So explain to me everything about the masons.
I can only say how I see it and my knowledge goes only to a certain degree, literally. Also, each individual mason has a unique view of masonry and may tell you something a bit different.
Who are they?
They are a brotherhood of like-minded and open-minded people who try to better themselves, so the core value is personal development.
The other core value is a belief in a supreme being or power that is bigger than us.
Why do they have a secret society?
I don’t think they are particularly secret nowadays, but historically, it was necessary because not everyone was open-minded enough to participate in rituals that require the open-mindedness, I suppose. Also, these people usually study some kind of an occult or spiritual teaching of their choice.
But it’s not mandatory, it’s just that these people usually believe in the supernatural. Which in the past used to be considered heretic — I guess that was the main reason for the secrecy. Study of the supernatural was forbidden by the religious powers and persecuted.
Why do I know people who are part of it?
If you are drawn towards the spiritual or occult, you naturally meet people who are alike.
Are they bad or good?
I cannot honestly answer that question. They are still people. Some are good, some try to be good, and some are in for the promise of contacts in interesting spheres of the society or power. Just people.
Should I be concerned?
I think that masons are given too much credit for sinister stuff :)) I would be more worried about political-industrial mafia than freemasons.
What do they do to our world?
They try to make humanity better by bettering themselves individually. This process is metaphorically called “building the Temple of Solomon” and expressed through other symbolism.
And of course, they have rituals. I’ve reached only a certain degree out of 33 and, so far, all rituals were decent.
It’s a bit like visiting a church service, but instead of just sitting there, a member participates actively in the process.
I can’t speak for the higher degree rituals of course, but I wouldn’t expect anything nasty.