Dontrell Stroman
Premium Member
Bro cook, although we all may have slight changes in our rituals I believe what makes a man a free mason is universal. I won't say over the forum what it is though.
He might be a Mason for life, but if he is no longer a member of the society, regardless of the reason why, he is no longer a Freemason. And the reverse is also true. To be a Freemason, as in, a paid up member, doesn't even require being a Mason.Next question : why wouldn't he be a mason for life if he were not kicked out the craft ?
No, but being a Freemason does.He did take the same solem ob as other masons. Does being a mason only mean paying your dues ?
As far as I know, he's the only one who insists that Masons and Freemasons are different things.Coach why do you do that? You know that when a brother says mason he means freemason.....
Yes, I do know there are those who use these two words synonymously and I understand that such use is common throughout the Society.Coach why do you do that? You know that when a brother says mason he means freemason.....
"As far as I know" being the operative phrase that supports your very strong foundation.As far as I know, he's the only one who insists that Masons and Freemasons are different things.
BTW - I see that you are "P.V.M. Valley of Rochester, A&ASR". I shall be doing a 6 hour workshop in your area on Sept. 19, 2015, from 8am to 4pm. Perhaps you might want further light on this subject which may further you understanding as to "why?".As far as I know, he's the only one who insists that Masons and Freemasons are different things.
I could see why it would be important to distinguish yourself when talking to non freemasons, but when talking about the craft with brothers that are freemasons, where does it say that if a brother is no longer active, he's not a freemason anymore, he's just a mason ?BTW - I see that you are "P.V.M. Valley of Rochester, A&ASR". I shall be doing a 6 hour workshop in your area on Sept. 19, 2015, from 8am to 4pm. Perhaps you might want further light on this subject which may further you understanding as to "why?".
Please contact Brother Rich Bennett should you want more information on this Uncommon Masonic Education event.
Thanks for being respectful my good Brother. I have done this very thing ad nausea; as in "explain the difference(s)". Perhaps not in this thread in depth, but in so many other venues that I've lost count.Bro. Coach with all due respects, you still have yet to explain the difference between a Mason and a Freemason.
Thanks. One of the better ways to understand the difference is to begin by understanding that the word "Freemason" does not have the same meaning as "Free Mason" or "Free-mason"; this has been erroneously shared by conjecturing researchers for the past 300 years. The word "freemason" was fabricated around the time of the creation of the Grand Lodge Era. It meant, for all intents and purposes, "member of the society of 'Free & Accept Masons'". The Society was a Total Immersion Role Playing Society that used theater as entertainment for dinner parties where such entertainment, along with food, drink and song, were provided.I really would like to know the difference if there is a difference. From my understanding, I've heard freemasons call each other masons. I'm not talking about in ancient times, I'm asking about the use of the two words and how they differ in meanings. I believe calling someone a mason or freemason has the same context unless your talking about a trade. (Brick mason) although I prefer to call myself a freemason I have said I'm a Mason to shorten a conversation up.
I was clear when I used the word "might":I could see why it would be important to distinguish yourself when talking to non freemasons, but when talking about the craft with brothers that are freemasons, where does it say that if a brother is no longer active, he's not a freemason anymore, he's just a mason ?
Question : So if a mason only pays his dues and never attendeds a meeting do you believe it's okay for him to wear his ring ?
Next question : why wouldn't he be a mason for life if he were not kicked out the craft ? He did take the same solem ob as other masons. Does being a mason only mean paying your dues ?
... Does being a mason only mean paying your dues ?
Coach why do you do that? You know that when a brother says mason he means freemason.....
Gentlemen! Specificity of Language! (That, for those who do not know, is a reference to {IMHO} a rather good movie called "The Giver")As far as I know, he's the only one who insists that Masons and Freemasons are different things.
I JUST saw that movie and LOVED IT! I love the emphasis it had on Specificity of Language. I also love the way it showed how some words were proscribed out of the language to control the masses. Thought-Provoking for sure!Gentlemen! Specificity of Language! (That, for those who do not know, is a reference to {IMHO} a rather good movie called "The Giver")
Regardless of your knowledge of obscure movie quotes, there is the issue of the casual VS the specific use of language. Words mean specific things, this is why we have dictionaries. Sure, in everyday life we toss words around in nonspecific ways and just expect everyone to understand. And generally that is good enough. (If I say "I love hot dogs" and "I love my wife" I just expect you to understand the difference) But when communicating subtle or nuanced concepts using the correct word, and understanding it's specific definition, can be vital to understanding.
What I get from John's insistence on specific definition and word use is that he sees several kinds of Masons out there. Perhaps he even thinks that it might be personally useful to some Masons to ask themselves which category they are in or want to be in. As far as Specificity of Language goes, I vote in favor.
What is CGMNA ? I see this acronym used quite a bit.Sadly, in CGMNA Freemasonry, it is my impression that is correct.