CLewey44
Registered User
On a regular basis, we have people on here asking about joining the fraternity of Freemasonry. Typically, those on here asking are living in countries that it is illegal or very uncommon to say the least. Many times these guys will say things like I NEED to know or please answer my questions etc. To them, Freemasonry is such a secretive organization it drives them crazy not knowing anything about it therefore they are so intrigued about joining.
Many times, psychologically speaking, it's human nature to want something we cannot obtain. In Westernized countries, Freemasonry is old news and most people have full access to internet and libraries/books (not censored like most second and third world countries) making it easier to just 'read about Masonry' thus losing that mysteriousness. Most of us knew a grandfather or uncle that was a Mason and there was nothing particularly mysterious or interesting about them.
I know the oaths we took are at times a little vague but at what point did posting things all over the internet about Masonry, publishing books etc. become ok in the eyes of the fraternity? Is this ease of access to information what has contributed to the demise or interest in Freemasonry? Have we now lost an entire generation of Freemasonry to too many 'loose lips'? On the other hand, in places it's still mysterious, would lodges thrive in that environment as does interest in Masonry thrives in those environments? Ease of access to websites and even Masonic books was a little difficult to come by before the Satanic panic of the 80s when Masonry thrived here.
I see sites on the web, ran by "Masons" that have most, if not all, of the 'secrets' of Masonry (whatever that is) and at the very least much of its philosophy. Why are we not just having these conversations in lodge? Why the books and websites? It discourages attendance at the very least and certainly discourages interest in joining.
Any thoughts?
Many times, psychologically speaking, it's human nature to want something we cannot obtain. In Westernized countries, Freemasonry is old news and most people have full access to internet and libraries/books (not censored like most second and third world countries) making it easier to just 'read about Masonry' thus losing that mysteriousness. Most of us knew a grandfather or uncle that was a Mason and there was nothing particularly mysterious or interesting about them.
I know the oaths we took are at times a little vague but at what point did posting things all over the internet about Masonry, publishing books etc. become ok in the eyes of the fraternity? Is this ease of access to information what has contributed to the demise or interest in Freemasonry? Have we now lost an entire generation of Freemasonry to too many 'loose lips'? On the other hand, in places it's still mysterious, would lodges thrive in that environment as does interest in Masonry thrives in those environments? Ease of access to websites and even Masonic books was a little difficult to come by before the Satanic panic of the 80s when Masonry thrived here.
I see sites on the web, ran by "Masons" that have most, if not all, of the 'secrets' of Masonry (whatever that is) and at the very least much of its philosophy. Why are we not just having these conversations in lodge? Why the books and websites? It discourages attendance at the very least and certainly discourages interest in joining.
Any thoughts?