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Originally Posted by jeffreylees
So, I'm a only-in-a-Baptist-family member, of about a year and a half, I'm about 21, married, and just called to be my branch's Executive Secretary. I've got a daughter on the way and am in college, etc.
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I remember those days... Busy, but it's what life is all about.
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Originally Posted by jeffreylees
My wife's grandfather wishes me to join the local Masonic Lodge. I know that a decent amount of LDS men go to Lodge, as do a lot of other Christians. But I also hear that it's anti-Christian in some ways.
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Not anti-Christian, but equally open to all religions. ANY religion. That's a good thing. Got any specific examples? Due to certain Illinois difficulties in the 1840's, the Utah LDS Church and Utah freemasons didn't get along for many years. They buried the hatchet back in the 1970's or 80's. All is well now.
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Originally Posted by jeffreylees
What do you all think? Is it a good idea? I know that it's a good social step, especially around here, as far as jobs and 'strings' go. But is it doctrinally ok, and does it take huge amounts of time?
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I am a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, but am not a 'Blue Lodge' Freemason. I think if you want brotherly friendship, and are willing to give aid and not only receive aid, then you ought to go for it.
Here's an interesting .PDF on Joseph Smith and the three grand fundamental principles:
http://www.sunstoneonline.com/magazi.../141-32-41.pdf
It seems that back in the 1800's many Freemasons did a lot of studying about mystical or 'secret' teachings, and today most Freemasons don't give a fig for that stuff. If your testimony is strong and the Spirit is with you, I think you might find it beneficial to study up on the esoterics. That has been my path. You might have to search about a bit for someone who is like minded, though. I think joining the York rite would be helpful, though I know some Freemasons that did both the York and the Scottish, and benefitted.
Follow the spirit.
HiJolly