I completely understand what you mean about the secretive thing. If it is an honorable and reputable fraternity, why is so much of what they do secret?
My grandfather was a mason and wanted my dad to be a part of it as well. My dad grew up around masons and over-hearing so much of what they talked about in refernce to the things they did. This was during a time when kids really were seen and not heard so he got to witness more than he probably should have. He never said that masons were bad or immoral or anything like that. Basically, all he every said about them was "Why would I want to be around a bunch of jacka**es? Just so I can say I am one of the jacka**es? No thanks."
I remember seeing pictures of my grandfather and his fellow masons. Why on earth would one crown and robe a chimp and call him a brother is still beyond me. Maybe they drink a lot at the meetings. LOL
I would not encourage one to become a mason or an eastern star. However, that is because I do not know enough about them. Since they are so secretive, how does one find out if they even want to be a mason when they do not know anything about them and cannot find out without becoming one. Hmm...
I think I will see if I can find that book mentioned in a previous reply. I bet it will be enlightening.