I am completely opposed to it - in the Blue, York and SR -
I went through BL fairly quickly, without strict requirements for proficiency and I had to learn it on my own and fast since I travel.
In SR it was 1 day, terminal degrees only - retained 2-3% - again had to (and am continuing) study on my own.
YR - Old school - one degree at a time - GREAT Experience - less "memory" work in YR, but the esoteric meanings are tough to come by.
In the way TQ&A is typically looked upon - it is nothing but memorization. The key to Masonic work is Masonic interaction. I have access to a number of long time Masons - don't put them in the corner, LISTEN - LISTEN CLOSELY - I have learned more about BEING a Mason from those men than all the Q&A, Certificates, Protocols that I have completed and there are several.
The ALL Program - it is NOT outdated- what it is, is poorly presented in most cases - it is not a filli-in, turn in. It never was designed that way - it is a review, mark in pencil and discuss with the old guy who comes in and doesn't do anything any more because he doesn't recognize anything anymore. You cannot get 5 guys who know anything about Masonry at all around a table without at LEAST 2-3 different answers to a lot of the questions.
This site and forum are invaluable for the 21st century Mason - but it is neither more nor less valuable than traditional one on one.
The same is true for multiple day degree work.
I one day Zero to Hero is crazy - this fraternity is not about obtaining degrees - it is not about the"ritual" either - it is about a change.
The change in a man to make a good man better is in companionship, understanding, awareness, study, emulation, example, reflection.
The degree may "Make" or give you the name "Mason" but it is the understanding the Makes A Mason - Making one is easy Making Yourself a Mason is the difficult part.
In TX until you begin to understand the meaning (not the words) of the 2nd section you are not even close to your Masonic train leaving the station -your journey is still stuck at the gate.
NONE of this happens in a one day anything - it doesn't matter what. We are talking CHANGE not titles
OK,did anyone see where Blake put the ladder so I can get down off my soapbox?