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When did the prohibition against discussion of politics in Lodge begin?

cutter2001

Premium Member
Since many of our founding fathers were masons, and one could argue that freemasonry was instrumental in progressing the the ideal that all men are created equal and "on the level". I can't imagine that our forefathers did not discuss politics in lodge. So when did this prohibition begin? I also can't believe that there wasn't a bit of rum punch being served since they first met in taverns, but that can wait. Can anyone bring me to further light please?
Thank you in advance,
Brother Brookshire
 

scialytic

Premium Member
I wouldn't doubt if it goes back to operative days to prevent leaders of the Lodge from driving a wedge between brethren based on political/monarchical leveraging. If you look at some of the unions today, it definitely seems to be a best practice (or lack thereof, with today's unions) and is probably one of the main reasons the Fraternity has survived for so long independent of civic leadership.
 

Traveling Man

Premium Member
Anderson's' Constitutions

2. BEHAVIOUR after the LODGE is over and the BRETHREN not GONE

You may enjoy yourself with innocent Mirth, treating one another according to Ability, but avoiding all Excess, or forcing any Brother to eat or drink beyond his Inclination, or hindering him from going when his Occasions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free Conversation, for that would blast our Harmony, and defeat our laudable Purposes. Therefore no private Piques or Quarrels must be brought within the Door of the Lodge, far less any Quarrels about Religion, or Nations, or State Policy, we being only, as Masons...
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
From what I've been told, there were heated debates and borderline fist fights back in the day at my Lodge. Personally I love good debates. Masons get their panties in a wad over the most ridiculous things, at least a healthy debate would make it worthwhile..lol
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Personally, I don't care to hear anyone else's politics.

I have more than enough of my own.

Besides, I don't go to lodge to rehash the "?enlightenment?" I can get on Fox and MSNBC by meerly flippin' a channel or two.



I 'spect we should have more important things to discuss. You know ... the one's we never have time to get around to.

Asi es la vida!

:39:
 

widows son

Premium Member
I agree it keeps the harmony in the lodge. Our lives outside the lodge doors don't matter. My political orientation doesn't matter in lodge and I like it that way, although I also love a good debate.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Debates are easier to find than harmony. Still ... I understand the fires of spring.

Pace yourself brother. Soon you will find this place of harmony your only cling to life.

:sneaky2:
 

jvarnell

Premium Member
I like a good debate and I think with out it being in the lodge the Green Dragon inn as a Mosinic lodge would have never happened.
 

HKTidwell

Premium Member
I'm probably one of the most outspoken brethren at my lodge, outside of lodge that is. I've a Brother I worked countless hours to assist in electing to County Attorney, every political cycle I'm involved in some campaign. And for those on my Facebook I spend a lot of time involved in politics, and political discussions. I also warn Brethren before friending me on FB that I'm very political though.

Having said that, inside of lodge is not the place in my opinion. Discussing a certain aspect of a political topic as long as applied to the craft I have no problem with. Many of the topics that Freemasonry teaches we find in politics but I do not want it to be a political discussion. Lodge should be a place of philosophy, teaching, learning, betterment, enhancement, and building up of Brothers. If we take a chance upon a wedge being placed we shall destroy ourselves from within. IMHO
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
I believe during the Revolutionary War, it was hard to find people whom you could trust. Even though you may be able to confide in one man, another may betray you. I believe the Masonic Lodge, bonded by the Brotherhood and our Obligations, provided a venue where Brethren could speak freely, without the worry of repercussions.
 

widows son

Premium Member
Agreed. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the war planned during or after a lodge meeting ( after meaning refreshment)
 

dhouseholder

Registered User
Barring the discussion of politics or sectarian religion is something that dates well back to the 17th century in England. When the London Royal Society was formed there was tons of fighting over Catholicism and Anglicanism and such throughout the country. People were killing each other over the slightest variance in interpretation of the Bible, and in order to allow peace and brotherly love to prevail, these topics were outlawed.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Let's put a wrap on this one brethren.

I refer you to "The Laws of The Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M., Revised and Annotated.

Charges of a Freemason

VI. 2. Behavior After the Lodge is over, and the brethren not gone.p 61
"Therefore, no private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any quarrels about religion, or nations, or state policy, we being only, as Masons, of the catholic religion above mentioned; we are also of all nations, tongues, kindreds and languages, and are resolved against all politics ...

This charge has been always strictly enjoined and observed, but especially ever since the reformation in Britain, or the dissent and secession of these nations from the communion of Rome. 1959.


NOTE: Texas fight for Independence. Plotted by masons from Texas and Louisiana in a small house in the French Quarter of New Orleans. (not in lodge.)
American Revolution did not start after a lodge meeting in Boston. Rather, the lodge did not meet that evening. Certain members thereof, along with members of the profane community, met in the same tavern (which hosted the lodge in upper chambers) and proceeded to the harbor area to hold their party. Brethren, there were as many "Tory" masons in the Boston area as there were Revolutionaries. In fact, Brother Benjamin Franklin's oldest son held with the King throughout the war, then moved to Britain. They were estranged for many years thereafter.

Even in England the American Revolution had sympathizers for both sides. Both Franklin (before) and John Adams (both after) found support among the British elite when in that country. It seems that King George had ruffled a few feathers on his to power having followed a week father to the throne.

Masonry, like during the Civil War period, survived. With luck, we will also survive this polarize period in America. But we must hold fast to those ancient charges gentlemen. There are some things that stand the test of time.
 
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