Jesus Isn’t Everyone’s Reason for the Season

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Your season, perhaps. There’s a multitude of other faiths that have holy days this time of year. You may not share their belief, but you don’t have to be rude about it. 

Pleasured to Join AMD and KM

Recently it was my immense pleasure to join the Allied Masonic Degrees and Knight Masons. A little history on the two organizations, if you aren't familiar.

First, AMD:

The Allied Masonic Degrees are an invitational organization, and requires membership in the Royal Arch as well as the Symbolic Lodge. Membership is limited to 27 members per council.

...

The Allied Masonic Degrees are detached degrees some of which, many years ago, were conferred under Craft warrants and formed part of the then loosely governed Freemasonry of the period.

Many of these detached degrees became dormant in some places, although in others they were conferred as side degrees. In time, the better of these degrees were grouped together in an organized body under the title of Allied Masonic Degrees.

...

In addition to perpetuating these degrees, there is still another and equally important purpose. It is to bring together, in small groups, Freemasons who are interested in the advancement of all Masonry, preparing themselves to better serve the Craft through the medium of study and research.

Study? Research? Oh my, you're talking my language here. As someone who loves to study the history and development of our Craft, I think I'm right at home. Judging by the works printed in Miscellanea, their research journal, I've joined an educated and well-versed group of gentlemen.

Also, a bit of history on the Knight Masons:

The Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States of America, in consideration of its origin strives to:

1. Perpetuate the ancient rituals of the Irish Masonic Canon, (the "Green" degrees) by promoting their frequent and regular conferral inits constituent councils, and by its expectation that such conferral will be executed with an accuracy, a precision, and a dramatic power congruent with the highest traditions of the Masonic institution.

2. Elevate to membership in its constituent councils only those Freemasons who in their character and persons have amply and thoroughly demonstrated in their Masonic lives, by means of a faithful attachment to the institution, a true and honorable record of service to its goals, and a genuine dedication to its high ideals.

3. Foster in its constituent councils the regular exploration and study of the Masonic Tradition and Heritage by means of an aggressive program of scholarly inquiry and research, and to pursue that Masonic learning in the spirit of our Celtic forbears who kept the light of faith burning in times of darkness.

4. Encourage its constituent councils to discover in the pleasures and diversions of the festive board that warm fellowship and that joyous fraternity, which have ever characterized and actuated the great spirit of this Ancient Craft.

5. Promote the charitable dimension so central to, and inherent in, Masonic life and tradition by obliging its constituent councils to contribute with customary Masonic liberality to those institutions, both Masonic and non-Masonic, which serve the needs of the greater community. 

I found the Knight Masons to have similarity to Knights Templar, with some obvious differences. I will have to compare/contrast the degree work. Perhaps I've found a subject for an AMD research paper?

Unfortunately the groups only meet every six months and are nearly three hours' drive away. The trip is well worth it however. The group of Brothers and Cousins that invited me to join is a diverse collection of personalities and ages. I eagerly look forward to our Spring meetings!

May 14, 2018: Presented a Scholarship

WM Voss, Scholarship Recipient, Myself

Last evening I was able to assist in one of my favorite things I've done as a Freemason.  WM Keith Voss and I had the pleasure of presenting a scholarship to a local high school senior.

I also was able to present the scholarship last year.  I've included some of the remarks I gave at that time.  (I was fortunate to have my own speech prepared, as another area Lodge was presenting a scholarship and read the same boilerplate speech I was given by Grand Lodge.)

Freemasons have always been interested in education. Ours is the only fraternal organization which urges its members to study what we refer to as The Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. These are grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, music, astronomy and geometry.

From the very inception of the country, Freemasons have advocated and supported public schools. Brother George Washington, in a letter to John Adams, said, "Wise and judicious modes of education, patronized and supported by communities, will draw together the sons of the rich and the poor, among whom it makes no distinction; it will cultivate the natural genius, elevate the soul, excite laudable emulation to excel in knowledge, piety, and benevolence; and finally it will reward its patrons and benefactors by shedding its benign influence on the public mind."

Since its official formation in 1717, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy.

During the late 1700s, Freemasonry was one of the organizations most responsible for spreading the ideals of the Enlightenment, which were the dignity of man, the liberty of the individual, the right of all persons to worship as they choose, the formation of democratic governments, and the importance of a public education.

Grand Master De Witt Clinton, when Governor of New York, championed the cause of public schools so strongly that he became known as the Father of Public Schools in that state.

Grand Master Benjamin Franklin vigorously urged the adoption of a public school system in Pennsylvania, and established the first public high school in America. Prior to this, education past the 8th grade was reserved for the wealthy and powerful.

Throughout much of America, Freemasons were directly responsible for establishing and promoting public school systems in their communities. It is our belief that an education is key to a peaceful and equal society.

Until next time, timendi causa est nescire.
 

I've been insanely busy lately. Please excuse the lack of posts.

Quick update, for those who enjoy reading about my exploits.  I'm currently serving as Junior Warden of Jackson Lodge #42, Excellent High Priest of Monroe Chapter #125, (Something I can't remember) in Triad Council #46, and Junior Warden of Zerubbabel Commandry #69.  I'm also wedged into some other stuff that's equally time-consuming.  Busy busy busy.

On top of that, both my Blue Lodge and York Rite lodges have candidates coming through.  At the same time.  My Blue Lodge hasn't had a candidate since I joined two years ago.  And now there's a guy joining at the same time the York Rite lodge is running a guy through it's nine degrees.  I never expected that to happen.  That's blue-moon levels of rarity around here.  Not that I'm complaining by any stretch, however.

