Even ExSoldier told you it dates back to Solomon.
As for nmh, I'm a regular lurker on those Crevo threads, and he is one of the very few intellectually honest gentlemen on there.
He manages to maintain his faith and integrity without blind prejudice. Because of that, he's a good witness to non-believers and questioners like myself.
If all of you were like him and Alamo Girl, the Churches would be running over with believers.
My Bible study teacher was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner for some twenty years. His opinion of Masonry is vastly different from yours and pretty much on par with Ex-Soldier's. Perhaps instead of simply lashing out in rage at everyone that criticizes Masonry (and candidly, your vitriol on this thread has not been in character for you), you might consider the possibility that not all lodges are as "Christian" as yours, and that the symbolism of the initiation rites is disturbing when you delve into it.
Uh... what statement? lol