In truth, I have been at this writing business for a really long time. I have probably written over a million words on the net, so I have seen pretty much every twist and combination of words that is out there. I will have to admit, I used to be Mason basher.

Why?

I don't know. It was easy. It got lots of attention. It was a popular approach to take. Sometimes it was too easy.

I am no longer the Mason basher I was, having come to an appreciation for the efforts that this organization has in preserving what became our Western civilization.

Now for the record, I believe that Masonry is and has been in a state of decay for quite a number of years. The empty Masonic Halls sprinkled throughout the various towns and cities across America lie as silent testaments to such a reality and belief.

Then there is the overt war against Masonry.

Nothing happens without a reason, at least as public relations and agenda's go, and so the war on Masonry I find to be of particular interest. As I see it, the powers that be infiltrated Masonry many generations ago and co-opted it, but why war against it equally?

The truth is - I know lots of Masons all over the world.

On a trip to the Philippines some years ago, I was invited to sit in on meetings with various civic institutions like Rotary, Lion's Club, etc. More than a few of these individuals were Masons. Many of them were genuinely concerned about their families and communities.

While traveling in the Middle East, I have come to be introduced to many elite families and yes, more than a couple have been or are Mason's. Again. They were quite committed to their families and society.

So why the war on Mason's?

Is it because as a general rule, there remains an infrastructure that is or could be a danger to a "New World Order'?

I have felt this may be the case. Ultimately, an oppressive force opposed to human liberties and freedoms would need to come to control the one movement that fought and sought to instill these same said human conditions. It would then destroy from within and from without.

It is something worth considering.

My only beef, as it were, with Mason's, is that they are not nearly as dedicated to their Craft as they should be. That is simply my observation. There is not enough study in the Speculative Arts, for instance, or the philosophical foundations which give rise to the beliefs and rituals.

It is tiring, for instance, to have a Mason argue that Mary was "the Black Widow" in that she gave birth to Christ and yet the larger mythology obviously (or you would think obviously) revolved around Isis and the birth of Horus and the death of Osiris.

Sometimes you wonder where some of the lodges in question were infused with their beliefs and why they cling so steadfastly to same.

And in today's world, knowledge is a Google hit away, and as a general rule, the people are more advanced and educated as at any point in the history of mankind. There comes a time when it becomes necessary to realize that belonging does not equate to knowing, and knowing does not necessarily impose the need to belong.

What is clear is that Masonry has provided and will continue to provide a positive vehicle to effect change and shape minds well into the future. What is perhaps necessary is to realize that the seeming war on Masonry is not just an external affair, and that the war for Masonry has too been waged from within equally - be aware that cleaning one's house is oft equated to the onset of Spring.

Perhaps it is time for a renaissance and a clearing of the halls?

Its nice to see a poster who is neither blinded by masonic light nor deceived by anti-masonic propaganda.

A refreshing neutral view.

I´ll comment on your points later.

Originally posted by android1296


At some point in time "we" have to take a stand and you need an infrastructure to do that.

If we allow the total war on Masonry to destroy it also - then the West loses its primary secular infrastructure, as I see it.

At any rate, the post is well intentioned and free from any intent to portray any ulterior motives.

You had me kind of agreeing with you until this last part. if masonry was to be destroyed, we wouldn't be losing much. They are not the saviors of this world. Where they drop off, someone else will pick up. There might be some growing pains, but that's it. I felt like this latest post was unbiased also until I read this last bit. Now, though you are still an EX mason right, you are fighting for them to survive. Are you going to rejoin if you believe they are that important to you and society? You said there was no intent for any ulterior motives, but it looks like your motive is to defend them and keep them from being destroyed. Not saying it was all malicious, but saying that there is motive here. The motive isn't just to say you were a mason basher, the motive is to save masonry from being attacked. Different motives.

JPT

JPT

 
 


[edit on 22-5-2008 by 12m8keall2c]

Originally posted by android1296
preserving what became our Western civilization

Actually, no. You give them way too much credit. Perhaps you meant, "preserving what became [known] as our Western mystery tradition" I would probably agree with that. They were certainly the most visible.

the powers that be infiltrated Masonry many generations ago and co-opted it

Many centuries ago, I would say. Just a few decades after the coming-out in 1717, the nobility gained a position of real control in Freemasonry. So much so, that by the end of the century you had the likes of Illuminati Ferdinand Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Wolfenbüttel and Karl, Landgrave von Hessen-Kassel determining the fate and direction of the craft on nearly the whole of the European continent. Just look at the 35 deputies who convened the fateful Congress at Wilhelmsbad; except for a few occult superstars with humble genes, the controlling faction were all high-nobles (mainly the two Illuminatus' mentioned above).

Wow, android.. just... wow. Do you really think that was neccessary? That post, from a 3rd party, looked pretty childish, which hurts your credibility; your posts started out well structured and clear, then it appeared that emotions got in the way and you went down hill from there. Maybe you should take a step back and regain your composure?