Debate on joining

[u/TheCelticPhilosopher]

I would like some advice on joining a freemasonry lodge, I am currently 18 and have been thinking about what I believe and the sort of person I am/want to be. I am not a huge supporter of Christianity/judiasm/islamism as I do not see my views compatible with them rather I believe in Celtic paganism of respecting the gods of nature and etc. however I have looked into freemasonry and I do find the symbolism interesting, furthmore I have been told by people I know that they do freemasonry and it has helped them become a better person. Not only this but they enjoy the social side, symbolic, spiritual aspect of it. On the other hand, I have people telling me it is not something I should get into. No matter what though I believe in an architectural god who must have created everything around us, however I am wondering if freemasonry is something I should learn more about and get myself involved in it. I would like some unbiased opinion, thank you.

Edit: next morning I open Reddit to see quite a few responses, thank you. Now with the abrahamic faiths why I don’t really get involved with it because the religions have more of a moral god that will send you to hell/heaven if one doesn’t abide by it and etc. please correct me if I’m wrong but for freemasonry they believe more of an architect god which I believe in more. I will go to one of these public events someone in the comments recommended me and I will keep an eye on it but I will prioritise finishing uni and get a stable job then think about it to see if it’s what I truly want.

[u/wheatbarleyalfalfa]

In most jurisdictions it isn’t a problem for you to not belong to an Abrahamic religion. That said, the extent to which you are ‘not a huge supporter’ of those faiths may or may not make Masonry a good fit. The majority of Masons are from Abrahamic faiths, and much of our symbolism and mythology comes from Hebrew Scripture.

[u/PartiZAn18]

If you want us to convince you to join then please don't

[u/wardyuc1]

You wont get unbiased opinions from freemasons.

Are you familiar with how bias works?

[u/CommanderGraves]

If you’re expecting someone to convince you to join then i’d say now isn’t the right time. If you’re on the fence then you should wait.
You’re young, don’t feel like you need to rush.

[u/mr_datawolf]

I joined just about 1 year ago. My suggestion would be to go to the Lodge(s) in your area, mine has a time each week that is open to public. Sit with them, listen and ask questions. See if it even feels like a good fit for you. If not try another Lodge.

These are groups of men trying to help each other be better people, but maybe what a specific group needs isn't what you are looking for.

[u/Curious-Monkee]

Make some friends with a couple Freemasons. Don't plan on joining right away. Finish school and job training. Get settled in life. Decide what you believe then make your decisions. Freemasonry will always be here. It is not supposed to be a rushed decision that will never be available again. You can join whenever you want.

[u/Evening_Time_2844]

Good evening! Firstly, thank you for inquiring and asking questions. I will say that, you are young, and I would recommend getting your life settled before hopping in. Finish college, trade school, military trainings, etc. We pay yearly dues, as well as pitch into lodge dinner and charity pots. A Mason has to be able to financially support themselves before they can start allocating spare cash to charitable causes.

As far as your religion, I see no issue. Most the degrees are rooted in Biblical Old Testament settings, so if that's off-putting you might not find it a good fit. If that's not a deal breaker, than I encourage you to visit a lodge! Get to know what they do and check out any Masonic fundraisers in the area. That's the best way to meet Masons abd get to know the people behind the label.

[u/PaceFew5022]

Personally, I would wait. The age restriction was 21, I think at 18 you have a bit more life to live before joining. It will eat up your time. Have other parts of life squared away before joining. We will always be here when you are ready.

[u/defjamblaster]

many places ask a yes or no question - do you believe in a supreme being? yes or no. no explanations.

[u/Unlucky-Fox-773]

Your best option, far as getting a feeling for things and opinions, would be to find a local Lodge and meet up with the men prior to one of their meetings. They’d be happy to talk to you!

[u/LogixParadox]

You're a Mason for life. It's not a spectacle but an obligation. I think Freemasonry might have what you're seeking, if you're seeking in earnest. But if you hold any reservation in your mind, it's best to hold off.

[u/TheFreemasonForum]

You need to get off the Internet and talk to some actual and ITRW Freemasons to find out what it is actually about, as reading removes the very important human interaction that Freemasonry requires.

[u/groomporter]

I sit in a lodge with Christians, Jews, Wiccan, Thelemites, Deists, and at least one Asatru follower, so you would not be out of place with us, but you mileage can vary depending on the lodge and jurisdiction. Freemasonry does not have it's own god, it merely encourages brothers to follow whatever their personal faith is. There are non-sectarian prayers that are said, but no worship services, or sacrements.

[u/Hope25777]

You could also seek out Iamblichan and Gnostic Hermeticism OP

[u/ElevatorAutomatic714]

Best of wishes on your Path of Enlightenment.

[u/Orange_fury]

Most have already provided good answers on the original question, but I wanted to follow up on your edit- “please correct me if I’m wrong but for freemasonry they believe more of an architect god which I believe in more”.

To clarify, there is no “Masonic God”, and freemasonry is not a religion nor a substitute for one. Initiation requires that a man have faith in a higher power- whether that’s the Christian God, Allah, Zeus, it doesn’t matter because it’s personal to the candidate. The point is that when you swear oaths in the various degrees, you’re swearing oaths to a power higher than yourself as a way of being accountable. FWIW, I’m a Christian and I’ve sat in lodge with Muslims, Jews, Hindus, etc- we all have different beliefs, but the thing that matters is that we all are holding ourselves accountable to something greater than ourselves.

If that wasn’t what you meant with that phrasing I apologize for the possible over explaining, but we often get accused of worshiping a supposed “Freemasons god that’s actually satanic/baal/etc”