A charge to the fraternity

**steve_t** · 19th February 2011, 17:06

Originally Posted by PrincessBandit

Given the number of masonic lodges seen throughout the country I would say yes and yes?

Yeah, I followed the link to the website and even here in the Waikato there are quite a few lodges. It made me wonder how many people I know are Masons but I'm just unaware of it.
Good, informative website

**blackdog** · 19th February 2011, 17:07

Originally Posted by steve_t

Yeah, I followed the link to the website and even here in the Waikato there are quite a few lodges. It made me wonder how many people I know are Masons but I'm just unaware of it.
Good, informative website

will you investigate further?

**phill-k** · 19th February 2011, 17:10

Originally Posted by phill-k

In the good old days you had to be invited to join the lodge, don't tell me they are welcoming just any old riff raff barking dog in.

Originally Posted by blackdog

please feel free to fuck off you don't know me

And the barking dog steps up and bites the troll

**Edbear** · 19th February 2011, 17:11

Originally Posted by blackdog

please feel free to fuck off you don't know me

I'm sure it was said in jest, tongue firmly in cheek, mate...

**steve_t** · 19th February 2011, 17:22

Originally Posted by blackdog

will you investigate further?

Much to Edbear's disappointment no doubt, I don't believe in a "supreme being". That's probably the one major sticking point for me. The role of partners would also need to be investigated as while I appreciate the concept of a fraternity with the support of their partners and families, I'd be more inclined to consider something that involved my partner directly. She'd probably appreciate that too. I guess I'm a little too secular. HOWEVER, I absolutely agree with the other concepts within the Freemason's Code especially the one about morals and values. I donate to charity regularly and have previously volunteered with disabled kids programmes.
So yeah, it's probably not for me but it's actually good to know there are a large number of people out there who share similar values rather than my general feeling that society is becoming increasingly self-centred.

**phill-k** · 19th February 2011, 17:24

Originally Posted by blackdog

yawns... please feel free to join the conversation if you have something serious to say

Actually it was kind of serious membership certainly used to be by invitation only, but like many organisations membership is all about survival, the masons certainly do some good in the community but so to do a number of other organisations that perhaps have a more open door policy - red cross, sallies, many of the disability facilitaters such as my wife volunteers with. Mind you all of the others mentioned welcome woman and I can certainly see the benefits sometimes of an exclusive club - I shall now duck.

**blackdog** · 19th February 2011, 17:32

Originally Posted by phill-k

Actually it was kind of serious membership certainly used to be by invitation only, but like many organisations membership is all about survival, the masons certainly do some good in the community but so to do a number of other organisations that perhaps have a more open door policy - red cross, sallies, many of the disability facilitaters such as my wife volunteers with. Mind you all of the others mentioned welcome woman and I can certainly see the benefits sometimes of an exclusive club - I shall now duck.

from what i have learned recently that is not the case.

my understanding is that it is NOT and NEVER was by invitation only, and that to become a freemason you only have to ask.

also, there is a wing of the society solely for women, i believe it is called 'eastern star'

google is our friend?

**Edbear** · 19th February 2011, 17:38

Originally Posted by steve_t

Much to Edbear's disappointment no doubt, I don't believe in a "supreme being". That's probably the one major sticking point for me. The role of partners would also need to be investigated as while I appreciate the concept of a fraternity with the support of their partners and families, I'd be more inclined to consider something that involved my partner directly. She'd probably appreciate that too. I guess I'm a little too secular. HOWEVER, I absolutely agree with the other concepts within the Freemason's Code especially the one about morals and values. I donate to charity regularly and have previously volunteered with disabled kids programmes.
So yeah, it's probably not for me but it's actually good to know there are a large number of people out there who share similar values rather than my general feeling that society is becoming increasingly self-centred.

I'm gutted, of course!

Well said, though. It does seem that society is becoming increasingly self-centered and violently reactionary, as recent events indicate. As to which is in the majority, those who are reasonable and responsible or those who are the opposite, is really unclear. One would like to think the majority of people are still "good people", but sadly that may not last much longer.

It's apparent that many people's views are developed over time due in large part to disappointment and disallusionment more so than by positive experiences, especially in the case of organisations, whether religious or not.

Before buying a business, one is expected to do "due dilligence" and thoroughly investigate it before signing it up. Same with marriage, too many rely on the view through their rose coloured glasses and are bewildered afterwards to find the person they married was not who they thought they were. My point is that in this case, before you join an organisation, do "due dilligence" as very often you will be disappointed that what was presented to you is a veneer designed to accentuate the positve and hide or minimise the negative and like marriage, those two things are reversed after the ceremony.

**steve_t** · 19th February 2011, 17:47

Originally Posted by Edbear

do "due dilligence"

There seems to be a reasonable amount of misinformation (or in my case, ignorance) about the organisation. The website is very informative and those who want more information can be put in touch with a local mason who can answer any other questions. Also, it says you can attend events before you decide whether to apply to join or not. Anyone looking to join needs to get as much information as they can so they can make an informed decision

**Bald Eagle** · 19th February 2011, 17:49

Originally Posted by steve_t

But seriously, I wasn't aware that there was a community of Freemasons in NZ.

There is indeed check there website

**Edbear** · 19th February 2011, 18:07

Originally Posted by blackdog

@edbear

i appreciate your input in this thread

is it your belief that being involved with masonry can have a negative effect?

...

I'm not saying that, as I don't know enough about the organisation to have a "working knowledge" of it's roles throughout history. Obviously it is no longer representative of its origins and is a much different animal these days. There are reports of different agendas by members involved in politics and business and wheeling and dealing done behind the scenes. However there's nothing new or unusual in that compared to most organisations around. YellowDog knows many members individually and may have a better grasp of what they're all about than I do.

I think like any organisation you need to be aware of how it matches your own values and desires and approach it with an open mind. I am especially wary where religious organisations are concerned and don't agree with "interfaith" movements.