There are many myths and legends within our teachings. It doesn't matter if they are true or not, it's the message they convey that is important. Jesus told many parables, none of them were true, but they conveyed a message he wanted to teach.
For the Templars legacy, I do think there is at least some truth to it, and if true, explains a lot of things within our fraternity that wouldn't otherwise exist if it was just a group of stone masons. I'd delve into it deeper here, but they are more esoteric in nature and not for public consumption.
I also agree with MW about the fraternity being a substitute for the church. It is for me. As a confirmed Lutheran (the OG protestants) I've heard all of the lessons, parables and stories, I don't need to be told to follow the ten commandments or I'll suffer for all eternity the flames of hell. I would like instead to find teachings and lessons that help me become a better person.
The study and legends of freemasonry is certainly an interesting subject. How did we come about, and when? But of course it's a sideline hobby, as it can distract from the purpose of the fraternity if you let it. But it is a fun pastime. What I find interesting is that although speculative masonry has been around many hundreds of years, we know less about it's origins than, say, the history of the Roman empire, which dates back thousands of years.
But it does raise an interesting question - was the origins purposely hidden? Were the men who started it needing to cover their tracks? If so, why?
I think your questions are extremely interesting, and I've written them down. Look for them going out to all here soon! I think it will make an excellent discussion.
The Fable of the Forget Me Not a story that teaches us morals based on truths.
They can be partially or fully true, but we use the meaning and message of the story to teach others.
Our M∴ W∴ – always hard at work.
Funny thing that I created my own 5 acre paradigm 40 years ago and one of the hundreds of things I planted here and are now all over the place are "Forget Me Nots"
(after midnight after finally a sort of sunny day I finally got to mow most of my lawn and after I put everything away it started to rain a bit and I tell myself I am watched over and hope you had a fine day today)
You know I tend to stay up until 4am reading from here to the Standard Model
My house is filled with Forget Me Not stuff, and I even have a Forget Me Not flower pot painted by one of our Mason's wives, but alas, I've no Forget Me Nots actually growing in the yard! I'll have to change that this spring.
Well if you ever are in the District 11 area especially #6 or #107 you can stop by my place and I will give you some and after you plant them you will have more every year..
For what it's worth, I think that there is "myth", "theory", "history" and "lies". Myth transmits morales, ethics, social norms, etc. and has real value, as long as it does not become dogmatic. Theory is usually an idea based on some facts that has not been established to the level of history, but may well be beyond a simple opinion. History should be based in fact, documentation and provable information free of opinion. Lies, obviously are decidedly untrue, or information presented as true that is not proven with the intent to deceive or manipulate. With the exception of Lies all of these types of models have value, and should not be suppressed, BUT it's very important to be clear which you are dealing with. It may be we will NEVER know the exact nature of Freemasonry's origins in the historical sense, and maybe that is OK, and maybe it does not even matter in the end. Mythologically we have the stories given in our ritual, and many theories have taken on mythological status. I would offer that when a theory, which is not proven, transitions to myth, we are affecting the Morales and ethics and social norms that we will carry into the future, and should be very careful with that. One of the ways I think about the history of Freemasonry is that many sources probably contributed to its origin and current form. Looked at from the perspective of the source they all seem like THE source, like every stream seems the source of a river is you start at the spring that originates that stream. I have found that many of our brethren choose the source that best fits their needs/interest and bias the data to support it (I myself have done this). In the end, I also think we all come to Freemasonry as imperfect ashlars, and we tend, if we are diligent and humble, to chose the mythology that is best fitted to shape US into more perfect ashlars, if we are not diligent and humble we select the myth that inflates our egos. . But that's all just my opinion, it's not even a theory! lol
>>>One of the ways I think about the history of Freemasonry is that many sources probably >>>contributed to its origin and current form. Looked at from the perspective of the source they all >>>seem like THE source, like every stream seems the source of a river is you start at the spring >>>that originates that stream.
I've been thinking about this since you posted it, and I must say that it makes a tremendous amount of sense to me. Thank you Brother! I really appreciate this perspective.
Very interesting post Brother. I have long held a theory, haven't had the time to research it, that Freemasonry has been around perhaps well over a thousand or more years, constantly morphing and evolving. That perhaps through the language of symbols/semiotics, we are guardians of a deeper, arcane knowledge. But then, I'm also a Druid. But then too, Masonry is not a religious order. Absolutely love your point on the founding of Masonry! There's also the mystery of the Baal Bridge in Ireland dating to the 16th century that would lend credence to your theory.
