I do not think the two can be compared Bloke, apples and oranges. Regular is very specific, especially to the person / organization using it. There is no over arching organization binding all of the sub groups together in any shape or form; only that which is accepted as regular and irregular....
We must agree to disagree Bro LK - I think they "Regular" and "Legal" are two very similar words because they are subjective. I think you are thinking like a local cop rather than an international lawyer, and hence I would argue (and we are arguing a point rather than being in an argument ) your "no over arching organsisation" comment supports my view rather than yours. Hence Bro Karen Kidd is completely regular within her own jurisdiction, but not in mine and not in yours. Again, using a legal logic, her passport as a Freemason (the secrets she possesess) is recognised in her own obedience an other obedience where her passport is recognised, but declined in ours where they are not.
...The question I suppose is, how and by what standard does each of us Judge (for ourselves or even by GL) what is a Mason, regardless of regularity.
That's two different questions;
- how and by what standard does each of us Judge by GL what is a Mason
&
- how and by what standard does each of us Judge for ourselves what is a Mason, regardless of regularity
- how and by what standard does each of us Judge by GL what is a Mason
As our own, and only our own GLs set the standard of "Regularity" - what is proscribed and prescribed is set. We cannot judge. All we could do is move a motion in our own Grand Lodge and abide by the decision and its consequences.
- how and by what standard does each of us Judge for ourselves what is a Mason, regardless of regularity
That is a personal question. I have often been invited to sit in a local lodge which has women (Le Driot) but do not do it as I see it as perhaps breaking my obligation., certainly the spirit of it, and it is certainly breaking my Constitution. However, my personal view is I respect the members of that organisation as Freemasons, much like I respect other Denominations of my Religion and indeed other religions. I can hold any view I like, but I am not Free to both remain a Freemason in good standing and visit such a lodge. Moreover, as a great believer of the Masonic Tradition I belong to as a Fraternity, I would not want to see that change, but nor do I personally feel to do any thing other than respect other Masonic Traditions which have branched out in different ways, yet I hold no desire to participate in them.