It's a good problem to have though, particularly in this day and age.  Learning all the Senior Deacon parts for Chapter while trying to brush up on Hiram in Council, all while hardly being home of an evening due to Lodge, baseball, and other commitments, is stressful to say the least.  But it's worth it to see new Brothers join and advance in the Craft and it's teaching.  It'd just be nice if it didn't all happen at once.

At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old Past Master, which would be hard since I'm neither old, nor a Past Master*, I sincerely do hope these new guys learn the work and help out.  It's rough when the same group of six to seven guys has to put on every single degree.

*In the "I used to be WM" sense.

A Week of Thanks

(Disclaimer - the following topic was shamelessly stolen from /r/freemasonry.)

I normally eschew public proclamations of thankfulness this time of year.  First, because I've always been a contrarian trend-bucker.  If everyone else is doing it, count me out.  Second because, as my wife says, how ironic it is that we spend eleven months a year complaining about this, that, and the other, and then spend a twelfth talking about how thankful we are for all of it.

But I'm at work, the day is slow, and I'm in the mood to be thankful.  So here we go:

Number 1: My family.  Yes, my oldest is lazy-ish, my middle is a heathen, and my youngest is a rebellious squirt that will likely give me gray hair, but I love them.  Along with their mother, who's pretty awesome too. 

The oldest is a bookworm just like her dad, so I can't complain.  The middle child is just as much of a trouble-maker as I was when I was younger.  And the rebellious young one?  Well, I'm guilty for that one also.  If they continue in the path I followed, it will all work out for the best in the end, and for that I am thankful. 

I'd best not forget their mother.  She'd never let me forget it if I did.  She's like that.  But I'm forgetful at times, so that's a good thing.  Most importantly, she puts up with my crap.  What kind of crap? Well, as stated, I'm the adult version of a rebellious heathen who likes to read and joke around.  Take a guess what kind of sarcastic semi-adult I am.  But she loves me for it, and for that I am exceptionally thankful.

Number 2: My job.  Yes, it's stressful.  Yes, it's annoying at times.  Yes, there are certain aspects that drive me batsh*t crazy.  But I love what I do, I love where I work (five-minute commutes are excellent), and I make enough money to cover most expenses.  What more can a person ask for?  It's a challenge I enjoy that allows me the autonomy to grow and expand my skill sets.

Number 3:  My home.  I would much rather live somewhere else.  Down south for the warmth, or Chicago for the entertainment and history.  But I don't - I still live in the town I grew up in, two houses down from the home my Grandmother used to babysit me in.  As I child I dreamt of how far I'd travel and what foreign nations I'd live in, often while setting on the front porch steps I can see out my living room window.

I did move away for a while, but came back.  It was the hardest decision I'd ever made.  Being gone for a year made me realize all that much more how much I didn't want to live here.  Family ties are strong however.  Both mine and my wife's families live in this town.  It's helpful to have others to help out with the kids.  I'll give it that much.

Back to my home - when I thought of what type of property I'd like to have, yard, style, trees, etc., my thoughts always were based on the large two-story with an acre yard at the end of my grandma's street.  And here I am, twenty-five years later, living in that very house.

So while I didn't travel Europe, spend time in South America, and build a hand-hewn log home in the Alaskan frontier, I do live in a home I've admired since childhood.  It's not perfect, but it's mine.  And I'm thankful for that.

Number 4: My Lodges.  It may be cliché, but I am thankful for the Lodges that have accepted me as a Brother.  No, Freemasonry is not as exclusive as it once was, but I've no doubt that I would have been as welcome in times of restriction as now.  I've experienced immeasurable personal growth, made many new friends, and have been exposed to thousands of pages of wisdom.  I've been given opportunities to lead as well as to follow.  I have been accepted as a member of the world's oldest and most storied fraternity, and for that I am exceptionally grateful.

And finally, Number 5: The 2015 Chicago Cubs.  Hey, it's not all seriousness here.  I have to mention my favorite sports team having its best season in decades.  If you're anything close to familiar with American professional baseball, you'll understand why this is such a big deal.  For my English bretheren, imagine a team with the popularity of Manchester U, the history of Sheffield, and the success of Swindon Town nearly winning the Premier League.  (Disclaimer - my knowledge of English Football history is limited to twenty minutes of study on Wikipedia.)  All this while winning awards for best manager, best... goalie?, and best first-year professional player.  It's kind of a big deal. 

The Cubs haven't won a championship in 108 years.  In that time, they have only 8,403 wins against 8,516 losses - a less-than-impressive .497 winning percentage.  If they were an English football team, they'd probably be in the lowest division possible.  (Again, limited football knowledge garnered from Wikipedia.)  For them to nearly make it to the World Series this year, let alone win it?  Mind-boggling.  I have relatives who lived their entire lives wanting the Cubs to win who have been dead for a decade.  Let that sink in a bit.  Depressing, isn't it?

Yet we still cheer them on, we still watch them play, and we still get a little saddened when the season is over.  One day they'll win it all.  Maybe not in my lifetime, maybe not in the next, but sometime.  And it will be wonderful.  And I suspect a sign of Armageddon.  But hey, it'll be worth it.

New Elections for the Coming Year

Greetings, Bretheren.  It's been some time since I've posted here.  I see the pageviews keep coming, so thank you dearly for that support.

It's Winter, and with that time of year comes Lodge election season.  I'm honored to have been elected as Junior Warden of Jackson Lodge #42 in Centerville, Iowa.  I will gladly serve my brothers as the office calls for, and then some.  (Hello Lodge pizza party!)

