Greetings from the East

The world is shattered by war. Who can hide from it? Even those of us fortunate to be at a safe distance from its horrors and depravity, still share in some part the gut-wrenching misery and devastation, if only in the understanding of how it fractures and damages civil, moral and peaceful humanity. Apart from its rationale, war is also hard to contain. It can, and has pulled nations into its indiscriminate death spiral, claiming millions of innocent lives.

Our early modern Freemasonry traces its roots into the mid-1600s, where in the aftermath of the English Civil War (and other European conflicts) opposing sides were repulsed and shocked at the magnitude of the raging violence, meted out against their fellow countrymen. Essentially, it is here in this moment, certain historically notable men came together, as brothers, and formed a nucleus for a new, intellectual and private society, where the discussion of religion and politics would be diminished and replaced with the search for truth in nature. Such began the greatest advance in the history of the world.

And it is also here, where we see a nascent scientific awakening, that will characterize The Enlightenment, guided by a reverential religious philosophy that begins to form the early structure of our Freemasonry. The call to a brotherhood founded on the principles that make men better through friendship and mutual affection, despite their differences, was also almost certainly established here. Such a new brotherhood was based on a higher call that meant advancements in learning, together with civility and decency as guidance, that would displace the wrangling over politics and religion— the twin causes for sharp differences in opinion among people.

Who can best work and best agree, other than men who truly see themselves as brothers? To discover what works for the best of all in consensus: This is the Call. Being united in the understanding that morality and its offspring of justice, civility and innocence, can only be sustained when men pursue higher aims, being part of a universal Brotherhood of Good, under the fatherhood of God!

John McCargar, HA, 32°

Greetings from the East

Social connection, in-person, has always been and will always be a basic human need. It cannot be overstated how important it is that we meet with others to personally exchange and engage, and to have places where we can assemble and establish relationships and friendships. This also involves shared activities and other necessary aspects of life such as involvement in worthy projects, recreation and culturally significant events, and even those for charitable purposes.

Freemasonry provides one of the greatest social environments ever devised, as suggested above; this we already know. The Craft manages to fuse together so many features of personal enrichment that a man cannot help but be increased in his unique capacities, if followed, across the board. Attending to that is a built-in mystique and prestige that is attached to our “world-class logo” of square and compass, where we can find an impressive motive for men to join. We did.

So what is our future as we look across younger demographic groups that eschew the traditional “legacy institutions” of the past, ours included? While Freemasonry appears to be spreading again, there are many who want nothing to do with organized charitable or social institutions, either secular or religious; a travesty. This also happened in the boomer generation. Yet Solomon’s Staircase needs the younger man to come and join, and in respectable numbers; for their benefit and ours. Perhaps like other times in history when crises abounded, an awakening ensued as to what was needed to advance or inculcate serious values wrenched from upheavals, while restoring memories of ethical greatness reached in prior epochs. Society today is fractured with some segments having been divided into competing and seemingly disoriented or profane factions. The outcome of conflict is evident. Such is difficult to change. Let’s hope this leads the quiet and thoughtful good man to come and seek us, and join in our efforts to perpetuate our sublime and gentle Craft of enlightenment. We need to be openly promoting our “benefits” to the right prospects.

Grand Lodge has recently implemented a prospect gathering program that successfully offers an “advisor” by telephone, to inform and guide the caller to local lodges. It appears to be working.

John McCargar, HA, 32°

Master

Freemasonry & Politics

Greetings from the East

We are correctly told that the discussion of religion and politics is forbidden in the Lodge. The reason why is so obvious that the phrase has become axiomatic, such that any discussion of them could automatically lead to sharp differences and worse. There are good lessons to be learned from whence Freemasonry emerged, and it having had a profound effect on the future of worldwide governments.

From its organizational origins, which publicly arose after the very bloody and horrific English Civil War of 1642-1651 (matched with other European wars), the learned framers of our Craft and ritual introduced language we take for granted—brotherhood, friendship, brotherly affection and unity, intentionally superseding adversarial positions that even they held. These civil wars shocked both sides, as all violent wars do. Neglectful, totalitarian or dictatorial powers will always lead to corruption, hubris and abuse, thus eventually being the cause of all political and civil strife, and can ultimately, tragically, cost human life.

This does not mean however that we cannot and should not ever talk about political issues. Intelligent, wise and experienced men should be free to express ideas or insights to their brothers, who should be willing to listen, but with a caveat. I have known brothers who expressed regrettable comments unbecoming a Freemason...on both sides of the political divide (not from our lodge). The truth should be revealed. Entrenched dogma can be problematic. But so can emotional or speculative idealism. It is during open lodge where the prohibition is in effect. So feel free to speak. Yet the question remains are we even capable of having serious and reasonable dialogue about serious issues amongst ourselves whenever the occasion arises? Truth is a painful antiseptic to any idealism and provides a motive to evolve toward higher realizations.

John McCargar, HA, 32°

Master