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A link to great videos on the scientific perspective of the question... thank me later.
http://m.theepochtimes.com/n3/1079583-what-does-science-say-about-free-will-videos/
Wow... who knew "on the level, by the square" required so much explanation?
We just had our Grand Lodge session here in Oklahoma last week. It went down without a hitch.
Contrary to my comments in another thread that got me accused of all sorts of un brotherly things, freemasonry isn't a religion, in that it has no doctrine defining deity, worship, or religious practice. Masonry offers no path to salvation, no path to release one from the rounds of "rebirth"...
Now that I think about it, I don't remember the subject of free will ever coming up in any of the numerous buddhist or taoist texts I've read. In fact, I'm not sure in any of the eastern traditions that I've studied and practiced that this was ever mentioned. The subject of free will has shown...
Rituals unite its participants... kind of like country line dancing if you've ever seen it. There are lots of fraternal organizations who use no ritual simply because it serves them no purpose. Paying dues and gathering every once and a while seems to be enough for them.
But our rituals...
I've never heard the use of rings, lapel pins, etc., referred to as "light". I was under the impression that masonic light refers to something else entirely. I would find it odd to interpret it as such, especially in the degrees.
Churches don't have exclusive right to the use of ritual. Many organizations use ritual... even some businesses. Ritual is very effective in conveying the principles held by an organization, and masonry has capitalized on this fact.
I would also point out that many non-denominational churches...
I gotta admit I'm not a big fan of fundraisers simply because I don't like being constantly barraged by anyone to donate money, masonic or not.
I'm also big on fiscal responsibility... I don't mind paying more in dues as long as I know the money is being used for good purposes.
I love that...
I was initiated, passed, and raised this year. I was appointed to SS for the rest of the year and looking at doing JD next year. I was hoping to sit on the sidelines to learn, but I guess no better way to push myself to learn that to dive right in! Good luck and congrats!
If I remember right, there is a term in the New Testament about white-washed walls... all sharp and snazzy on the outside, rotten and corrupt on the inside. I'll feel bad for the guys that for sucked in. Not only are they not legit when they think they are, they got extra steps to go trough...
I like the sentiment... An enlightened man is certainly a threat to ignorance and fanaticism, hopefully to the establishment but more so to the darkness within himself.
Attended the Tulsa Valley Scottish Rite reunion this weekend... attained the 32nd degree... great experience, really enjoyed the 18th and 32nd degrees... here is a photo of me becoming a squire to a lodge brother, a knight of St. Andrew.
My dad told me the secret to a long healthy marriage was to not take any of his advice... he was married four times.
I've been married to my high school sweet heart over 12 years, and we've been together almost 20. She's been my best friend ever since I could even start driving.
We had a...
Within my jurisdiction it is within the constitution and code that it be available for viewing by any brother, and is usually kept in the secretary's office... as well as each individual lodge's bylaws. We even have a correspondence course through the GL over the C&C. Both wardens and the WM are...