Originally posted by rahboni
I'm going to go out on a limb here, so those who are traditionalists can flame away.
When it comes to Masonry, I'm about as much as a traditionalist as one can get. But instead of "flaming away", I'll address your points.
The language used in the regular ceremonies has no place in the modern world.
Why not? What kind of language would you prefer?
The symbolism is rather esoteric & is basically a blur to those who have been raised in the recent past.
Would you also recommend somehow changing or deleting Masonic symbolism, and if so, in what way? And if Masonic symbolism seems esoteric or abstract, are you of the opinion that it is that way by accident?
While the sentiments are true to this day, many a good man has been put off by the nonsensical ritual & requirements, or just his plain old duties as a part of a family.
So you, my Brother, a Past Master, consider our ritual and requirements "nonsensical". If this is true, what motivates you to participate?
If it were not for the old "stick-in-the-muds", Grand Lodges would be able to attempt to "modernize" rituals, and be more forthcoming. Let's face it.....this isn't your Father's Lodge anymore.
As the archetypal old stick-in-the-mud, I fail to understand the purpose of "modernizing" ritual, and eliminating intellectual requirements. In fact, I would argue that we've been too lax as it is, and the dumbing down of Masonry is an obstacle that, if not overcome, could prove fatal. To see what I mean, all we have to do is look at statistics: what masonic organizations are prospering and which are deteriorating?
Continental Lodges that have strict requirements are prospering. Some Lodges require a year between each degree, with the candidate being required to submit research papers on Masonic topics before advancing.
Traditional observance Lodges in the US, which follow the pattern of the continental, are growing in number. Although a new phenomenon, it is very attractive to those Masons who believe that Masonry may actually possess something worth teaching.
Educational societies, such as the Scottish Rite Research Society, whose members present papers reflecting outstanding scholarship.
Now, consider those bodies that are having the most problems:
Blue Lodges whose officers stumble through the work without the slightest idea of what they're talking about during the ritual, and don't care.
"Social" bodies such as the Shrine whose rituals are based on juvenility, and whose memberships are dropping even faster than the abovementioned Blue Lodges.
There is an old cliche that says that, in Masonry, one gets out of it what he puts into it. From my experience, that is a truthful saying. One of the problems is, as I see it, some well-intentioned Brethren are not themselves sure about what Masonry actually is, and want to "improve" it. I remain thankful that, when I was sworn in as Master of my Lodge years ago, I vowed never to countenance an innovations in Masonry, and sincerely hope that most other Grand Lodges feature this clause in the PM obligation.
