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Charity

Abel Bilbo

Registered User
Recently I asked myself, what is charity in its true sense and to what depths it could extend. I conceived some wonderful things while pondering the subject and was curious. What is the Masonic definition of charity?
 

LK600

Premium Member
Recently I asked myself, what is charity in its true sense and to what depths it could extend. I conceived some wonderful things while pondering the subject and was curious. What is the Masonic definition of charity?

Kindness
 

goomba

Neo-Antient
Site Benefactor
https://books.google.com/books?id=z3kKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PP5#v=onepage&q=charity&f=false (1700's)
https://books.google.com/books?id=bXsCAAAAQAAJ&pg=PT7#v=onepage&q=charity&f=false (1800's)

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/charity?s=t (modern/current)

Around the time our ritual was developed charity primary meant love, kindness and secondarily alms/relief to the poor. Today the meaning has flipped. It is my personal opinion that the misapplication of this one word causes the membership issues in fraternity.

We focus so much on the giving money aspect that we gloss over the love aspect. Again just my opinion.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
We focus so much on the giving money aspect that we gloss over the love aspect. Again just my opinion.
And mine. The “throw money at it” mentally doesn’t really help anyone. Volunteering at a shelter (or similar occupation) serves a far greater purpose.
 

hanzosbm

Premium Member
https://books.google.com/books?id=z3kKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PP5#v=onepage&q=charity&f=false (1700's)
https://books.google.com/books?id=bXsCAAAAQAAJ&pg=PT7#v=onepage&q=charity&f=false (1800's)

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/charity?s=t (modern/current)

Around the time our ritual was developed charity primary meant love, kindness and secondarily alms/relief to the poor. Today the meaning has flipped. It is my personal opinion that the misapplication of this one word causes the membership issues in fraternity.

We focus so much on the giving money aspect that we gloss over the love aspect. Again just my opinion.
I completely agree. Charity isn't an act, but rather a characteristic.
 

LK600

Premium Member
Around the time our ritual was developed charity primary meant love, kindness and secondarily alms/relief to the poor. Today the meaning has flipped. It is my personal opinion that the misapplication of this one word causes the membership issues in fraternity.

To my understanding I would agree. Love / Faith / Charity is first and foremost meant towards each other (Brothers), and charity is not nor was it ever meant to be a substitute for alms. Charity is kindness... consideration, benefit of the doubt... along these lines. I agree with your statement goomba.
 
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