Light in Masonry

BrAPeterson · 02-01-2007, 08:53 AM

Brethren,

There is much talk on this website about the "Light" or lack thereof to be found in the Antient lodges. Many folks seem to be upset that they are not being GIVEN the light which they seek. Well let me share a little secret with you folks, one that is not forbidden for me to impart:

In true Masonry you have to work for the light!

No one is going to give it to you. It will not be talked about in lodge. You will not recite it over and over again until you memorize it. You will not be given a little pamphlet where by you can read of it at your leisure. You will not attend a 3 day class where star lecturerers will proselytise it.

What you will get is lessons on how to find it. You will learn about the tools that will aide you in your quest. You will be surrounded by BROTHERS who are on the quest themselves, some having already found it. You will even learn about the things that may divert you from your quest. But no where is light found.

The light of Masonry is different for everyone. That is what Masonry is all about, finding your own personal light. To some the light of Christianity will shine brighter to them because of Masonry, to others Muhamed's light, and to others still, the light of Buddha.

It is no place for any true Mason to say his light is the true light for all, therefore the lessons in Masonry do not teach these lessons.

You should not join Masonry because you want a temple handed to you. You should join Masonry because you want to learn to build your temple. Being a Mason is not easy, it takes work! Why else would we use the Stone Mason as a symbol of who we are? Do you think the life of a stone mason was an easy one?

If what you want is spoon fed "Light", then you may want to take time to find a Church, a cult (even "Modern Masonry" will do), or a philosophy that fits your needs.

But if you want to learn how to find the path to light, as only your own conscience can define, and are willing to work at it, to take the time to find out for yourself what the symbols of Masonry have to say, then "knock" upon the door of an Ancient Free and Acccepted Mason lodge.

I hope I shed some "Light" on the topic, and I AM Ancient Free and Accepted!

Fraternally,

Bro Arthur Peterson
New River Lodge #736
Jacksonville, NC

cyberclown · 02-01-2007, 06:27 PM

Bro. Arthur,

I agree that "light" is something individual, personal, and something that one has to find/discover/work for himself.
Personally, I do not expect to be spoon-fed with it; though, I have just started my search for "it" ... I believe it is something one may have to travel far for and possibly may never find if one is seeking and/or searching in the wrong places.

What are the right places? ... Trust me brother: If I knew the right place or knew it to be reached easily, I would open up a hot dog stand and sell it there ...

Just kidding: If I truely found it or felt near it, I would look around and search for worthy brethren to share it with. ... I may have discovered some aspects of it (the G.A.O.T.U. be the judge of that), and I may open my heart to a brother or so and share my experiences with him, but I do not consider my findings to be the solely correct way of looking at things ...

I, thus, encourage you, brother: Continue your journey as I do mine and don't be bothered with the troubles of others, unless you truely consider them your brethren and you feel obligated (from the bottom of your heart) to "aid and assist" such "worthy distressed" brethren ...

Sincerely,
Bro. Markus

BrAPeterson · 02-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Brother Hagmann,

The above post was not directed at you. It was more of a "if the shoe fits wear it" comment.

Continue your journey as I do mine and don't be bothered with the troubles of others, unless you truely consider them your brethren and you feel obligated (from the bottom of your heart) to "aid and assist" such "worthy distressed" brethren ...

Thanks for the warm counsel.

You are right of course, but please understand I have only posted this much for the benefit of those as of yet uninitiated brethren who may come on this site looking for masonry and instead get fooled by the imposters.

I have seen what an imposter organization can do to an organization such as ours if left unchecked.

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur

cyberclown · 02-01-2007, 11:01 PM

Don't fear that you have hurt my feelings or insulted me in any way, Bro. Arthur ...

... and forgive me for answering a thread or post that was not directed at me as just ...

I take your comments, of course, as sincere expressions of your love for the craft and your willingness to protect "her"--as any lodge's tiler would--from cowans and eavesdroppers.

But I also do believe that men can (and should) discuss topics of contraversy calmly and based on facts, lay them open for all participants to see and examine themselves, to agree to disagree at times, while ever being mindful that no man will ever be able to grasp the whole truth by his own strength alone--as such only is possible by the G.A.O.T.U. Himself and those brethren that have completed their journey "to that undiscovered country from whose ... " ... you know how it goes well yourself, dear brother ...

Sincerely,
Bro. Markus

BrAPeterson · 02-02-2007, 01:09 AM

Bro. Hagmann,

I agree that civil discussions on topics of controversy can lead to light. However, only when everything is discussed on the level.

Claiming to be a Mason to give weight to your arguement, when in fact you are not, doesn't lead to light. It is subterfuge, obfuscation, or even more correctly, a lie.

I would have more respect for someone who said I am an expelled mason, and here's why.

Then I may be able to listen and come to an understanding of his circumstances, even if I may not agree with them.

Anyway, my point is now redundant. My goal was to simply have the truth posted so everyone can make their own determination on how to interact with these folks. Now that I have accomplished this, I will quietly return from whence I came.

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur

Forgive me if I came off a little brash. 14 years in the corps can make you a little... to the point.

cyberclown · 02-02-2007, 06:24 AM

Bro. Arthur,

I hope you will not turn the back on the good masons among us (you may know who they are ...)

Wherever your journey may lead you, be the G.A.O.T.U. with you!

And a friendly "Semper Fi" from one who has not served -- whose wife, though, has spent 15.5 months in the land of "Mesopotamia" in support of "Iragi Freedom" (SSG, 974 QM CO (FS) (DS), 90th RRC (T.O.)).

Sincerely,
Bro. Markus

BrAPeterson · 02-02-2007, 07:25 AM

Brother Hagmann,

My prayers go out to your wife. May she always find fair winds and following seas. I recently left the service myself because of the many deployments.

You know I would never turn my back on a brother... or anyone else for that matter.

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur