DigitalWarrior said:BTW I am a browncoat too.
well now, THAT's different! haha we need a secret handshake or something
DigitalWarrior said:BTW I am a browncoat too.
scubie02 said:Actually, I wasn't the one who made the statement, I was just thinking the answer to the person who did (who I don't know, btw) was a bit harsh.
Hope I'm not going to be hunted down now...
DigitalWarrior said:Scubie:
I am sorry that you were asked. I know it happens sometimes, usually from people who do not understand the gravity of what they have done. I have been told "I was asked to be a Mason" a dozen times or so. Usually on further inspection, the person admits to lying. Only once have I found a case where I believed a man was asked. I am not counting internet encounters like this. It has pretty severe consequences for the power of the symbolism. If you ever do decide to ask to become a Mason, do your best to forget that you were asked first, and the lessons will be more powerful.
I know it approaches fighting words. The truth can be harsh. The truth is that either the person making the claim is a liar, or the person who asked was in error. I am going to ask around about Grand Lodges that ask people if they want to join, so there may be a third category. Daggone innovators makin a liar out of me...
SD Will A
The browncoat handshake is punching an alliance guy in the face on unification day.
DigitalWarrior said:Scubie:
I am sorry that you were asked. I know it happens sometimes, usually from people who do not understand the gravity of what they have done.
The browncoat handshake is punching an alliance guy in the face on unification day.
I guess I always didn't want to say "I'd be interested in joining" in case I found I was uncomfortable and didn't want to have to bow out and risk offending anyone, you know? I mean, the Bible says let you yea be yea and your nay be nay and thou shalt not swear--that sort of thing, and I get the feeling there's probably lots of oath-taking involved...
Best way to tell what is the truth and what is a lie, is to examine what is said, then ask yourself "Is this compatible with the behavior of the Masons I know (substitute George Washington if you don't know any)I have to admit I've wondered about the actuality of freemasonry. I've read some on the subject, but there's been so much written about it that I expect it's almost impossible for someone not in that tradition to sift the truth from the lies.
I guess I always didn't want to say "I'd be interested in joining" in case I found I was uncomfortable and didn't want to have to bow out and risk offending anyone, you know? I mean, the Bible says let you yea be yea and your nay be nay and thou shalt not swear--that sort of thing, and I get the feeling there's probably lots of oath-taking involved...
shermacman said:Finding information about Freemasons is actually impossible!
If you google "freemason" you will find absolutely zero web pages.
They really do control the world, the web and the weather.
Try it for yourself!
I, personally, refuse to belong to a secret society,
DigitalWarrior said:I apologize for sounding like I was going off all half-cocked, I see what you mean about some people thinking they had been asked. I would be thrilled to hear that somebody here decided to ask a question too. But PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not tell someone I asked you. I might end up having a conversation I reallly don't want to have with an Easterner.
The reason an apology is due to being asked, is that it steals from the meaning of some of the ritual, and some of the lessons.
The only way I can describe it is imagine the impact of a lesson imparted two different ways:
1. I tell you "it is important to trust".
2. Imagine that I took you by the hand, asked if you trusted me, and jumped into a darkened abyss, dragging you with me. Then you find that you are caught by the lodge.
The emotional impact is different.
Best way to tell what is the truth and what is a lie, is to examine what is said, then ask yourself "Is this compatible with the behavior of the Masons I know (substitute George Washington if you don't know any)
Nothing we swear will interfere with your obligations to God, your family, or your country. I find that my oaths are promises to be good. I have and would promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foriegn and domestic. If you want to discuss it further... [email protected]
Will Albenzi
shermacman said:Finding information about Freemasons is actually impossible!
If you google "freemason" you will find absolutely zero web pages.
They really do control the world, the web and the weather.
Try it for yourself!
scubie02 said:I only dicuss it here because of the anonymity of the internet since I know it wouldn't come back on him and cause any embarrassment or cutting off of fingers or anything. Actually, he was a little old man then, he may no longer even be living.
scubie02 said:I do have to admit that its somewhat disconcerting that members seem so afraid of the repurcussions of such an action--seems somewhat ominous. I mean, I take my word seriously an am very good at keeping secrets if asked--there are any number of things that I have never shared because I was asked not to.