Masonic lodges (guilds) were basically the union halls of their day. But as time went on, and the demand for large stone cathedrals and castles waned, work became harder and harder to find. In it, at the same time that Masonry was slowly evolving from operative to speculative, there was also a shift in focus where the masonic lodge sta…
Masonic lodges (guilds) were basically the union halls of their day. But as time went on, and the demand for large stone cathedrals and castles waned, work became harder and harder to find. In it, at the same time that Masonry was slowly evolving from operative to speculative, there was also a shift in focus where the masonic lodge started spending more time supporting each other when times got lean. The influx of the gentlemen class was a welcome relief for everyone.
Not only did the speculative masons adopt the working tools, grips, signs and tokens as philosophical representatives, but also the brotherly support amongst each other, which is illustrated all through each of the three degrees.
I'm probably one of the few people on the planet that doesn't necessarily agree with what some perceive as a fundamental part of Masonry - charity. Nothing wrong with charity, mind you. Makes me feel great to have been part of scholarship committees and bikes for books helping our communities. But first and foremost, we are a brotherhood tasked with helping each other.
I think the biggest mistakes we are making today is accepting what Masonry has evolved (devolved) into instead of looking back at the past and finding purpose within that context.
Unfortunately, much of what once was has been lost to the sands of time.
I will clarify, that when I refer to charity, I am referring to the incorrect modern interpretation of that word in our work. Charity, the act of giving, versus charity, that love for mankind. It's the latter I agree with, not the former.
Historically there is much to support your view. My own bible doesn't even use the word Charity in the verses Masonry borrows. It uses the word Love instead, and it is a very old translation.
>>"I think the biggest mistakes we are making today is accepting what Masonry has evolved >>(devolved) into instead of looking back at the past and finding purpose within that context."
In my opinion there is a great deal of wisdom in this statement.
We have a tremendous amount of knowledge about Freemasonry between the years of 1723 and 1910 to consider. We can learn what the Masons of that time found important, and we can emulate the best of them.
Masonic lodges (guilds) were basically the union halls of their day. But as time went on, and the demand for large stone cathedrals and castles waned, work became harder and harder to find. In it, at the same time that Masonry was slowly evolving from operative to speculative, there was also a shift in focus where the masonic lodge started spending more time supporting each other when times got lean. The influx of the gentlemen class was a welcome relief for everyone.
Not only did the speculative masons adopt the working tools, grips, signs and tokens as philosophical representatives, but also the brotherly support amongst each other, which is illustrated all through each of the three degrees.
I'm probably one of the few people on the planet that doesn't necessarily agree with what some perceive as a fundamental part of Masonry - charity. Nothing wrong with charity, mind you. Makes me feel great to have been part of scholarship committees and bikes for books helping our communities. But first and foremost, we are a brotherhood tasked with helping each other.
I think the biggest mistakes we are making today is accepting what Masonry has evolved (devolved) into instead of looking back at the past and finding purpose within that context.
Unfortunately, much of what once was has been lost to the sands of time.
I will clarify, that when I refer to charity, I am referring to the incorrect modern interpretation of that word in our work. Charity, the act of giving, versus charity, that love for mankind. It's the latter I agree with, not the former.
Historically there is much to support your view. My own bible doesn't even use the word Charity in the verses Masonry borrows. It uses the word Love instead, and it is a very old translation.
>>"I think the biggest mistakes we are making today is accepting what Masonry has evolved >>(devolved) into instead of looking back at the past and finding purpose within that context."
In my opinion there is a great deal of wisdom in this statement.
We have a tremendous amount of knowledge about Freemasonry between the years of 1723 and 1910 to consider. We can learn what the Masons of that time found important, and we can emulate the best of them.