Scotty32
Registered User
Yes I brought it up tonight at our stated meeting and we discussed some of the possible reactions, telling our guys how to handle the questions and reminded them of the EA charge.
Thats a very good idea JBD!
Yes I brought it up tonight at our stated meeting and we discussed some of the possible reactions, telling our guys how to handle the questions and reminded them of the EA charge.
Well I just finished the book, and I am torn. I really enjoyed the book as a quasi-historical mystery / thriller. Dan Brown has a great ability to really get you thinking and questioning the nature of things.
My issue is that he does such a good job blending the facts and his “theory†into “New Factsâ€. While I don’t think the book portrayed the Masons or any of the other fraternal orders in a bad light, I do think that he makes some statements as fact, about our beliefs and possible motivations that could stir up groups.
As I person, I have never been one to judge or speculate on another’s beliefs. As an EA starting his journey into what I hope will be years of enlightening education, I do not assume to know what masonry is all about. I am just not confident most people are as non-judgmental.
I guess the real question is: Will this bring a flood of new people to our doors? And if so are the seeking brotherhood and knowledge, or intrigue and secrets?
Sorry if the thoughts are a little muddy...been a long day
I thought the book was awesome. I really like a lot of the concepts in it, especially the power of the mind and "god is within us all" stuff.
I always like to see new members, but at the same time it doesn't make sense to me to join because of a good novel you have read. That is a wrong reason to join in my opinion.
I hope there is not a surge of petitions after everyone gets to read it, or if they make a movie from it.
I am sort of split on the issue. I always like to see new members, but at the same time it doesn't make sense to me to join because of a good novel you have read. That is a wrong reason to join in my opinion.
It makes as much sense as me wanting to convert to Catholicism after reading or watching Angels & Demons.
...and it does promote the whole "most masons are kept in the dark about the true secrets of the craft, that are only revealed after the 33°" but, hey, I guess the man has to make it scintillating to sell the book.
Mmm, not quite the way I see it. This book/movie will be a lot of peoples' introductions to Masonry. It isn't that a ton of people will want to join because the book told them to, but that the book told them we exist.
That is another part of it that I am hoping for. Well stated.
I don't know. I've heard people come for all sorts of reasons.
It would be worse if it was a Quentin Tarantino film with blood, goats and gore - as opposed to this, which gives a lot of detail on the thoughts and philosophies related to masonry.
I have been wrong before,but, even in 2009 I don't think portraying George Washington in a bad light is a way for Dan Brown or anybody else to win friends in America.