Well said, Brother. The beauty of Freemasonry is that no matter what your chosen vocation, NO Man counts as MORE than the other. Each Man is valued for his internal qualities, not the external. Masons come from ALL walks of life, so its easy to see how so many different books on Esoteric Teachings could have been written by so many different Men. The Brother is absolutely right, in that many of the things you are looking for may NEVER be discussed in a Lodge setting.
I read EVERY DAY, and I am currently reading FOUR different books. I read 10-20 pages per day, with as much free time that my career and family allow. One of my favorite authors is Brother Manly Palmer Hall. However, I didn't become a Mason simply to delve into the esoteric----I can do that at a library. I joined because I made the decision to cultivate the relationships with Men whom I conversed and fellowshipped with prior to joining. These relationships have grown into a BOND, which is all I think the Brothers above are trying to convey to you.
Instead of making snide comments to a Brother on this Forum, who is actually a member of the Lodge you wish to join, seek him out at dinner, sit down with him, and LISTEN. You mentioned in a previous thread that you have a very good friend who is a Mason and member of this Lodge. Sit with him and LISTEN. Approach some of the Elder Brethren in the room, and ask them what Masonry has done for THEIR LIVES, and LISTEN.
Masonry is NOT a religion, but it has helped enhance my FOCUS ON GOD. I was SAVED July 29, 2008, BORN AGAIN and rededicated myself to GOD and my Church. I was raised February 2, 2008. The readings and lectures aren't in the Bible, but some are BIBLICALLY BASED. You have read post after post where grown Men from EVERY CORNER of this great State and beyond have spoken with great reverence and love for Masonry. It's not JUST because of what was IN THE BOOK; IT'S BECAUSE THEY'VE APPLIED WHAT'S IN THE BOOK TO THEIR LIVES. IT'S ALSO BECAUSE OF THE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIS FELLOW MAN.
I believe in a Mason being a "scientist who studies a progressive science". The two things one should investigate thoroughly are: The Pursuit of TRUTH, and KNOWLEDGE OF SELF. Some of what Man can get and value in Masonry is from what is written in a book or on the NET. BUT, you will value ALL THAT YOU GET AND LEARN MOUTH TO EAR, THROUGH YOUR MEMORY WORK. IT ISN'T JUST THE MATERIAL THAT BUILDS YOU UP AS A MASON, though. It is the RESPECT you will learn to give and owe to a Man who will sacrifice his TIME, simply to see to it that you learn your work the way EVERY well taught Mason should---by using his Memory. The mentoring you will experience will forge a bond you may have for the rest of ypur life.
You begin cultivating these relationships in your Lodge NOT by asking a lot of questions on this Forum, or antagonizing Brothers who expressed their opinion or concern about you based on what YOU wrote, Eric. You cultivate these relationships the old fashioned way----a handshake, and a sit down. If you HUMBLE yourself, possess genuine motives, and are a GOOD LISTENER, you will EARN another Brother's vote of confidence in your desire to become a Brother. This is a VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION, in that you are not compelled to join. Only YOU will know if this is for YOU. Good luck on whatever you decide, and stay off of the Internet for the time being.
Bro Vincent C Jones, Sr., Bayou City Lodge 228, Prince Hall Affiliation
Free and Accepted Masonry, Houston, Texas
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas