How many Masons?

[Guest clownsdd]

+1 mm & blue

bad luck...I have no idea the point you are trying to make. If I am not mistaken, anyone that does not share your beliefs is not going to your heaven?

Tell ya what, save your proselytizing for your church or someone who cares.

What goes on 'tween me and my God has nothing to do with how you believe.

[poak]

TheBadLuckCharm, set down your bible, rest your thumping finger, and step off of the soap box. You're not "saving" anyone by preaching here, not to mention the website you linked to was full of one sided opinions and entirely devoid of facts. Such as:

A few examples of subversive groups which admit to being religions are Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.

Clearly that is a FALSE statement. They give examples of religions which they accuse of being subversive groups, not "examples of subversive groups which admit to being religions".

[Guest mustangdave]

WOW...this has been one heck of a roller coaster ride...

[Seaslug]

WOW...this has been one heck of a roller coaster ride...

+1 to that! I haven't even posted in this one until now, but I've had the thread bookmarked since page 1. I'm really enjoying this in a must-look-at-the-train-wreck kinda way...

[Guest db99wj]

TheBadLuckCharm, set down your bible, rest your thumping finger, and step off of the soap box. You're not "saving" anyone by preaching here, not to mention the website you linked to was full of one sided opinions and entirely devoid of facts. Such as:

Clearly that is a FALSE statement. They give examples of religions which they accuse of being subversive groups, not "examples of subversive groups which admit to being religions".

Not to mention what you highlighted earlier about the Catholic Church being total bull.

[gunsablazin]

Masonry is almost a family tradition, I have several uncles, cousins etc. plus my father and grandfather, four of us that I know of are pastmasters.

Meridian Sun Lodge #50 Athens, TN

[Guest sermon8r]

Prepared by the Vision 2013 Committee

and Bob Demott, Grand Historian

^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

1. What is Freemasonry?

A fraternity of men dedicated to the upbuilding of moral character of its members and the preservation of personal freedom.

2. Is Masonry a religion?

No. Every applicant must express a belief in God, but no particular religion is required.

3. When did it start?

Informally, many centuries ago; formally in 1717 in London, England.

4. Who formed the Freemasons?

One theory is that the organization was developed by the stone masons. Another is that the Knights Templar formed the fraternity.

5. Who were the Knights Templar?

A group formed by the Pope to protect pilgrims going to the holy land. The Templars developed into a military group and young men took great pride in becoming a Knight. Many people in Europe gave huge sums of money in order that their son might be accepted as a Knight. The group became wealthy and King Philip of France desired this wealth in order to carry on his war. In cooperation with the Pope he accused the Templars of heresy and on October 13, 1307 many Templars were arrested, tortured for confessions of heresy, and many died. The King confiscated their property as he had done with the Jews in 1306.

6. Did the Knights Templar prior to 1717 take oaths of secrecy?

Yes. Their life depended upon their being faithful to their fellow Templars.

7. Do the Masons of today take these oaths?

Symbolically, yes. They are in remembrance of physical tortures imposed on Masons during the Middle Ages.

8. How do Masons teach morality?

Rituals were developed centuries ago imploring men to be faithful and charitable. These are taught by allegory and symbols.

9. How are these teachings enforced?

Masons who go astray are counseled by their brothers. Those who can not be helped are expelled from the Fraternity.

10. How are Masons charitable?

In the United States Masons contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable purposes. These funds go to the indigent for medical care, shoes, sick room equipment, scholarships, and a wide range of other help for the needy. Many hospitals are supported.

11. Are there Masons in other countries?

Yes. World wide, about 6 million.

12. How many Masons are there in the United States?

About 2.5 million.

13. How many Masons are there in Tennessee?

About 55,000.

14. Can a woman join the Masons?

No. But Masonry has many appendant bodies. Some are for men, some for women some for both, some for boys, some for girls.

15. Are Shriners Masons?

Yes, but not all Masons are Shriners.

