Are you prepared to descend into the deep dark world of the Freemasons?

Seriously, what is on these peoples' minds? To be fair, some of them have a theoretically valid objection to the Craft. If you believe that something is wrong, don't do it! Feel free to tell those who do how evil they are, how they worship Satan, and etc. Most of it is just their opinion on how to interpret the Bible. Although I disagree, such opinions really don't bother me at all; one should follow his own conscience on such matters. What does bother me is when some people distort the truth or deliberately lie. It is the intention of this page to discuss some of the popular myths/misconceptions that are sometimes found on the Internet. As there are already many good websites devoted to the subject I shall limit this page to personally researched topics, but you can find links to those pages here.

What really goes on in the lodges is somewhat more mundane than what some people think. I was initiated into Wasatch Lodge #32 in Utah on June 30, 2003. Before I joined the Fraternity I studied it for over a year, reading books and internet articles, speaking with Freemasons themselves and attending their public functions. Although it wasn't difficult for me, the decision to join is still hard to explain. Many people ask the fundamental questions: "What is Freemasonry?" and "Why did you join?"

The simple answer for the first question is that Freemasonry is a fraternity. It teaches lessons of morality and charity to its members. Considering the thousands of books written about the Fraternity, that's quite the short answer. There is a deeper history and purpose of Freemasonry, but that is the subject of another article.

The second question is more personal and not quite as easily answered. As I have alread mentioned, I studied Freemasonry for more than a year before I was initiated. My great-grandfather was a Mason, but although he lived until February of 2003 he never spoke about it to me. I believe that he was quite inactive in the organization. The studying I did gave me a great deal of knowledge of the works and activities the Freemasons. I learned of their charitable activities and the morals they try to inculcate into their member. "Making good men better" is one of the slogans they use to describe their activities. Although it is obviously up to the individual member to use the positive philosophies, the rituals teach in a visual and thought provoking manner the ways in which a true Mason (or any moral person, for that matter), ought to live. These morals transcend all cultural and religious boundries; any religion claiming virtue and piety will embrace these teachings.

With these points in view it is easy to see why I wanted to become a Freemason!