Comments on: The Masonic Myth http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/ Masonic Thinking and Working Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:40:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.1 By: Jim Barr http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/#comment-20 Jim Barr Tue, 31 Jul 2007 02:38:09 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/#comment-20 Great article! In college (about 20 years ago) I took a class on mythology, and my professor, while not requiring us to read Campbell's book, drew much of the course curriculum from the book. The prevailing notion that it is man's innate desire to want to understand himself and his place in the universe was evident, and it made for an excellent framework in studying the great ancient myths. I believe that the myths and mysteries of Freemasonry are a big part of its draw. While Masons aspire to pursue the sciences and to be critical in thinking, mystery and myth add a dimension that, to me anyway, just makes it all that much more enjoyable, exciting, and relevent. I personally feel that the possible "Templar connection" not only enriches the overall Masonic myth, but it provides a tangible and noble framework around which "modern" men really should aspire. We have become such a relativistic society that we have all but forgotten the historical roots and intentions of our founders. While the myth may or may not be true, it provides a direct link to a past that once represented high ideals and virtuous living. Great article! In college (about 20 years ago) I took a class on mythology, and my professor, while not requiring us to read Campbell’s book, drew much of the course curriculum from the book. The prevailing notion that it is man’s innate desire to want to understand himself and his place in the universe was evident, and it made for an excellent framework in studying the great ancient myths.

I believe that the myths and mysteries of Freemasonry are a big part of its draw. While Masons aspire to pursue the sciences and to be critical in thinking, mystery and myth add a dimension that, to me anyway, just makes it all that much more enjoyable, exciting, and relevent.

I personally feel that the possible “Templar connection” not only enriches the overall Masonic myth, but it provides a tangible and noble framework around which “modern” men really should aspire. We have become such a relativistic society that we have all but forgotten the historical roots and intentions of our founders.

While the myth may or may not be true, it provides a direct link to a past that once represented high ideals and virtuous living.

]]> By: L. Mitch Walker http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/#comment-18 L. Mitch Walker Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:40:42 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/#comment-18 The sage once said, " Life without ritual is meaningless" Free Masonery offers a way lend meaning to individual human life; meaning beyond the mundane, to introduce a method of thought and existance allowing true peace of mind. Here I share the introductory sentence from Dr. Samual Johnson's book, "Rasselass Prince of Abyssinia" published circa 1761 Ye who listen with credulity to whispers of fancy and persue with eagerness phantoms of hope; who expect age will perform the promise of youth, that the defiencies of day will be fulfilled by the morrow, (here I interject my own words) I offer you FREEMASONERY The sage once said,
” Life without ritual is meaningless”
Free Masonery offers a way lend meaning to individual human life; meaning beyond the mundane, to introduce a method of thought and existance allowing true peace of mind.

Here I share the introductory sentence from Dr. Samual Johnson’s book, “Rasselass Prince of Abyssinia” published circa 1761

Ye who listen with credulity to whispers of fancy and persue with eagerness phantoms of hope; who expect age will perform the promise of youth, that the defiencies of day will be fulfilled by the morrow, (here I interject my own words)
I offer you FREEMASONERY

]]> By: Navorser http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/#comment-17 Navorser Sun, 29 Jul 2007 07:37:31 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/27/the-masonic-myth/#comment-17 You write so very well Aedifico! Accept the congratulations of one who does not have the same ability to produce succinct words as you have done. But with regard to your argument: allow the present and its academics and non-academics to present their material and thus make those tiny adjustments which will direct our future ever nearer to the great truths we need to understand. Prevent them from doing it and the Craft will founder on myths which are inadequate in presenting what is needed by the Craftsmen of the future centuries. May I offer an example? The story of Doubting Thomas as we read it in the Bible has always made him out to be a hopeless case who did not have enough sense to help Christ. Modern investigation by reputable researchers has shown that Thomas was not being a useless, difficult man but merely asking for clarification of what he could not see properly. This makes the old myth about Thomas into a story which needs to be up-dated. Can the Craft also have that sort of thing? With my best wishes! You write so very well Aedifico! Accept the congratulations of one who does not have the same ability to produce succinct words as you have done. But with regard to your argument: allow the present and its academics and non-academics to present their material and thus make those tiny adjustments which will direct our future ever nearer to the great truths we need to understand. Prevent them from doing it and the Craft will founder on myths which are inadequate in presenting what is needed by the Craftsmen of the future centuries.
May I offer an example? The story of Doubting Thomas as we read it in the Bible has always made him out to be a hopeless case who did not have enough sense to help Christ. Modern investigation by reputable researchers has shown that Thomas was not being a useless, difficult man but merely asking for clarification of what he could not see properly. This makes the old myth about Thomas into a story which needs to be up-dated.
Can the Craft also have that sort of thing? With my best wishes!

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