what is free masonary??

[capthowdy]

I watch the history channel a lot and they had a show on there not too long ago about the origins of the freemasons. It was speculated that when the survivng templars were fleeing france, they sought refuge in scotland. They created the freemasons society......but that is just speculation...interesting though.

[GeorgiaBob]

Let me first say I am not a Mason, although I have a great deal of interest in who they are and where they have their beginings. Let me go on to day that I was raised in the LDS church and have heard both the apologetic views of the LDS community and the Negative views of people like the Tanners. I was surprised to hear the Mason's refered to as a good old boy network. Coming from the south I know oh to well what that orginization is like and the Mason's in my opinion are not out merely for them selves. Although they do tend to show loyalty to fellow brothers. Masons have their roots in 16th / 17th century Europe. Some would claim that the Mason was derived from the builder of King Solomns Temple. This is a legend within the Masonic Folk-lore. If it is the history that one tries to understand about the Mason's I would suggest visiting http://www.brad.ac.uk/webofhiram/. This site provides a history of the lodges and their origins. The Masons have had their share of political power and societys scorn. They suffer from the same thing any organization does that keeps secrets, the public fears them.

As to the relationship of the Mormon Faith and Masonic Order. Historically one can not deny the impact of one organization on the other. Perhaps their will be those that will argue which came first the chicken or the egg. I point you to the following link as a possible response to that question. http://www.mormonismi.net/temppeli/d...puhe1974.shtml

The only real way to know what something is, is to try to become that thing.

[guysmy]

Originally Posted by capthowdy

I watch the history channel a lot and they had a show on there not too long ago about the origins of the freemasons. It was speculated that when the survivng templars were fleeing france, they sought refuge in scotland. They created the freemasons society......but that is just speculation...interesting though.

Personally I see the connections to the Knights Templar as a pretty far stretch. I'd describe it more like the Masons were influenced by the Knights Templar.