In the past, many important politicians, intellectuals, etc. were freemasons. are freemasons still important? are they important in universities? and in our econ dpts? -- share your stories here.
Economists who are Freemasons
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I am a (continental) freemason and also an economist at a good department in the US ("HRM"), so I can give my two cents.
First of all, just like Christianity includes Catholicism and Protestantism, there are several branches of freemasonry. One can distinguish at least two:Anglo-Saxon freemasonry: exclusively masculine, they require to believe in god and focus their ceremonies on symbolism and spiritualism. They prohibit discussion about politics or religion. This type of freemasonry is widespread in the UK and US.
Continental freemasonry: Usually more likely to accept women, don't require to believe in a God, their ceremonies support discussions and debates about major issues facing society. This branch is much more resemblant to what OP describes. Indeed, many advances in Europe (in France in particular) were pushed forward by 'continental' freemasons (separation of Church at State, abortion, abolition of death penalty etc...). Benjamin Franklin was a member and indeed many of the US founding fathers, thus leaving a footprint on the American Republic as well.
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I am a (continental) freemason and also an economist at a good department in the US ("HRM"), so I can give my two cents.
First of all, just like Christianity includes Catholicism and Protestantism, there are several branches of freemasonry. One can distinguish at least two:
Anglo-Saxon freemasonry: exclusively masculine, they require to believe in god and focus their ceremonies on symbolism and spiritualism. They prohibit discussion about politics or religion. This type of freemasonry is widespread in the UK and US.
Continental freemasonry: Usually more likely to accept women, don't require to believe in a God, their ceremonies support discussions and debates about major issues facing society. This branch is much more resemblant to what OP describes. Indeed, many advances in Europe (in France in particular) were pushed forward by 'continental' freemasons (separation of Church at State, abortion, abolition of death penalty etc...). Benjamin Franklin was a member and indeed many of the US founding fathers, thus leaving a footprint on the American Republic as well.How's the clubhouse? Do you get monogrammed robes?
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I am a (continental) freemason and also an economist at a good department in the US ("HRM"), so I can give my two cents.
First of all, just like Christianity includes Catholicism and Protestantism, there are several branches of freemasonry. One can distinguish at least two:
Anglo-Saxon freemasonry: exclusively masculine, they require to believe in god and focus their ceremonies on symbolism and spiritualism. They prohibit discussion about politics or religion. This type of freemasonry is widespread in the UK and US.
Continental freemasonry: Usually more likely to accept women, don't require to believe in a God, their ceremonies support discussions and debates about major issues facing society. This branch is much more resemblant to what OP describes. Indeed, many advances in Europe (in France in particular) were pushed forward by 'continental' freemasons (separation of Church at State, abortion, abolition of death penalty etc...). Benjamin Franklin was a member and indeed many of the US founding fathers, thus leaving a footprint on the American Republic as well.How's the clubhouse? Do you get monogrammed robes?
No. But, as a tradition, there are freemason attires that are symbolic and that you can find anywhere on the web.
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My grandfather was a FM and I received his apron. I been to a temple on invitation of their leader (forgot what he called himself). My conclusion was that it's a religious substitute with all kinds of rituals, which - just like religion - bores me and is a complete waste of time. Nothing goes on there.
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My grandfather was a FM and I received his apron. I been to a temple on invitation of their leader (forgot what he called himself). My conclusion was that it's a religious substitute with all kinds of rituals, which - just like religion - bores me and is a complete waste of time. Nothing goes on there.
You visited a traditional lodge i.e. Anglo-Saxon.
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I am a (continental) freemason and also an economist at a good department in the US ("HRM"), so I can give my two cents.
First of all, just like Christianity includes Catholicism and Protestantism, there are several branches of freemasonry. One can distinguish at least two:
Anglo-Saxon freemasonry: exclusively masculine, they require to believe in god and focus their ceremonies on symbolism and spiritualism. They prohibit discussion about politics or religion. This type of freemasonry is widespread in the UK and US.
Continental freemasonry: Usually more likely to accept women, don't require to believe in a God, their ceremonies support discussions and debates about major issues facing society. This branch is much more resemblant to what OP describes. Indeed, many advances in Europe (in France in particular) were pushed forward by 'continental' freemasons (separation of Church at State, abortion, abolition of death penalty etc...). Benjamin Franklin was a member and indeed many of the US founding fathers, thus leaving a footprint on the American Republic as well.So the 'continental' one is what 5ECB was talking about, right?