The difference is that some people claim Freemasons rule the world and are basically synonymous with the Illuminati (which is a stupid word in many ways but that's neither H/T), which is nothing but an urban legend. As insinuated in this thread, most are basically just little social clubs with rituals (which they may or may not be aware of the meanings to) and they all aren't the exact same. That's why many Freemasons and Eastern Stars laugh at the "Youtube" portrayal of Freemasons because they aren't practicing it the same way and given the same teachings rituals. I'd say there's quite a difference between what people in my family and their lodges/chapters do compared to, I don't know, The Skull & Bones Society at Yale. Most of these now days are just social clubs people join to make friends and connections as well have another excuse to drink. They don't know what the highest level lodges do.
What's the major benefit behind all the secrecy? It's either the masses are too dumb to understand the exotic information you acquire, or you're propanganding bull**** for the sake of having connections. Personally, I've always had other ways to build a network so the incentive isn't huge. I'll probably bring this up at the "meeting".
I can say with some amount of certainty that the Yale secret societies (including Bones) aren't the big bad societies that the rest of society portrays them to be.
This isn't Rezdawgs greek chapter that passes around tips on how to cheat. Or Skull and Bones. From what I know most people are established/professionals. I will say this - I have gone through medicals and given blood in addition to extensive background checks.
Who knows, maybe I can be this boards deep throat. A lot of you have always want to be deep throated - don't mess up your chance with unmitigated speculation.
Regardless of what the truth is in that regard, the fact is that the secret societies at the lowest levels are nothing like portrayed or talked about in the internet rumors. The elite ones are a much different story and at the very least, regardless of what you believe, they are different than the low level ones. My family considers themselves devout Christians and still have been in Masonry/OES for decades.
^^ the craziest thing about that movie was that mr. cruise left the cab driver waiting outside with the meter running, 300 mile drive. It came out to like an 5,000 cab fair for the night. Honey boo bear talks a nice game, but he ain't dropping more than $7 for a taxi. cruise = elite baller. we know what honey boo bear is, a backup troll at best. he has his moments every now and then.
I had an ex whose father was in the Masons. Now, while he openly acknowledged that HIS chapter didn't really partake in many Earth-shattering activities, he did allude to the fact that some of the more powerful groups within the organization had their hands in a few major events over the past centuries. It's interesting to talk about if nothing else. I think as time goes on, we are going to find that this elitist, ritualistic nonsense is going to lose it's pull, and more and more people will impact society on an individual scale.
I disagree. I think the top part of the hierarchy or pyramid if you will... Spoiler ...has always had control, a hidden hand if you will, in the shaping of the future of this country (let alone planet). They literally aren't almost playing with strings and telling people what to do imo but they reign subtle control over others and if they don't comply, then they can be removed and replaced. All of our so-called politicians, once again, aren't literal puppets (though some just may be at this point, look up Monarch programming and MK Ultra) but instead are told what to do and the consequences for doing so. Some aren't scared to die but then in a cowardly way, they'll have a family member killed or threatened, which would leave the guilt on the person for doing something to get them killed. I could go deeper but I don't think many will take me seriously so I'll leave it at that.
It's really sad that, in this day and age, there are still gay people that feel the need to be secretive in their gay love.