16. Are Knight Templars Masons?

Yes, but not all Masons are Knight Templars.

17. Who is the head of the Masons in the United States?

No one. Each state is independent, as a Grand Lodge. The highest officer is the Grand Master.

18. Is there an official spokesman?

No, not for the entire fraternity. The Grand Master speaks for his Grand Lodge.

19. Is there a head of Masons in each state?

Yes. He is called the Grand Master.

20. Is he elected for life?

No. A new one is elected each year.

21. When did Masonry come to Tennessee?

Several Lodges were formed under the jurisdiction of North Carolina. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee was formed on December 27, 1813 in Knoxville.

22. Are the offices still in Knoxville?

No. The Grand Lodge moved to Nashville in 1817; now located at 100 7th Avenue, North.

23. How many individual Lodges are in Tennessee?

348

24. How much does it cost to joins the Masons?

The average fee is $104.

25 How much are the annual dues?

The average is $41.

26. How old are individual Masons?

In Tennessee, at least 18 years old.

27. Is memory work required?

Yes. This relates to the procedure carried out when the man becomes a Mason.

28. Is attendance required?

No, but it is encouraged.

29. How long does it take for one to become a Mason?

Typically, about six months.

30. Can a Mason's wife attend Lodge?

No, but many functions are for both.

31. What notable people have been Masons?

Fourteen of the United States Presidents and many prominent people in business and the professions.

32. What notable Tennesseans have been Masons?

Andrew Jackson, James Polk, Andrew Johnson, Roy Acuff, 28 Governors, and many members of Congress.

33. Why are so many Masons in public office?

The ritual helps a person to gain self confidence and ease when speaking in public. Masons are forbidden from discussing politics at Lodge meetings.

34. Is Masonry a patriotic organization?

Yes. Masons are taught to obey the laws of the country in which they reside. In the United States, the Masons have many patriotic activities. All meetings include the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

35. Do Masons become so involved that they neglect their families?

Masons are taught that they should never neglect their families or their church. Masonry comes after these obligations are fulfilled.

36. Do Masons have a particular kind of dress?

When in Lodge meetings they wear a white apron over regular street clothes.

37. What does this signify?

Purity. The Mason is admonished to so live his life that no stain of dishonor will show upon his apron.

38. Do Masons perform the last Rites upon the remains of a departed Brother?

When requested by the family to do so, Masons will recite the time-honored ritual.

39. Do Masons believe that by doing good works they can gain admittance to heaven?

No. The admittance into heaven falls in the realm of the spiritual, not the fraternal.

40. Are black people permitted to be Masons?

Yes. There are many Prince Hall Lodges in the United States which are made up of only black people. A few Lodges are integrated.

41. Are Holy Bibles displayed in the Lodge Hall?

Yes. In the United States this is usually the Holy Bible, but in other countries it is the book of the predominant religion. When a person becomes a Mason, the book of his faith is used in the ritual.

42. Has Masonry been attacked by religious groups?

Yes. Masonry has been attacked by radio and television preachers who stir up unrest in order to sell their books and tapes. Other persons, non-Masons who are uninformed, have also carried on hate campaigns.

43. Have these attacks been answered?

In past years Masons have ignored such talk. Recently, however, they have responded. Also two non-Masons have recently taken the lead in answering the critics; John J. Robinson, and Dr. Gary Leazer.

44. Are Masons permitted to solicit potential members?

No.

45. How do people learn about the fraternity?

Through the good works of the Masons.

46. How does a person gain entrance?

By asking a Mason for a petition to join.

47. Is admittance assured?

No. Only after an investigation as to the character of the person is he voted upon.

48. If he is not accepted will the fee be returned?

Yes.

49. If accepted, what comes next?

He is asked to come for the first degree.

50. How does he learn his memory work?

A teacher is assigned to assist him.

51. What is the Scottish Rite?

A series of 29 Degrees, teaching by drama, the moral and religious philosophies of Masonry.

