Re: Chaplain's Work

On Dec 9, 7:22 pm, "sbrett...@xxxxxxxxx" <sbrett...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I know that I, and judging by some of the posts on this thread,
others, feel that knowing the meaning of the ritual is as important as
knowing the words and floor work.  This is the role of "Masonic
Education," it would seem to me.  About a year ago, we had several
brothers present their catechism as M.Ms.  At that time, and after
subsequent experiences of this, it struck me that a discussion of
what's being said and what's being sworn to in this and other degrees
would be a very valuable thing.

For a couple of decades now, I have written about the development
of the ritual garnered from the facts found in original documents.
What puts relevance to the history, IMHO, is that these changes were
affected by real people, motivated by those common and ordinary
foibles that us imperfect Masons possess. So much of what I have
gathered is in the context of my own jurisdiction (as with all my
posts). I would like to share this data with the group; and thought
that as the Biblical passages are readily available to the public we
should be able to discuss them without stirring up any controversy.
Well, I suppose I got that wrong. :-)
The consensus of the group seems to be that additional room should
be given to discuss the meaning and relevancy of the ritual. I think
that we can do that without crossing any boundaries. Those
jurisdictions that deny their members such open intercourse between
jurisdictions, also seem to believe that they can prohibit their
members from using the Internet in a Masonic context anyway. A non-
Mason who takes and interest would only discover our thoughtfulness
and best intentions. For further study, we would suggest contacting
the local lodge which seems to me at least a good thing. Is the
consensus opinion of the group that we should open up discussion along
these lines? If so, what additional rules, if any, should be put in
place that would not hamper our discourse?

Fraternally,
Torence Evans Ake
Senior Deacon ? Auburn Park Lodge No. 789 ? Crete, Illinois
PM ? Arcadia Lodge No. 1138 ? Lansing, Illinois

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Grammar - What does it mean to you?
    ... an ad hoc technical term for those with unauthorized ciphers. ... the version just before the Southern Jurisdiction rewrote them just ... Illinois who would enjoy that aspect of lodge work but who get stifled ... Most are very interested in giving meaning to what they recently went ...
    (soc.org.freemasonry)
  • Re: Mid Term Report Cards
    ... It gets fun after a bit, but it has little meaning other than fellowship ... their own certifications. ... Certified Lodge Instructor. ...
    (soc.org.freemasonry)
  • Re: Chaplains Work
    ... jurisdictions that don't use the quotations. ... The moderators do not oppose the posting of Masonic secret as ... posted may not be a "secret" with respect to the moderator ... My question is - Where can the meaning of our ritual be discussed ...
    (soc.org.freemasonry)
  • Re: Ritual and Purpose
    ... Anthropologists can address this point, ... The principle is that knowing the story line, knowing the meaning, ...
    (soc.org.freemasonry)
  • Re: Chaplains Work
    ... the time Master Masons have gone through the degree process, ... In this case Bro Torrance suggested a discussion of the meaning ... ritual in some jurisdictions, not in others, what their meanings ... One of my recent stations is doing the Chaplain work during degrees ...
    (soc.org.freemasonry)