|
Post by joeblowfromidaho on Sept 21, 2009 15:03:49 GMT
Some of the men I work with are masons, great guys who I would trust with almost anything. I'm sure they would sponsor me if I asked. There is a lodge two miles from my house, so it wouldn't be difficult to attend meetings. However, every time I consider petitioning, I run up against a few concerns that hold me back.
There are only three things that ever make me consider becoming a mason: (1) The charitable work they participate in (2) The claim I sometimes here about "making good men better" and (3) The youth organizations, which are excellent, character building organizations from what I can see. I have two sons, ages 8 and 5, and a 2 year old daughter.
However, each of these things can be pursued through other venues. (1) My Church engages in many worthy charitable activities and there are many government agencies and private organizations for which one may volunteer. (2) Self-improvement and character development can be pursued in many ways, in my case primarily through the practice of my faith (I'm an Orthodox Christian) through involving myself and my family in services and church activities, through prayer and scripture study. If the craft has a better means of character development, I'd like to hear about it. (3) Demolay and Rainbow are great, but there are other activities my kids are already involved in which are probably just as good: Scouts, sports, YMCA, church camp.
So my question is: what is there about masonry that can't be found elsewhere? Why should I join when I can work for the betterment of myself, my family, and the human family through so many other means and without having to pay dues? Besides a shared culture, jargon and heritage, and a nice building to meet in (and for some, I suspect, a way to get away from the wife once or twice a month), what am I missing?
|
|
|
Post by maximus on Sept 21, 2009 15:34:17 GMT
So my question is: what is there about masonry that can't be found elsewhere? Why should I join when I can work for the betterment of myself, my family, and the human family through so many other means and without having to pay dues? That's a question you need to answer for yourself. Masonry is an individual journey and it is up to you to decide if it is something you wish to be a part of. I shall not attempt to pursuade you to seek admittance, if you desire to knock on the door, you will. If you are happy with what you have, then by all means remain as you are.
|
|
|
Post by joeblowfromidaho on Sept 21, 2009 15:49:08 GMT
Thanks, obviously the decision will be mine, but why should I desire to knock? Isn't one purpose of this forum to answer questions of this sort? Perhaps you can give me some personal anecdotal info? What has made it worthwhile for you?
When I asked a mason this question once, the answer I received was, essentially, "Good question. I don't know. I'm a mason because my dad was." I'll need a little more than this if it's going to happen. The commitment required of time and money, while not overwhelming, is substantial, so I think my question is reasonable.
|
|
|
Post by terrible on Sept 21, 2009 16:12:40 GMT
I think the question is quite reasonable.
I think that part of the reason for joining is to discover the answer to this question for yourself. I can give you my "why", but you're not me; everyone is different.
|
|
|
Post by hugo on Sept 21, 2009 17:45:07 GMT
There are only three things that ever make me consider becoming a mason: (1) The charitable work they participate in (2) The claim I sometimes here about "making good men better" and (3) The youth organizations, which are excellent, character building organizations from what I can see. I have two sons, ages 8 and 5, and a 2 year old daughter. However, each of these things can be pursued through other venues. Excellent points, particularly the last "each of these things can be persued through other venues." Charitable work, in particular, is actually better done by several other organizations. Joe, when someone tells me they are interested in joining Freemasonry, I don't scramble to pull a petition out of my briefcase. I always ask, "why?" Sure, we do the things you listed, but there is far more to it. I've often heard Masonry referred to as "a calling," and after some- odd years in, I'd have to say that's true. As FT says, the "why" is different for everyone, somewhat, but I've found that a common factor among most of us was a desire for something we weren't getting elsewhere. That "something" varies.
|
|
|
Post by magusmasonica on Sept 21, 2009 20:49:59 GMT
I would suggest that you join the Promise Keepers.
|
|
|
Post by joeblowfromidaho on Sept 22, 2009 1:07:38 GMT
I would suggest that you join the Promise Keepers. Thanks, I'm sure they're fine people, but they're "Bible only" evangelical. By Orthodox, I meant I'm Eastern Orthodox. Like Catholics, we believe the Church has the authority to interpret scripture. Sorry if this is off topic.
|
|
|
Post by magusmasonica on Sept 22, 2009 1:12:15 GMT
IMHO if you are interested in charity work, youth groups and basic self you should have your choice of organizations.
Then again your local lodge might just be the place for you. Check it out and find out.
Love and Light,
|
|
|
Post by middlepillar on Sept 22, 2009 7:52:25 GMT
Hi Joe
I am afraid we do not seem to be being very helpful to you do we?
There are quite a few different 'types' of Freemasonry although when all is said and done we are all 'Freemasons' (even that can be contentious because some Freemasons do not recognise others as being genuines-but thats another story!)
Your first post suggests you are interested in the Social, charitable and self improvement aspects of Freemasonry. You have then asked why should you join us when you canget those elsewhere.
The simple answer is if you can get what you are looking for elsewhere then go for it. Freemasonry does not sell itself, it is what it is, people over the years have got so many different things from it it would be impossible to list.
basically it is; A peculiar system of Morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
You must take what you can from that and decide if it is something you want to join. Once you decide you will be on your own individul journey and what you get from that journey I may never experience any of it! That is the joy and mystery of Our beloved Craft.
I hope this helps
|
|
|
Post by lauderdale on Sept 22, 2009 9:05:03 GMT
Joe, does your Church not have bodies which will cater for your requirements? As an example the Roman Catholic Church has quasi-Masonic Bodies such as the Knights of Columbus? (Known in other countries as The Knights of St Columba or the Knights of Columbanus)
What you might find difficulty with is that Dogma is not something one will usually find in Freemasonry and for the most part Masons consider that it is for the Individual to interpret Scripture etc, not that some body be that a Church or even a Grand Lodge has any authority to do so. I am on the "High", that is Ritualistic side of Christianity, but would not accept being told what a piece of Scripture means by a Priest, not even by the Pope himself! Freemasonry in contrast to the RC Church, and correct me if I am wrong here, the Orthodox, is "speculative" and encourages "Free Thinking". Would you be comfortable with that?
As others have said, there are many means of "Self Improvement" both in the Spiritual, and Intellectual aspects of Life. Freemasonry works for some people but not for others but unfortunately you cannot "try before you buy".
Joe, it may be a good idea to look back through the various posts and threads of the Forum and even to visit others of which there are many. You will learn much from doing so and hopefully be able to come to an informed judgement as to whether Freemasonry is for you and if so which of the various systems would be most suited as there are severa,l in particular in the USA, some Male Only others with both Men and Women as members.
I wish you well in your quest.
|
|