We have lots of organisations around these days which benefit individuals, societies and humanity in general, and it is heart warming to see. We can choose to participate one way or the other in or with these wonderful bodies of people.
Can we put Freemasonry into this category, or is it unique in some way?
- What can Masons do that is unique? - Is Freemasonry unique in some way.
The answer to the first is: not much these days.
The answer to the second is rather dependent on what is meant by Freemasonry. If it means Grand Lodge Freemasonry then the answer is: no.
If however Freemasonry refers to those human brethren who are true and faithful to the GAOTU, then the answer is that it is unique because the GAOTU is unique (albeit two-faced)
We have lots of organizations around these days which benefit individuals, societies and humanity in general, and it is heart warming to see. We can choose to participate one way or the other in or with these wonderful bodies of people.
Can we put Freemasonry into this category, or is it unique in some way?
Freemasonry, is unique, in the fact, that it teaches you, if prepared, to think for yourself, there are many, many organizations that will do the thinking for you, but very few, very few, that will encourage you to think for yourself
Freemasonry, is unique, in the fact, that it teaches you, if prepared, to think for yourself, there are many, many organizations that will do the thinking for you, but very few, very few, that will encourage you to think for yourself
That is true.
In which case, I do wonder why the Grand Lecturers rely so heavily on Masonic history lessons and not more on philosophy, or the symbolism of the signs, symbols and allegories of Freemasonry.
Much can be revealed by comparing masonic symbolism with that of Qabbala and the Sufis for example. It seems the esoteric side of all religions are in agreement about things.
Maybe the uniqueness of Freemasonry might lie in that Brn of all religious persuasions, or no religion at all, might contemplate the mysteries of science, nature, spirit in love, peace and harmony.
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting…trailing clouds of glory do we come from God, who is our home -Wordsworth
Much can be revealed by comparing masonic symbolism with that of Qabbala and the Sufis for example. ....
Also there is much from Mithraism in Masonic ritual.
Unfortunately the Authentic school of Masonic history does not consider such matters and English-derived Grand Lodges tend not to encourage such discussions.
In which case, I do wonder why the Grand Lecturers rely so heavily on Masonic history lessons and not more on philosophy, or the symbolism of the signs, symbols and allegories of Freemasonry.
Because they don't have to think, they are more interested in rank than knowledge
I have argued before on forums that maybe it would be more advantageous for masons if the fancy collars (whose adornment is supposed to represent the advancement of the soul in Beauty) were exchanged for plain and heavy chain from the hardware store. A reminder that somewhere in our rituals reference is made to the true reward for good service is' ever greater service in His Holy Temple'.
I have to confess when I used to hear those words I used to drop my shoulders, loook up and think 'thanks God'
Having said that though, I can imagine that seeking honours for honours sake is one way to learn, or teach to others, lessons re humility, intention, love of self and others.
The positive side to honours for honours sake is that sometimes it is the very thing needed to demonstrate to a person that they can make a difference... they can have personal power, enough to change things.
Once they have learned that lesson comes the difficult one of learning how to only use it for the benefit of others.
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting…trailing clouds of glory do we come from God, who is our home -Wordsworth
