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aedifico42| A Message to The Dome

Posted at: 12:40 pm

   I have heard from a few young men in my short time blogging.  Many of them are ‘interested’ in Masonry, but their interests are driven by many things…not the least of which is the stuff they get off of the internet.  You know who I am talking about.  They read, research and use their intelect to try to discover what Masonry is about.  Unfortunately, the internet is one of the last places where ”Masons-in-waiting” will discover the truth about the Craft.

   An example: recently I heard wind of a young man who went-out and found the meanings for various little codes that I have used in some of my blogs; VSL, S.A.O.T.U., and others.  This young man is intellectually curious, has a strong sense of his own faith, and does not want to get involved in an organization that will compromize his own spiritual background.

   The Dome, for those of you who do not know, is not one man (although there is one guy who has used that screen-name).  I refer to The Dome, in this blog, as all of those who keep searching for a justification to petition a Lodge.  They want more out of life than ESPN and Spike TV have to offer.  They are looking to see if Freemasonry will blow them away and help guide them along the path of manhood with solid lessons and secure frateral relations.

   Before I go further, I must reiterate one thing…THIS IS NOT AN EFFORT TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS!!

   There, that’s done, now on to the substance.

   Fear: The Holy Bible on the Altar in Masonic Lodges (in the US) is an actual Bible.  Truth: While it is a Bible, Freemasonry does not promote or require that a person practice a particular faith.  The Bible on the Altar is a SYMBOL of each of our individual faiths.  It symbolizes the Volume of Sacred Law (there’s that VSL thing) that each brother adheres to while practicing his faith.  Our immediate Past Grand Chaplain is a very faithful practicing Bhuddist and my particular Lodge recently initiated a man on his grandfather’s Tanakh, which was placed on the Altar for his initiation ceremony.  It is not unusual for more than one VSL to sit on the Altar.  We are not a religion, despite the moanings of many ignorant critics.

   Fear: Freemasonry rules the world.  Truth: In the US, each State has its own Grand Lodge.  The Grand Lodge is the Supreme Masonic Authority beholden to no other.  In fact, in 2006, the MWGrand Lodge of Arizona recognized a Grand Lodge in Europe, and later found some irregularity…so we rescinded recognition in 2007.  You see, it’s like a whole bunch of Grand Lodges with no central global government.  Independent minded men created this system.  In my State, our Grand Lodge was created by several Lodges who were originally chartered in other States first.  Many countries have their own Grand Lodges (France has at least two), but each other Grand Lodge can recognize whomever they wish as legitimate (Arizona only recognizes one of France’s Grand Lodges).  If this is global domination, then I am the Emperor of the World!

   Fear: I will be brainwashed and sucked into a crazy cabal.  Truth: Smart people can’t be brainwashed.  Masonry will expose you to an entire world of thought that you may not recognize at first, but there is no systematic means by which you will learn.  Enlightenment ideals are normal, but there is no brainwashing.  If you are afraid of new perspectives, new ideas mixed with a tolerant and mature view of the world’s history…forget about Freemasonry, it’s not for you.

   Fear: I will have to commit too much time and money…I don’t have the resources.  Truth: You get out of it what you put into it.  Freemasonry is a lifelong learning experience.  Honestly, I don’t see why more men don’t commit MORE time and MORE money to the Craft.  As I stated in another blog much earlier (See “What the hell do you guys do?” in the July archive), we are re-building the fraternity right now.  Our personal commitments are on the rise as we increase the importance of the Craft in our own lives.  Past generations, for reasons which continue to elude me, did not meet the challenges of preserving our rich history of learning and teaching.  Thankfully this is changing…but again, you get out of it what you put into it.

   The Dome is interested, but does not want to sit-around and talk about painting a building or awarding bikes to kids who read lots of books.  The Dome wants to read books himself, and then spend time with like-minded men who thirst for knowledge.  The Dome wants the old Freemasonry, the gentleman’s club, the thinkers’ circle, the path to enlightenment.  The Dome wants more than most Lodges are equipped to deliver.  The Dome has very high expectations and is willing to work hard…but will demand knowledgeable mentors who are well-read, well-mannered and equipped to deliver the kind of guideance that Socrates, St. Augustine, Voltaire and others could give.

   The Dome has delivered us a tall order, and wants to go beyond the coincidence of dollar bill art features and Washington D.C. street lay-outs.  The Dome recognizes that spiritual growth without real thinking, real reading and real analysis is worthless.  Are we capable of delivering?  Can Freemasonry meet these high expectations?

   If we cannot, then I suggest that The Dome look elsewhere.  It is true, we are not ready to meet all of these expectations.  Not, at least, as a whole Craft.  But there are Lodges that are taking the leap.  They are building traditional observance rituals and discussion groups, learning and teaching in the old way, opening-up their libraries and dusting-off Pike and scrutinizing his work and that of others. 

   Now is the most exciting time to be a Freemason.  We are at the beginning of a Masonic renaissance.  The Dome can participate in it, but he must come to the Craft with a pure heart.  He must be ready to surrender what his eyes see in favor of what his mind will learn.  If he comes to the Craft as a curiosity, he will be rejected.  If he comes because he is eager to learn how to become a better man - in all ways - then he might be welcomed.

   I do not encourage passing interest, split-second decisions or idle curiosity to be a motivator to any man interested.  These men will detract time and energy from the Lodge, and they will waste everyone’s time.  I also encourage Lodges to be very very suspect of all new petitioners.  There are many out there who have no honor, and will join simply so that they may wear the S.&Cs.  They are not men we should allow into our ranks.

   Lastly, I hope that The Dome remains interested, and keeps asking questions.  Our ritual refers to a passage in Scripture that could apply to any good and important endeavour; “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”  And after looking and learning, if Freemasonry is not for you, fine.  I wish you the best of luck…elsewhere.

   But if you do want to join, be prepared to answer some serious questions about yourself. 

   Anyone can knock…but WE get to decide who gets in.

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