My experience of Freemasonry so far tells me that the root cause of each and every one of the above listed reasons stem from either not doing the Work OR others not doing the Work.
Candidates not doing the Work:
- Politics? Circumscription/Subduing/Due Bounds/Plumb-Level-Square Development - EA Work
- No time to dedicate to the fraternity? Time Management / Values Inventory - EA Work
- Conflicts of beliefs? Values-Morals Inventory - EA Work
- Family issues? Time Management / Values Inventory - EA Work
- Work conflicts ? Time Management / Values Inventory - EA Work
Others not doing the Work:
Memorization work too demanding? - Misinformed by Brothers
Disappointment? - Misinformed by Brothers
Disillusionment as to what they were getting into? - Misinformed by Brothers
Either way, the main problem that gets in the way is the Work focus. Few GOOD men stay and participate if told they will be BETTER by joining and then never realize this promise.
The organization is invested in preserving itself, as it should be BUT the majority of the members of Freemason organization have yet to wake up and actually deliver upon that "Good to Better" promise. And, for the record, memorization of anything does not make a good man better. All memorization does is install inventory between the ears. Unapplied inventory Burdens; it doesn't Empower.
Many Good men leave because what is offered holds little value to them. If the activities nurtured them, they would do whatever is necessary to participate.
If you want to attract good men and keep them interested, you have to do more than show them the path. The organization and its members must live it.
$0.02
Bro. Coach N