Rumor has it I may be drafted elected to office in my local Royal Arch Chapter as well.  I consider that a tremendous honor, as I've not held office previously in that body, nor have I yet been Exalted for a year.  I am humbled by the mere suggestion that I should hold office, let alone be elected to such.

This Saturday, the 21st of November, is the fall York Rite Festival in Des Moines, Iowa.  I will hopefully be in attendance for much of the day, dependent upon the weather.  Central Iowa is to experience its first winter storm of the year, and of course on a day I've been looking forward to for weeks.  I do hope to make it, as it will be my first chance to observe the Order of the Temple as a Sir Knight.

Plus, as an added bonus, a Brother and I plan on meeting up for a post-festival herf at one of the many cigar lounges Des Moines has to offer.  I don't make it up that way very often, but when I do, I can't help but pick up a Cain Daytona, Oliva G, or Romeo y Julietta, and some nice pipe tobacco.  Something about the antiquity of Freemasonry and a nice pipe or cigar seem to go well together.

On the note of pipes and cigars, I've been floating around the idea of a cigar shop hop.  Essentially, a group of Masons who are also cigar enthusiasts meet at a predetermined location and spend the day visiting cigar shops and lounges.  My wife does something similar with some quilting friends.  It's a great way to get together and share a common hobby.  Plus, if enough of us Brothers sign on, we could possibly arrange for discounts from participating shops.  If you live in Central Iowa and would like to show interest, please let me know in the comments below.

Moving on, work has begun on a project that I've been considering for some time.  I cannot go into much detail at this time, but will say that it looks to be a huge undertaking that will be quite rewarding if done properly.  Perhaps in the coming weeks I will be able to divulge more.  Stay tuned for more information and updates.

I've been reading a number of Masonic books lately, mostly related to Chapter and Council.  The amount of quality works written on Masonic and related esoteric topics continues to astound me.  In today's world, anyone can write a book on anything and instantly publish it.  This wasn't so in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries.  Not only did many Brothers write quality works on The Craft, but they were able to justify the no-doubt considerable cost associated with printing them.  I'm so glad that our past Bretheren had the knowledge and foresight to preserve these books for future generations.

In closing, I'd like to draw your attention to websites I've made for my Blue Lodge and York Rite Bodies.  Please excuse the extreme lag in page loading.  I'm not sure why they take so long, and I've yet to have the free time to call my webhost to troubleshoot the problem.  I welcome your feedback and suggestions for those webpages, should you have any to offer.

Until next time,

Rob Matherly
Junior Warden Elect
Jackson Lodge #42
Centerville, Iowa

What it means to me to be a Freemason.

Last night I had the pleasure in assisting with the conferral of a third degree.  I have attended several since my own raising last May, but this was the first time I actually played a role in the process.  I have to say, it took on an even greater importance in my eyes.  There we were, a group of fraternal brothers, joining together to help a new Master Mason learn moral lessons that will guide him the rest of his life.

It really struck home when he was allowed to address us after the ceremony.  His son apparently suffers from diabetes.  While in the hospital receiving treatment for his condition, the Shrine housed and fed the child's family.  "I knew I needed to turn my life around and be part of a good group of men like that," he said.

I know that Freemasonry's raison detre isn't charity per se. We aren't like other groups whose sole purpose is to directly better society through charity and public service.  Rather, our focus is to better ourselves and thereby society as a result.  However, what the Shrine did for this man's family speaks volumes for Freemasonry.  I was both proud and humbled to hear him say it.  That is what Freemasonry is to me.

Between helping this man learn how to be a Mason, and learning him say why he chose to do so, I was very moved.  It helped me to remember what Freemasonry really is about.  It's not membership, or fundraisers, or any of the other stuff that comes with running a public organization.  It's about making good men better and giving them the tools to do so.  If we lose sight of that, then we may as well just shut the doors and head on down the road.

Being Installed as Jr Deacon Tonight!

Tonight I will begin my journey through the chairs, starting to the right of the Senior Warden.  I've been practicing since I had a suspicion it would happen.  I'm the new guy and we only average one new member a year, so it stands to reason it would be my turn.  Given the progression pattern in our lodge, that would put me in the East in four years.  Should I start planning now?  Ha.

All kidding aside, I'm looking forward to the role this year.  I've also been asked to serve on the visitation and finance committees.  In a small lodge such as ours, this usually doesn't entail much, but it's an honor to be asked none the less.

I also get the joy of welcoming Grand Lodge next month.  Quite nerve-wracking to be doing so less than a year after being raised.  I'm up for the challenge however!  You can't grow if you don't step up.

On "The Goat, the Devil and the Freemason" by Dr. David West

In a previous post I eluded to a book which turned out to be a very challenging read.  I have since finished the book and will share my thoughts.  It is called "The Goat, the Devil and the Freemason" by Dr. David West.  I received my copy through the Iowa Research Lodge #2 at their semi-annual fall meeting.

First and foremost, this book is very well-written.  The author remains witty and clever throughout, and based on his writing style I am sure any evening of conversation with him would be highly enjoyable and entertaining.  There is an excellent mix of fact, seriousness, and brevity in his writing style that I envy and find myself desirous of.

We begin with the Taxil Hoax - the oft-repeated tale of a man who defrauded the Catholic church and French society then died in infamy, but whose tales of Devil-worship in the Masonic fraternity live on.  Dr. West also touches upon the misunderstanding of Albert Pike's "Lucifer, the Son of the Morning!" quote, explaining why it's wrong to interpret such as admiration for the devil, and how even if it were, it's hardly representative of Freemasonry as a whole.  Dr. West does an excellent job of thoroughly dissecting and dispelling these two root causes of Freemasonry's devil problem.

