Here, Here, Benton. I see a trend in the generation in their 20s and 30s ( I am 34) that now are looking inwardly again, as opposed to the baby boom generation trend that left their father's path.
I love religious talk, esoteric ideas, philosophy, and most especially the deeper meanings behind what we are learning as Masons. I am an Aggie, and there is a saying around here (true or not) that General Patton once said "Give me an army and I'll win the battle, give me a handful of Aggies and I'll win the war."
This resounds in my very fiber. I would rather attend lodge with only two people who were passionate than with 200 that really don't care. I say, make it more honorable to be a Mason. Don't up the dues, but up the ante. Make certain requirements for initiates. Make them feel like a part of it; that they are needed.
I see, Benton, that you were Passed over half a year after initiation. Congrats. I was initiated in mid June, passed my proficiency last week, and initiated as a FC the same night last week.
In some ways, I am happy at the progression to MM, but in other ways, I would not mind being forced to wait the time with patience to be passed and subsequently raised.