As the poster boy for publishing things that make people crazy, I think you should keep doing what you’re doing. We, as Free and Accepted Masons, supposedly venerate truth.
(For perspective, I published on my blog eleven years ago an exposé of corruption in Freemasonry that got me thrown out of the fraternity for more than a year.)
I am sorry to know that you were retaliated against in that way. But, I suppose it is something that could potentially happen to anyone who writes about our Craft.
As for me, I've never been threatened about anything here on Emeth, but I have heard occasional bitching from leaders of our Fraternity. Not about what I've written, but about comments that are sometimes posted.
It seems to me when I hear these gripes from those in positions of leadership that they think as long as there is no criticism heard, no criticism exists. But of course that is wrong, and the only way legitimate concerns can be addressed is if they are known.
I always take to heart the words in the EA charge which instructs me to converse with well-informed brethren. Your journey in Masonry to Grand Master affords a unique perspective that I do not have. If we are to improve the fraternity, I look to brothers, like yourself, to offer solutions that I may not have considered. Keep writing, and I'll keep reading. Thanks.
Thank you Brother! I truly appreciate you, and everyone who takes the time to read what I post here. I know that time is our most precious commodity, and I'm honored that so many are willing to share theirs with me.
You need to keep doing what you are doing. The lesson of Enlightenment principles that are the foundation of Freemasonry is to always keep an open mind, question everything and share in a scientific approach to diagnosing and solving problems of civil society as well as within the confines of Freemasonry. Free expression and speech, selecting our own leaders by popular vote, choosing your own theology were never popular by authoritarians and some churches. We progress as a society by the exposition and sharing of ideas. That's the beauty behind this platform. Freemasonry is not about ideologues but about brethren on a journey of self improvement for ourselves and our masonic communities. There's a saying that I need to clean up for this audience. "F-them if they can't take a joke."
I MUST disagree with on your last statement. I'll also entertain the notion that your intention was satire - I hope so, but that is not my read of it.
This seems to me to be one of the things that much of modern society gets wrong! "If someone or some group or some sect or ethnicity does not see the world my way - Well to H#!! with them. This solves nothing, never resolves a conflict, makes anyone reconsider their point of view!
Particularly as Freemasons we Must engage with others, particularly those with whom we have a difference of opinion. We Must listen to their views and share our own as succinctly as possible. We Must ask and answer the very important question: WHY? And maybe answer it Many Times. Only when we begin to truly understand ALL sides of an issue can we hope to make reasonably informed decisions that effect our lives and those of countless others.
It is our duty as Freemasons to strive for prevailing Peace and Harmony!
Indeed, we can plainly see from the past that those who seek to stifle discussion are always on the wrong side of history.
But, for me, it is a balance. I try to never stifle discussion here on Emeth, but at the same time try to remember that we are all Brothers, and ultimately all want to see each other, and our Craft rise to success.
There was a political commentator in the Seattle area for many years. Ken Schram. He’s been gone for about a decade now, but while he was on TV and the radio, he called a lot of things out. If you didn’t get totally mad at him at least once, you weren’t really listening to him. The point wasn’t to become a full-time follower or fanatic of the guy, he was making the commentaries to make you think. No echo chambers with the Schrammie.
So it should be with anyone who makes articles like this, on any subject. It’s dangerous to get caught in an echo chamber. There’s no growth. As you note, Steel sharpens steel.
That being said… the weather’s getting warmer, and summer’s coming, so the Stocking Cap’s heading to the closet, but rest assured, come October, it WILL be back. So what am I wearing now?
I remember the Schrammies. People I worked around would get one from time to time, and let me tell ya, that made them awfully mad!
As for the ball cap, your choice of course. But, when your ears get the skin cancer from all that sun, just remember that while I'll do the Brotherly thing and chop them off for you, I don't have any anesthetic available!
Thank you for being so generous with your time and wisdom. Your topics always give me pause to consider Masonry and my part in it. You do us a great service. Many Thanks.
Our Masonic teachings should give us the tools to solve all problems that may arise in Lodge or outside. A lot of conflict comes from individuals who may not fully understand the importance of peace and harmony in the Lodge and may not have the experience to see the damage caused bu conflict. As a DD, I have been involved in conflict resolution, and the first thing we do is review our obligations to each other as Brothers and explain the ground rules for resolution.
