Stuck in a hard spot

ok so ill be 18 in feb and i really want to petition my local prince hall lodge and my grandma and mom and stepmom are really proud and my grandma is especially because her dad was a mason everyone is proud and happy except my dad he's a close minded minister who believes freemasonry is a religion and he told me i couldn't come in his if i became a mason what should i do and what are yalls opinions.

in his house i meant

That puts you in an awkward position for sure. We're supposed to honor our parents, but when our parents become closed minded it makes life just a wee bit harder. There are some people who truly think Freemasonry is evil or a cult or some kind of false religion and you cannot argue with them because they have made up their minds based on something they saw on TV or read on the internet.

Its not for me to tell you that ignoring your father is right or wrong. I would rather a father and son work out their differences or at least agree to disagree on somethings and not hold to a hurtful ultimatum. Its good though that there are other family members that want to see you put your petition in...

Regardless, whether or not you chose to petition for the degrees in Freemasonry is for you alone to decide.

That is a tough spot to be stuck in. Is waiting until you are out of the house and on your own out of the question or does that only postpone the problem? There is a wealth of information online that could help answer any questions he has or put to rest any reservations or concerns he may have. I found this site to be helpful.

A Page About Masonry: Questions: Difficult Questions About Freemasonry

Good luck!

Consider joining the military. That will get you out of the house and take the edge off of the decision for him. Don't rub it in his face, ever - keep in mind that if he is giving you ultimatums that his ego might get in the way if you press the issue later, so give him lots of space.

I urge any fella of grit and potential into the military at your age unless they are college bound and have a fire in their belly about finishing in four years, so it isn't so much because of masonry that I say this, its just they go together in a bunch of ways that are tough to explain briefly.

Oh, and go see the Air Force and Navy recruiters first. Better food, trust me.

Michael Hatley said:

Oh, and go see the Air Force and Navy recruiters first. Better food, trust me.

Click to expand...

Hahaha I second that!! You must have had the same DFAC and cooks I had, Bro. Hatley lol

All in all kid, the decisions is yours. Sometimes you can call the old man's bluff, but sometimes its best not to test the waters. Especially when it has something to do with religion because folks tend to take that stuff seriously. Being patient is something all young me should learn. If right now is not the best time for you to petition for the sake of keeping your family tied together, then continue keeping Masonry in your sights for when you can get out from under his roof. Once you join the military or go off to college and are no longer under his roof, do what you want to with the Craft. If you get out and petition the lodge, you will have to make the choice of whether or not to tell him that you did join cause it could still cause strife between you too. So, if you do join and do tell him, make sure to witness to him about the great things the Fraternity does and that its not all this bad stuff that a lot of people get misinformed about.

Family has always been a big thing for me, but in the last year or so, it has become so much more important to me. Your a young man right now. Take your time and think about all of this to make sure that you don't do something that will drive a wedge in the family and you lose out on some time with your old man for something that you can wait to join later. Masonry will be here later. Lol that being said, I love Masonry and can't say that there is anything wrong with a youngin like you joining. It's all your choice though. Good luck!

EDIT: Forgive me for saying "kid" at the beginning....Lately I have been calling even 24 and 25 year olds kid..... I must be getting old...lol

Hehehe, I've been takin college classes and trying to blend in. At 37, I had to cut off my beard and leave just the goatee, and read up on urbandictionary. Couldn't understand half of wtf even the professsors were on about.

Good gawd at all the scenery in college. I don't care where you're stationed or what rat hole the college is in, there is better scenery in college than in the service that is for sure. I'll say this much, if a man could stick to his studies, it is a target. rich. environment.

But come to think of it, I don't remember there bein a lack of that in the service, you just had to go off post for it. At least in our line of work.

Wait, what? Right - don't burn bridges with your Dad, etc. The next few years are gonna be busy - masonry can wait a bit, in my opinion.

thanks for yalls opinions i was already planning on joining the air force to be a tacp but i really want to petition my local lodge and i will when i turn 18 because the way i feel is is if he doesn't except me joining freemasonry then he's just gonna have to deal with it

oh yeah i dnt live with him i live with my mom who accepts freemasonry

Good luck. Whatever you decide, I hope it works out between you and your dad, if that is what you wish. Enjoy your 4 star dining halls in the AF.

TACP huh? It will be a year or more before you are operational, and you will have little to no time for masonry. It is better suited for when you will be in one spot for a couple of years. Plus, TACP spends a lot of time at Ft Hood, so it's "Army wrong" chow for you. I would sit down with your Dad and answer his questions as best you could. Good luck.

Young Brother, pump your brakes. Freemasonry will be here. What's the rush? Get your Military Career started FIRST,which will secure your future and livelihood. Next, do as much research as you can on the Lodges where you will be stationed. No need to petition at home, and then you are slated to leave soon. The two BEST options for your Masonic journey are Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) Lodges, or Mainstream Lodges. These two are RECOGNIZED AND REGULAR, and will allow you to be a true WORLDWIDE Mason. Last, but not least, your relationship with your Father is important, and even though you two disagree on THIS issue, as you and he both grow older, you will see that the conflict AT THIS TIME probably isn't worth it. Join the Military, and while you are away, THEN seek the LIGHT that Masonry offers. You come home a more well informed Brother Mason AND Career Military Man serving our Country, I think the time will allow you and your Father to settle this difference. All of the best to you, Young Man. Keep us informed on your progress in and through Boot Camp, as well as in Masonry, if you decide to join. This is definitely a good move for you, as long as you join a lodge that will teach, reach, and support you. Regards, Bro Vincent C. Jones, Sr. Bayou City Lodge 228, Prince Hall Affiliation, Free and Accepted Masonry, Houston, Texas, MWPHGLTX