MasonicMinute.com
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Posted at: 10:21 am It was not until the ‘Morgan Misunderstanding’ that Masons in the United States established our sometimes written rules about discussing religion and politics. Before that, there was no reason to shy away from those topics. Why? Because before that, Masons tolerated different ideas and used maturity and respect to circumscribe their discussions. Back in the old days we used to be able to listen to the other side of a debate and actually practice our Masonic principles. America has always claimed to be the bastion of free speech, yet Masonry has rules about what we cannot say. This is silly. American Masons should be able to discuss ANYTHING they want to with their brothers. We have our compasses and our levels…why can’t we use them? Are we afraid of offending somebody? Do we actually think that our brothers can’t handle a differing opinion? If so, then we’ve got problems. Our Craft created this country so that a free exchanges of ideas would bring peace and harmony to our whole society. We are supposed to lay all of our cards on the table in a respectful and tolerant manner in order to better understand each other and ourselves. Masonry is about being an adult and accepting that, while other adults might disagree, we don’t have to be disagreeable. Masonic restrictions on political and religious discussion are a heavy-handed approach. Such restrictions simply amount to censorship. Men of character can and should engage in interesting discussions about what keeps them apart, and about those things that keep them together. That’s what Masonry should be. Instead…religion and politics are out. It’s a shame, really…since those are the two reasons America broke away from Mother England in the first place. |
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November 8, 2007
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Posted at: 2:52 pm Masons were electing their leadership long before the American Republic came into being. Many believe that it was the Masons who created the United States as the first Masonic Republic. I don’t think they are too far off the mark. But the concept of electing your leaders is still a new one to human history. And no matter what the discord or distrust may be, this is still one of the only countries in the world where we don’t believe that the Executive could just grab power (I am struggling to avoid any political commentary…bear with me). Anyway, Elections truly are an amazing invention…and more amazing is the tolerance and maturity required of the minority to accept their defeat (in contested races) and continue to live at peace with those who won the election. This is the secular faith that we have in our system and each other…both Masonic and American. Lest we forget…in some places, even if you vote… So all hail the Election! Our democracy, both Masonic and American, may have rules and regulations that govern how decisions are made…but we get to decide who it is that makes those decisions. Let’s just keep hoping that in all cases, the winners and the losers can put aside their differences and work toward the common good after the ballots have been counted! (Is it obvious that I voted in a City of Phoenix run-off election today?) |
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