reply to post by Rockpuck
I'm very glad to hear that most lodges will agree to the traditional method. I believe that rituals were developed with the intention of aiding in
the learning process. And in any initiation ritual it would be a great loss to an initiate to bypass the experience. And as you said I would think
that the rituals (if expeienced on a personal level) will give you a greater personal connection with the lodge as a whole and a better understanding
of what it means to be a Mason.
Most people don't even see when tradition is being commercialized. Unfortunately even less than that realy care. It is sad to say that our society
has become that of expediency. With that said I feel that this is one of the worst things that can happen to a people in general. People of our
generation want everything fast and don't want to pay their dues so to speak, for example we (we meaning our generation in general) will take a job
and feel as if we are entitled to the CEO position in a matter of months.
On the other hand I'm the type that feels the best thing you'll ever have is what you earned with your own blood, sweat, and tears. It may or may
not be the best but you can take pride in the fact that it was gained by the work of your hands. I'm getting off thrack again.
I can understand how it is "expedient" to perform these mass initiations due to the current state of things as you have explained. But it doesn't
make it any better in my opinion. I know it is kind of high and mighty of me but as a matter of principle, selling out is selling out no matter the
reason.
I have to say that I didn't mean to say that "a challenge" was my primary reason or interest in Masonry but only to say that I do enjoy being
pushed to excell. As far as "being the best Mason that a Mason can be," as long as you think the way that you say you do I think think that you have
already come as far as any Mason, Christian, Jew or anyone that puts morals into practice can. Perfection is to be sought after but can never be
achieved. The man that claims to be wise is the furthest from it. (if you follow me) It is the best we can do to make that effort to "walk the walk"
if you will. I do see your point.
As far as bringing in new members I think that Masons should return to the old way of simply being public as they once were. When I speak of Masonry
with people of my age group they have no idea what I'm talking about. I think that just by participation in public events like St. Patricks Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day Parardes Masonry can shed alot of the neg. images and also become better known. In turn this could help to get the
interest of new members and it wouldn't be outside of tradition so the "baby boomers" shouldn't have a reason to reject it.
I have to say that I still believe in conspiracies, but not in that way (Masonic ones). As long as there are elites and the practice of patronage then
we will never be free of their thurst for more power. Any way, it is good to hear that someone actually had that feeling that you speak of. I hope
that I will be so inspired.
I don't let the fanatics dictate to me either. I think that they have destroyed God for many people. Although I do have a certain traditional view of
Christianity I have a few areas where I disagree with organized religion. But that isn't a problem for me because I don't think that buildings of
wood or stone is where GOD is, HE is in our hearts and all around us. So, I don't have to be in church to speak with him.
Thank you for your compliment. And though I would like to join in the near future I do have alot on my plate at this time so it will probably be
anywere from a few months to a year before I can make a serious effort. I can not go into anything knowing that I can't put my best into it so I have
to wait. But I will let you guys know when I get to.
