Certainly not a member myself, but have been exposed to a rather extensive study of them. I will try to answer a specific question if you have one, but will echo OMM here. Albert Pike was a confederate General, who wrote a book entitled Morals and Dogma, he was probably the most revered American mason, (Pike’s Peak, the highest point in the Rocky’s I believe, is named in honor of him) also if I am not mistaken he is the only person “buried” above ground in Arlington National Cemetary. As you ascend the degrees of Masonry the truth of their beliefs, if played correctly, can come into focus, most people never ascend this and are referred to as “porch masons” as they never actually enter the temple of Solomon. Solomon is a euphemism of “sun and moon”. Esoterically they have a particular knowledge that has been hidden or occulted, it is revealed to those who they deem worthy and are initiated into their rites. Practically, most people provide a social/political power base, but never fully achieve or understand what the order truly believes or what it’s aims are. They believe strongly in doing work in the community, they feel we are all “builders of the temple”, both within and in the world. “As above, so below” is the principle of correspondence and this is the cornerstone of that service, but I would advise anyone to tread very carefully before joining any society, and swearing oaths when the ultimate goals and beliefs are unknown to the initiate and only revealed in very limited circumstances to very select brethren.