52. What is the York Rite?

A system of degrees including Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, Cryptic Rite and Knights Templar.

53. Is the Shrine part of Masonry?

Yes. When a person has become either a Scottish Rite Mason or a Knight Templar he is eligible to become a Shriner.

^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

[Guest clownsdd]

+1 sermon...

[Guest siegfried]

This thread has gone way of track! It is now a debate,not to offend anyone, but why was another member banned, all he did was state that he was Catholic and as such Catholic Doctrine states that if a Catholic joins the Masons he is instantly ex-communicated, which is worse than death to a Catholic.

Also his links and posts were deleted, but now it seems to be all-right, not only that but another member was also warned he would be banned for his statements!

I guess it all boils down to as to what a Mod.or Administator beliefs, this is very unfair!

[Guest SUNTZU]

... not to mention the website you linked to was full of one sided opinions and entirely devoid of facts. Such as:

Clearly that is a FALSE statement. They give examples of religions which they accuse of being subversive groups, not "examples of subversive groups which admit to being religions".

I agree.

If religion is so important to TheBadLuckCharm, I have to ask, why is your screen name what it is?

Definitions of charm on the Web:

• capture: attract; cause to be enamored; "She captured all the men's hearts"
  
• appeal: attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates; "his smile was part of his appeal to her"
  
• control by magic spells, as by practicing witchcraft
  
• spell: a verbal formula believed to have magical force; "he whispered a spell as he moved his hands"; "inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese"
  
• protect through supernatural powers or charms
  
• something believed to bring good luck
  
• induce into action by using one's charm; "She charmed him into giving her all his money"
  
• (physics) one of the six flavors of quark
  wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
  

As far as Bad Luck Charm, I got this from wikipedia...

Bad Luck Charm was the first song lifted from the album Magic Recoveries, by Post-Hardcore, Finnish band Disco Ensemble. It was released in Finland on the 20th of May, 2008, reaching a No.7 position in the Finnish singles charts.

Either way, it is involved with magic, so I have trouble listening to your argument. Can you enlighten me in regards to your screen name?

[Guest Bluemax]

Siegfred,

With all due respect the member who was banned made some very disparaging remarks about Freemasonry, which some, including myself, took exception too. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, but using words such as "voodoo" and "demonic" to describe the Masonic Fraternity was very insulting. Many of us, including myself have deep family ties to this organization. I am not a Mason but my Father and several Uncles were and I only wish I could claim to be half the man they were. Not trying to pick a fight..just speak my mind

[memphismason]

This thread has gone way of track! It is now a debate,not to offend anyone, but why was another member banned, all he did was state that he was Catholic and as such Catholic Doctrine states that if a Catholic joins the Masons he is instantly ex-communicated, which is worse than death to a Catholic.

Also his links and posts were deleted, but now it seems to be all-right, not only that but another member was also warned he would be banned for his statements!

I guess it all boils down to as to what a Mod.or Administator beliefs, this is very unfair!

The "Mod. or Administrator" you speak of is the owner and operator of this forum. He gave said member a warning, said member ignored the warning, proper action was taken.

I didn't see this thread till after the banning so I for one do not know what was said to cause David to ban this fellow, but it must have been something worthwhile, because David just doesn't go around banning members. This is one of the more "free" sit I have visited, and I stand behind David's decision to keep this place as friendly and positive as possible.

We are a gun board. Other things are allowed to be discussed, which can sometimes become heated, and those type situations do not bid well for the overall appearance of us gun owners to John Q. Public.

[memphismason]

On the note of this thread becoming a debate, it was not designed to.

The original poster had a non-firearm related question and posted in the General Topic Forum.

Derogatory comments were made toward the subject matter of the proposed question, and feelings were hurt and or members felt the need to defend what they do.

This is the same as if someone ask a question about a Glock, and someone chimes in about how much a Glock sucks.......then a simple question turns into a debate. (I wonder if in the future the Glock vs. XD debate will become epic?.....oh wait is has. LOL)

It goes back to the saying my mammy use to tell me "If you ain't got anything nice to say, then keep your mouth shut." Now in saying that, we all have a right to comment on whatever we want, as long as we abide by the Code of Conduct here at TGO.

