The Civility Mosaic
A Book Review
“When the words Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth make a sweeter music for the ears of men, when this white apron we so proudly wear shall be more highly honored by all nations instead of the blood stained banner of war, then and only then without any change will Masonry be universally accepted among men.”
-Brother Alphonse Cerza, Short Talk Bulletin Volume 61 Number 2, 1983
Freemasonry is, and always has been, the great peace society of the world.
Yet our world is being ripped apart by conflict.
Here in the United States, the clearest indicator of this conflict is our incivility towards each other, our intolerance of views that are divergent from our own, and our demonization of all who disagree with us.
Unfortunately, in far too many cases, this incivility has infected Masons as well. One does not have to spend much time at all on any of our large social media platforms in order to encounter men, purporting to be Freemasons, engaged in rampant incivility, assigning evil motives to any who disagree with their views on the issues of the day.
Such behavior is clearly Un-Masonic, and those who unrepentantly engage in it do not deserve to be known as Freemasons. Alas though, this current running through Freemasonry is nothing but a symptom of the disease infecting our wider society.
Our Brother, MW Russ Charvonia of California has been at the forefront of the effort to restore civility to our Craft and to the wider world for many years now. Eight years ago, he proposed that the Grand Lodges of North America engage in this battle to restore civility. Just last week he convinced those Grand Lodges the United States, Canada, and Mexico, to formalize Masonry’s commitment to civil dialog. The Grand Lodges of North America, by unanimous vote, agreed to work together for the restoration of civility.
Perhaps Russ’ largest contribution to this effort has been his authorship (with Michael Ashley) and recent publication of his book, “The Civility Mosaic; How Anyone Can Use The Principles Of Freemasonry To Repair Our World.”
This book offers practical methods, using Masonic principles, that each of us can utilize as individuals to control the incivility in the world around us, and techniques we can use to return civil discourse to our private affairs and public squares.
If you are concerned about the increasing incivility in the world around us, if you are concerned when you see Brothers engaging in incivility with other Brothers, this book will help you make a positive difference.
I’ve known Brother Charvonia for a long time now. I find him to be a man worth emulating, a superb Freemason, and utterly dedicated to the cause of improving ourselves and the world around us. I am proud to give his book my highest recommendation.
From the Forward by Chris Hodapp:
“This is the valuable lesson Russ and Michael’s book has to teach us: how to use the timeless principles of Freemasonry to reconnect with our families, our communities, and our nation, in healthy ways that unite us, rather than pulling us apart. If you’re not a Mason yourself, it will provide valuable insight into this ancient and honorable society. If you are a Mason, it’s an exciting book, a guide to spreading the evangel of equality, brotherhood, and the power of the individual to act as a positive force in the world around him. And we can start with our next-door neighbor.”
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As with every Sunday, we will have a Rummer & Grapes gathering via Zoom this evening for all of those with a paid subscription. The email containing the login information will go out at 3:00 PM, Pacific Time. I hope to see you there!
A personal note:
I am in need of a book titled:
Grand Lodge Recognition
A Symposium on The Conditions of Grand Lodge Recognition
Published by:
Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply in 1956
If you happen to have a copy of this book that you do not need, I would be pleased to purchase it from you. Please just let me know.