Any premeds out there who are Masons? I was wondering if you listed this (i.e. any community service, etc associated w/ the craft) on your apps or interviews. Good idea? I know that some of the public has the wrong idea about this fraternity. I was just curious. Thanks.
Freemasonry?
- Thread starter deltaS
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Wouldn't that kind of be like writing down "Skull and Bones" -- I mean, are you really supposed to advertise (per the rules of the organization) that you're in the organization? I don't know ... you tell me. I'm sure med schools would have no problem with it if you explained it. In fact, it might intrigue your interviewer and be a great topic of discussion if you have a lot of positive stuff to talk about. (On the other hand, if you arrive wearing a "fez" or a long black cloak, you might just ruin your chances.)
Advertising is not a problem with Masonry. If you look around, you'll see rings, ties license plates, etc. "It is not a secret society, just a society with secrets." The problem is that especially in the bible belt, it is sometimes not looked upon with great favor (lots of nonsense about satinism, new world orders, etc.). And all male organizations are not too pc these days. But I have done quite a bit of service activities within the organization, and I was just wondering what others have done about this.
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I'm also curious, as my fiance has petitioned to join. I had always heard they were a good society, but I did some online research about it and to be quite honest, was a little concerned after reading about some of the initiation rights and such. So, what are they really about? And, should I be worried or should I be glad he's joining?
It is a good society. They are one of the largest charitable organizations in the US (but they are not strictly a charity group). Masonic orders like the Shriners and the Scottish & York Rites donate millions a year to help children, mothers, and those in need, without ever asking for anything (al la Shriners Burn hospital, etc). What spooks so many is the secrecy around the fraternity. I think the most interesting thing about the Masons is that they do not recruit. Your fianc? first had to ask a Mason to become a member before he petitioned. And that is how it has always been, an act of their own free will. It is the oldest fraternity in the world, and because of this, their rites may seem a little archaic and odd. But there is no need to be alarmed here. When your fianc? is fully initiated, he will laugh at all of these internet allegations. They are quite funny. Although my opinion is biased, I would be glad that he is joining. I am sure he is. Just ask him. Contrary to what you may think, there is much about the craft he can tell you. I hope this helps.
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Thanks a bunch deltaS, I do feel much better. My fiance has several relatives that are members, so that's how he found out about it and such. I shouldn't worry anyway, because he never does anything that could be construed as sketchy, but all those internet sites kinda scared me. Maybe it'll be good and give him something to help occupy his time when/if I'm in med school. 🙂 Oh....and do people ever quit? Is it allowed? How does that work? Thanks a bunch!
Sure, you can quit. Most often, people just become inactive. You can then become active again when it pleases you. From my experience, they have been quite open to my time constraints (school, work, this never-ending application cycle). But you can just up and quit if you like. Like anything else you do, you get out of it what you put in.
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When a co-worker of mine had a family crisis (wife became seriously ill), his lodge brothers (is this the term?) really came through - they paid his mortgage, watched his child so he could go to the hospital, etc., etc. I thought it was touching, they were more supportive almost than his actualy family.
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liverotcod said:
Indeed.
I had a neighbor who was a mason.
Supposedly, it is custom for a mason to leave a certain % of money/belongings to the lodge when he dies as he ended up doing(maybe it's just a local lodge tradition).
I've since read books about freemasonry. It's actually rather harmless.
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W222 said:
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W222 said:
The ring that would enable you to get free soft drinks would be pretty sweet.
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deltaS, ygpm
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For an excellent "opera-mentory" about masonic initiation rites, watch Mozart's Magic Flute.
OckhamsRzr
OckhamsRzr
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i would put it. im not a mason, but i am a member of another such "secret" group. i dont think there is a lot of animosity towards masonic orders, or any other similar type organisation, especially among the more educated. so in no way do i think it would hurt, and a great reason to put it is that if by chance whoever is reading your app is also a member, then well its going to be your lucky day...