This subject matter just happens to be one of age old disagreements, and there as some people who like to

Many threads I never reply to because I have nothing to add, or they do not pertain to me.

This thread was titled "How Many Masons?" and posed the question of how many masons are on TGO. I opened it, because I am a Freemason, as my screen-name eludes to.

I enjoy Masonry, and felt like I needed to try to explain some things, so the people who genuinely were interested in learning a thing or two about the Oldest and Largest Fraternity in the world, could do so through a member.

I am sorry for my contribution to making the thread go astray from the original topic. I guess my ole' goat got stirred up.

[Guest siegfried]

memphismason, i still think youre a pretty "Cool Cat" :cool:despite what all others might say!

[deerslayer]

Derogatory comments were made toward the subject matter of the proposed question, and feelings were hurt and or members felt the need to defend what they do.

This is the same as if someone ask a question about a Glock, and someone chimes in about how much a Glock sucks.......then a simple question turns into a debate. (I wonder if in the future the Glock vs. XD debate will become epic?.....oh wait is has. LOL)

If David starts banning people over derogatory comments in Glock vs. anti-Glock threads, TGO membership numbers will drop quickly.

BTW, my wife was looking over my shoulder while I was typing one of my comments, and said that her uncle is a Mason. I'll have to ask him more about Masonry. Don't know if I'll get any answers, but I'll pick his brain sooner or later.

[Guest tnmale46]

Prepared by the Vision 2013 Committee

and Bob Demott, Grand Historian

^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

1. What is Freemasonry?

A fraternity of men dedicated to the upbuilding of moral character of its members and the preservation of personal freedom.

2. Is Masonry a religion?

No. Every applicant must express a belief in God, but no particular religion is required.

3. When did it start?

Informally, many centuries ago; formally in 1717 in London, England.

4. Who formed the Freemasons?

One theory is that the organization was developed by the stone masons. Another is that the Knights Templar formed the fraternity.

5. Who were the Knights Templar?

A group formed by the Pope to protect pilgrims going to the holy land. The Templars developed into a military group and young men took great pride in becoming a Knight. Many people in Europe gave huge sums of money in order that their son might be accepted as a Knight. The group became wealthy and King Philip of France desired this wealth in order to carry on his war. In cooperation with the Pope he accused the Templars of heresy and on October 13, 1307 many Templars were arrested, tortured for confessions of heresy, and many died. The King confiscated their property as he had done with the Jews in 1306.

6. Did the Knights Templar prior to 1717 take oaths of secrecy?

Yes. Their life depended upon their being faithful to their fellow Templars.

7. Do the Masons of today take these oaths?

Symbolically, yes. They are in remembrance of physical tortures imposed on Masons during the Middle Ages.

8. How do Masons teach morality?

Rituals were developed centuries ago imploring men to be faithful and charitable. These are taught by allegory and symbols.

9. How are these teachings enforced?

Masons who go astray are counseled by their brothers. Those who can not be helped are expelled from the Fraternity.

10. How are Masons charitable?

In the United States Masons contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable purposes. These funds go to the indigent for medical care, shoes, sick room equipment, scholarships, and a wide range of other help for the needy. Many hospitals are supported.

11. Are there Masons in other countries?

Yes. World wide, about 6 million.

12. How many Masons are there in the United States?

About 2.5 million.

13. How many Masons are there in Tennessee?

About 55,000.

14. Can a woman join the Masons?

No. But Masonry has many appendant bodies. Some are for men, some for women some for both, some for boys, some for girls.

15. Are Shriners Masons?

Yes, but not all Masons are Shriners.

16. Are Knight Templars Masons?

Yes, but not all Masons are Knight Templars.

17. Who is the head of the Masons in the United States?

No one. Each state is independent, as a Grand Lodge. The highest officer is the Grand Master.

