CLewey44
Registered User
Does anyone have any ideas on how to get some younger members to join OES? Also, for an organization that allows all religions, OES doesn't really cater to other religions too well. Masonry seems much more flexible with that. Especially T.O. lodges.
I get the Biblical stories and they are great but the overuse of the term "Christianity" doesn't speak to those that didn't grow up here in the U.S. as Christians. My wife who is from Turkey was recently initiated and so far hasn't liked what she has heard. I had explained OES is for all religions and that other than the Biblical heroine stories, there wouldn't be really any Christian references. She was totally open to that and liked the idea of stories of good character, no matter their origins, were good. Then more Christian references were given than I had (unknowingly) implied would be. I think she was expecting more spiritual references and teachings and reflection. She couldn't get over the drawn out ritual and walking etc. I did explain that if they change the ritual portion or remove it all together, then it just becomes a group of people meeting. That ritual is what makes it unique.
I think her expectation was that there would be more spiritual guidance and activities. I don't know how to sell it to her and stay within boundaries of understanding she's not of Protestant, Catholic or even Jewish background.. She doesn't mind Christian people at all obviously and all of her friends are Christians but she personally is not of Christian background and has a hard time relating to the Order for that reason. She feels if she wanted to listen to Biblical stories, she'd just go to church.
I could use some guidance on any books she could read that aren't just Biblical quotes or too many Christ references so she could better relate to it. Also, do any of the Chapters on here have a reflection or spiritual time such as in T.O. lodges? Other than the Biblical heroines, do any other states utilize other religions or at least use a more vague reference to religion? Does anyone feel that the use of Christianity compared to Masonry, is a bit of a façade to simply make people/women more comfortable with joining? Was the original stories that of Greek goddesses or is that something not ever published by Dr. Morris?
I know this is a lot but for any brother or sister that has good insight on this, please chime in!
Thank you brothers and sisters!
I get the Biblical stories and they are great but the overuse of the term "Christianity" doesn't speak to those that didn't grow up here in the U.S. as Christians. My wife who is from Turkey was recently initiated and so far hasn't liked what she has heard. I had explained OES is for all religions and that other than the Biblical heroine stories, there wouldn't be really any Christian references. She was totally open to that and liked the idea of stories of good character, no matter their origins, were good. Then more Christian references were given than I had (unknowingly) implied would be. I think she was expecting more spiritual references and teachings and reflection. She couldn't get over the drawn out ritual and walking etc. I did explain that if they change the ritual portion or remove it all together, then it just becomes a group of people meeting. That ritual is what makes it unique.
I think her expectation was that there would be more spiritual guidance and activities. I don't know how to sell it to her and stay within boundaries of understanding she's not of Protestant, Catholic or even Jewish background.. She doesn't mind Christian people at all obviously and all of her friends are Christians but she personally is not of Christian background and has a hard time relating to the Order for that reason. She feels if she wanted to listen to Biblical stories, she'd just go to church.
I could use some guidance on any books she could read that aren't just Biblical quotes or too many Christ references so she could better relate to it. Also, do any of the Chapters on here have a reflection or spiritual time such as in T.O. lodges? Other than the Biblical heroines, do any other states utilize other religions or at least use a more vague reference to religion? Does anyone feel that the use of Christianity compared to Masonry, is a bit of a façade to simply make people/women more comfortable with joining? Was the original stories that of Greek goddesses or is that something not ever published by Dr. Morris?
I know this is a lot but for any brother or sister that has good insight on this, please chime in!
Thank you brothers and sisters!