s0mewhereny says: Ok so why all the secrecy? Simple when Freemasonry evolved in the early 18th century trust was extremely important and knowing that a man could keep his word. So simple passwords were entrusted to them.How if a man can’t keep a simple secret like password, I wouldn’t trust him further then I could throw him.
Freemasonry’s singular purpose is to make good men better and its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place of worship. It is not a religion nor does it teach a religious philosophy. For nearly three hundred years it has attracted men of high moral character who support the tenets of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.
We’re often asked, “What do Freemasons believe?” The answer is quite simple: essentially the same things that teachers, bus drivers, Rotarians, or anyone else believes. There is no ‘requirement’ that all Masons believe certain things except insofar as good behavior dictates.
Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, all meet as equals. In fact, one of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry (and an obvious source of irritation for those who thrive on the seeds of discontent) has always been: how can so many men, from so many different walks of life, meet together in peace, ignoring political or religious debates, to conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship and to call each other “Brother!” It’s truly a conundrum which perplexes those outside the fraternity. Laying aside petty jealousies and agreeing that issues of politics and religion are not proper for discussion within a lodge, the ‘bones of contention’ that so often divide are removed thereby making it possible for men of varying religious and political interests to meet on common ground.
What is involved with joining? Well simply put one must ask to join. He must be a man, freeborn, of lawful age (18-21 depending on where you live) and well recommended. He must also profess a belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.
When a man joins he gives his word he will never tell the ‘secrets’ he has been made aware of. So it is a matter of honor why your husband’s Grandfather will not give you details.
The fact is the first exposure of Freemasonry was published in 1696, 20 years before the first Grand Lodge was formed in London. There are literally thousands of book written on this subject. If your really want to know, read a few as no Freemason should tell you, although they will admit they the information is available in your local library.
Another good page is here: http://www.masonicinfo.com/ourwives.htm
and about the Shriners: http://www.masonicinfo.com/shrinehosp.htm
The real part is that a man may be a Freemason for 50 years and never know the secrets as each man finds it in his own heart and it cannot be communicated by word or written down. I could not tell another because if they cannot divine it themselves they wouldn’t understand what i was telling them.