18. Is there an official spokesman?

No, not for the entire fraternity. The Grand Master speaks for his Grand Lodge.

19. Is there a head of Masons in each state?

Yes. He is called the Grand Master.

20. Is he elected for life?

No. A new one is elected each year.

21. When did Masonry come to Tennessee?

Several Lodges were formed under the jurisdiction of North Carolina. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee was formed on December 27, 1813 in Knoxville.

22. Are the offices still in Knoxville?

No. The Grand Lodge moved to Nashville in 1817; now located at 100 7th Avenue, North.

23. How many individual Lodges are in Tennessee?

348

24. How much does it cost to joins the Masons?

The average fee is $104.

25 How much are the annual dues?

The average is $41.

26. How old are individual Masons?

In Tennessee, at least 18 years old.

27. Is memory work required?

Yes. This relates to the procedure carried out when the man becomes a Mason.

28. Is attendance required?

No, but it is encouraged.

29. How long does it take for one to become a Mason?

Typically, about six months.

30. Can a Mason's wife attend Lodge?

No, but many functions are for both.

31. What notable people have been Masons?

Fourteen of the United States Presidents and many prominent people in business and the professions.

32. What notable Tennesseans have been Masons?

Andrew Jackson, James Polk, Andrew Johnson, Roy Acuff, 28 Governors, and many members of Congress.

33. Why are so many Masons in public office?

The ritual helps a person to gain self confidence and ease when speaking in public. Masons are forbidden from discussing politics at Lodge meetings.

34. Is Masonry a patriotic organization?

Yes. Masons are taught to obey the laws of the country in which they reside. In the United States, the Masons have many patriotic activities. All meetings include the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

35. Do Masons become so involved that they neglect their families?

Masons are taught that they should never neglect their families or their church. Masonry comes after these obligations are fulfilled.

36. Do Masons have a particular kind of dress?

When in Lodge meetings they wear a white apron over regular street clothes.

37. What does this signify?

Purity. The Mason is admonished to so live his life that no stain of dishonor will show upon his apron.

38. Do Masons perform the last Rites upon the remains of a departed Brother?

When requested by the family to do so, Masons will recite the time-honored ritual.

39. Do Masons believe that by doing good works they can gain admittance to heaven?

No. The admittance into heaven falls in the realm of the spiritual, not the fraternal.

40. Are black people permitted to be Masons?

Yes. There are many Prince Hall Lodges in the United States which are made up of only black people. A few Lodges are integrated.

41. Are Holy Bibles displayed in the Lodge Hall?

Yes. In the United States this is usually the Holy Bible, but in other countries it is the book of the predominant religion. When a person becomes a Mason, the book of his faith is used in the ritual.

42. Has Masonry been attacked by religious groups?

Yes. Masonry has been attacked by radio and television preachers who stir up unrest in order to sell their books and tapes. Other persons, non-Masons who are uninformed, have also carried on hate campaigns.

43. Have these attacks been answered?

In past years Masons have ignored such talk. Recently, however, they have responded. Also two non-Masons have recently taken the lead in answering the critics; John J. Robinson, and Dr. Gary Leazer.

44. Are Masons permitted to solicit potential members?

No.

45. How do people learn about the fraternity?

Through the good works of the Masons.

46. How does a person gain entrance?

By asking a Mason for a petition to join.

47. Is admittance assured?

No. Only after an investigation as to the character of the person is he voted upon.

48. If he is not accepted will the fee be returned?

Yes.

49. If accepted, what comes next?

He is asked to come for the first degree.

50. How does he learn his memory work?

A teacher is assigned to assist him.

51. What is the Scottish Rite?

A series of 29 Degrees, teaching by drama, the moral and religious philosophies of Masonry.

52. What is the York Rite?

A system of degrees including Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, Cryptic Rite and Knights Templar.

53. Is the Shrine part of Masonry?

Yes. When a person has become either a Scottish Rite Mason or a Knight Templar he is eligible to become a Shriner.

