This is one of the more fascinating threads I have read on GLP. Thanks OP for sharing your story.

Your level headed attitude is appreciated and your effort to learn for yourself the inner workings of these organizations is commendable.

Reading this discussion has reinforced some of my personal theories about how the black ops propaganda machine has steered us towards mistrust of all things masonic.

I have had many friends become horrified to find out their fathers or grandfathers were masons, and I have tried to explain to them that such associations do not necessarily mean their relatives were evil.

I believe that all such organizations are merely frameworks, and the intent of the initiate is the true alchemy that makes it all work. So those with a righteous intent can use the tools provided to create harmony and those who crave power will use the exact same tools to overwhelm and control.

All of us are battling to balance the dark and the light within ourselves. It is foolish to paint any spiritual or political practice with a broad brush since they are made up of individuals with the ability to exercise their own free will.

We are all influenced by many forces of which we are currently ignorant. At least the Freemasons recognize such influences and attempt to harness them instead of letting them run rampant.

It is just a shame that the general populace is taught to be suspicious of any ritual initiation procedures. Such ceremonies are vital to awakening consciousness, but our media machine has done their best to associate such knowledge with evil.

We have so much to learn. Thanks for doing your part OP to shed some light on the misconceptions about modern day masonry.