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Post by crossbow on Feb 25, 2014 13:01:34 GMT 9.5
I am interested to read how different forum members envisage the future of freemasonry.
Some suggested distinctions to guide responses might be as follows: What the member would like to see in the future What the member would not like to see in the future What the member expects to see in the future
Regarding such matters as:
The primary foci of its teachings
The direction of its push
Its culture / collective personality
And perhaps addressed in respect to different streams of masonry, such as: Male masonry Female masonry Co-masonry
More/less, and/or, any other thoughts on the matter.
Thank you, crossbow |
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Post by paul on Feb 25, 2014 14:11:08 GMT 9.5
I would be inclined to argue that the 4 lodges (with warrants from which GL?) that formed their own GL in London in 1717, commenced or at least facilitated a wrong turning in Masonry that moved the emphasis from highly educated men (and a few women) to a mainstream and relatively public social organisation that did not possess the genuine secrets. a406.proboards.com/thread/466/when-genuine-secrets-lostThe live connection to the ancient mysteries was lost when the brethren no longer had access to esoteric training. a406.proboards.com/thread/453/ancient-origins-masonic-ritualI would like to think that there is now a greater search for meaning in life and that much of the environmental and simplicity movements are based on an instinct for return to a more natural relationship with the rest of Existence. I am not sure that Freemasonry in its existing structure and administration can respond to the challenge. It may be that a greenfields approach is required for the new Masonry. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 17:39:00 GMT 9.5
"Freemasonry is now, and always was, an Eschatology, as may be proved by the whole of our signs, symbols, and words, and our rituals." Churchward
I believe that the tradition passed down, has survived, through a 'dark age'. A way of raising up men and women, and preserving knowledge, in preparation for a time when that same knowledge in its full glory surfaces once again.
There are clearly vastly varying understandings of the esoteric knowledge amongst Masons and otherwise, and we can only speculate as to the depth and breadth of the known mysteries amongst existing masters, but still I maintain that all will be known once more, and that Freemasonry will have played and will continue to play its part in the grand scheme.
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Post by LorrB on Feb 26, 2014 10:44:05 GMT 9.5
What interesting, and difficult (for me), questions you ask Crossbow.
I say ‘difficult for me’ because if anyone asks me what Freemasonry is, I don’t quite know what to say to them, and I have been a Freemason for 22 years. Part of that difficulty is that I belong to Masonry which admits both men and women and my husband belongs to the male only Masonry (which refuse to recognise us at an official level). We do not discuss our Freemasonry much because we hold differing views about it.
My Order is The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain. My lodge is part of the Australian Federation of that Order, which exists in 58 (?) different countries and even in our Order we have differences. The Australian Federation works the Lauderdale Ritual which is quite esoteric with regards to the symbolism and allegory than do the workings of the European countries. My lodge has had some European Brn join us, some loved our workings and one left because it was so different to what she was used to.
From my limited vision – I can see that Freemasonry in general works as a large net (fisherman’s variety). This net catches many and then there is the sorting out. This has its advantages and disadvantages. The sad part is that if one joins the type of Freemasonry that is not suitable for them, they will leave not knowing that more suitable choices might be made. In my case I could only join an Order that accepts women.
Re: The primary focus of its teachings… Imo, it might teach that the symbols and allegories speak for themselves, and at many levels of understanding. If Mind is the Builder then each must be left free to build their own structure, and to adorn/beautify that structure as best they are able.
Re: The direction of its push … ‘push’ I associate with ‘shove’ – lol - If we must push then how about demonstrating what we achieve by setting ‘good men made better’ examples. How many young men today now join Freemasonry not because of their fathers, but rather because of the grandfathers? What did grandfather exemplify that fathers today might not?
Re: Its culture/collective personality … The culture part is self-explanatory.. it should BE a cultured collective. Collective personality is an oxymoron ? I believe that even if it was possible to achieve a collective personality it would kill Masonry. Free… Free… Freemasonry.
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Post by paul on Feb 26, 2014 12:10:04 GMT 9.5
One of the difficulties may be the degree of ownership exercised by Grand Lodges. What if Masonry belonged to the GAOTU? How should it be managed in that case?
