Ask Me Help Desk - Who/what is a Freemason?

Who/what is a Freemason?

What does this term mean?

I have heard of it and read some articles about it, but I could not understand much.

And it seems there are more than one group of freemasons.
Why are these freemasons viewed in fear?

What do these freemasons do?

Thanks in advance.

If you Google it you will find all you need.

Freemasonry - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks,

I already did.
But I cannot find why they are feared so much.
What is it they actually do?

EDIT:::::Is it like a gentleman's club or more like a religion thing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by firmbeliever

EDIT:::::Is it like a gentleman's club or more like a religion thing?

It's all in Curlyben's link. :confused:

I read that but sounds all like assumptions...

Is there any evidence to say that freemasons still exists today?

EDIT:::
It says that it is not a religion, but they believe in a supreme being,but they have these codes and women are not exactly allowed.
Sorry my question sounded dumb, but it is confusing!

Of course they do. My workmate beside me is a mason. They have masonic buildings in most cities.

Ok,
So what do they really do?
The explanation says they have charities,code of ethics exclusive(sometimes code,unknown to others) to them.

And that many were killed in the Holocaust.But that it allows people from all religions as long as they come with free will.

I have seen a video which says that many current leaders belong to it,but they do not really show proof,just some assumptions.
And some signs that may mean a person belongs to freemasons.

I have been hearing about it, a lot in the past year or so.I had never heard of it before.

Wait until Scott logs on, I believe he knows more than I about this. At least he's willing to type more (I'm more of a short ansewr guy here, between tasks at work). :D

It is all for those things, a social group, a club and based on some religion.
It is based of course to be secret as for as what members do, but in general today they do many good works, charity things, my best friend was one, and I laught about the secret part, he has a license plate that says he is a member, he has a ring that says he is a member and a couple of bumper stickers, Their building has a giant sign, to be so secret, everyone knows who the members are normally.

The free masons are a charitable organization and social club. They originated from the free masons guilds of the middle ages who were among the first true craftsman. Because the techniques they used were kept secret to preserve the need to hire them to do any sort of building, they became a sort of secret society. And people fear what is kept secret.

The mason exist today and many famous and illustrious people have been masons. Their basic purpose today is to do charitable work. Masons often contribute to local charities and run fund raisers. They also run many social events in conjunction with raising funds.

There are others threads here where this discussion has already gone on.

But again, because they maintain a level of secrecy about their meetings, this has fostered some conspiracy theories. They are bunk though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottGem

The free masons are a charitable organization and social club. They originated from the free masons guilds of the middle ages who were among the first true craftsman. Because the techniques they used were kept secret to preserve the need to hire them to do any sort of building, they became a sort of secret society. And people fear what is kept secret.

The mason exist today and many famous and illustrious people have been masons. Their basic purpose today is to do charitable work. Masons often contribute to local charities and run fund raisers. They also run many social events in conjunction with raising funds.

There are others threads here where this discussion has already gone on.

But again, because they maintain a level of secrecy about their meetings, this has fostered some conspiracy theories. They are bunk though.

Thanks,
So there is really no reason to fear them?

And which other threads?

Thanks again

No there is no reason to fear them. Just use the search feature and search on Masons,

I heard that The Freemasons are the oldest Christian fraternal organization in the world. They have members from all different races. They do charity work and community service. They have big conventions every year. They do not allow devil worshipers to join. They also march in parades. You have to know one of them to join. It seems like a nice group to join, but I don't know. Guess we got to Google it.

Except for the fact that they are not a strictly christian organization you are pretty much correct.

From my understanding, there are black masons and white masons they do not mix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bushg

From my understanding, there are black masons and white masons they do not mix.

You understand incorrectly.

Prince Hall - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I was always under the impression that the black people joined this lodge of the Masons. In my town we have several lodges and I don't believe any people of color belong. But I am going to find out if they will tell me. I know a few Masons. Just like the police officers in the town have a different FOp that the black officers join. I'm not sure why, I don't know if it is like this everywhere.

Lets see, they can be traced back to the Knights Templar who fought in the crusades, gathered great wealth and power, were feared by Kings and the Pope who had them rounded up and executed. But that was a few years back. The group has gone through many significant changes but many people believe that they still have great power. Great power= fear. Read Curlyben's info

Quote:

Originally Posted by bushg

Prince Hall - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I was always under the impression that the black people joined this lodge of the Masons. In my town we have several lodges and I don't believe any people of color belong. But I am going to find out if they will tell me. I know a few Masons. Just like the police officers in the town have a different FOp that the black officers join. I'm not sure why, I don't know if it is like this everywhere.

Most people prefer to socialize with people they have things in common with. Blacks and masons are no different. If a town has a masonic lodge that is all or mostly black then other blacks may opt for that lodge instead of another that is more racially diverse. But there is NO discrimination in masonic lodges on the basis of race or religion. Through my daughter I have participated in several lodges and have seen no evidence of any racial discrimination. If a lodge tends towards one race or another is a matter of preference on the part of people wanting to be members, not a decision of the lodge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Lets see, they can be traced back to the Knights Templar who fought in the crusades, gathered great wealth and power, were feared by Kings and the Pope who had them rounded up and executed. But that was a few years back. The group has gone through many significant changes but many people believe that they still have great power. Great power= fear. Read Curlyben's info

Actually they go back further than that. They stem from builders who were taught the secrets of erecting multi story structures. Since such structures were generally built with stone, they were considered masons. Because they guarded the secrets of building, their society started as a secretive one. And they continue to maintain a degree of secrecy about their inner rites. And it is that secrecy that leads to rumors and fear. But modern day masons are simple people who like to contribute to their community.

There have been many books written about "exposing" the FreeMasonry as a false religion- check on the writings of Dwight L. Moody, William J. Schnoebelen (http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False...y_exposed.htm), Tim Shaw, Jon McKenney and a host of others.
What is Freemasonry | Freemasonry Exposed | Freemasonry vs. Christianity | Masonic Research Links

Whether every Mason ascribes to all what is supposedly believed in - I doubt it.

From personal experience I can say that without the Shriner's Orthopedic Hospital, my youngest son would have the greatest difficulty getting his left hip operation and the Scottish-Rite Hip Brace that he had to wear for 18 months after the surgery. That was completely done at no charge. I never could have afforded such excellent care via my own means. The brace alone would have cost me well over a thousand dollars. Plus the follow-up therapies.

About the fear - since this a supposedly secret society - people wonder what goes on in the temple and if you are not a member, you cannot get in. I think that is one of tha factors - people condemn what they cannot understand or gain access to.