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Post by antoninus9 on Sept 9, 2007 3:39:45 GMT
The All-Seeing Eye of Deity could mean anything. Perhaps it is a reference to Spinoza's god?
It should not be taken as a qualification to be Mason. Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 do not require a belief in deity they simply state that no one who rightly understands the art will be a stupid atheist or irreligious libertine. What if he is a smart atheist and very "religious" libertine? ;-)
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Sept 5, 2007 2:28:14 GMT
Mission statements are common among almost all modern organizations. American Freemasonry (perhaps others as well) has adopted: "We make good men better" or some derivative of that idea.
I believe this is a very poor mission statement for two reasons:
1. It focuses on the individual and does not provide a vision of how this is to be accomplished.
2. As Aristotle pointed-out we tend to believe that we are already good, and that our actions always benefit the good (self).
The earlier mission of Freemasonry was better (IMO) and provided a stated goal and purpose.
"Freemasonry is dedicated to the brotherhood of all mankind under the all-seeing eye of deity."
In today's language it may be more accurate to say: "Freemasonry is dedicated to the brother/sisterhood of all of humanity under the all-seeing eye of deity."
There are multiple benefits to the old mission statement:
1. It is a group vision as opposed to an individual one. In other words it is something we, as Masons, can work towards together as a group.
2. It lights the path to resolving many of our own internal problems as an organization. i.e. If our mission is the brother/sisterhood of all then we must begin by recognizing all Masons as such and do away with the divisive internal politics.
3. The brother/sisterhood of humanity is a concept that the public can understand and buy into.
4. The concept of the brother/sisterhood of humanity does not step on the toes of the world's religions. Religion is about making you better and purifying your soul, while extending brother/sisterhood to all is a part of universal human morality.
This mission does not reflect anything overtly spiritual. The spiritual aspect of the Craft is unique to every individual and their experience. By not being overtly spiritual we avoid issues with the world's religions.
What are your thoughts on this?
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Post by antoninus9 on Jun 4, 2007 22:40:19 GMT
I very much enjoyed Prescott's essay and WidowsSon's commentary on it. There's many new things being brought to light about the history of Freemasonry. It's an exciting time to be a Freemason.
Jeff Peace
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Post by antoninus9 on Mar 11, 2006 14:24:54 GMT
Hello Brethren I'm an American Freemason and this forum appears to be mostly English brethren from across the pond, but you appear to be discussing the same issues that are taking place in my country. I'm not very familiar with what is taking place in English Masonry but would like to share with you what is taking place in America. Young Freemasons (under the age of 45) are forming lodges in their basements and garages to avoid having to work with the Grand Lodges. A new Grand Lodge (United Grand Lodge of America) has been formed. Several defunct Masonic Rites have been restored against the edicts of the Grand Lodges. Young Masons are being suspended or expelled without charges or trial. In some cases, such as Arkansas, they are being tried but not by their lodges. They are being tried by puppet courts created by the Grand Lodge. The Grand Masters are doing these things even though they are in violation of their own Masonic Code. In my opinion the state Grand Lodges are no longer in control of American Freemasonry. Their lawful power has been usurped by the Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Scottsh Rite - Southern Jurisdiction. Character assassinations are now common. The truth has been replaced with rumor. The brethren in some states are being told to remain silent or face Masonic discipline. I do not wish to argue or debate these things but suggest that you be alert and consider that everything in American Freemasonry is not on the Level. If you look past the veil there is much more to be seen. All the best. Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Oct 22, 2005 0:00:49 GMT
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Post by antoninus9 on Oct 22, 2005 12:12:14 GMT
The web site has quite a bit of information. The Rite has an unusual mix of Masons - 95% of the membership is between the ages of 21 and 45, the remaining 5% are between 79 and 85. The Mystic Temple only opens for ritual work, Masonic education is given in a classroom environment. We have lots of social activities for friends and family. The Rite grew about 300% in 2005.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Oct 21, 2005 21:52:31 GMT
The Rite of the Rose Cross of Gold isn't a Grand Lodge, its a concordant body. You must be a Mason in good standing under the jurisidction of a Grand Lodge that is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Georgia to become a brother of the RRCG.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Oct 21, 2005 15:47:13 GMT
I'm a member of the Rite of the Rose Cross of Gold and belong to Mystic Temple Hermes, No.1, in Atlanta. What would you like to know about the Rite?
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Post by antoninus9 on Dec 22, 2007 21:59:31 GMT
All of this is super cool. I would like to know how all of you arrived at the ideas of your constructions of these ideal rites! Devout--you have first prize for the most elaborate. I am serious--this is a great thread! I want to hear your influences and why your system would be so and what it truly would teach for usefulness in yourselves AND THEN society. I think we've had enough knights, secret masters, and princes of some long forgotten secret - they're all just an escape from a reality we don't want to face. Maybe we should try something more simple and relevant to our own age? There's a hole in the world tonight. There's a Cloud of fear and sorrow. There's a hole in the world tonight. Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow. They say that anger is just love disappointed. They say that love is just a state of mind, but all this fighting over who will be anointed. Oh how can people be so blind? [Chorus:] There's a hole in the world tonight. There's a Cloud of fear and sorrow. There's a hole in the world tonight. Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow. Oh they tell me there's a place over yonder, cool water running through the burning sand, until we we learn to love one another we never reach the promise land. [Chorus:] There's a hole in the world tonight. There's a Cloud of fear and sorrow. There's a hole in the world tonight. Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow. - The Eagles
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Post by antoninus9 on Dec 22, 2007 5:13:16 GMT
It would be a simple order with one ritual and one obligation. It would be open to anyone who could agree with the required obligation.
Every member would be sworn to do everything in their power to make the world a better place for all people.
The secret grip would be a hug.
The secret word would be love.
The secret sign would be open arms.
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Post by antoninus9 on Sept 4, 2007 17:44:45 GMT
Beresniak's book has been a required read for RRCG members since the beginning of the group. It's a great introduction to Freemasonry that has lots of information and many beautiful photographs of lodges, regalia, etc.
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