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Religion

In reply to the discussion: Ever visited a Masonic Temple? [View all]
 

Phillip McCleod

(1,837 posts)
16. i've been asked to join thrice now.
Sat Jun 15, 2013, 11:51 AM
Jun 2013

starting at age 19.. most recently about five years ago i was chatting up the director/steward of a local museum owned and operated by the Masons.. let's call him 'Bill'. well since he's the public face of the museum, there was no way for him to deny being a mason, and he's a really decent, ultra-progressive guy. bald as a cue ball.

anyway, i was at this bar with my pal Mark.. a multiple published author, BA in comparative religion.. and a couple friends who knew nothing about the Masons other than what they'd seen on National Treasure. I could tell that Bill *wanted* to answer our questions, wanted to defend the order.. but could not. they are prohibited from defending themselves or correcting misconceptions. they can't say what it is or is not.

i suggested that it was a quasi-religious order that focused on memorization and reenactment of 'rituals' that look like pointless parliamentary procedure, and involve the manipulation of ancient symbols. they believe that Reason is the Lantern that Lights the Way, and adhere to Enlightenment-era humanistic ethics.. any man from any religion may join, be they christian, jew, muslim, or other.

Bill liked my description and invited me to join on the spot.

i said, 'Don't you have to swear an oath that you believe in a higher power?'
he said, 'yes..'
i said, 'yeah. i'm an atheist. besides, you need people on the outside who know you're not conspiring to take over the world.'

they may be many things.. a good ole boys' club in the south.. a philanthropic organization in the north.. a hermetic order with deep roots in Europe..

but what they aren't is evil. they're a religion.

Ever visited a Masonic Temple? [View all] Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 OP
Um... TlalocW Jun 2013 #1
lol arely staircase Jun 2013 #7
Probably more filling than that Masonic Temple durbin Jun 2013 #11
i've gone to those here.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #24
No, but I have my great-grandfather's Masonic cufflinks. kestrel91316 Jun 2013 #2
That's cool. You can either enter them with curiosity and an open mind or cbayer Jun 2013 #3
I love going into places far outside my world of experiences goldent Jun 2013 #4
I have been to Masonic Temples edhopper Jun 2013 #5
i think it was the architecture of the Knights Templar.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #25
The first time I stepped into a Lodge... jeepnstein Jun 2013 #6
I've spent quite a bit of time in them Marrah_G Jun 2013 #8
Likewise okasha Jun 2013 #9
'sanctuary' is an excellent word, imo.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #12
Yes. I thought it was nice. nt ZombieHorde Jun 2013 #10
Bullshit boy's club. PassingFair Jun 2013 #13
thx for that.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #14
I thought it was cool of Jack White to pay their back taxes, as it IS a kick-ass.... PassingFair Jun 2013 #15
i've been asked to join thrice now. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #16
The European "fraternities" allow atheists. PassingFair Jun 2013 #17
yeh 'Bill' said.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #18
My father never joined, either. PassingFair Jun 2013 #19
exactly.. to 'do good' is the point of the masonic order.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #22
the grand lodge of scotland is among the oldest, btw. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #20
Go along to get along..... PassingFair Jun 2013 #21
interesting.. i was reading somewherez on teh webz.. Phillip McCleod Jun 2013 #23
I saw the Rolling Stones perform here in 1978, for $10 a ticket. The "Some Girls" tour. kwassa Jun 2013 #26
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