MasonicMinute.com
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Posted at: 9:13 pm Almost every guy I know who is active in Lodge is part of a happy and healthy relationship. Many of our brothers that we do not see very often have been or are going through rough times. I don’t know what it is about regular attendance at Lodge that seems to promote healthy relationships…but it does. Perhaps it’s the routine. Maybe it’s the chance she gets once a week to ‘hang-out’ with whomever she spends her time with. I really don’t know. Of course, there are exceptions to this ‘rule’, but those exceptions are few and far between. New Masons, on the other hand, can find themselves getting into something that the MRS just does not understand. I have seen much about this, and have seriously contemplated putting together a little article for the Mason’s wife. Then I realized that if that guy can’t clearly communicate with his own wife - to the extent that he would have to rely on some article written by me - then he needs much more than the Blue Lodge to help him get his act together. Now, to be sure, this guy who is having a tough time convincing his wife that her unborn child will not be sacrificed in some ghoulish ritual (and if it were, I’d never reveal that here anyway) probably may need some help from somebody in his Lodge. But ask yourself…are there any members of my Lodge who can actually relate to that young guy and his wife? The answer is probably no. Our Lodges have a dearth of qualified experienced men who can explain things in an intelligent way to others (see Emeraldi’s “Satanism” blog from last month). So this young guy will have to be given all the tools he can, and he will have to struggle through convincing his young wife that the Square is not 25% of a swastika. The good thing is this…once she gets used to the fact that she won’t have to deal with him for that one night each week/month, she will be able to enjoy a long and stable relationship with her husband. At least…that’s what experience tells us…. |
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October 7, 2007
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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! n n
Should the Shrine and the Blue Lodge split?
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Posted at: 3:15 pm Due to popular demand I am sharing a link to one of our first posts on this site. It got great responses from many of the best known Masonic bloggers, and is a point of pride for MasonicMinute.com. In fact, I happen to know a little Lodge that has already printed it in their Trestleboard! http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/07/16/what-the-hell-do-you-guys-do/#comments |
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