Moving forward in the book, I began to sense a distinct anti-religious sentiment.  Dr. West lays out his case for how all faiths and religions are essentially founded in ancient volcano/mountain worship and paganism.  He then attempts to use logic and reason to not only state why devil worship is illogical, but how it is impossible by reason of, in his belief, it not even being possible for a devil to exist.  I felt as if I'd been tricked into reading an atheistic work by Christopher Hitchens.

By and large, I did enjoy the work and would recommend it to fellow Masons.  I would be quite hesitant to recommend it to those who believe in the myths regarding Freemasonry.  I, a very accepting person, couldn't help but feel a tad belittled by Dr. West's views on Christianity and it's theistic worldview.  I can only imagine what the typical American fundamentalist would take away from the book.

On "The Goat, the Devil and the Freemason" can be purchased at Amazon.com.  You can also receive a copy by joining the Iowa Research Lodge #2 and requesting it as one of your selections.

Freemasonry and Religion

I'm currently reading a book which is one of the hardest I've had to force myself to read.  Not because I find the work itself challenging, but because there is so much I simply don't agree with.  While I'll reserve my review for when I've finished the book (anything else would be unfair to the author), I will expand on how it is making me think about religion and Freemasonry.

The central tenant of Masonry is this:  Good men believe in God and try to do good as a result.  There is no requirement as to who or what that God is; just that one believe in a higher power.  I happen to be an evangelical Christian.  I believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and that one must repent and be born again.... Yadda yadda, you've seen it on a yard sign somewhere, I'm sure.

By sitting in Lodge with those whose faith I don't share, am I viewing their faith as equal to my own?  No - I am simply respecting their right to believe whatever they want.  By working together with a Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist, I am not saying that I see Mohamed, Vishnu, or Buddha as equal with Christ.  Do do so would be a violation of my faith - just as them seeing Christ as equal with their deity/prophet may be a violation of theirs.

This also does not mean I see all faiths as equally relevant.  The fact that I choose to be a Christan demonstrates that I see Christianity as the faith superior to all others.  If I didn't, why would I continue to worship as such?  If I felt that Islam or Hinduism had something more to offer than Christianity, it would be pointless to remain Christian.

This doesn't mean I don't see positives in other faith traditions and religions.  Any belief system which encourages its adherents to do good in the world has positive aspects.  According to my religion, however, this doesn't grant it the same same salvation and redemption benefits.  In John chapter 14, Christ states that he is the only way to receive salvation:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

Quite honestly, I believe if one isn't a Christian (in the sense that they believe Christ is God incarnate and trust him to save them from sin, not in a "well I go to services each week" sense), they aren't going to heaven.  Is that a bigoted opinion?  Perhaps in the eyes of some.  Does that mean I look down on others who don't share my belief?  Not at all.  We all have the free will to choose what to believe.  We all arrive at our opinions and views through our own circumstances. 

If someone is angered by this sentiment, why?  In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."  If someone doesn't believe they're going to hell for not following Christ and I do, what difference does it make to them?  I am not forcing my faith on others, so leave me be and allow me to worship and believe as I choose.  Let's focus on the good which we all have in common and leave the rest to personal opinion.

Masonic Hams (Radio, not Pork)

In my previous post, I highlighted my trip to the fall meeting of Iowa Research Lodge #2.  I edited out the details of my visit to National Cigar Store, but you wouldn't know that.  Check them out if you're a cigar buff though, the place has a very nice selection and John is very knowledgeable. 

Anyway, I happened to be browsing the Masonic blogs at Aslar to Ashes and saw that another brother had also been there.  Clicking on over and browsing his site, I noticed another commonality - we both have ham radio licenses.  Imagine my surprise!  Finding a fellow Mason in the wild is rare enough, but one who is also one of the remaining 700,000 ham radio licensees in America?  What are the odds?  (Metaphorically speaking of course.  I know the chances are pretty slim.)

Perhaps I'll have to dust off the Icom and check into the Masonic Gathering Net sometime.  It's nice to find friends whom one has more than one thing in common with!

A recap of my visit to the Iowa Research Lodge #2 meeting

I recently had the pleasure of attending the fall meeting of the Iowa Research Lodge #2, hosted by Blackhawk Lodge #65 of Cedar Falls, Iowa.  As with any Masonic gathering, I was quickly welcomed as a friend and made to feel right at home.



The entrance to Blackhawk Lodge is easily one of the most unique I've yet to encounter.  One walks through a door and into a room roughly ten feet square.  All that is within this room is an elevator and the button to call for it.  Very emblematic of the steps one takes when becoming an Entered Apprentice.  I have to admit I was a bit more than nervous.  What would await me when the doors opened?

The answer: One heckuva nice lodge, that's what.  Of all the lodge buildings I've been in, this was the first I'd seen with a big-screen TV and cable.  And, if one is smart enough to guess the password of the guest account of the coffee shop below, free wifi.  (Hint:  It's "guest.")

Walking into the banquet room, one is greeted with a comfortable setup of the usual vintage 1960's furniture.  At this point I'm convinced that no lodge is allowed to have furniture less than 40 years old.  It's well-kept and still comfortable though, not held together with duct tape and baling twine like some I'd seen.

One thing I didn't notice was the Lodge room itself.  The banquet hall and social areas were massive.  Where was there even room?  The answer was down the hall, through another social area for Eastern Star, and through a very esoteric-looking oak door complete with brass knocker and old-fashioned peephole.  A large lodge room with some of the newest carpeting and wallpaper I'd yet to see, filled with stadium seating to the North and a double-row of seats along the South.

