume which is applicable to his faith, a sponsor will enquire as to an appropriate volume once a decision has been made on the applicants suitability for initiation.
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.
387669
There are currently 11 known Secret Societies that have been in existence since for many generations. The Free Masons, Illuminate, Skull & Crossbones, and The Knights of the Templers are among the worst of these orginizations, of which are headed by the wealthiest and most powerful members of our world, thus, they control every aspect of our world.
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.
1111086
Me !\n\nEverton are the peoples club!\n\nLiveerpool are just a group of masons  trying to make money!
712339
No, it is not.  I regularly sit in lodge with Mormons, Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, and people whose religion can best be described as similar to the Force in Star Wars.  All are equal within Freemasonry.  The only requirement is that one believes in a Supreme Being.  Freemasonry does not care WHICH Supreme Being that is.  A religion demands exclusivity.  Indeed, religion is one of the topics that is forbidden to be discussed in Lodge.  So, NO, Freemasonry is NOT a religious organization.\n\nFreemasonry does NOT claim to "lead one to eternal life" as a previous answer states.  Freemasonry ONLY focuses on the way a man leads his life in this world.  It is not about eternal salvation, but about how a man lives so that when he does meet his Maker (whoever he believes that maker is) he will be able to stand before him and account favorably for the way he treated his fellow man.  That's all.  Sadly, there are many lies told about Freemasons by so-called religious people.
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.
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.
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.
337133
the masons are a part of the knights templar.\n\nthey formed to protect the 8th gospel which was bannished from the christian bible, the book was seperated and sent to all corners of the globe, it described that jesus christ was married to mary madaline, they had children, and also jesus had mistresses. that it why it had to go , or the god book would not have been so good. \nthe davinchi code is all about this fact.\n\njesus will have ancestors all over the globe , yes and even in good old god fearing yank land.....most of the answers on this thread are in fact correct, they wee the first bank.
49112
You must ask a Free Mason if you want to join.They won't ask you.The absolute requirements for becoming a Mason are:\nBe a man, [NOTE: there are other branches of Masonry that accept both men and women, or women only]; \nIn most places at least 21 years old. \n[NOTE: Some lodges and some jurisdictions allow 18- or 19-year-olds, or may make exceptions for those who are sons of Masons, or for university students.  For instance, a recent change by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts makes 18-year-olds eligible for membership in that state.] \nHave belief in a Supreme Being -- of any faith. No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.
323123
Well I guess that all depends on what your personal definition of Pandoras Box is.  \n\nFreemasons are a unique organization that has been around for over 250 years. Masons are a group of men bound together with a philosophy of moral standards, mutual understanding and brotherhood in which all men are on a level and equal.\n\nFreemasonry is not a religion, but its emphasis on the "Fatherhood of God" ensures that the Brotherhood of Man follows naturally. \n\nNow, Pandoras Box, which is based in Greek mythology and is a box, that if opened will allow all the worlds evils to escape.\n\nGranted, although this organization has been the pinnacle of heated debate in the past, I would hardly equate it with that of an evil.
838499
Do a Google search to find out more about the Masons, because there's just too much tell you in such a small space.\nAs to whether or not they have anything to do with JFK's assassination and the black helicopters (whatever the heck they are!!!!!!!), I have no idea, but it's doubtful.
651891
Hi, I am a Master Freemason,\n\nFreemasonry is still around and I think undergoing quite a renaissance. What may be reviving Freemasonry is the search for meaning and a little feeling of loss of identity. \n\nPlus, women are now finding out that some Freemasonry (American Co-Masonry) admits women fully to their rites and practices. I have been to quite a few Initiations, Passings and Raisings in the last year. New Lodges in Co-Masonry seem to be forming yearly. I think it speaks well for the youth of this world that they are searching so diligently.