An Imaginary Conversation

George the 3rd · 01-05-2008, 04:15 PM

An Imaginary Conversation

“Hail, stranger!”

“I consider a stranger a friend I haven’t yet met!”

“Then may I offer my hand in token of brotherly love and friendship?”

“That is a strange handshake, what is this?”

“A ‘Grip’!”

“A grip of what?”

(the requisite and appropriate exchange ensues)

“Tell me then, since you are a stranger to these parts, have you traveled far?”

“I’ve come from the far west and my path has been a rough and rugged one, but having met a Brother here on this level ground, the journey has been worth the effort.”

“But surely you must be weary, having traveled so far!”

“True, indeed, and I would rest and refresh myself amongst my Brethren. May I join you and yours when you next meet?”

“If it were solely up to me, I would welcome you with open arms, but first I must see some documentation to assure myself that your Jurisdiction and mine are in amity.”

“See here, this is my card that clearly shows I am in good standing with my Brethren back home.”

“Alas, here is a problem, for we do not recognize this body as being regular and well formed. I am afraid we must end this conversation and part ways.”

“If then, my Brother, we must part ways, can we at least part upon the square?”

“Agreed!”

D. W. Brown · 01-05-2008, 06:44 PM

I rest my case.

George the 3rd · 01-06-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D. W. Brown

I rest my case.

Do you think your "case" and mine differ that much?

D. W. Brown · 01-06-2008, 02:11 PM

Nice image, what is that a "Flying Monkey"?

George the 3rd · 01-06-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D. W. Brown

Nice image, what is that a "Flying Monkey"?

It is, and it is what I think of so-called "Flying Monkeys". (or any other group that is more intent on destructive rather than constructive agendas.) In other words, the image is satire! (as far as I am concerned)

George the 3rd · 01-06-2008, 02:53 PM

Even though I am a member in good standing of a "Regular" "mainstream" Grand Lodge and feel that it is, for better or worse, the heir to Freemasonry as established in 1717 and later reconciled in 1813, I acknowledge that there are many issues that have arisen over the centuries that have caused Masonry to have gone astray from some or its core principles.

Among the most complicated is the issue of "recognition". I was taught, via the Ritual, which I consider the heart and soul of Masonic tenets, that the signs, grips and words are the "modes of recognition".

What I endeavored to do by way of the "conversation" was to point out that if two men meet and present themselves as Masonic Brothers, the last care of each should be to examine two pieces of paper or the "List of Lodges Masonic" found in the Tyler's desk.

The " Ancient Charges of a Free Mason", which I am charged to obey, state:

Quote:

6. Behaviour towards a strange Brother.

You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be impos'd upon by an ignorant false Pretender, whom you are to reject with Contempt and Derision, and beware of giving him any Hints of Knowledge.

But if you discover him to be a true and Genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly; and if he is in want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be reliev'd. You must employ him some Days, or recommend him to be employ'd. But you are not charged to do beyond your Ability, only to prefer a poor Brother, that is a good Man and true, before any other poor People in the same Circumstances.

What then is the status of two men, having cautiously examined each other and found the other to be a "Genuine Brother" and not a "false Pretender" by means of methods as prudence directed yet discover that their respective Grand Jurisdictions do not "recognize" each other?

I do not think that this is a trivial matter and it speaks to the core of the problem currently festering within Masonry today. I am supposed to have the tools to recognize and Brother in the dark as well as in the light. That certainly can't happen in the dark if I'm supposed to examine a dues card.

Joe West · 01-08-2008, 06:53 PM

My confusion grows worse and my interest greater as I am looking to make some decisions in the future. Mr. George you support Ancient Masonry? But you think the arguing is bad, is this correct? Will these two systems reconcile and become one someday? Mr. George do you prefer the Moderns or Ancients? It seems everyone has a very strong opinion about this.

Joe West · 01-08-2008, 06:54 PM

What is a Flying Monkey?

George the 3rd · 01-08-2008, 09:08 PM

Joe,

You asked:

Quote:

But you think the arguing is bad, is this correct?

I don't think an argument is bad, if it is a civil discourse about a subject where two or more parties have differing opinions. In a debate, each side presents its "argument". What I object to is insults and personal attacks that do nothing to further one's case or bring about understanding and/or compromise.

Much of the "discussion" about the so-called Modern vs Antient debate seems to take the form of "my side good, your side bad". That gets us nowhere.

I believe it is possible to have differences, even apparent conflicts that are settled amicably. For example, consider the UGLE's position on Co-Masonry and Female Only Masonry:

This is the official line taken by United Grand Lodge of England on the question of Women Freemasons

Quote:

Statement issued by UGLE - 10th March 1999

There exist in England and Wales at least two Grand Lodges solely for women. Except that these bodies admit women, they are, so far as can be ascertained, otherwise regular in their practice. There is also one which admits both men and women to membership. They are not recognised by this Grand Lodge and intervisitation may not take place. There are, however, discussions from time to time with the women's Grand Lodges on matters of mutual concern. Brethren are therefore free to explain to non-Masons, if asked, that Freemasonry is not confined to men(even though this Grand Lodge does not itself admit women). Further information about these bodies may be obtained by writing to the Grand Secretary.

The Board is also aware that there exist other bodies not directly imitative of pure antient Masonry, but which by implication introduce Freemasonry, such as the Order of the Eastern Star. Membership of such bodies, attendance at their meetings, or participation in their ceremonies is incompatible with membership of this Grand Lodge.

You will notice that the subject of "Regularity" and "Recognition" are kept separate in this statement. Wouldn't be more appropriate if those discussions about the differing Masonic bodies, especially here in the USA, were approached in the same manner?

Quote:

Mr. George do you prefer the Moderns or Ancients? It seems everyone has a very strong opinion about this.

I prefer men and women who claim to embrace the Masonic Philosophy who act accordingly when dealing with any other human being, but more especially with someone who also claims and demonstrates that they are also a Mason.

Quote:

What is a Flying Monkey?

I wish I knew. I just know that it is seldom a title that is used as a compliment!

grandsecretary · 02-14-2008, 06:58 AM

The Masonic token is one of the modes of recognition required to gain admission at the door of a Masonic Lodge.

Why would you want to use it otherwise?