I’ve never heard of a Lodge having a liquor license, and the comments in this and other threads implying that we’re a bunch of old guys getting together to drink is inaccurate, ignorant, and insulting. While it may be true that some of us, sometimes, go OUT for a beer after meetings, it’s certainly not a drinking club. And if a Brother has say, a third or fourth beer, we’ll heavily question him about how he’s getting home, and watch him for signs of intoxication. Without discussing the specifics, controlling desires is fundamental to the Craft.
We don’t say there’s anything wrong with women or atheists. It’s simply that our tradition is that we are a fraternity; just as men aren’t allowed in sororities. There are similar organizations for women, and if those aren’t up to their standards, they can reform or create new ones, and we would support them to the extent possible. As far as atheism goes, much of our ritual and trust is based upon a mutual belief in a Great Architect; if you don’t believe in that, we’re not right for you. If you don’t believe in evolution, don’t join a Darwinist organization; if you don’t believe in tyranny, don’t join a democracy/republicanism organization. I don’t get how that can be difficult to understand.
I was going to duck this one since we are wandering off the main purpose of the OP but ----
I never said Masons were a religion, did I? Or call you a Church or anything like that? No; just that it is Christian based. Or would you prefer at the very least heavily biased? And its very easily proven. Google “Masonic Torah” or “Masonic Koran” and compare the results to the same for “Masonic Bible”. People may stretch the truth sometimes and statistics can be even worse. But rarely does a look at the open market lead us astray.
One of two things seem likely to me at this point:
YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary. Or in other words you are in an area with some basically liberal Lodges.
The Masons are where society was 50 years ago (when some of my best friends were insert-your-favorite-label-here) and are having problems facing that.
Will the “Blue Lodges” ever reach the point they truly are just a “secular brotherhood”? Maybe - but be ready for it to become a “personhood” shortly thereafter. Just ask the Odd Fellows.
OK - lets see if I have this right. Because of people who don’t know “the Craft” talking you must have secrets? I’ll let that slide because I understand the spirit if not the wording. But I have to ask; in the age of the internet and with the number of past members roaming around one place or another, what secrets are left? OK - that’s partly rhetorical unless we shake hands and/or exchange pennies (anyone still do that?). But you see what I mean, don’t you?
Don’t get me wrong; like the various “animal clubs” (Lions, Eagles, Moose, etc) and other Lodges (Odd Fellows, etc) Masons can be a lot of fun. And there are worse things out there people can join. But lets be honest about just what it is at this point in history.