I don't think that your theory of our symbolism is too far out there. I think a case can likely be made that our symbols are our language, a language that has existed far longer than its current keeper. Passed down through history, from group of initiates to group of initiates.
We may place differing weights in the veracity of various theories of Masonic origins, but I believe most of them have at least some truth in them. History is always a variety of valid narratives, even though some are more honest than others.
But to address the religion issue, we need to distinguish between the formality of religion (social) and personal belief. The avoidance of "religion" in Masonry is the avoidance of conflicting creeds. It certainly is religious, though not sectarian. It avoids becoming a collective superseding belief to avoid the pitfalls of theocratic authoritarianism as well as ensure inclusion and tolerance. But it CAN be an individual's spiritual compass while having no (other) specific religious affiliation.
In this sense, Freemasonry can surely become one's religion, i.e. way and perspective of life. But then so can Americanism, where the Declaration and Constitution are held as dearly as any scripture. Some people's religion is humanist (theist or not), or a corporate brand, or one of the many mega-churches of Football, Baseball, etc.. And I don't think it's metaphorical at all when you consider how much these things guide one's behavior, relationships, schedule, budget, and every other aspect of their lives.
Most can distinguish between being religious and being a religion -- where the problem with public perception often is found. But the kernel of truth to the accusation of the latter is that individuals may use Masonry as a substitute, no matter how much we suggest they not do so.
Thank you for taking the time to give us this perspective on religious practice. I think that your examples are spot on, and I've seen similar behaviors surrounding other causes or crusades as well. You have given me much to ponder!
I very much enjoy your posts & essays, please don't quit. :)
Thank you Brother! I don't plan on quitting anytime soon!
MW, an excellent, thought provoking essay. Thank you for your thoughts and insights.
Thank you very much! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
There are many myths and legends within our teachings. It doesn't matter if they are true or not, it's the message they convey that is important. Jesus told many parables, none of them were true, but they conveyed a message he wanted to teach.
For the Templars legacy, I do think there is at least some truth to it, and if true, explains a lot of things within our fraternity that wouldn't otherwise exist if it was just a group of stone masons. I'd delve into it deeper here, but they are more esoteric in nature and not for public consumption.
I also agree with MW about the fraternity being a substitute for the church. It is for me. As a confirmed Lutheran (the OG protestants) I've heard all of the lessons, parables and stories, I don't need to be told to follow the ten commandments or I'll suffer for all eternity the flames of hell. I would like instead to find teachings and lessons that help me become a better person.
The study and legends of freemasonry is certainly an interesting subject. How did we come about, and when? But of course it's a sideline hobby, as it can distract from the purpose of the fraternity if you let it. But it is a fun pastime. What I find interesting is that although speculative masonry has been around many hundreds of years, we know less about it's origins than, say, the history of the Roman empire, which dates back thousands of years.
But it does raise an interesting question - was the origins purposely hidden? Were the men who started it needing to cover their tracks? If so, why?
I think your questions are extremely interesting, and I've written them down. Look for them going out to all here soon! I think it will make an excellent discussion.
I can fraternally and sincerely say that you are a man with whom it is a pleasure to disagree. Every blessing, my brother.
Thank you Brother! I appreciate your very kind words and the thoughts behind them.
The Fable of the Forget Me Not a story that teaches us morals based on truths.
They can be partially or fully true, but we use the meaning and message of the story to teach others.
Our M∴ W∴ – always hard at work.
Funny thing that I created my own 5 acre paradigm 40 years ago and one of the hundreds of things I planted here and are now all over the place are "Forget Me Nots"
(after midnight after finally a sort of sunny day I finally got to mow most of my lawn and after I put everything away it started to rain a bit and I tell myself I am watched over and hope you had a fine day today)
You know I tend to stay up until 4am reading from here to the Standard Model
Thanks
My house is filled with Forget Me Not stuff, and I even have a Forget Me Not flower pot painted by one of our Mason's wives, but alas, I've no Forget Me Nots actually growing in the yard! I'll have to change that this spring.
Well if you ever are in the District 11 area especially #6 or #107 you can stop by my place and I will give you some and after you plant them you will have more every year..
