My story goes as such: I was in college in an advanced financial degree where my professor introduced us into what really runs the global economy. A few months later 9/11 happened. I instantly knew something wasn't right.
To try and keep it short.... I realized freemasons were a huge factor in our society. I researched the shit out of it. I kept going back and forth...are they good or evil?
While I was researching these issues, my grandpa passed and I inherited a masonic ring (which turned out to be my great grandpa's) He was a good man, so I decided to petition a local lodge. If you can't beat them, join 'em?!
Here I am 14 years later reading about Q. I never once ran across an evil or nefarious mason. I have met at least 5 active(only 66 in the US) and many honorary 33rd freemasons. I was present at Harry Truman's grandsons 3rd degree in Joliet (did I just dox myself?) I really think it was originally founded to be a great thing. Even the US Constitution was damn near a direct copy of the masonic constitution.
But here I am, wanting to disavow my membership, based on the posts here and what Q has posted. I took my oath, on a Bible, with all of my energy focused toward God, Charity and Brotherly love. I did many great and honorable things with my local lodge. We brought money and food to local widows during Christmas, I flew burn victims free of charge, through our Shriner Aviator club, etc... I thought I was doing a good thing. I know we were infiltrated at some point, but please understand it is most likely at the highest levels.
I need guidance my Frens. I am going through a divorce. My whole world is changing. I look to this special group for guidance. When SHTF I don't want to be taken out by the Q group because I am a freemason. I haven't been to a meeting in 5+ years and the only reason I am still a member is because I bought a life membership. What do I do?
I hope this helps shed some light on your questions. You mention your great-grandfather was a mason. My grandfather was. This was common for men of some importance or stature, and business owners, to become masons in the first few decades of the 21st century. These were good, upstanding citizens, who put God and country first, and used the fraternity of the organization to help those in need on a local level. My grandfather was such a person, and there was not an evil bone in his body. He was honorable, and raised a fine family.
This is not to say that they were infiltrated by evildoers previously, those who were at higher levels. These evildoers used the infrastructure of the organization, and the funds collected, to do whatever it is they do. But those at the local level were never allowed "into the loop" except on very, very rare occasions, and then those individuals were threatened into secrecy.
Also, keep in mind that these organizations were originally formed to keep craftsman skills within families, when there were no books or schools to teach them. These skills were livelihoods, and meant everything. Don't necessarily blame the organization itself...blame the infiltrators.
In all honesty, there is little use for the masons, or the other, similar organizations, any longer. Any decision you make will have to be with your gut.