Originally posted by The GUT
reply to post by network dude
Thanks for your reply. Are the "thought provoking" philosophies considered secret too because I'm curious as to what some of them they might be?
I'm asking you guys because I want your opinions rather than wading through what outsiders might say and because I "know" y'all from posts here
and have enjoyed your comments on threads not related to this issue.
The philosophies we talk about in Freemasonry are definitely not secret. Pretty much anything that happens in a Masonic lodge can be found on the
Internet. Some of our lectures, though, offer a glimpse at some of the things we learn and think about.
The lectures vary by jurisdiction, but within the US they are pretty similar from one state to another. I will post a couple of quotes from an old
Masonic Monitor (don't worry, nobody is going to kill me and name a brand of Rum after me!)
We refer to the Arts and Sciences a lot as analogies for life. Here is a section of a lecture from "Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor":
Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis upon which the superstructure of Masonry is erected.
By geometry, we may curiously trace nature through her various windings
to her most concealed recesses. By it we discover the power, the wisdom, and the goodness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe, and view with
delight the proportions which connect this vast machine.
By it we discover how the planets move in their different orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions.
By it we account for the return of the seasons, and the variety of scenes which each season displays to the discerning eye.
Numerous worlds are around us, all formed by the same Divine Artist, and which roll through the vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same
unerring law of nature.
A survey of nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the Divine plan, and study symmetry and order.
This gave rise to societies, and birth to every useful art.
The architect began to design, and the plans which he laid down, being improved by experience and time, have produced works which are the admiration
of every age.
This is an example of some of the philosophical ideas that are given to Masons. It's important to note, though, that the interpretation of these
ideas is left to the individual Mason.
One brother may interpret "numerous worlds are around us" to mean Mars, Venus, Jupiter, etc. and take satisfaction in knowing they were created by
God (or a Supreme Being).
Others may interpret it to mean that our universe is inundated with worlds and dimensions that are both seen and unseen. That phrase may serve as a
metaphorical 'spark' in the mind of the Mason to think about how the universe is constructed and the interconnectedness of everything.
Neither of these approaches are right or wrong. Many people see Freemasonry as if it were a recipe, given to a cook with exact measures of specific
ingredients and a complicated, yet precise, list of instructions in order to prepare a dish.
In reality, though, it's more like a cooking school in a lush garden. The student is given a few basic rules of cooking and then given access to an
infinite number of ingredients with which to prepare a meal according to his own conscience and opinion.
