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Post by middlepillar on Oct 15, 2007 17:48:46 GMT
Theron
I find this blog uneccessary, in my mind you are getting in to politics which has no place in Freemasonry, each brothers sexuality is thier business and thier business alone just as is the response of every Freemason in how they accept any individual in a Lodge. If a fear of Homosexuals is in thier minds there is nothing we can do about it, except shed a tear of sympathy over thier own failings.
I would also like to ask why you finish with this;
May the blessing of heaven rest upon you and all regular masons. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue, cement us.
Does this mean you do not give the blessing of Heaven on irregular masons? If not , why?
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Post by whistler on Oct 17, 2007 1:25:44 GMT
Thank you Theron, I haven't read all of your blogs - they are cute and you must spend a lot of time on them. and certainly I accept your blessing as I know you wish them on me . Though in truth at the end of some of the longer ones perhaps you should give out endurance badges with your blessings BTW Much significance in the skin colour of the man in the image that heads this blog very clever
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Post by penfold on Oct 17, 2007 6:17:34 GMT
I was concerned by the title, but then read the blog, you make some quite valid challenges to individuals conscienses in this entry - a worthwhile read, thank you.
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Post by whistler on Oct 17, 2007 17:45:21 GMT
Thanks Whistler... you are the first to notice andcomment. I chose that image very deliberately to make three points. The eye - is it external or within the man?. Does the man represent a Hu"man"?
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Post by billmcelligott on Oct 17, 2007 19:34:26 GMT
The man represents: 1) Universal Masonry 2) A Male mason to fit the theme of the blog 3) Unity between masonry on the one hand, mankind in the middle, and g-d on the other hand. A trinity. The problem with symbolism is its very easy to criticize if you get it wrong, when using an inanimate thing such as a compass, no further twist or interpretation can be added to what you present, a compass is a compass, what it represents can be argued about. However when you bring to your symbol a Black Man, and quite possibly a Black Man who is Homosexual. Plus a Black man who is probably Homosexual and a Freemason, you now only have 3 people in America who will not find something wrong with the symbol itself. Therefore I would suggest the meaning of the symbol has been lost. Now this is before you get to argue over what it symbolizes. Correct me if I have mis read the article but it is about making judgments. I would just use the book that never seems to let me down for a good quote, " judge not less you be judged". This Gay issue is one which you can never give an answer and be right. If I say I support Gays in Freemasonry, everyone will say I am gay. If I say I dint want Gays in Masonry then I must be Homophobic. Heads you win , tails I loose situation.
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Post by billmcelligott on Oct 17, 2007 19:35:32 GMT
It is interesting that the Google adds above this page are all for Gay dating agencies.
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Post by whistler on Oct 17, 2007 19:42:57 GMT
The man represents: 1) Universal Masonry 2) A Male mason to fit the theme of the blog 3) Unity between masonry on the one hand, mankind in the middle, and g-d on the other hand. A trinity. Try This 1) Imperfect Masonry with the "G" the flaw in the Diamond Not yet perfect 2) The God within all sentient beings which sees all 3) The Naked Coloured Man the Victim In all a plan of work to be done
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Tamrin
Member
Nosce te ipsum
Posts: 3,586
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Post by Tamrin on Oct 17, 2007 21:07:29 GMT
I had already PM'd Bro. Theron saying, "Overall, admirable sentiments" (he has courteously replied).
Given some of the criticisms here, I feel obliged to state my position publicly.
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Post by billmcelligott on Oct 17, 2007 21:27:30 GMT
First thing every publisher has to learn, is take criticism, or go insane.
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Post by lauderdale on Oct 17, 2007 21:40:59 GMT
Bro Bill, this one has taken off a bit more over on the NOS Forum. It's a very dangerous subject to be sure and one which is likely to be taken literally. Indeed I know of a UK Lodge where a Homosexual being the Candidate did cause some problems and some Brethren left as a result.
You are right, defend a Homosexual Candidate and you will be taken to be one yourself by some people, reject them and you are branded as a Homophobe. Personally I judge the Candidate on their merits, not their sexuality.
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Post by billmcelligott on Oct 18, 2007 6:23:01 GMT
I would have to admit that in my Mother Lodge populated by a good number of young men from our local 'Rugby Club', an openly gay person would have to take some strong ribbing and a serious amout of gay jokes. But I do not believe there would be an actual objection to a gay man joining the lodge.
What I mean for example is I have had trouble getting around over the past year and have had to use crutches, and I get the where is you parrot kind of remark. So if I have to take it so does everyone else. [thankfully I am off the crutches now] still cant find that dam parrot.
That intersetingly enough brings forward another point on being Gay, are gay people overly sensative.
I have had some heated debates with Gays who I swear seem to lay in wait for any slight miss said word they can jump on to and complain about.
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Post by middlepillar on Oct 18, 2007 8:16:52 GMT
Theron
Perhaps by reading most of the replies here and elswhere you may see why I said you were getting in to the realms of Politics? I did read your article but perhaps I saw what I thought would be the outcome of it? The fact that in your own mind you are discussing other things is not the problem and indeed interesting.
It is particularly interesting to see that with the majority of your links, no one really posts too much comment, but on this thread?!!!!!!
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Post by middlepillar on Oct 18, 2007 17:50:28 GMT
Theron,
I said you were getting in to Politics, this was meant to suggest that no matter how hard you try or whatever your reason, the subject will always be dragged in to a political discussion. Your last sentence in a way a proves the point. By using the title and the intro you did, you had no chance of having the discussion you wanted.
I am sorry if you feel I am being uneccesary but try making the point with a different example!
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