The most dangerous question to ask a Mason is "Why?" Let's be sincere about this... most Masons do not have a clue as to how to respond to intimate questions concerning the Craft, its History, Traditions, Inner Workings, Purpose and Objectives. They will, with great effort, reply to "Why?" with the programmed responses that they have been taught. However, they generally fall into the abyss with comments such as, "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you," or "I'm not sure, that's just the way it is," or "I can't, it's a secret!"
I'm currently working with a college student in Connecticut who is writing a thesis entitled "To What Extent Was/Is Freemasonry Corrupt." How would you reply to the following questions that this individual tasked me with:
1) Why are you a Freemason? 2) What is Freemasonry's purpose? 3) Why become a Freemason? 4) Do you think that Freemasonry is corrupt? 5) Is Freemasonry a religion? 6) What is your opinion of Freemasonry in the early 1800's? 7) Was one, or more, anti-Masons murdered by Masons in the 1820's? 8) Are you aware of the workings of Grand Masters and those in control of the Higher Degrees? 9) Is there a close knit "Inner Circle" in Freemasonry? 10) Why are Masons seen as racist and sexist? 11). What is the relationship between Freemasonry and the Illuminati? 12). Why is it so hard to get a Mason to talk openly about Freemasonry? 13) Why are some people so opposed to Freemasonry?
If you don't know how to respond to these questions, be honest! Then go find out the answers for yourself.
Keith F. Walker, PM