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aedifico42| The Shrine Question…

Posted at: 1:37 pm

   I have heard many many comments about the Shrine Question (whether the Shrine and the Blue Lodge ought to divorce).  As an Arizona Mason, and having been issued a summons to the Special Communication of our Grand Lodge (which, ironically, will be held at the El Zariba Shrine Temple), I find my self in the eye of the storm.

   As in all conflicts, eventually things will get sorted-out, and mostly the status quo will be maintained.  Most Masons are not Shriners, so there is no big loss if there is a split.  On the other hand, if the Shrine goes away, they will be able to continue to do all their good work, and that’s a good thing for all the children that the Shrine helps.

   What amazes me is that this conversation is happening in the first place.  For example, in this jurisdiction, it is but a small handful (literally, you can count them on your hands) of men who have caused the incredible circumstances that face the Craft today.  I always thought that our Craft and the men in it were above being dragged into the muck by a small band of whiners.  Although I may have expected too much, we are doing what we can to work-through the conflict.

   To be clear, I am not a Shriner…but I am not an anti-Shriner.  In fact, I have friends who are Shriners.

   The question about a divorce or a division usually only arises when it’s too late anyway.  The Shrine (to the best of my knowledge) has a limited and narrow ritual tradition, does not promote intellectual inquiry into the rich history and traditions of Freemasonry, and only exists to help small children while enjoying a bit of the fruit of the vine.  Nothing really wrong with that…if you are satisfied with that.  And this is not to cut-short any of the Shrine’s many great deeds…only to point-out their differences from the Blue Lodge.

   A guy like me, however, does not need a drinking club.  I want intellectual challenge.  I want meaningful ritual.  I want to read and think and discuss and learn.  I want my craft to be better than a local bar where funds are donated in order to justify my personal pleasures.  I want a Freemasonry that speaks to the nobility of the Craft in practice.  I want to be surrounded by men who care about their families and their futures, while not ignoring the enlightenment traditions that created this Nation.  And the occasional Table Lodge would be just fine…thank you very much.

   I have nothing against the Shrine.  Let them be.  But I do question what their true motives are, and why anyone would think that a division would hurt the Blue Lodge.  Blue Lodge Freemasonry has overcome many many challenges over the years.  The Craft is flexible and can adjust to whatever adversity could arise.  I have no concern whatsoever that Blue Lodge Masonry will survive and flourish with or without the Shrine. 

   Frankly, I think a division would ultimately be good for both organizations.  It would let each focus on their own goals and motivations, and would end the constant bickering.  Blue Lodge Masonry survived the Anti-Mason political party and a whole host of other challenges before the Shrine even existed.  Concerns about the effects of a divorce on the Blue Lodge are overblown and reactionary.  I do think, however, that the Shrine might not be able to support itself…but I hope they can continue and grow if there is a split.  Those guys do good work, even if they don’t do it the way I would.

   Sometimes a divorce is the best thing for the kids.

   What do you think?  Should the Shrine and the Blue Lodge split?

VOTE BEFORE VIEWING!

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