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What to tell friends

flipster

Registered User
Joe, I don't spend anytime defending the Masons. I'm not likely to change minds. A buddy at work said his wife despised Masons. BUTTTTT, she really liked the Shriners. I told him don't burst her bubble: all Shriners are Masons. These beliefs are sometimes the results of years of their own observations. You hang in there. I commend you for attending the dinners. You will get in soon enough. We have a fine young man. It took 2 months to contact him. 2 months for the first visit, then a month to report back to lodge. We went dark in the summer months. We finally got first 2 degrees done. He could not attend the MM due to his kidney stones and surgery. Still no MM, and it's coming up to a year. So be patient. Good luck. And I would guess the question about the GL would just be where you are located. I now know you're in CO. Good luck.
 

MarkR

Premium Member
In Minnesota, we are charged to not let our "zeal for the institution lead us into arguments with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it." That does not mean we can't calmly try to explain, which I will do until I determine that they don't really want to hear what I have to say. It means don't argue. Just say okay, and walk away.
 

Cootr68

Registered User
I'm friends with an official of the Catholic Church in the town of my home lodge. They just finished building a new church and I told him that it was really beautiful. He thanked me and told me about how much of the interior was from a very old church and was even more beautiful than the outside and he should take me in to see it. I told him that I am a Mason and wouldn't want to get him into trouble, he said I know I see your truck outside the lodge and we just won't tell anyone. We both laughed, clinked our beer bottles and continued to catch fish.
 

SeeKer.mm

Premium Member
After reading a few of these posts, I think it's smart of, Joe, not to attempt to speak of Masonry with the uninitiated until he is more educated within the lodge. I think he is going about it the right way. As far as defending Masonry, our actions speak louder than our words, as far as I am concerned or am aware of we have nothing to defend against because we haven't done anything to be defensive about. Illuminati, devil worship, goat humping, all laughable accusations. Those non Masons that know more about Masonry than I do... Irrelevant. Getting upset about any of it and arguing... Wasted, misdirected energy. I know who I am and what I stand for, if you don't "Try me"

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using My Freemasonry Pro mobile app
 

acjohnson53

Registered User
I figure if they ask me where I'm going, their curious so I give em one of my calling cards and a petition and say call me when ya ready...then I say get in the truck I got you from here...follow me
 

Joseph Thornton

Registered User
Not really some of the preferred responses for relationships I want to keep like with family, friends, church ect. I don't need em. And I don't have to have em. But I'd prefer not to tell people off that I want to be a part my life...... if I don't have to.
 

Randy81

Premium Member
Not really some of the preferred responses for relationships I want to keep like with family, friends, church ect. I don't need em. And I don't have to have em. But I'd prefer not to tell people off that I want to be a part my life...... if I don't have to.
I don't think you'll have to tell them off... You certainly can have a transparent conversation with them explaining what the fraternity is all about. Additionally, if your lodge has an open lodge meeting, you can invite them and they can see the men of the lodge. Oh, and if your family is that much against what you're doing then maybe it's not a good fit for you. I would hope they'd support you if you truly want it though.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
To the original post, most of these are excellent ways to answer the question of 'what to tell your friends'. It's situational and personal. If you want to have 5 auto decals and wear tshirts, hats, rings and polos with S&Cs, you can. Or you can do like my father and never talk about it or show it. (I didn't know my dad was a Mason until I was 18 or 19 years old and he joined 5 years before I was born) He had a ring he wore from time to time and I didn't really ever notice it.

I wear a ring sometimes, I have a decal. Some people notice, some don't. Most never even mention it. My best friend doesn't even know but then again he lives in another state. My mother's side of the family do not know to my knowledge about my affiliation. Guys at work mention it from time to time but usually in a curious manner. It's all up to you. I don't think their is any advantage of being overly secretive about it. Maybe some appendant bodies that are invite only may appreciate a man being discreet but I honestly don't know.
 

Joseph Thornton

Registered User
Thanks for all the advice. But the advice is often taking assumptions frequently, seeming to branch off into odd directions.

Please reread the replies as the conversations follow each other. (or fail to)
 

SeeKer.mm

Premium Member
Not really some of the preferred responses for relationships I want to keep like with family, friends, church ect. I don't need em. And I don't have to have em. But I'd prefer not to tell people off that I want to be a part my life...... if I don't have to.
And that my friend is your prerogative and anyone who you come across in life or online, Mason or not, should respect it as such.

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SeeKer.mm

Premium Member
Thanks for all the advice. But the advice is often taking assumptions frequently, seeming to branch off into odd directions.

Please reread the replies as the conversations follow each other. (or fail to)
I've read most of the posts, at the end of the day the best advice I can give is do what you feel is right for you and your situation. Even it means not joining Masonry, then that is what is right for you. Ours is not to push or judge. Just know that (from what I have read) when the time is right for you, Masonry will be proud and lucky to have a good man such as yourself. Best of luck in your journey.

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SeeKer.mm

Premium Member
I've read most of the posts, at the end of the day the best advice I can give is do what you feel is right for you and your situation. Even it means not joining Masonry, then that is what is right for you. Ours is not to push or judge. Just know that (from what I have read) when the time is right for you, Masonry will be proud and lucky to have a good man such as yourself. Best of luck in your journey.

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Just to clarify before I am accused for speaking on behalf of all Masons, I meant the Masonry and Masons I know and have experienced in my own journey thus far. I know we can be be testy bunch in this regard

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Bloke

Premium Member
Thanks for all the advice. But the advice is often taking assumptions frequently, seeming to branch off into odd directions.

Please reread the replies as the conversations follow each other. (or fail to)
Thread drift can be a wonderful thing, if there is one thing I know about Freemasons, is that we love a good chat :) Sorry if our meanderings got off the mark
 

flipster

Registered User
Thanks for all the advice. But the advice is often taking assumptions frequently, seeming to branch off into odd directions.

Please reread the replies as the conversations follow each other. (or fail to)
Joe, I read it once. I'm not going to read it again. My advice was solid. Besides, it's 2016 fer cryin outloud. People can do as they please. A simple, "I'm sorry you feel that way" is a good seque to another turn in the conversation.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I just say that I have a masonic lodge meeting and they can think what they want. There is no reasoning with the kind of people that believe all of the crazy conspiracy theories.
 
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