Ask a Freemason

Ask A Mason http://www.masonforum.com/ Ask A Mason en Copyright 2010 2010-08-24T16:06:36-05:00 Islam, the Mideast, and Freemasonry http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/894/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/894/#When:12:20:03Z Some months ago, Lion of Jordan inquired about joining Masonry and posted some informative comments which piqued my curiosity. We have been exchanging PMs for some time, both of us asking and answering the other’s questions. I have learned that LOJ is a fairly young man living in a country where Freemasonry is absolutely forbidden, and that to attract attention to himself as someone who is interested in Masonry would jeopardize his job, and probably worse. I think that some of the information he has given me is of considerable value, as it uncovers a view from a Muslim standpoint of much that we, as western (and mostly Christian) masons, understand in a different manner in some cases, and in the same manner in others. I’m hoping this thread will do two things: 1) Provide an opportunity to obtain information about Freemasonry to inquirers who are Muslims; 2) help the rest of us to understand the traditions and teachings of a huge number of people who are, in the current political atmosphere, viewed in the West with much suspicion and even hatred. I know that I myself have much to learn, and I’m sure that’s true of most of us. I hope that there will be input from friendly commentators, insde and outside of the Fraternity, to provide information, ask questions, and respond to questions. This, of course, will be on matters relating to history, tradition, the practice of masonry, etc; but no discussion of religion per se, as that would not be appropriate for a Masonic discussion. To get started, I will try to copy to this thread four PMs which I received from Lion of Jordan. Others which I received I won’t copy, because they contain some personal details, and I won’t post anything that might possibly be used to identify him. I specifically asked his permission to do this, and he agreed without qualifications. 2010-03-12T12:20:03-05:00 Information http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/271/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/271/#When:20:08:08Z Hello, Firstly hello to all admin, members & readers - and thank you for maintaining this forum which is helping me get information about Freemasonry. There are many questions on my mind and your clarifications are most appreciated. Firstly, while reading the replies in other threads, I read a reply by a moderator to a question of a religious aspect, and in it mentioned how membership was restricted to Christians up to a certain year until when it was decided, in England, to allow non-Christians in, and considered it as: “they met… and started on the same square"… something like that. I apologize for destroying the line, but I do not recall it to exactitude, and can no longer find that post since I browsed many threads. If someone could kindly write that bit again about how membership became open to non-Christians and the line since I found it so simple yet deep in meaning. On another note, I am curious to know if there was another online forum prior to this one since the oldest post is dated in 2007 - if there has not been one, I would like to know why this recent online forum establishing, etc. Thanking you. Sincerely, 2008-07-07T20:08:08-05:00 Busy night last night at my lodge… http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1048/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1048/#When:09:01:15Z Good morning Brethren, Last night at my lodge, we passed a candidate to Fellow Craft.  This time I wasn’t Senior Steward preparing and presenting the candidate.  Everyone sort of moved up a “chair”, so I became Junior Deacon - which was a lot of fun!  We all had lodge practice for a few evenings prior, so I knew what to do and what to say (thank God) and did a good job, according to the lodge officers.  One of the other recent Master Masons stepped up to become Senior Steward, and took over for me. Anyway, after we passed the candidate to Fellow Craft, they had him sit among the brethren.  Then I also had to prove my FC proficiency by reciting the catechism with my mentor.  So they had the lodge Treasurer (also a PM) temporarily take over for me as JD, and my mentor and I proceeded to nail the whole FC catechism word for word, to a round of applause in the lodge.  It was also a great way for the new FC to see, watch, and understand the FC catechism first hand. I also told the lodge officers that I do want to continue to learn my Master Master catechism, but I want take my time with it.  From what I understand, the MM catechism/proficiency is not required unless you want to be one of the stationed officers. Long story short… I really enjoy being a part of my lodge and learning more and more as I go!  