I bet that kind of thing happens pretty frequently...shame. Eric, you mentioned that you have a close friend that is a 32nd Degree SR Mason, you should probably seek more counsel from him or have dinner at the Lodge you are considering. That may be the best way to get your specific concerns addressed.
To answer am I here to witness...Not at all actually.
I find it easier to ask tough questions here than at a
lodge I am petitioning because I would hate my
questions to make me seem like I think ill of
your craft. I also get a diverse group of men from
many lodges here to respond. I have found your
responses to be truthful and sincere.
I really am joining lodge 438 in arlington,tx my friend is
Bobby Washburn whose entire family are masons and
actually most of them are pastors. My posts may sound
anti-masonic (which I am not) because some of the concerns
I brought up are echoed by some anti masonic groups on the net.
I actually bring these issues up to masons because I know in
Texas most of you are probably believers in Christ. I really wanted
to see how your faith and masonry coincide.
I was actually thinking of this prior to getting on here today.
My conclusion so far is this...
Christianity as taught by Jesus is complete and wanting in nothing.
Christianity as expressed by modern society and most churches is correct
in doctrine but wanting in practice and practical expression.
For example...
Helping your brothers, helping widows,
giving time to give back.
It is my honest opinion one could belong to a church
and if they fell on hard times the church in most churches
would simply pray.
That's wonderful. God can solve all things with prayer.
I think if a man was a member of the lodge and fell on hard
times the brothers would help in any way they could.
That might even mean financially.
I think this goes back to where Jesus said if your brother is cold
and you tell him be warm but do not give him a blanket that's not
really love.
I think masons are practicing this by being doers and not just
hearers of the word.
I see masonry as a way to assist me in the practice element of faith.