The business meeting was called to order and the upcoming book selection was discussed.  This being my first visit as a member of Iowa Research Lodge #2, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Thankfully they weren't as dry as the meetings I'd attended as a party-level district political representative.

Following the meeting we were treated to a meal in the banquet hall.  The dinner was one of the finest I'd had the pleasure of having at Lodge (sorry Keith) and was well worth the $12.00 I'd paid to attend.  Roast beef with stewed potatoes, carrots, and peas were the main course.  A side dish of jello fruit cocktail was served (I love that stuff) along with chocolate cake and ice cream for desert.  There was more than enough for everyone, us fat guys included.  The cooking staff did a tremendous job.

We were then ushered back into the lodge room for the evening's lecture.  An update on the Iowa Online Mentoring Course being put into place by Grand Lodge, the goal of which is to regain the one-on-one time lost when Iowa stopped requiring rote memorization of ritual work.  After hearing the presentation, I honestly believe this will be a huge step forward in educating new Masons, as well as giving older Masons something to rekindle their involvement.

Membership was presented as a hole-filled bucket.  New members come in the top and leak out the bottom via holes of death, life changes, lack of interest, and non-payment of dues.  The question:  How do we plug the holes?  You can't stop people from dying, and you can't fault people for leaving due to career changes and other circumstances.

New members are joining for spiritual enlightenment and self-betterment.  They want the Freemasonry of Mackey and Pike, and often encounter a hollow shell which is nothing more than a Men's club requiring belief in God.  Dissatisfied and feeling as if the Fraternity isn't what they thought it would be, they quietly slip out the back door and never return.  If we don't provide what the members are seeking, the Freemasonry of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, they won't stay members for long.

The presenters noted that most new masons these days have read more about Freemasonry prior to joining than many current Masons have read since being raised.  This hit home for me, as it's clearly my situation.  My collection of Masonic books numbered in the double-digits before I'd even thought of petitioning for membership.  I joined looking for esotericism and philosophical discussion, not arguments at business meetings.  Thankfully I've the fortitude to change what I don't like and be that catalyst as needed.

Queue the Online Mentoring Course.  This optional program presents the new initiate with a plethora of esoteric and gnostic teachings which are central to Masonic enlightenment.  It explains not just the symbolism, not just the whys, but the hows and musts of Freemasonry.  It returns to the Craft the one-on-one instruction and teaching which, apparently, has been inadvertently lost since the days of two men in a basement going over the cipher book.

The Brothers in Iowa have accepted this idea more than was hoped.  Four eight-hour classes on the OMC were scheduled across the state and all were quickly filled.  (A shame, since I'd planned on attending one myself next week.)  From the sound of the Brothers explaining the classes, they'd expected light participation at the most.  Now they are anticipating having to hold more classes due to the overwhelming interest.

The meeting concluded at 8pm sharp, as promised, which was an absolute blessing given that I had a three hour drive home.  I headed out on the road with a new book in hand, The Goat, the Devil and the Freemason.  It promises to be quite the interesting read, going in-depth on how the goat stories started, why people think Freemasons worship Satan, as well as other falsehoods about the fraternity. 

Overall, my evening with the Brethren of Iowa Research Lodge #2 was quite enjoyable.  I made several new acquaintances and enjoyed some very stimulating conversation.  If you're interested in joining, if only for the quality reading material you get at bargain prices, please do so.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed. 

Iowa Research Lodge

I've recently joined Iowa Research Lodge #2, and will be attending their meeting in Cedar Falls, Iowa this Friday evening. It will be quite the drive - a little over six hours round-trip - but I am looking forward to it. When I asked on reddit "what fun things research lodges do," I was told "nothing fun, just write papers." Well if that's accurate I'm in for a treat, because I love doing that. 

On so-called "Co-Masonry"

Like many modern-day thirty-something Masons, I'm a frequent participant in the many online Masonic message boards.  Most notably, those at the social networking site reddit.  It's by far the most active and hosts more intellectual discussions about Masonry than the rest.

Quite often, the topic of so-called co-masonry will arise.  Reddit is a fairly progressive-minded website, so it's not unusual for such topics to be discussed.  On the latest such discussion, I opined the following:

I just don't get this. "I like organization 'A' but don't like how organization 'A' does things, so I am going to start my own organization, adopt 99% of the practices, change what I don't like, and pass myself off as a valid alternative."

Freemasonry is what Freemasonry is. If you can't accept that, start your own lodge with a different name and stop pretending to be what you aren't. I'm sure the Odd Fellows or Mooses are looking for members.

Honestly, I do not get it.  Freemasonry is what it is - a men's fraternity that operates in it's own way.  If you don't like it, don't become a Freemason.  How hard is that?  The whole raison d’etre of Masonry is getting along, following orders, and being a peaceful person that abides by the rules.  Saying "nuts to you" and forming your own variant flies in the face of the very mindset you're attempting to emulate.

A participant noted how this correlates to what some believe the Catholic view of non-Catholics to be.  Are non-Catholics non-Christian? Does the fact that the Catholic Church (supposedly) refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of those who aren't Catholic mean that Protestants aren't real Christians?

Of course not - but do those other groups call themselves Catholic?  No.  They call themselves Lutheran, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Methodist, etc.  They have their own beliefs and ways of worshipping Christ and identify as such.  They don't call themselves co-Catholic, wear the clerical clothing of a priest, and pass themselves off as equal believers in what occurs in Rome.


