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Posted at: 12:29 pm I think Masons misunderstand the restriction of ‘no religion, no politics’ in lodge as meaning “we don’t talk about them”. I believe that the original concept was that the fraternity would not endorse a particular religion or political party. I thoroughly enjoy the conversations and civilized debates I have with my brothers about religion and politics. It is one of the only atmospheres where I can hear others opinions and express my own without fear of ridicule or insult. Afterall, it provides an exceptional medium for learning from those around you. When I heard we were electing a Jewish brother, I wanted to learn as much as I could from him about the Jewish religion because I didn’t know that much about it. Because I was not ‘officially’ able to speak to him in open lodge about the Jewish religion it wasn’t until after his 1st degree that we found out that there is a part in there that goes against Orthodox Judaism, and if he practiced Orthodox Judaism he would not have been able to continue with his degree ceremony. Now if we as a lodge were able to discuss this with him before hand we could have compensated for it. Luckily, he was still able to see the value of the degree and put that one little piece aside. I have the weird tendency to seek out those that are different from me and try to learn as much as I can about them to help me understand their perspective a bit better. I think the idea of not talking about politics or religion with your brothers as a rule of the craft is asinine. The fraternity should not endorse or preach a certain religious creed or political persuassion without giving ear to the others, and I think that the fact that we don’t offically endorse a particular religion or political party is what makes this fraternity what it is. But to restrict the brethren on discussion topics is just what AEdifico said it was, censorship. If I come across a Toaist, Muslim, radical liberal activist, or radical right-wing neocon Brother I would love to talk to them about their opinions and their beliefs and how they apply or are reflected in the craft. The usual statement that Masonry unites and the topics of religion and politics divide is true, but we as Masons find the common ground with those of different creeds because we are Masons and it’s the philosophy of the fraternity that binds these respectable adults together with similar aims. |
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November 9, 2007
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” I think the idea of not talking about politics or religion with your brothers as a rule of the craft is asinine.”
If this were a rule of the craft, I’d agree with you, but it’s not. Where did you get the idea that it was?
Comment by Mike — November 10, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
My Brother
I was interested to notice that you have found a section of the Ritual which could possibly exclude jewish Brethren. Please can you give me the relevant entry in the Ritual.
I am a Freemason in Australia.
Fraternally
Navorser
Comment by Navorser — November 11, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
To Mike: There is no written rule or ancient landmark citing the no religion, no politics issue, but from the time I began thinking about joining the fraternity it was emphasized that those are taboo topics and not to be discussed. Of course we still do, but there have been times when I have been having a great conversation with someone and have been cut off (by an on-looker or passer-by)and told to change the subject because ‘we aren’t supposed to talk about those things’. If you don’t think it can be called an unwriiten rule try to stand up in lodge and say something like ” I don’t like Romney because he’s a Mormon, what do you guys think?” or “I wanted some of the brothers opinions on the ‘08 candidates, I have not really been following them and I would like to know a bit more.” I highly doubt that the issue will go any further than that.
To Navorser: Our Jewish Brother told me that in Orthodox Judaism, men are never to kneel when praying. In our Ritual in the 1st Degree right after you gain entrance, you kneel for a short prayer. So it was just the kneeling for prayer part that could raise an eyebrow if you had a devout orthodox Jewish candidate.
Comment by emeraldi42 — November 12, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Yes, talking about religion and politics in a lodge meeting is frowned upon (okay, greatly frowned upon), but you seemed to be saying we couldn’t talk about it at all, even outside lodge meetings. I absolutely agree with the restriction during lodge, but there is no such restriction outside of lodge. Both are as they should be.
Comment by Mike — November 12, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
BTW, thank you for the very useful bit of information about kneeling and Judaism. Although it may never come up, I’m well-armed if it does. I’m grateful.
Comment by Mike — November 12, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
From the Ancient Charges as expressed by my Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations:
You may enjoy yourselves with innocent Mirth, treating one another according to Ability, but avoiding all Excess, or forcing any Brother to eat or drink beyond his Inclination, or hindering him from going when his Occasions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free Conversation, for that would blast our Harmony, and defeat our laudable purposes. Therefore no private Piques or Quarrels must be brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any Quarrels about Religion, or Nations, or State Policy, we being only, as Masons, of the Catholic Religion above mentioned, we are also of all Nations Tongues, Kindreds and Languages, and are resolved against all Politicks, as what never yet conduced to the Welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will. This Charge has been always strictly enjoined and observed; but especially ever since the Reformation in Britain, or the Dissent and succession of these Nations from the Communion of Rome.
Comment by Tom Accuosti — November 12, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
The restriction that Tom speaks of above is understandable. Politics and Religion “for the Lodge” is a no-no…but a complete ban on such topics is just silly…
I stand by my position as it squares completely with those mentioned above.
Comment by aedifico42 — November 12, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
The restriction that Tom speaks of above is understandable. Politics and Religion “for the Lodge” is a no-no…but a complete ban on such topics is just silly…
Agreed, and such a ban does not exist.
Comment by Mike — November 12, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
hi…
Agree…
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