Contemplating Death
Is death really the worst thing?
“Live Free Or Die”
-Motto of the State of New Hampshire
“Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death”
-Patrick Henry
Freemasonry has forever stood, all around the world, for Liberty.
A bit of our ritualistic work here in Washington:
“…guarantees to its citizens, the rights of free assembly, free speech, free worship - the rights of free men and of Freemasons.”
Indeed revolutions were led, throughout North, Central, and South America, by Freemasons, to throw off the chains of European oppression.
Let’s think about that for a moment in the context of the American Colonies.
A small, ragtag, group of people, ill equipped, decided that it was preferable to make war on the world’s leading superpower rather than submit to the whims of a far off Parliament.
These people, some clearly brilliant, others of course not, decided that it was better to die than obey governmental edicts that they disagreed with.
And die they did. Our own Most Worshipful Joseph Warren was one of the first to die in that epic struggle.
But I wonder, have we lost that spirit today?
Today do we view death as the worst possible outcome?
Would we, as individuals, and as a society, rather live under tyranny than die?
Would we choose death over enslavement?
Does any principle remain, so dear to us, that we would choose death over having it taken from us?
Because that is what it ultimately comes down to. A choice.
Perhaps, unlike our ancestors throughout the Americas, we are not forced to make this choice today. But, nevertheless, knowing what choice we would rationally make is important. Because that choice is the only true defense of Liberty, the rights of free men and of Freemasons.
It stands as the foundation of the American nations, and we need look no further than Cuba and Venezuela to see what happens when a different choice, a choice that rots the foundation of Liberty is made.
“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”
The great motto of Continental Freemasonry. Fundamental Masonic values.
Would we choose them, over death, if ever called upon to do so?
If not, if we would choose enslavement instead, can we truly affirm that we are “free-born” and therefore entitled to be known as Freemasons?
I don’t have all the answers, but these questions, I think, go to the very heart of Freemasonry.
Or own Brother Ken in New York has a recently published book that I hope you’ll check out:
Masonic Research Lodges, Bodies, and Societies by Ken JP Stuczynski
Every single word in Emeth, and its sister newsletters is written by me. A real, genuine human. There is no Ai here.
This project is really important to me, and I hope that it is tremendously valuable for you. Everything isn’t all in one place, because I don’t want to overwhelm your email box. I’ve created it in such a way that you can simply subscribe to those things that are of interest to you, and ignore the rest. Everything can be found at the link:
If you find value in my work here, I ask that you consider a paid subscription so that it may continue. You can do that by clicking the button below:
Unfortunately. Covid showed that every fraternity i belonged to willingly gave up the right to free assembly when threatened not even with death but just fines and arrest. Sad really.
As Freemasons, how can we not talk of politics or religion in lodge. I think we’ve taken the “rule” of not talking of either beyond its intention. If we’re teaching esotericism then we’re likely talking of religion. If we’re talking of Freedom and Liberty, then we’re talking of politics. We do need to, at all costs, avoid discussions of partisan politics or proselytizing a religion. A strong WM should be able to moderate any discussion in lodge. In my experience, any discussion can fall apart if comments are not directed to the Master. As far as a willingness to die for a cause such as Liberty or Freedom, as a group of Freemasons, we are clearly a group of men that have seen too many winters or not enough. Most of us have never experienced violence, let alone ever been hit in the face. We can’t decide the simplest things or get participation in lodge activities. Individual Freemasons may be willing to die for such causes but that would look as a lone ranger type of incident and bring discredit to the Brotherhood. So, until we’re willing to be brave enough to talk about such high ideals, taking any action beyond would be a fools folly.