If you identify with the moral teachings of Masonry, great.  If you wish to study the Gnostic lessons of The Craft, more power to you.  If you want to flip pancakes and growl about dues levels, there's room for you as well.  But if you aren't born male and don't want to follow the rules, then don't join.  If you don't join, don't form a clandestine, counterfeit knock-off and try to pass it off as Freemasonry.  Why is this so difficult?

Book Review: What Is Freemasonry? by Gustavo Raffi

While searching Google some time back, I ran across What is Freemasonry? An Interview wirh Orient of Italy Grand Master Gustavo Raffi.  Coming in at only 111 pages, one would think it to be a quick read. Oh no. This is a very thorough, in-depth read with, well, lots of big words.  This book will require you to slow down, reflect, and study.  Not a bad thing, mind you.

Grand Master Raffi begins by explaining what, exactly Freemasonry is. He does so primarily by stating what Freemasonry is not. It is not a religion. It is not a political system. It is not in contention with Rome, Mecca, or any other faith-center.  "Well we already knew that" you say, fellow Freemason. Yes, but the arguments of GM Raffi are presented in a way that give them new life and light.  Consider the following, from page 51:

Freemasonry is not a religion and this is why we have neither a "Masonic God" nor a "Masonic Theology."  The Great Architect of the Universe is only a broad and universal concept that Freemasonry cannot and should not define because it is in itself inexpressible and indefinable in the context of an Institution that considers itself a place for diversity to meet.  This divine and supreme entity is a key concept that has to be individually interpreted by each Brother, according to his faith and conscience.  A Masonic God would instead be completely absurd because this would de facto impose a religious doctrine on all the members of the Masonic brotherhood, destroying each Brother's individual and different opinion about religion, theology, and philosophy.

A Masonic God cannot exist because He/She/It would violate the very principles Masonry espouses.  Given that Masonry explicitly prohibits one man from forcing his beliefs upon another, how could it then go on to expect its members to believe in its own concept of Deity? 

Clearly, every single Freemason has his own personal convictions, including his own religious beliefs, which he should always maintain.  Initiation does not corrupt his prior beliefs.  On the contrary, it is an opportunity to learn more thanks to the mutual differences and complexities of the members of the Lodge...  This brotherhood of imperfect beings working to make each other better is a magnum opus in the history of Humanity. (p. 53)

Masonry does not impose a system of religious belief upon its members.  Rather, it forces a system of tolerance and acceptance of differing views.  It, being a neutral party in all, requires its members to "leave differences at the door" and see others upon the level.

GM Raffi asks a number of philosophical questions, such as "what is happiness?"  Treated with the typical Masonic focus on the mortality of man, he concludes that it is not a hedonistic pleasure enjoyed at one's own will.  Rather, happiness, in its true sense, is freedom.  The freedom to live without hunger or need.  The freedom to live a meaningful life which isn't wasted.  The freedom to live a life which isn't exploited for the enrichment of another.  From page 82:

...so long as we are alive, we should fight to protect life and the happiness and joy to which every living being has the right to aspire within the limits accorded him by fate and nature, but also with the potential and effective guarantees offered by science and reason.... we are Freemasons and expert builders.  We are not afraid of building great works even if we know and understand the difficulties.

We, as Freemasons, he states, are to ensure the construction of a free and open society.  The latter third of the book outlines what GM Raffi sees as a harmonious world, and what role he feels Freemasonry should take in establishing it.  He takes aim at globalization and the ways in which it exploits smaller, poorer nations.  He takes aim at religious fundamentalism and how it unnecessarily pits its followers against those of other belief systems.  He speaks harshly against public schooling which teaches any curriculum other than one which is free of religious dogma and indoctrination.

The modern-day American may be quick to toss this book aside and erroneously label it as a socialist manifesto.  It is anything but.  The goals and values outlined within are perfectly in line with the same philosophy which gave birth to America itself.  While it is exceptionally wordy, it is no worse than typical Masonic literature and has nothing to be unexpected in that regard.

While What is Freemasonry? does not advocate against any particular economic or political system, it is quick to state what the ideal Masonic alternative would be.  GM Raffi even states that perhaps Masons go too far in not being political, and should, essentially, stop being so worried about avoiding the topic completely.  He advocates an open, accepting place of discourse where views can be discussed by open-minded men looking for truth.  Rather than avoiding arguments in lodge by not broaching topics, we should talk about them while being big enough men to be offended.

While I don't entirely disagree with much of what What is Freemasonry? has to say regarding globalization, public education, and organized religion, I fear that some of the proposals put forth regarding Freemasonry taking an active role in the public sphere in these areas risk Freemasonry's reputation as an apolitical organization.  Freemasonry itself is not a force or organization for change.  The members of the Lodge, influenced by the goodwill and acceptance of their Brothers, should be the catalyst for change, not the Masonic hierarchy which oversees the organization.

All in all, this book is a good read for the experienced Mason who knows the ins, outs, and philosophies of Freemasonry.  I wouldn't recommend it for a new Mason who's yet to be steeped in Masonic instruction.  Nor would I recommend this book for a non-Mason, as the impression likely to be taken away will only confirm the conspiratorial pipe-dreams of one who sees Masonry as a global political conspiracy.

On The "Secrets" of Masonry.

Ask anyone what Masonry is known for, and you'll likely hear outlandish stories of conspiracies and world domination.  Some will mention the Shriners and their parade activies.  Some with family members in the craft will speak of the good done by those in the fraternity.  All, regardless of whether their impressions of the craft are positive or negative will have one thing correct and in common:  Secrecy.

