|
Post by sid on Mar 25, 2010 15:28:09 GMT
Otto, I sent you a PM. Also, if there is a chance you will be sent overseas, there are quite a few military lodges sponsored by Prince Hall Grand Lodges in Guam, the Middle East, Japan, Korea and other areas around the world where the US has a strong presence. If that is something you are curious or interested about, let me know by replying to my PM and I can get you the contact information. To answer your original questions, nobody cares if you have tats or ear rings, although I imagine people might question if the tat had something to do to promote anarchy or something that would oppose what Freemasonry supports. We have officers in lodges in our district who are Samoan by birth and have their faces tattooed... There are also a number of English speaking Lodges in Germany: www.ring.acgl.us/index.htmlwww.gl-bfg.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/europe_grand_lodges.htmlwww.lotsasites.com/topic?topic=masonic www.pagrandlodge.org/gsecretary/recognized.htmlThese are only examples, and I am sure that you would get plenty of information from your 'Mother Lodge' when/where you choose to join, as well as from more experienced people on this forum. Otto: I was in the military for a long time and also did a lot of travelling and visiting of different Lodges. Now I'm an expat living in Germany, so if you are ever in the area, feel free to get in touch. Although not a member of any Masonic Order, I have always had good relations with many brothers from different branches etc., of Masonry. You are preparing to enter a spiritual landscape, that is very personal, and what I call 'the process' is very private to each individual upon the path. Good hunting. Be well,
|
|
|
Post by sid on Mar 25, 2010 15:34:32 GMT
SALVE Otto, Looks like my thread got hijacked. Oh well, I think the more recent posts make it pretty clear that I shouldn't join. Thanks for the advice, everyone. I think you would be making a mistake and perhaps a very unfortunate one causing you to miss out on the wonderful experience of being a Freemason if you didnt join simply because of the meandering conversations on a "Masonic" forum. You'll find that in many cases, the discussions on these fora have little if anything to do with Freemasonry and its good to remember that the opinions expressed are those of individuals, many of whom are not Freemasons, and those opinions and experiences may have nothing whatever to do with what you would experience upon joining a Lodge. Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss joining. Do not become distracted by the 'noise' that I was the cause of here. It was bad judgement on my part putting the subject and the links on here in the first place. I am very sorry about this, and would feel very bad if this had a negative influence upon your descission to become a Mason. Be well,
|
|
KNOs1s
Member
I am inclined agree or disagree based on the quality and quantity of proffered information.
Posts: 1,330
|
Post by KNOs1s on Mar 25, 2010 15:45:31 GMT
Brother Sid, Information is never bad, it is simply information. Freemasons disagree, yet this is not bad as long as we all meet again in peace. I think for 0tt0 to see this is important, as it is one of the aspects of Freemasonry-though often more pronounced on the internet than in a tiled Lodge meeting or elsewhere. The written word requires understanding from both parties, the author and the receiver. When one does not express clearly or the other does not read or understand clearly what is written, communication breaks down. A caution to us all to understand how to speak clearly and endeavor to decipher clearly.
|
|
|
Post by mattjtayl on Mar 29, 2010 19:02:42 GMT
Understanding the concept of fraternities, I have yet to understand what distinguishes Freemasonry from others, with the exception of the mystery/lack of public knowledge as to the ceremonies involved. My interest in Freemasonry stems solely from the History channel and random sources on the internet. Freemasonry is about self improvement, exploring the mysteries in freemasonry and religion, and treating everyone equally with respect. Love for country, your neighbor, and yourself. 27 y/o male. 6 year veteran in the United States Air Force. Seen as a very intellectual-type, introverted, speak 2 languages and started programming computers at 13, etc. etc. I'm not here to stroke my own ego, I'm just trying to portray myself. That is great! For those masons who have served in the military there are extra appending bodies they can join. I think someone with a military background would appreciate masonry even more. Is The Order an organization that is very much geared towards intelligence, both having and gaining? And if so, of what sorts? I am not sure what you mean here. We are not secretive like the CIA and gather intelligence if that is what you mean. If you mean gaining intelligence by gaining knowledge than I suppose you could say yes. I understand it has religious roots, and those primary beliefs are aligned with my own, but aside from religion and general spirituality/soul discovery, is there much knowledge to be gained of the TANGIBLE world? (Or better yet, I suppose, CURRENTLY tangible world.) Are you sure they are aligned with your own? Freemasonry is about united men of many different beliefs. There might be some men in the lodge who have the same beliefs as you while others have completely different religious beliefs. We are about joining men together who might have otherwise remained distant from each other due to differences in religious, political, and social beliefs. Are tattoos and or holes in ears (from previous piercings) disallowed/frowned upon? 2 tattoos and both ears obviously pierced. You will find freemasons come from a hodgepodge of backgrounds. I have many former bikers who are now masons who are painted in nothing but tattoos and are pierced all over. I also have met the extremely pious who's only crime in life was getting a speeding ticket. Masonry is very flexible and accommodates men from all walks of life.
|
|
|
Post by windtimber on Apr 4, 2011 1:04:54 GMT
My experience in 20+ years as a Freemason, traveling about a bit, and being active in my home, "mainstream" lodge and Grand Lodge, the original post [and the poster's follow-ups] lead me to three specific points:
1. You'll get as much out of Freemasonry as you're willing to put into it. What you "put into it" is self-study, participation in ritual, and spending time talking, listening, and really getting to know your brothers. 2. I have never been turned away from a lodge wherever I have visited. In fact I've been overwhelmed by the hospitality and genuine welcome my Masonic brothers extend. 3. Every lodge has it's own, unique personality. Some I could regularly attend and feel completely comfortable. Others were fine, but I was not as comfortable as I felt I should be. That said, that was MY feeling. As noted above, the welcome and hospitality are always genuine and generous.
|
|
|
Post by mochaplain on Dec 13, 2012 17:01:46 GMT
I can only speak for my experience. As has been already well said - each lodge is difference. Many times candidates get roped in to a particular lodge due to circumstances they are unaware of. No one is going to say visit every lodge in the area and see what you think but you are foolish if you don't. The videos that you see on the internet are marketing - pain and simple. They speak of a close brotherhood - business contacts - moral improvement. Yes business contacts - I agree with Bill in as much as Freemasonry is a tool and Yes there are some people who are Freemasons who are just not worth the time of day. I disagree that you get out of freemasonry what you put into it - you may get more or much less. It may be a circumstance where you give a great deal and get little back - the gift is in the giving. The important point to me is when you look around the lodge - do you see something worthy of your gift. Are these men your brothers - Are your brothers truely making an attempt to improve themselves in Freemasonry. Does the business of the lodge fillfil the promise of more light.
|
|