Members who may not be so experienced in how Masonry works often understand better after explanation how the process works. Subdue you passions Brothers !!!
>>>As a DD, I have been involved in conflict resolution, and the first thing we do is review our >>>obligations to each other as Brothers and explain the ground rules for resolution.
When I was a DDGM, and afterwards, I found this to be one of the most difficult things to attempt to do well.
Your idea of reviewing our obligations to each other is superb! Thank you for sharing it. I can imagine following your example and using it in the future.
As Freemasons, we pride ourselves on not allowing social, political, sectarian or ethnic affiliations exclude anyone from our fraternity. We judge a man and mason by his character, charity and his actions. While we generally agree to refrain from the discussion of specific political and/or sectarian issues in the context of masonic activities, we should be able to broach even those topics without expressing, inwardly or outwardly, disdain for those with whom we converse.
For once we give up and stop communicating with others is when they become THEM / OTHERS - as in NOT US. When that is the prevailing basis for a relationship between individuals or groups - The mutual respect that allows them to live in Peace and Harmony is no longer there.
One of the greatest things about Freemasonry is our ability to put artificial divisions behind us. At least in my experience.
It's no secret that when it comes to politics, I have a side. I couldn't otherwise having worked for a couple of decades for specific caucuses. But, the very first Mason I really encountered Masonically was my mentor. And his political views are completely opposite of my own. He remains one of the Masons I most admire. Later, when I moved to Centralia, the first new Masonic friendship I struck up was with a Mason who held very extreme political views, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from me. Other examples exist as well.
The ability to put these things aside, and focus on what unites instead of divides us is a tremendous strength of our Craft.
Yes indeed!
Good morning MW
Good morning to you too W Brother!
As the poster boy for publishing things that make people crazy, I think you should keep doing what you’re doing. We, as Free and Accepted Masons, supposedly venerate truth.
(For perspective, I published on my blog eleven years ago an exposé of corruption in Freemasonry that got me thrown out of the fraternity for more than a year.)
Jay
I am sorry to know that you were retaliated against in that way. But, I suppose it is something that could potentially happen to anyone who writes about our Craft.
As for me, I've never been threatened about anything here on Emeth, but I have heard occasional bitching from leaders of our Fraternity. Not about what I've written, but about comments that are sometimes posted.
It seems to me when I hear these gripes from those in positions of leadership that they think as long as there is no criticism heard, no criticism exists. But of course that is wrong, and the only way legitimate concerns can be addressed is if they are known.
But - why is that a problem? I'm not understanding?
Have there not been enough robust discussions?
Indeed. But it is never fun to call things out, even if they need calling out.
No, it's not fun. But it's the uncomfortable conversations and holding space or those, that creates growth.
Never equivocate, never retract, and never apologize. Get your thoughts out there and let them howl!
Thanks VW Brother!
I always take to heart the words in the EA charge which instructs me to converse with well-informed brethren. Your journey in Masonry to Grand Master affords a unique perspective that I do not have. If we are to improve the fraternity, I look to brothers, like yourself, to offer solutions that I may not have considered. Keep writing, and I'll keep reading. Thanks.
Thank you Brother! I truly appreciate you, and everyone who takes the time to read what I post here. I know that time is our most precious commodity, and I'm honored that so many are willing to share theirs with me.
Keep up the good work!
You too Brother! I've got to get down to Oregon to see you again soon!
Nothing wrong with disagreement as long as it remains a civil discourse.
Indeed, civility is the key.
You need to keep doing what you are doing. The lesson of Enlightenment principles that are the foundation of Freemasonry is to always keep an open mind, question everything and share in a scientific approach to diagnosing and solving problems of civil society as well as within the confines of Freemasonry. Free expression and speech, selecting our own leaders by popular vote, choosing your own theology were never popular by authoritarians and some churches. We progress as a society by the exposition and sharing of ideas. That's the beauty behind this platform. Freemasonry is not about ideologues but about brethren on a journey of self improvement for ourselves and our masonic communities. There's a saying that I need to clean up for this audience. "F-them if they can't take a joke."
