My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Social Media Policy

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
The reason for a policy is that the person who is in the wrong usually doesn't see themselves as doing wrong.
Even freedom of speech has it's limitations according to the courts.
True.
Why do we need the administration of an opt in organisation to tell us how to behave, presumably being an organisation of men, not children.[/QUOTE
I see your point but even mature grownups need a guiding hand sometimes where they ere.
In my experience, these policies have come after inappopriate behavior has occurred. Consequently, it appears a clear standard is needed. My experience in social media confirms that in my (alleged) mind.
True.
It's certainly a fine line between behavioral freedoms and representing a certain entity (Masonry, military, private company etc). As a commander once told a group of us, you always have a choice to do whatever you want to do but the consequences, good or bad, will still be there.
As Doctor Phil often says..."When you choose the behavior you choose the consequences."
 

coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
Is it a good idea to have policies in place to determine how Freemasons should act on social media sites? Why or why not?
No. These sites have their own policies and enforcement guidelines.

BTW - Each GL has already "determined" how its members should act. Their rules, regulations and morality plays dictate what these acted out behaviors should be.

However, I know of not one GL who actually TEACHES its members how to bring about those supreme acts. Until one does, any further "rules and policies" would be analogous to saying we must all fly and never providing wings and instructions to use them. To rule that we should all fly sounds grand and lofty, however without proper instruction and empowerment to do so, any enforcement of non-flyers is punishing the unschooled.
 

MasonicHermit

Registered User
Nope- masonry teaches what it teaches and it’s up to masons to use it if they wish.
That sounds more like a dismissal of what masonry is really about (if they aren't using the principles of masonry, what's the point?). I'm not saying that you are doing this in no regard, but as a new member I wonder of the character building of masons who view things in this light.

Nothing should be mandatory but new members look to "experienced" masons for guidance. Should they (the experienced) not be what I aspire to be one day? If so....... Why not better oneself if you are given the tools to do so?

Sent from my LG-M153 using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
David612 said: Nope- masonry teaches what it teaches and it’s up to masons to use it if they wish.
That sounds more like a dismissal of what masonry is really about (if they aren't using the principles of masonry, what's the point?).
Or merely an acknowledgement that we're supposed to all be big boys and that being big boys, we should not have to have the morality police watching us for infractions. We are to take our own inventory, not the inventory of others. The point is to introduce men to things that can make them better, if and when they should so choice that direction. Otherwise, you're butting in where angels should fear to tread.
I'm not saying that you are doing this in no regard, but as a new member I wonder of the character building of masons who view things in this light.
Any wondering should be focused upon your own morality, not that of others, unless the morality of others is negatively impacting you directly. When their morality affects you negatively, you have a right to speak up and take suitable action. Otherwise, you're diverting your focus in directions you have no business traveling. And before you go quoting our charges, understand those are things that are very specific - it's best to familiarize yourself with those specifics before you make yourself out to be foolish.
Nothing should be mandatory but new members look to "experienced" masons for guidance.
Yes, and when they wise up and realize far too many of those "experienced" members ain't got a clue, they finally look to their "good book" for the guidance they should have sought to begin with.
Should they (the experienced) not be what I aspire to be one day? If so....... Why not better oneself if you are given the tools to do so?

Yep! BINGO!
 

Bloke

Premium Member
I had this the other day from a potential applicant as one of his many questions..

Q: Can you please explain the ethics of Freemasonry?
A: Freemasonry calls you to be a better man, especially acting with integrity, honour and as a Gentleman, but it is not some sort of moral police and only in extreme cases should Freemasonry formally regulate its members behaviour, such as after breaking the law, like by robbing a bank. If your not breaking the law and being a good person, you're going to be within acceptable behavious as a Freemason, but always remember this; Freemasonry calls you to be a better person, and you cannot be that person when you are doing the wrong thing.


The answer was given during a conversation. I wonder if it is too simplistic... but it needs to be so the discussion does not take 3 hours, or longer...
Thoughts ?
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
That sounds more like a dismissal of what masonry is really about (if they aren't using the principles of masonry, what's the point?). I'm not saying that you are doing this in no regard, but as a new member I wonder of the character building of masons who view things in this light.

Nothing should be mandatory but new members look to "experienced" masons for guidance. Should they (the experienced) not be what I aspire to be one day? If so....... Why not better oneself if you are given the tools to do so?

Sent from my LG-M153 using My Freemasonry mobile app
You aren’t yet a new member. Perhaps wait until you are to tell us what should be mandatory?
 

hanzosbm

Premium Member
In my opinion, it's unnecessary and can only lead to problems.

These things are already covered in the obligation, charges, and other parts of the ritual. If GL feels he's being unMasonic, then bring him up on charges of such.
My concern is the minutiae into which GL would likely get into it and/or broad, sweeping generalizations.

In addition, while I think each brother should conduct himself as a gentleman, I recall something about our obligations pertaining to Freemasonry alone.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
My concern is the minutiae into which GL would likely get into it and/or broad, sweeping generalizations.

In addition, while I think each brother should conduct himself as a gentleman, I recall something about our obligations pertaining to Freemasonry alone.
Agreed.
 
Top