Like a lot of people say, “I wish I had done this 20 years ago!” 2010-07-30T09:01:15-05:00 Is there a handbook that the Masons give out for the wives?  http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1043/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1043/#When:17:26:23Z I was just wondering if there is any literature that the FM give the new EA’s wife.  My husband was just initiated this past weekend and I haven’t seen anything from the Lodge.  My husband was initiated outside of Massachusetts, so I don’t know if that makes a difference. 2010-07-26T17:26:23-05:00 Ring http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/829/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/829/#When:15:54:37Z I was talking to a older brother from my Lodge the other day and we got on the subject of rings, and I want to point out, I am not just looking to get the ring.... but he was telling me that sometimes the wife buys the ring but I am not married so I will be buying my own...anyways, he said rings are usually presented when you become a MM ( at least in my area). My question is, I have looked on the internet getting ideas and cost.... some are very pricey!!!! Anyways, I found a website where they make custom rings for around $100 I believe its <a href="http://www.jemsbyjem.com">http://www.jemsbyjem.com</a> .... has anyone ever bought a ring from there? I am still a little ways out from being raised but it never hurts to be prepared, I am not a big jewelry wearer so when I get one, I want it to be something I like without costing fortune. What are your thoughts, traditions and such regarding rings....??? I have heard of some Lodges presenting the newly raised Brothers with a ring so all members have a matching one. 2010-02-08T15:54:37-05:00 Sat in the Junior Deacon’s chair last night!  http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1038/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1038/#When:09:48:09Z Last night at the lodge, we had a practice session with the ritual.  Instead of me being the Senior Steward, presenting the candidate to the door, the WM decided to let everyone “move up a chair” and he’ll watch, observe, and help out from the sidelines. We opened a FC lodge, then closed a FC lodge, then went around the chairs rehearsing the ritual parts, line by line, piece by piece.  What a great way to learn the ritual! I learned the whole Junior Deacon section, what to do, how to carry the staff, etc..etc..  The lodge is going to make me the JD next year too! 2010-07-23T09:48:09-05:00 I stood my EA catechism tonight!  http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1002/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1002/#When:21:51:09Z Greetings....  I just stood my EA catechism tonight and (according to the brethren) I nailed it word for word!  Here in Virginia, you can be initiated an EA, passed to FC, and raised a MM without doing your catechism (i.e.  the alternative method).  But once you’re a MM, you WILL be required to recite your catechisms soon after. Anyway, tonight was my night, and my mentor and I went right through it, just like we have dozens of times before, reciting the EA catechism.  The whole lodge broke into an applause when we were done.  Wow… what a great feeling of pride, friendship, and brotherly love! Next up, I have to start learning the FC catechism.  Then after that, I want to do the MM catechism.  To others who have never done their catechism, or are just getting started, it is a lot of hard work, but you will never forget it.  I love being a part of Freemasonry! :-) 2010-06-03T21:51:09-05:00 Political affiliation http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/999/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/999/#When:12:38:39Z One thing I havent found much information about is the political affiliation of Masons. I would assume (based on a great lack of knowledge about the subject) that most Masons are conservative and support politicians like George Bush and his family. Can anyone comment on this?  How strong are the political affiliations?  How important are they to masons?  And so on. Thanks! 2010-06-03T12:38:39-05:00 Naming kids & Masonic tie in.  http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1018/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1018/#When:11:48:10Z kid #3 is on the way. I thought I’d give her a name that tied in to free masonry.  Several sites i looked into mentioned that louveteu was the daughter of a mason. However it sounds to French and “loov toe” does not sound very well when going down a roster in school.  Any ideas? Other wise I’m going with Katelynn. 2010-06-24T11:48:10-05:00 Morals and Dogma, Pike http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1013/ http://www.masonforum.com/viewthread/1013/#When:08:55:12Z Hello Men....Is this volume required reading for those seeking to further their Masonic experience through the Scottish Rite? Thanks...John 2010-06-21T08:55:12-05:00