Unless one is a member, they will not know what goes on behind the tyled door of a lodge.  They will not know our rituals, actions, or lessons.  The only way for one to know these things is to be unanimously welcomed into our craft by a lodge of their choosing.  In order to know more about Masons, you must become a Mason.

Freemasonry is harshly critiqued by some for this.  "Why don't you disclose your ritual?" they ask.  "Why do you only allow men to join, and then swear them to secrecy?"  As our Entered Apprentice charge demands, we are simply to smile and not respond in kind.  It is not our job, nor are we even allowed, to argue with those who criticize us.  We are to be peacable citizens, not evangelistic crusaders of the craft.  "It's none of your business!" or "Don't worry about it, if we wanted you to know we'd tell you!" are not appropriate responses.

When I've been asked, I politely state that we aren't hiding anything which we are ashamed of.  Indeed, the very purpose of Masonry is to inculcate attitudes and mannerisms which inhibit embarrassing behavior.  We are no different than one's employer, church, or family.  We have some basic information that we don't wish to be known, and we strive to keep it so.

Consider my line of work, accounting.  I am privy to a wealth of information about my employer and their clients.  Am I participating in no-good, nefarious actions because I will not disclose their customer lists, business strategies, or pricing models?  Am I assisting in a world takeover by not releasing their methods for gaining business and pricing services?  Of course not.  I am simply remaining silent on matters I have no right to disclose.  As it is with Masons and the secrets we are sworn to keep.

Think of your family.  Are you being a dishonest citizen by not revealing all things known about every relative you have when questioned by any stranger on a street?  Are you being secretive by closing your blinds at night so neighbors and passers-by can't see in?  No, you're protecting your children, spouse, siblings, and parents by not making light things they don't want known.  As it is with Masons and the secrets of our Brothers.

Finally, if you are a member of one, consider your church.  Are you a bad church member because you don't make known everything your body of believers does?  Is the Deacon or Trustee committee plotting evil when they hold a members-only, closed-door meeting to discuss an important issue that cannot be disclosed?  Is the pastor up to no good if he closes his office door to take a phone call?  No, the Church is simply protecting itself and remaining private, as it should, for the sake of itself and its members.  As it is with Masons and the Lodge.

Masonry is no different than any other organization.  It has business which is public, and business which is private.  It is free to disclose and conceal the information it wishes and desires.  To accuse Freemasonry of being anything other than that which it professes to be, simply because Freemasonry does not disclose its rituals and practices, is an unfair criticism that any intelligent person should immediately disavow.

This Fourth of July, Remember Freemasonry.

I once read a hypothetical along the lines of "What if Freemasons really did plot to create a new world order, and it began with America?"  When one truly puts some thought to it, the similarities are intriguing.

Freemasonry practices a social order with no classes and no lifetime rulers, save for those who've been duly nominated or elected.  It teaches that all men are creatures of the Great Architect, created equally, with all due right to live their own lives as they see fit.  It teaches that men should be able to choose their own religion, speak their own mind, associate with whom they wish, and that they should be able to do so all without fear of government reprisal or punishment.

In his book Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C., author Christopher Hoddap does an excellent job showing just how America and it's socio-political orders are concisely modeled after Masonic governance and structure.  I strongly recommended this book to anyone wishing further insight on the matter.

It's no secret that many of our nation's founders were Freemasons, most notably George Washington, whose portrait hangs in most every American Lodge.  Washington is quoted as saying, "The grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race."  It takes little faith to believe that his status as a Master Mason influenced his views on this matter, which are reflected in how he governed and influenced early America.

As any Mason could tell you, eight of the principle signers of the Declaration of Independence were Brothers.  Twenty-eight of the forty signers of the Constitution were or became Freemasons.  The Boston Tea Party was planned at the Green Dragon Tavern, which, coincidentally, was also where the area Brothers met to hold Lodge.  There can be no doubt that Freemasonry, more than any other organization or belief system, is to thank for the freedoms we now enjoy.

Whatever its airs of mystery and images of skulls, pyramids, and all-seeing eyes, Freemasonry's most radical, even dangerous, idea was the encouragement of different faiths within a single nation. Early in his first term, Washington communicated these ideals in a letter to the congregation of a Rhode Island synagogue: "It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it was the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily, the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens..." In other words, in this new nation minority religions were not just guests at the table, but full householders.

Washington and other early American Freemasons rejected a European past in which one overarching authority regulated the exchange of ideas. And this outlook is found in one of the greatest symbols associated with Freemasonry: The eye-and-pyramid of the Great Seal of the United States, familiar today from the back of the dollar bill. The Great Seal's design began on July 4th, 1776, on an order from the Continental Congress and under the direction of Benjamin Franklin (another Freemason), Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The Latin maxim that surrounds the unfinished pyramid—Annuit Coeptis Novus Ordo Seclorum—can be roughly, if poetically, translated as: "God Smiles on Our New Order of the Ages." It is Masonic philosophy to the core: The pyramid, or worldly achievement, is incomplete without the blessing of Providence. And this polity of man and God, as Masonry saw it, required a break with the religious order of the Old World and a renewed search for universal truth. In its symbols and ideas, Masonry conveyed a sense that something new was being born in America: that the individual's conscience was beyond denominational affiliation or government command

The many freedoms we enjoy, be they speech, association, religion, or the others outlined in our Constitution, have their roots in Masonry and its principles.  Dare I say, were it not for Freemasonry, America as we know it wouldn't exist.  We'd likely still be subject to the whims of a ruler by inheritance, forced to worship with whichever body of belief they chose, our adorations aimed at whichever deity or deities they desired.  Thanks to Freemasonry, we don't have to be subject to monarchical whims of far-off royalty.  Nor are we subject to the religious edicts of Rabbi or Reverend, Pope or Patriarch, Mullah or Maharishi.

