Back in Turkey, masons are still kind of undercover. They don't feel safe to openly admit they are masons. But here in USA I see Masonic Lodges very open to public. I hate secret organizations or brotherhoods or any religious or non religious organizations. So my knowledge is limited. Can someone explain me why the difference in perception for Masons in USA and any other country?
I knew you would chime in sarcastically. Now waiting for @abyzmul for his take and then maybe @Br4dw4y5ux can enlighten me
Can we talk Bigfoot instead? Masons are so complicated even in western culture and I have no idea how they fit into Middle Eastern culture at all. Are organizations that have belief in a religious supreme being as a requirement for membership, that are not specifically religious in their activities, and that do not specify Allah as that being likely to be comfortable in Turkish society?
My Cousin,s Husband is in Masonry... Interestingly she was a popular performing artist in the 90's and he's Willie Colon's cousin.. Very weird... lol.. Yea, Not into any of that shit either but there are many ties to Ancient Aliens. lmao. and...I'm out.
Free, my ass, masons down here want an arm and a leg to build a retaining wall. That's why I just went with River rock and railroad ties and did it myself.
Got a friend who joined. He's a little odd. It's great for networking but other than that they don't do much more. They drink and sell lunches and occasionally make somebody do community service. Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Really? I took a tour once in the recruitment process. They showed me (almost) everything. Big historic building, took like an hour orientation, tour, questions, etc. We get done and I'm like... "cool, so..... where's the bar?" I was surprised at first grown men get together for meetings, often hour(S) long, away from the wives with no bar to speak of. still surprises me but maybe I just drink too much
They don't get sloppy drunk and they usually meet out or buy. But it's more social than anything. He loves it. Me I'm like ok George. Keep in mind he's around my age so he's only 33 he's been a member since like 27 something like that. Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
The local temple is across the street, they open it to the public from time to time and give tours. Its basically a fraternal organization for people who like to wear funny hats and play dungeons and dragons, kind of an Elks lodge for really bad nerds.
Elk Lodge is another thing I know nothing about. My son wanted Karate and I searched online and found below place. http://www.traditionalokinawanmartialarts.com/Default.aspx?tabindex=7&tabid=16 I took him there yesterday and guess what, the training is in Elks Lodge. And guess what, there is really no Okinawan Martial Arts. It is the Elk's Lodge members doing the training. The big room they were training was like a temple. One very high chair up top under the Elk's head. 2 high chairs on the side. Weird sitting arrangement. I said what the fuck and I googled it. In Wiki page there was a mention to Masonic Lodges and I found Masonic Lodges more interesting and since I knew them from back in Turkey I started this thread. Not sure what these Lodges do. Interesting stuff for me.
They don't fit actually. That's why they prefer to remain anonymous. That's why I was surprised to see Masonic Lodges in some towns. You can't have this openly in Turkey. People will burn it down.
Elks Lodge / Moose Lodge... just a way for guys to meet socially and drink for cheap. I was a Moose member for years. you have to have someone who is a member let you in and you pay a modest annual fee but then you get to drink for half the price of the normal bars, sometimes they have dinners that are cheaper as well, they have big rooms for gathering/rent out for parties, events, they can stay open later, they can host gambling, they can let you smoke sometimes if they want... etc. they have meetings and stuff but in my experience people don't take it as seriously as masonry.
They also sponsor charitable events and scholarships for members, etc. They will often provide financial support a member whose house has burned down or has had a family tragedy, etc. None of these places would ever accept Brooklyn as a member. The bar is usually set pretty low, but not subterranean.