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Post by LorrB on Feb 26, 2014 19:30:49 GMT 9.5
By entities much more capable than us, hopefully  You never know all might be going to plan, we just can't appreciate the bigger picture. Challenges enable us to grow. |
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Post by LorrB on Feb 27, 2014 8:57:10 GMT 9.5
I just came across this and it reminded me of the many meek (insecure) people who find their way to Freemasonry. They see what goes on and think to themselves "I could never do that". They do the work nonetheless and years later find that THEY CAN. Knowledge of some things can become scary ... most especially when dealing with things unseen. Love/Beauty - Courage/Strength - Knowledge/Wisdom. Tim man - Lion - Scarecrow. Knowledge scares people a lot of the time and (some  ) Grand Lodges oftentimes tend to discourage their Brothers ? Freemasonry, on the other hand, provides a process whereby the meek become strong, and hopefully it continues to do so. |
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Post by crossbow on Feb 27, 2014 12:49:14 GMT 9.5
Thank you for your responses Paul, fibonaccimatrix, and LorrB.
There is quite a contrast between them.
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Post by LorrB on Feb 27, 2014 13:23:06 GMT 9.5
And there are probably even more out there. Maybe that is part of the genius of Freemasonry, it is a process that is effective at every level of understanding.
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Post by sammy on Feb 27, 2014 13:48:50 GMT 9.5
What interesting, and difficult (for me), questions you ask Crossbow. I say ‘difficult for me’ because if anyone asks me what Freemasonry is, I don’t quite know what to say to them, and I have been a Freemason for 22 years. Part of that difficulty is that I belong to Masonry which admits both men and women and my husband belongs to the male only Masonry (which refuse to recognise us at an official level). We do not discuss our Freemasonry much because we hold differing views about it. My Order is The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain. My lodge is part of the Australian Federation of that Order, which exists in 58 (?) different countries and even in our Order we have differences. The Australian Federation works the Lauderdale Ritual which is quite esoteric with regards to the symbolism and allegory than do the workings of the European countries. My lodge has had some European Brn join us, some loved our workings and one left because it was so different to what she was used to. From my limited vision – I can see that Freemasonry in general works as a large net (fisherman’s variety). This net catches many and then there is the sorting out. This has its advantages and disadvantages. The sad part is that if one joins the type of Freemasonry that is not suitable for them, they will leave not knowing that more suitable choices might be made. In my case I could only join an Order that accepts women. Re: The primary focus of its teachings… Imo, it might teach that the symbols and allegories speak for themselves, and at many levels of understanding. If Mind is the Builder then each must be left free to build their own structure, and to adorn/beautify that structure as best they are able. Re: The direction of its push … ‘push’ I associate with ‘shove’ – lol - If we must push then how about demonstrating what we achieve by setting ‘good men made better’ examples. How many young men today now join Freemasonry not because of their fathers, but rather because of the grandfathers? What did grandfather exemplify that fathers today might not? Re: Its culture/collective personality … The culture part is self-explanatory.. it should BE a cultured collective. Collective personality is an oxymoron ? I believe that even if it was possible to achieve a collective personality it would kill Masonry. Free… Free… Freemasonry. I think equality will be our futures only hope (in any system). Look at it like a blessing you aren't in that company, you aren't being looked down upon. |
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Post by crossbow on Feb 28, 2014 19:18:32 GMT 9.5
Yes, when its practiced correctly, in accordance with its guidelines.
(sorry LorrB, I inadvertently deleted the quote of yours and can't get it back) |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2014 19:26:00 GMT 9.5
Thank you for your responses Paul, fibonaccimatrix, and LorrB. There is quite a contrast between them. Indeed, perhaps the common ground can tell us more? |
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Post by crossbow on Feb 28, 2014 20:31:14 GMT 9.5
I would like to see freemasonry continue as it is generally going. With three distinct streams available - male, female, and co-masonry.
I do look forward to a time when the discretion/secrecy/anonymity element of male masonry is able to re-tighten itself. Naturally the present organisational loosening/openness is a survival requirement for current times. And of course the effects of organisational openness needn't effect the individual mason who seeks the personal benefits of discretion for he may still acquire those through his own discrete membership and living.
Overall, to my looking, all seems to be on track.
