{"id":2609,"date":"2016-02-26T15:18:24","date_gmt":"2016-02-26T23:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theeduca.mywhc.ca\/?p=2609"},"modified":"2016-02-26T15:18:24","modified_gmt":"2016-02-26T23:18:24","slug":"seven-great-mistakes-in-freemasonry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ashlarcollege.ca\/ashlar-archived\/seven-great-mistakes-in-freemasonry\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Great Mistakes of Freemasonry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seven Greatest Mistakes of Freemasonry (author unknown)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Ritual Without Meaning<\/span>
\nToo many times, we are more concerned about performing the ritual perfectly without understanding what it means. Ritual for the sake of tradition is worthless. Ritual for the sake of enlightenment is valuable. An understanding of the ritual\u2019s meaning is far more important than just memorizing it.<\/p>\n

2. Fellowship without Frivolity<\/span>
\nWhenever Masons decide to hold a function for fellowship, a discussion typically ensues about how to make the function have the smallest impact on the lodge\u2019s finances and the wallets of the members. This results in paper plates, meager meals, boring and less well attended events. To spend money wisely in order to make fellowship a grand time is wise for the lodge that wants to be successful. Also we do not have to be slaves to form, endlessly repeating the same toasts and replies \u2013 we should reward individuality and creativity in order to keep our meetings alive and fun!<\/p>\n

3. Quantity without Quality<\/span>
\nA lodge with seven great men that believe in the Masonic ideals and actively strive to improve themselves\u2014and therefore the lodge\u2014is far better off than a lodge with one hundred men that show up to lodge just to be seen.<\/p>\n

4. Education without Philosophy<\/span>
\nMany times, we think of Masonic education as being a lesson on the local lodge\u2019s history, a famous Mason, the history of the world wide fraternity, or how to do the ritual properly. But if no philosophy is covered in Masonic education, then little self improvement is accomplished. Discussing Masonic lessons in terms of philosophy, ideas, and a man\u2019s conduct is what truly transforms men into Masons. It is important to share & discuss topics that are foreign to a lodge\u2019s membership and it is sometimes even necessary to challenge our preconceived ideologies through Masonic education.<\/p>\n

5. Charity without Connection<\/span>
\nBig charities often require that fund raisers be conducted and large checks written to the people that actually perform the charity. This type of charity offers no self improvement because it has no real connection to us or our life. If we extend our hands to our needed Brethren and devote our own skills and time to their problems, then we are engaging in true, meaningful charity.<\/p>\n

6. Frugality without Discretion<\/span>
\nFrugality is not a tenet of Freemasonry, a cardinal virtue, or a Landmark. It is acceptable for the lodge to spend its funds on worthwhile activities that will enhance the Masonic experience of its Brethren. Not everything should be done in the cheapest way, a habit to which we have become accustomed.<\/p>\n

7. Leadership without Competence<\/span>
\nA man does not deserve to be master of the lodge, solely because he has spent a certain amount of years attending meetings or because he is next in line. We, on occasion, elect our leaders without any regard for the skills that they possess in order to function in that capacity. We should only elect competent and qualified men to preside over us<\/p>\n

Comment<\/span>
\nI have noted that no name has been given to who the author of this paper may be & I can only imagine why! Whoever he may be, in my opinion, he should be congratulated for being short & direct in his views. Being provocative as it is, it certainly gives the reader something to think about.<\/p>\n

Have a wonderful Day & God Bless
\nNorm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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