Thanks to Masonry and its influence on our founders, we are free.  Please remember that this Fourth of July.

Stones 'n' Bones: Drawing lines around my circle

I hadn't intended on reblogging the words of others when I drew up my (limited) plan of operations here.  If I like something, I tweet it.  Far too many blogs are mere echo chambers repeating what someone else wrote.  However, this was too excellent to not share.

One of the most useful tools in Freemasonry is the compass. Put simply, the compass has two points. You stand at one, and the other circumscribes a circle around you. These are the bounds in which you live. Don’t step over them.

... 

Basically, don’t do stupid stuff. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Remember your responsibilities to yourself, your family, and mankind. It can sometimes be taken as a bit of a dream-killer, but here’s the thing about your circle. You draw it. You figure out how big it is, and what fits inside it. The symbolism is to remind you to be mindful of things. It’s to remind you that some things are out of your scope and control, but some things are in your control, and you should probably control them.

This is an excellent example of the "dot in a circle" symbol that so many of us need to learn.  The Masonic embodiment of 1 Corinthians 10:13: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." (KJV)  Matthew Henry's commentary expands upon this:

10:23-33 There were cases wherein Christians might eat what had been offered to idols, without sin. Such as when the flesh was sold in the market as common food, for the priest to whom it had been given. But a Christian must not merely consider what is lawful, but what is expedient, and to edify others. Christianity by no means forbids the common offices of kindness, or allows uncourteous behaviour to any, however they may differ from us in religious sentiments or practices. But this is not to be understood of religious festivals, partaking in idolatrous worship. According to this advice of the apostle, Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. This is the great end of all religion, and directs us where express rules are wanting. A holy, peaceable, and benevolent spirit, will disarm the greatest enemies.

As children of God created with a free will, we can do whatever we choose.  Good or evil, healthy or unhealthy.  It is not a question of can we do it, but one of should we do it.  Why yes, I could eat a jar of jalapeños, but should I?  Sure, I could probably have another beer, but should I?  For some brothers, yes, they could get away with a moral indiscretion while out of town, but should they?  Draw your boundaries and stick with them.  Learn what your limits of good, responsible behavior are, and stay within them.

Consider this quote from Season 11 The Simpsons episode Saddlesore Galactica:

Homer: See Marge? I told you they could deep fry my shirt.
Marge: I didn't say they couldn't. I said you shouldn't

 Pretty much sums it up, no?

Why I am a Freemason

My interest in Freemasonry is not a recent development.  As a child in the 6th grade, I remember seeing the Square and Compass on a stately, historic building on our town square.  The odd dates and strange symbols on the doors and windows gained my interest.

As I grew older, the fascination with Masonry held me.  I was quick to read any volume that I could on the Craft.  I was always careful to avoid conspiratorial "works."  First and foremost, I found them to be so outlandish as to not be worth reading.  Second, I did not feel them to be a fair critique of the Craft.  Ninety-nine of 100 authors writing about Freemasonry's "dark side" have never set foot in Lodge.  How could they claim to know any secrets?

Regardless of what I knew to be factual about Freemasonry, I didn't seek out membership.  After all, I didn't really know for sure what went on behind the closed door.  Were the rumors and tales true?  Did members really have to swear blood oaths and ride farm animals?  Despite all my study and research, I remained a wallflower Mason for many years.

Finally, my interest took me to the point of seeking out membership.  Middle aged with three children, settled in my location and career, I sought out the Lodge I would come to join.  A full-fledged member of the Millennial generation with all the computer knowledge thereby bestowed, I did a bit of research and found the Lodge Treasurer to be an acquaintance.  A brief conversation led to my petition, quickly followed by a unanimous vote allowing me to join.

Becoming a Mason was one of the best decisions I've ever made, perhaps second only to asking my wife to marry me.  Freemasonry's raison detre is the free exercise of man to do as he feels led by God to do.  It does not does not demand of a man tithes or attendance.  It does not demand he swear any oaths or allegiances that he is uncomfortable with.  It does not ask him to do anything which he feels to come between he and God, or he and his government.  It simply requires that he believe in God, and that he seek to communicate with Him daily.

Masonry facilitates this search for spiritual truth in a realm free of dogma and politicism.  The Lodge is a place where men can meet together without regard for a Brother's faith, race, or nationality.  Masonry is the best and largest organization I know of which pursues this goal of secular spiritual enlightenment.  Whatever one choses to believe is their choice and their choice alone.  It is not the job of Masons to tell other Masons what to believe; this is an intensely personal decision which no man should force onto another.

Freemasonry does not seek to harm anyone - it seeks to peacefully coexist with all.  It is not at war with social orders, churches, or political parties.  If, however, the enlightened mindset of Freemasons cause outdated social norms to fall, religious fanaticism to fade away, and corrupt governance to be voted out of office, so be it.

I believe the partisanship of our society is destroying us from within.  I am tired of Sunday sermons which demand political loyalties and demonize those who believe differently.  I feel that, like Lodge, society should be accepting of all views and open to all opinions.  We are all created by the same Great Architect and we all aspire to meet with Him someday. We solve nothing by arguing with or ignoring those who think differently.  The answer is to live with cooperation, mutual respect, and harmony.  Exactly what Freemasonry seeks to further in this world.  This is why I am a Freemason.