I am a Mason and an officer in the Grand Lodge of Utah. I know Glen Cook. I too am an active member of the Church and have never feared for my association.

Masonry is not for everybody. SeattleUte is way off base on his understanding of Masonry. The Masonic ritual existed long before the Church was restored. Anybody that thinks one is a rip-off of the other is simply ill informed. There are similarities, but the Church has to yield to FreeMasonry on this given the history.

The only thing SeattleUte said that makes sense is that you would be better served to join a local Rotary Club (depending on where you live) if you want to network. Masonry is for those that enjoy the historical and symbolic nature of the society.

It seems like way too much trouble.