......My question is this; I have found quite a few lodges around me, and want to talk to a Mason about what it is to be a Mason. I have asked around if anyone knows a Mason I can talk to, but the answer is either "I used to, but he moved/quit/died" etc. I have read lots of things on the "interwebs", but I want to find out what it really is to be a Mason before I make a commitment. Would it be considered rude to show up outside a lodge before a meeting and introduce myself? If that would be rude, what's the best way to find a Mason in S.A. to have a chat with?
Thanks for your help everyone.
-Scott
The best way to find out about Freemasonry is to walk into any Masonic lodge and say "I would like to speak to the most well informed member in this lodge".
Not the secretary.
Not the WM.
Not any other officer.
Not the oldest guy in the room.
Not the most excited Mason.
Not the web surfing gamer.
But the most knowledgeable member of the lodge.
At minimum, he should be knowledgeable of all the following; (or at least currently learning)
History (factual, mythical and speculative)
Understanding of esoteric and exoteric meanings of the symbolism.
Purpose and intentions of the Craft and of the lodge, both past and present.
If, you find such a character, stick to him like glue. If you don't find him at that lodge, go somewhere else or call me. I'll hook you up with the right person. Who knows, it may even be me!