You've got questions? We have answers.

I have a site counter that tracks the exact search requests people have done to come here. From time to time I like to post some of the queries people make. Sometimes they are amusing but this time I got a pattern of legitimate sounding queries.

In the past 24 hours I have had at least five people enter a variation on the phrase 'How to become a Freemason?' and end up here.

Since, apparently, this is a burning question, let me answer it.

Search request #1: "How do I become a Freemason?"

You become a Freemason, typically, by asking a Freemason.

However, even before you do that, make sure you qualify. You must first and foremost be a man of good character. Second, you must have friends who will testify to your character and, third, you must profess a belief in God. Not any specific God, simply a belief in a God that is responsible for the creation of the Universe. It doesn't matter what religion you belong to, including no religion at all, you just have to profess a belief in God.

If you know someone who is a Freemason, and you meet these qualifications, chances are that your friend will be thrilled when you ask him. In almost all cases he will eagerly sponsor your membership to a lodge. If you don't feel like you know anyone who is a Freemason, well it is about time you did.

Freemasonry, in the United States, is broken up by individual State; there is no 'Grand Lodge of America'. If we go back to the founding of this country we find a strong belief in states rights. Every state in the country has its own Grand Lodge. Early on George Washington was asked to head up a Grand Lodge of America, but he declined.

Your next step, depending on the state you live in, is simply to type 'Grand Lodge Of .." and the name of the state you live in, into a Google search. The first hit that will almost always come up is a website for the Grand Lodge of that State. Most Grand Lodge websites have a form that you can fill out online that you can send it. In a short time a lodge in your area will be notified and you will receive a phone call. You can also simply search for lodges in your area and do the same thing. If you come in this way, without having been recomended by a member of that lodge, then your references will be checked more thoroughly to make sure you are indeed a man of good character and that you do not have missconceptions or unrealistic expectations about the institution.

Search request #2 : "May a Catholic become a Freemason?"

The simple answer to this is absolutely yes. Freemasonry is open to men of all religious faiths, so long as they profess a belief in God. That is the only question you will ever be asked and that is the only religious requirement to join. It doesn't matter what Church you attend, you will be welcome. However, you must also recognize the requirement that there be absolutely *no* religious discussion within a Freemason lodge. This is to promote harmony and it is just good common sense. In fact, neither politics nor religion are allowed to be discussed in the lodge.

That said, while Freemasonry might not care whether you are a Catholic or not, the Catholic church may have its own opinion on the topic. The Catholic faith already has its own analouge for Freemasonry and it is called 'The Knights of Columbus'. Historically speaking, the Catholic Church hasn't been real open minded on the topic of religious tolerance so you might want to think this through carefully for yourself. Many good Catholics still follow their own conscience on specific issues of dogma and can easily reconcile membership in a charitable fraternal organization such as Freemasonry with their personal faith.

The choice is up to the individual. Just remember, Freemasonry itself has no problem with Catholics joining whatsoever.

Search request #3 : "Visiting another lodge"

Visiting another lodge can be a fantastic experience. However, just showing up at a lodge on a meeting night when you don't know anyone inside is probably not a good idea. It is always best to contact the lodge secretary or worshipful master ahead of time. Most lodges have a website with contact information. You can even use Google Earth to find a lodge to visit. Just go to the place you plan to visit on the globe and then perform a 'local search' on Freemason lodge. It will immediately show every lodge in the area usually with websites and phone numbers. So long as you call ahead of time and the lodge is expecting you, you will be received like a long lost brother at the door. Just make sure you have your dues card. Some lodges will put you through a formal ceremony where you will be asked questions and will swear an oath that you are a regular Freemason with their lodge. Don't be intimidated by this ceremony. It is really cool and your hosts must also prove themselves to you as well.

Search request #4 : Entered Appentice Ritual questions.

I can't answer this one. It would depend on your jurisdiction. Masonic rituals are posted in numerous places on the Internet, I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding some.

Search request #5 : "Freemasons, what do they believe?"

Freemasons believe that there is a God, the Great Architect of the Universe, and that God compells us to do good and to spread light in the world. Light, in this context, is knowledge. Freemasons believe that through science, logic, rhetoric, and mathematics we better understand the mind of God and his great design. We teach fundamental moral principles through the symbols of geometry and the working tools of a builder in stone. We believe that each man is imperfect, like a rough ashlar, and through self-examination and improvement he can achieve a more perfect state. He does this by acting upon the square, meeting upon the level, and circumscribing his passions within the points of the compass.

Freemasons believe that politics and religious discussion are divisive and that is better to focus on what is common in man, a shared belief in God and our duty to do good in our lives, than our differences.

I could go on, but you get the gist of it.

Search request #6 : "Ageia John Ratcliff"

Yes, I work for a company called Ageia and, yes, my name is John Ratcliff. If you are so curious just click on the link for my resume. This blog is personal and I do not talk about my job on it.

Just as Freemasons teach that discussions of religion and politics in a lodge are unharmonious I believe, wholeheartedly, that discussions of your employer on a personal web log is completely inappropriate.

Ok, this ends my responses to the search requests that have found their way here in the past 24 hours. I hope this answered some questions.