What is freemasonry? It is an idea.
Freemasons will beaware of that old saw- familiarity breds contempt. Not to be unkind, but this is a limitation that a man places on himself and those around him. Some readily acknowledge the brilliance of people we know. The masses often determine brilliance by celebrity or accumulation of wealth. Others calcuate superiority through technical expertise. such the practice of law and medicine.
How do we identify the clever among us on whom we should place our trust to help lead us into the future? When we are in the presence of bright people, does an internalized sense of low esteem prompt defensiveness and competitiveness? The 5th Estate thrives on such criticism. Do we shamefully admit to the experience of schedenfreude- a small pleasure one experiences over the discomfort of others when scientists fail to find answers.
That they read more, study more, achieve more suggests they are industrious. Are they wealthier? Not necessarily, but likely. Do they hold public office? Perhaps but not necessarily. Are they pious or outspoken? Unlikely. Are they aggressive and angry? Doubtful. Or are they able to create in areas of art, business or industry?
Few are confident enough to encourage the avant garde'. Remarkably, freemasonry hands us this lesson and gives oblique directions: audi, vide, tace. To acheive enlightenment, to understand we must master of our impulsive, emotional nature. The tools listening, watching and silence are the tools of science. Until we are skilled, we are clumsy; full of potential but undisciplined, but when we learn to break down tasks into manageable bits, we can build great things.
Can we collectively apply these tools?
In the 30's standards for admission to our Order were changed; adding thousands of names to the rolls. This new, commerical common denominator, changed the criteria for admission. In the minds of brethren from that period, to compromise a benchmark to increase numbers was necessary. But I cannot help but wonder if this process was a trojan horse that undermined the strenght of our order.
It would be foolish to argue that freemasonry has been unchanged by the compromise for membership. For example, a larger membership allowed influence at a larger scale. More members, added to our financial reserves and allowed the Order to make significant contributions to health research That was and is an expression of agape.
The proliferation of lodges connected urban, suburban and rural communities which fostered social development across Ontario.
But the trojan horse was the effect on the growth of masonic literacy. Generations of masons have had little understanding of the abstract ends and means of the science which is ironic since we have lived through a time of unrestricted communication. What of our expectations ? Have they eroded to the extent few lodges value masonic scholarship?
I believe, during the past decades our Grand Lodge has vigorously fought against encroaching apathy about learning and scholarship, hampered in their efforts by the widespread, compromise of standards, that began in the 30's and absentmindedly passed on year by year.
Of course, masons who are uninformed about antient landmarks cannot reveal those secrets Those who have left before being raised, may chat idly in public passing on simplistic notions of freemasonry. We have not truly suffered egregious damage.
However, uninformed masons can not teach skills that were not taught to them. That causes a gap which must be filled.
Freemasonry is an idea; complicated and amorphous.
Everyperson has a valid opinion, reflecting a unique persepective on the world. Agreed, there are experts and so some opinions are more accurate than others. That said, however there are truths among opinions.
Brethren who chafe in lodge when education is offered, are not out of line with their incomplete training, but they should not and cannot stop progress.
The oaths and obligations, the progression of our ritual, the architecture of freemasonry all tell us our goal is to search for the lost secrets, enlightenment. An idea, especially the purest idea of antient freemasonry, cannot be extinguished.
This idea is developed through discussion- mouth to ear. Time to pick up the discussion of the gentle science and see where it takes us.
When we hear someone making an effort to express his ideas, we can convey an atmosphere of interest and encourage dialogue. The opinion will always be different that yours or mind. Are there threads of agreement for us to find? What does the speaker offer that helps us define our own thoughts? Watch, listen and be quiet and learn the lesson Pythagoras taught his students.
Dg
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