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Post by sammy on Feb 28, 2014 23:12:40 GMT 9.5
I would like to see freemasonry continue as it is generally going. With three distinct streams available - male, female, and co-masonry. I do look forward to a time when the discretion/secrecy/anonymity element of male masonry is able to re-tighten itself. Naturally the present organisational loosening/openness is a survival requirement for current times. And of course the effects of organisational openness needn't effect the individual mason who seeks the personal benefits of discretion for he may still acquire those through his own discrete membership and living. Overall, to my looking, all seems to be on track. I will say I have been following masonry very closely for a good 5 years now. I am pretty sure I have a general idea of its direction, but I still have no idea of its methods during meetings. Just pictures of the checkerboard and people, kinda hard to get anything out of that. I do agree with you though, its secrets are more loose. From how I have seen it play out though, it has been for the better. Now that we are on the discussion of chapters. I have found there is hundreds if not thousands of different lodges, just in my state alone. How am I to search for one for myself? As you can all see, I have some pretty crazy thoughts and not everyone agrees with them. Is there like a masonic lodge personality test I can take or something? HAHA... seriously. Mostly, if I do join I want it to be a growing experience. |
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Post by paul on Mar 1, 2014 5:58:04 GMT 9.5
Before I first joined a craft lodge, I parked outside the temple and observed a wobbly stream of blue energy from Sirius, so I joined. But I think that was somewhat exceptional.
Later, after a gap of some years, I rang the secretaries of possible lodges, and when I found a secretary who read the same books as I was reading, I joined. I am still there.
My experience however is that very few brethren are interested in the hidden mysteries of nature and science, so the most practical requirement is a lodge that is truly harmonious. This can be determined by visiting, or even just parking outside while the brethren go in.
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Post by sammy on Mar 1, 2014 9:35:33 GMT 9.5
I will do some searching around, thank you! Like I said I got many to choose from. |
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Post by LorrB on Mar 25, 2014 8:01:26 GMT 9.5
I would like to see freemasonry continue as it is generally going. With three distinct streams available - male, female, and co-masonry. Have been thinking of the different branches of Freemasonry of late and agree with you crossbow that there is room for male, female and freemasonry for men and women. I am rather hoping that somewhere in the future of Freemasonry there are fewer problems with the 'recognition' issue. It is all very confusing at present especially in Europe. I know, and am friends with, several women from the Order of Women Freemasons - we are not allowed to officially visit each other's lodge. Pity, so much for being Free. We remain friends nonetheless and swap stories.I do look forward to a time when the discretion/secrecy/anonymity element of male masonry is able to re-tighten itself. Must admit I have never understood the need for anonymity in this day and age particularly in this country. In previous ages one needed to be all those things to survive. What advantages do you see for increasing discretion/secrecy/anonymity?
Naturally the present organisational loosening/openness is a survival requirement for current times. Maybe that is a good thing? We are no longer put to death for free thinking and sharing with others? And of course the effects of organisational openness needn't effect the individual mason who seeks the personal benefits of discretion for he may still acquire those through his own discrete membership and living. I guess tightening things up and not being so open might make management easier though. On the other hand if the membership impress people with their kindness, generosity, good character, and all the fine qualities that Freemasonry engenders then the Order will attract more good men to join and it will grow and extend its good influence.Overall, to my looking, all seems to be on track. |
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Post by paul on Mar 26, 2014 8:40:20 GMT 9.5
>Overall, to my looking, all seems to be on track.
In my view, with the rapidly rising consciousness of the human race, there is a great need for spiritually-based non-religious organisations to provide guidance and support to hundreds of millions of awakening humans.
Where will we find or how will we create organisations sufficient to cope with those numbers?
Freemasonry is generally declining while the need for support to suitable humans is becoming huge.
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Post by LorrB on Mar 26, 2014 9:11:42 GMT 9.5
It seems to me that those awakening are finding a little here and little there of what they need from public/commercial organizations. Yoga, meditation groups, Healing groups (Reiki et al), movies and TV, Theosophy and other similar organizations which teach about the Mystery traditions, these all spring to mind.
When the student is ready the teacher appears! With hundreds of millions of awakening humans, life should prove interesting indeed.
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Post by paul on Mar 26, 2014 9:21:40 GMT 9.5
>life should prove interesting indeed.
The changing consciousness of the population is affecting politics and power struggles are increasing.
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) Grand Lodges oftentimes tend to discourage their Brothers ?