I'm in Port Ludlow
I might just take you up on that one of these days! Thank you Brother!
For what it's worth, I think that there is "myth", "theory", "history" and "lies". Myth transmits morales, ethics, social norms, etc. and has real value, as long as it does not become dogmatic. Theory is usually an idea based on some facts that has not been established to the level of history, but may well be beyond a simple opinion. History should be based in fact, documentation and provable information free of opinion. Lies, obviously are decidedly untrue, or information presented as true that is not proven with the intent to deceive or manipulate. With the exception of Lies all of these types of models have value, and should not be suppressed, BUT it's very important to be clear which you are dealing with. It may be we will NEVER know the exact nature of Freemasonry's origins in the historical sense, and maybe that is OK, and maybe it does not even matter in the end. Mythologically we have the stories given in our ritual, and many theories have taken on mythological status. I would offer that when a theory, which is not proven, transitions to myth, we are affecting the Morales and ethics and social norms that we will carry into the future, and should be very careful with that. One of the ways I think about the history of Freemasonry is that many sources probably contributed to its origin and current form. Looked at from the perspective of the source they all seem like THE source, like every stream seems the source of a river is you start at the spring that originates that stream. I have found that many of our brethren choose the source that best fits their needs/interest and bias the data to support it (I myself have done this). In the end, I also think we all come to Freemasonry as imperfect ashlars, and we tend, if we are diligent and humble, to chose the mythology that is best fitted to shape US into more perfect ashlars, if we are not diligent and humble we select the myth that inflates our egos. . But that's all just my opinion, it's not even a theory! lol
>>>One of the ways I think about the history of Freemasonry is that many sources probably >>>contributed to its origin and current form. Looked at from the perspective of the source they all >>>seem like THE source, like every stream seems the source of a river is you start at the spring >>>that originates that stream.
I've been thinking about this since you posted it, and I must say that it makes a tremendous amount of sense to me. Thank you Brother! I really appreciate this perspective.
Thank you MWB for the venue to discuss it,
Very interesting post Brother. I have long held a theory, haven't had the time to research it, that Freemasonry has been around perhaps well over a thousand or more years, constantly morphing and evolving. That perhaps through the language of symbols/semiotics, we are guardians of a deeper, arcane knowledge. But then, I'm also a Druid. But then too, Masonry is not a religious order. Absolutely love your point on the founding of Masonry! There's also the mystery of the Baal Bridge in Ireland dating to the 16th century that would lend credence to your theory.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I don't think that your theory of our symbolism is too far out there. I think a case can likely be made that our symbols are our language, a language that has existed far longer than its current keeper. Passed down through history, from group of initiates to group of initiates.
Yes! Love that...semiotics. Oh man, now you've got my brain firing on all cylinders! :-)
Recently I came across a new theory on the origin of the modern freemasonry. Please enjoy only if you have time. https://youtu.be/rnQHDuVeN7Q
Thank you Brother! I really enjoyed the video, and the creator's speculation. It was a great way to spend 15 minutes.
We may place differing weights in the veracity of various theories of Masonic origins, but I believe most of them have at least some truth in them. History is always a variety of valid narratives, even though some are more honest than others.
But to address the religion issue, we need to distinguish between the formality of religion (social) and personal belief. The avoidance of "religion" in Masonry is the avoidance of conflicting creeds. It certainly is religious, though not sectarian. It avoids becoming a collective superseding belief to avoid the pitfalls of theocratic authoritarianism as well as ensure inclusion and tolerance. But it CAN be an individual's spiritual compass while having no (other) specific religious affiliation.
In this sense, Freemasonry can surely become one's religion, i.e. way and perspective of life. But then so can Americanism, where the Declaration and Constitution are held as dearly as any scripture. Some people's religion is humanist (theist or not), or a corporate brand, or one of the many mega-churches of Football, Baseball, etc.. And I don't think it's metaphorical at all when you consider how much these things guide one's behavior, relationships, schedule, budget, and every other aspect of their lives.
Most can distinguish between being religious and being a religion -- where the problem with public perception often is found. But the kernel of truth to the accusation of the latter is that individuals may use Masonry as a substitute, no matter how much we suggest they not do so.
Thank you for taking the time to give us this perspective on religious practice. I think that your examples are spot on, and I've seen similar behaviors surrounding other causes or crusades as well. You have given me much to ponder!