[Sethomas]

I think that he had nothing to do with Masonry, which was produced virtually ex nihilo in the 18th Century. I thought it was delightful when The History Channel didn't even entertain the thought of any ancient lineage for them in one of their many, many Da Vinci Code specials. Not that they hold a monopoly on historical truth, but given their tendency to play with any alternative theories it was refreshing.

If people want to pay for friends, sure, go for it. No different than college fraternities, I guess. I just think it's distressing to see grown men banter about Solomon's Temple and the Knights Templar in a context that can draw absolutely nothing from the two with any verisimilitude. One thing that does strike me as ironic, though, is that the Masons were founded to fill the void of hocus-pocus mysticism left by their Protestant rejection of Catholic sacraments. Ah well.