Is this a normal Masonic Initiation?

[Checkmite]

What is actually the benefit of being a Mason? Especially if anyone can become a member? I suppose you have to observe some rules and have some special respect/observance (I am not sure how to say it) towards other members if you meet in real life, but what is the point if you have nothing in common apart from the very fact that you are a member of the same organisation?

It's a fraternal organization, so theoretically you could enjoy the same benefits that you obtain from any fraternal organization - comraderie, another avenue of assistance (albeit somewhat limited) in times of need. There's also the charity work; a Masonic body known slangly as the Shriners run things like homes for the elderly and burn units at childrens' hospitals. Closer to home, your blue lodge probably would participate in local programs - hold can drives and such. I'm sure the aforementioned political benefits can probably be obtained in certain lodges, but there are others whose leadership really doesn't like that sort of thing.

And I know I made it seem as if "anybody" could join...but if after getting to know you the lodge comes to the majority opinion that you're a jerk or something like that, you probably won't be nominated.

 

[Checkmite]

ok, are we to believe that freemasons are involved in every conspiracy? are they really linked to Al Qaeda?

In that case, perhaps this morning's Masonic lodge bombing in Istanbul, Turkey really wasn't an Al Qaeda attack.

This is pretty crazy

http://www.freemasonrywatch.org/sufi.html

That site rocks...

apparently it isn't that difficult to join. see the following link for recruitment. I would think that memberships in lodges in general is diminishing. There doesn't seem to be the appeal to sit around in rooms with a bunch of old men.

http://www.glmasons-mass.org/Grand_Lodge/join_us.htm

Yes, membership is rather anemic these days. Recent attempts to bolster recruitment have included lowering the eligible age to 18 and creating a "one-day class" in which a prospective can earn all three degrees in - that's right - one day (which is what I did).

 

[a_unique_person]

Maybe he got the handshake wrong, or said "BAEZ" instead of "BOAZ".

I always wondered where that phrase "The Third Degree" came from.

I also don't see that it has much to do with building things.