The Student Room Group

met a guy who is a 'freemason' but he's a bit weird

idk if he's worth my time tbh. are they all well connected? e.g. within the world of art/art industry - or is it just a myth? are they all religious? is it just some weird big boys club with nothing to show for it? when i google it, it's just conspiracies, lol.
he's secretive about the whole thing which ****es me off, it it's so childish.
(edited 2 months ago)
I can only answer one of those questions, as I am not a Mason. In theory, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has to believe in a “Supreme Being”, so yes, religious to a degree.

Historically opposed to formal ecclesiastical religion in favour of a deistic concept drawing on Old Testament metaphors of the building of Solomon’s Temple to represent the perfection of the member’s character. The French rite admits of atheists.

Massively influential? Once, in certain skilled trades in Scotland, e.g. newspaper printing, shipbuilding, yes, they were strongly Protestant and Masonic affiliations are not possible for Roman Catholics, so it could be used as a sign of group loyalty, but this is going back two generations.

I find it all mildly silly peculiar clothes, pass handshakes and mock ordeals. Of more interest to an ethnologist (there were other trade societies in the past, e.g. the Horseman’s Word) than to me.

I find the idea of using a self-elected and obscurantist group (ironic, so many early Masons decried the Roman Church as what they slightly resemble now) to rise in society personally unacceptable.

In an attempt to answer your question, I don’t think a Mason would confide in a sweetheart or fiancée about the fraternity, they’re entirely male and not known for being especially progressive.

I think I would make it very clear that you value his candour and honesty with you far above whatever promises he has made to a trade club.

Source: my grandfather on my father’s side was a Mason.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 2
Original post by Lophocolea
I can only answer one of those questions, as I am not a Mason. In theory, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has to believe in a “Supreme Being”, so yes, religious to a degree.
Historically opposed to formal ecclesiastical religion in favour of a deistic concept drawing on Old Testament metaphors of the building of Solomon’s Temple to represent the perfection of the member’s character. The French rite admits of atheists.
Massively influential? Once, in certain skilled trades in Scotland, e.g. newspaper printing, shipbuilding, yes, they were strongly Protestant and Masonic affiliations are not possible for Roman Catholics, so it could be used as a sign of group loyalty, but this is going back two generations.
I find it all mildly silly peculiar clothes, pass handshakes and mock ordeals. Of more interest to an ethnologist (there were other trade societies in the past, e.g. the Horseman’s Word) than to me.
I find the idea of using a self-elected and obscurantist group (ironic, so many early Masons decried the Roman Church as what they slightly resemble now) to rise in society personally unacceptable.
In an attempt to answer your question, I don’t think a Mason would confide in a sweetheart or fiancée about the fraternity, they’re entirely male and not known for being especially progressive.
I think I would make it very clear that you value his candour and honesty with you far above whatever promises he has made to a trade club.
Source: my grandfather on my father’s side was a Mason.

that doesn't sound very exciting. religions and weird rituals definitely aren't my thing. but i'm really surprised to hear they're so conservative, given his interest in me

oh, i'm not his sweetheart, haha. just a new acquaintance.. if he had any potential, real connection to the art industry i'd definitely be interested in getting to know him better, so it's a shame. but i'm not interested in anything else. so thanks for answering my question
Reply 3
I’ve met a few people who were into Freemasonry, and honestly, it really depends on the person. Some take it seriously and enjoy the tradition, but it’s not like it automatically opens doors or makes you super connected in industries like art. A lot of the conspiracy stuff you read online is overblown. If he’s being secretive and it’s bugging you, it might just be part of his vibe, not necessarily the whole Freemason thing. If it’s not clicking with you, I’d say trust your gut and move on.
Reply 4
Original post by death surf
I’ve met a few people who were into Freemasonry, and honestly, it really depends on the person. Some take it seriously and enjoy the tradition, but it’s not like it automatically opens doors or makes you super connected in industries like art. A lot of the conspiracy stuff you read online is overblown. If he’s being secretive and it’s bugging you, it might just be part of his vibe, not necessarily the whole Freemason thing. If it’s not clicking with you, I’d say trust your gut and move on.

i'm disappointed but not surprised...
he probably thought i'd be impressed or something. like 'oh im so cool and mysterious'. but religious cults are a massive turn off, met too many catholics as a kid, haha.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 5
Replace 'but' with 'and of course' in the thread title and you'd be fine!

An uncle was a member and also did Morris dancing. It was difficult to work out which had the weirder set of people and beliefs. Both excluded women.
Reply 6
Original post by unprinted
Replace 'but' with 'and of course' in the thread title and you'd be fine!
An uncle was a member and also did Morris dancing. It was difficult to work out which had the weirder set of people and beliefs. Both excluded women.

that's pretty messed up

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