I MUST disagree with on your last statement. I'll also entertain the notion that your intention was satire - I hope so, but that is not my read of it.
This seems to me to be one of the things that much of modern society gets wrong! "If someone or some group or some sect or ethnicity does not see the world my way - Well to H#!! with them. This solves nothing, never resolves a conflict, makes anyone reconsider their point of view!
Particularly as Freemasons we Must engage with others, particularly those with whom we have a difference of opinion. We Must listen to their views and share our own as succinctly as possible. We Must ask and answer the very important question: WHY? And maybe answer it Many Times. Only when we begin to truly understand ALL sides of an issue can we hope to make reasonably informed decisions that effect our lives and those of countless others.
It is our duty as Freemasons to strive for prevailing Peace and Harmony!
Indeed, we can plainly see from the past that those who seek to stifle discussion are always on the wrong side of history.
But, for me, it is a balance. I try to never stifle discussion here on Emeth, but at the same time try to remember that we are all Brothers, and ultimately all want to see each other, and our Craft rise to success.
There was a political commentator in the Seattle area for many years. Ken Schram. He’s been gone for about a decade now, but while he was on TV and the radio, he called a lot of things out. If you didn’t get totally mad at him at least once, you weren’t really listening to him. The point wasn’t to become a full-time follower or fanatic of the guy, he was making the commentaries to make you think. No echo chambers with the Schrammie.
So it should be with anyone who makes articles like this, on any subject. It’s dangerous to get caught in an echo chamber. There’s no growth. As you note, Steel sharpens steel.
That being said… the weather’s getting warmer, and summer’s coming, so the Stocking Cap’s heading to the closet, but rest assured, come October, it WILL be back. So what am I wearing now?
You guessed it. A baseball cap. 😃
I remember the Schrammies. People I worked around would get one from time to time, and let me tell ya, that made them awfully mad!
As for the ball cap, your choice of course. But, when your ears get the skin cancer from all that sun, just remember that while I'll do the Brotherly thing and chop them off for you, I don't have any anesthetic available!
Thank you for being so generous with your time and wisdom. Your topics always give me pause to consider Masonry and my part in it. You do us a great service. Many Thanks.
Thank you for your very kind words Brother. I've truly enjoyed getting to know you these past few years!
Our Masonic teachings should give us the tools to solve all problems that may arise in Lodge or outside. A lot of conflict comes from individuals who may not fully understand the importance of peace and harmony in the Lodge and may not have the experience to see the damage caused bu conflict. As a DD, I have been involved in conflict resolution, and the first thing we do is review our obligations to each other as Brothers and explain the ground rules for resolution.
Members who may not be so experienced in how Masonry works often understand better after explanation how the process works. Subdue you passions Brothers !!!
>>>As a DD, I have been involved in conflict resolution, and the first thing we do is review our >>>obligations to each other as Brothers and explain the ground rules for resolution.
When I was a DDGM, and afterwards, I found this to be one of the most difficult things to attempt to do well.
Your idea of reviewing our obligations to each other is superb! Thank you for sharing it. I can imagine following your example and using it in the future.
As Freemasons, we pride ourselves on not allowing social, political, sectarian or ethnic affiliations exclude anyone from our fraternity. We judge a man and mason by his character, charity and his actions. While we generally agree to refrain from the discussion of specific political and/or sectarian issues in the context of masonic activities, we should be able to broach even those topics without expressing, inwardly or outwardly, disdain for those with whom we converse.
For once we give up and stop communicating with others is when they become THEM / OTHERS - as in NOT US. When that is the prevailing basis for a relationship between individuals or groups - The mutual respect that allows them to live in Peace and Harmony is no longer there.
One of the greatest things about Freemasonry is our ability to put artificial divisions behind us. At least in my experience.
It's no secret that when it comes to politics, I have a side. I couldn't otherwise having worked for a couple of decades for specific caucuses. But, the very first Mason I really encountered Masonically was my mentor. And his political views are completely opposite of my own. He remains one of the Masons I most admire. Later, when I moved to Centralia, the first new Masonic friendship I struck up was with a Mason who held very extreme political views, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from me. Other examples exist as well.
The ability to put these things aside, and focus on what unites instead of divides us is a tremendous strength of our Craft.