Respectfully,
Freemasonry is as philosophical order with the stated goal of improving the moral development of members.
Given the growing awareness of the effect of the commericalization of freemasonry since the 30's, there seems to be confusion about what can be done to arrest the further erosion of quality within the order.
Not to be unkind, but we are hard pressed to find remnants of the elitist core. Once, royal or tradesman, scientist and farmer stood in lodge as equals.
This suggests to us, the trademan or farmer selected by the elite, were of a remarkable calibre; men able to converse in a serious way on the deeper meanings of life, of the purpose of existence. A poll of lodges shows the intelligensia have been pushed aside by mob rule. As such, sadly, the expectations for entrance were not the only standard to fade in the 30's. So too has the expectation of intellectual development of the man has been removed.
The results of generations of contemplation were handed down to a group of selected men, who gradually lost the wherewithall to know what to do with that body of knowledge. As ideas cannot be extinguished, the teachings remained in our achives. The unprepared mind, has no need to search for things he does not understand. His simple needs became problemation to the purpose of Freemasonry when he was joined with many like him and together imposed their collective will, (limited expectations) on measures of success.
Where is the evidence of success? For the unprepared, success is dressing up in a suit and apron, excuding every aspect of elitism they are quick to challenge with at the ballot box. A good guy is acceptable. And so it goes on.
Entrance to the order brought forward in the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge, requires preparation between degrees. The antients would learned the craft mouth-to-ear, would cringe if they heard the loose talk about memory work being unimportant.
Enough! Audi Vide Tace
We can use the tools of our motto to regain the path to development.
On an individual basis, quietly in the background, each serious minded fellow can bring back the moral, intellectual and philosphical conviction of Antient and Accepted Freemasonry.
We can attend lodges with vigilence, watching others to search out like-minded men. In discussion at the festive board, we can listen for opportunity to let others know, they are part of a growing number of members who are resurrecting the brilliance of masonic membership.
When Jewish boys are of a certain age, they attend school to study the Torah. Under the guidance of mentors, they are paired up with another boy. Together they are a study group who read and argue/discuss the meaning of readings. Around the world, there are many examples where ancient forms of learning have been preserved like this example.
However, I am convinced, mouth-to-ear , the lost working tool can and should be brought back as the tool of learning for freemasons.
Fraternally,
1 comment:
Brother Graham,
You raise an excellent point, and a conclusion that I had been coming to although from a slightly different vector.
Much attention is paid to the letter-perfect rote of the ritual, sometimes to the detriment of the entire experience. It is my belief that this is in large part due to the fact that there is a written ritual that can be compared to.
In the days when the ritual was passed mouth-to-ear, There is no way that it could not have changed, although slightly, from person to person. Each man obligated himself to keep it as perfect as possible, but it is common knowledge that oral history changes over time as it is transmitted. The brethren at that time would have also know this and not been upset with minor variations.
Mouth-to-ear causes some inevitable variance, but the rewards of connecting with a brother during the mentoring process are life-long and immeasurable.
A very entertaining post!
PS: also from GLCPO, Adoniram #573, Niagara Falls.
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