^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

great post thank you

[Fadex]

The "Mod. or Administrator" you speak of is the owner and operator of this forum. He gave said member a warning, said member ignored the warning, proper action was taken.

I didn't see this thread till after the banning so I for one do not know what was said to cause David to ban this fellow, but it must have been something worthwhile, because David just doesn't go around banning members. This is one of the more "free" sit I have visited, and I stand behind David's decision to keep this place as friendly and positive as possible.

We are a gun board. Other things are allowed to be discussed, which can sometimes become heated, and those type situations do not bid well for the overall appearance of us gun owners to John Q. Public.

I was following this thread closely the night that the member was banned. I read the posts before they were removed. David gave ample opportunity for the member to avoid being banned and the member chose not to take advantage of the opportunity.

Regardless of the topic, the posts that were deleted were not appropriate IMHO.

[bteague2]

The definition of religion is: the service and worship of God or the supernatural.

As a religous studies student at UT, I can tell you that's not the definition.

Does anyone find it ironic that a noted science fiction author can found a religion based on the belief that we are descended from aliens, and Freemasonry is the bandwagon that the conspiracy theorists choose to jumo on ?

Nope, the men that join the masons all see to be men you would like to be your father/son/husband/neighbor. So when people see them doing something different they wonder. People that join scientology, mostly seem to be crazy before they joined: Tom Cruise.

I looked into Masons, but stopped when I found I'd be ex-communicated. Maybe if they change their stance one day.

[Guest siegfried]

Quote

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphismason

The definition of religion is: the service and worship of God or the supernatural.

Quote

While the above is correct according to the Web, a lot of religious people dont agree and will get offended, since most do not think of their Religion as being super-natural.

Myself, i would not consider most mainstream religions to be that unless,

it is Scientology,witchcraft,or voodoo. Catholic doctrine does however put

Masons in the realm of the supernatural, even if in not so many words.

[memphismason]

As a religous studies student at UT, I can tell you that's not the definition.

As a minister of the Christian faith, I can assure you that is the definition. I promise that I didn't make it up.

Plus Webster said so.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion

religion

2 entries found.

religion

1get (verb)

Main Entry:

re·li·gion

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈli-jən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

Date:

13th century

1 a: the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion> b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

3archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness

4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

— re·li·gion·less adjective

Edited March 27, 2009 by memphismason

[Luckyforward]

For a thread that began simply wanting to identify TGO members who are Masons, to now debating the theological worth of Masons, I think this thread has gotten WAY off track and should be ended.

[Oh Shoot]

..since most do not think of their Religion as being super-natural.

Myself, i would not consider most mainstream religions to be that ...

Let's see, top of my head, Christianity, after beginning with an abracadabra of instant universe creation, has a talking snake, a man parting a sea, a woman turning to pillar of salt, city walls falling down to playing trumpets, a fellow turning water to wine, raising the dead, walking on water, and then raising himself from the dead.

None of that seems the least bit supernatural to you?

- OS

[memphismason]

For a thread that began simply wanting to identify TGO members who are Masons, to now debating the theological worth of Masons, I think this thread has gotten WAY off track and should be ended.

I think I agree.

[Garufa]

For a thread that began simply wanting to identify TGO members who are Masons, to now debating the theological worth of Masons, I think this thread has gotten WAY off track and should be ended.

+1, 2, 3 and 4.

Started following this thread because of interest in the elusive Mason society. But after 170 or so posts it's really out of hand.

Your religion is between you and your god. AND NO ONE ELSE. Plain and simple. If you have no tolerance for others then maybe a review of the Constitution is in order and perhaps a litttle understanding of other beliefs.

Edited March 27, 2009 by Garufa

[Oh Shoot]

...I think this thread has gotten WAY off track and should be ended.

I think I agree.

+1, 2, 3 and 4....

Oh c'mon y'all...it didn't even get my attention till just now.

- OS