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What's the best way to learn about Freemasons?

ThanatosTA

Premium Member
I have already started an "e-library". I have "Freemasons for Dummies" by Christopher Hodapp (Almost finished), "The Builders" by Joseph Fort Newton (I haven't started it yet), and "Morals and Dogma" by Albert Pike (Tough going so far for me). I got those for my iPhone so I could read on slow days like today without getting in trouble.

Also, Good luck crono782 :) I hope you enjoy every second of it!

-Scott
 
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crono782

Premium Member
I've started building a physical library myself in prep (History of Freemasonry by Mackey, Born in Blood by Robinson, Secret Teachings of All Ages by Hall). I was given the advice here on the forum as well as by members of the lodge to not read too much until after initiation and I'm glad I've taken that advice. Most of the books speak of things that I just won't understand until later down the road anyways and is more confusing than helpful, hah.
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
Your local masonic community may host some informal Saturday morning breakfasts at a local eatery. I suggest you ask around, and see if there are pizza nights, etc. If there are none in your area, then start one!
 

ThanatosTA

Premium Member
Yeah, I was going to ask if there was something like that around me once I got started. Something like vacation bible study when I was in Sunday school.
 

phulseapple

Premium Member
Morals and Dogma will have you in the dark, especially if you have not joined the Scottish Rite yet. For the man interested in Masonry, Freemasons For Dummies by Chris Hodapp and The Complete Idiots Guide to Freemasonry by S. Brent Morris are two that are regularly suggested.
 

widows son

Premium Member
Very true about morals and dogma. I've read it three times and although I understand it it's not enough because I haven't join the AASR. I found the same when I was reading up on craft lodge. It was not enough as I havent lived and experienced freemasonry at that point and things became much more clear and all that stuff I read made sense. The brother of your lodge are right to say not read too much. Not only because it's not going to make much sense but it will ruin your experience.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
First; congratulations on finding a bond with a lodge. Good luck with your petition.

Second; stop reading. There is nothing more you need to know about Freemasonry at this point. You will have enough to think about soon, and any preconceived ideas will just muddy the waters.
Instead, I would start thinking about the candidate-to-be; you. What brought you here, your motivations to seek out the Craft. What do you want out of it? What do you want to give to it? You might even start writing these thoughts and ideas in a small notebook (be careful, though, this can become quite habit-forming after you're Initiated).

I was recommended books before I petitioned that were far to graphic in their descriptions, and would have ruined the experience for me if I had continued reading. I think it far better to begin this journey with a clean slate, ready for the days lessons.
 

BroBill

Site Benefactor
Site Benefactor
Here's a suggestion, i really recommend you stop reading about Masonry until after you finish your degree work. You run a real risk in being disappointed in the degrees because you will tend to build them up in your mind. There is a danger that you will miss the lessons because you're searching for things you've read about- things that might not even be true.

Please, if you want to experience the beauty of the lessons stop reading. Reality has a hard time measiring up to false expectations. I offer this advice as a friend.
 

crono782

Premium Member
Excellent advice from the above posters. The same advice was given to me for the same reasons. It's easy to feel antsy and wanna read up. I'm glad I put it on hold for a little while longer. :D
 

ThanatosTA

Premium Member
OK, I'll stop reading (I don't think I've ever been told to stop reading before....). The one book I've really been reading had great big letters "SPOILER ALERT" and a caution, so I stopped those parts. I'll just sit on my hands and wait.....

I really am glad I found this site. Thanks again everyone!

Oh yeah,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! :21:
 

BroBill

Site Benefactor
Site Benefactor
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! I for one will be looking forward to your impressions and thoughts as you go through the degrees and after. Please keep in touch as you start your journey.
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
There is a new "translation" of Morals and Dogma. The 19th century prose has been rendered in more modern English, and the text is now much more readable and understandable to the 21st century Mason. You can also get Henry Claussen's "Commentaries"on Morals and Dogma, which is a "Cliff's Notes" version of the text, and serves as an excellent introduction. Masonry is a life-long journey of learning, and you cannot get started too soon.

See: http://www.morals-and-dogma.com
 
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ThanatosTA

Premium Member
Short update, I went back last night with my petition. I was invited to come back for the next meeting but before I left, I had all the signatures I needed:thumbup1:
 
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calo

Registered User
......My question is this; I have found quite a few lodges around me, and want to talk to a Mason about what it is to be a Mason. I have asked around if anyone knows a Mason I can talk to, but the answer is either "I used to, but he moved/quit/died" etc. I have read lots of things on the "interwebs", but I want to find out what it really is to be a Mason before I make a commitment. Would it be considered rude to show up outside a lodge before a meeting and introduce myself? If that would be rude, what's the best way to find a Mason in S.A. to have a chat with?

Thanks for your help everyone.

-Scott

The best way to find out about Freemasonry is to walk into any Masonic lodge and say "I would like to speak to the most well informed member in this lodge".
Not the secretary.
Not the WM.
Not any other officer.
Not the oldest guy in the room.
Not the most excited Mason.
Not the web surfing gamer.
But the most knowledgeable member of the lodge.

At minimum, he should be knowledgeable of all the following; (or at least currently learning)
History (factual, mythical and speculative)
Understanding of esoteric and exoteric meanings of the symbolism.
Purpose and intentions of the Craft and of the lodge, both past and present.

If, you find such a character, stick to him like glue. If you don't find him at that lodge, go somewhere else or call me. I'll hook you up with the right person. Who knows, it may even be me!
 
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ThanatosTA

Premium Member
Another quick update, I had my final investigation tonight and they will be voting next week....They said I should know soon.

:scared:
 
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