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

Why Freemasonry?

The earliest and best known of the English handlers of London Free & Accepted Masonry in the 1720’s, were Dr. Anderson, who wrote the book of Masonic Constitutions, and Dr. Oliver, who wrote extensively on Freemasonry. Briefly, there were other notables at the time of course who simply studied its background and the known initiatory doctrines of antiquity (Ashmole, Desaguliers, et al.), who realized its power in their era as both a movement for the edification of worthy men, and a possible means as a catalyst for advancing, and even hastening, the development of society toward its greater potential, including the promulgation of constitutional governance and rights. This would be accomplished through an “elevated” man who became a Freemason, initiated into a spiritual brotherhood, pursing knowledge promoting civility, and perhaps achieving a higher plane of wisdom. The test of veracity for this view can be observed in the way Freemasonry instigated in the world, so much improvement, in doing exactly what it implied.

Subsequent Masonic authors added to our degrees (Colcott, Preston, Webb) each drawing from sources available to them, shaping them into what we practice today. And indeed many others have attempted to explain and interpret the Craft, collectively writing thousands of books, pamphlets, compendiums, encyclopedias, handbooks, papers and speeches. But none of them “invented” Freemasonry from scratch. The lore from the Stone Masons was probably reshaped by the prominent group of learned insiders (additionally in F. Bacon, I. Newton, J. Dee, and from other influential sources—Templar and Church Architects, Rosicrucians, Alchemists), who knew it had existed in different forms, under different names and was practiced in different historical settings—wherever stone monuments were erected. It is likely beyond our reach to know precisely its complex evolution. But one acknowledgment is true: Freemasonry is perennial, relevant now and will be in the future, wherever a motivated individual wishes to advance toward the Light.

John McCargar, HA

Master

Master's Message

As your Master for 2023, I’d like to hear from you. Send me a note at john.mccargar@gmail.com if you have any comments, concerns or questions at all. We have around 170 brother-members many of whom are out of state, many who are possibly unable to attend lodge. But either way, drop me a note and tell me how you are doing or offer some words about your journey at this stage in your life. I’d love to hear from you.

The theme this month is secrecy, an important topic throughout the history of the Craft. The picture-insert of the figurine, with index finger placed close to his lips, appears to be a gesture to remain silent. Perhaps the depiction also hints at a finger pointed heavenward, as if to also suggest silence and reverence are combined to express the virtue of both. The ideal of secrecy forms a basis for protecting or even perpetuation our Masonic domain or body of knowledge. But what’s the big deal about that? Many are or have been hostile to our fraternity. Here’s a quick summary of why we have a need for maintaining “secrecy”:

• Freemasonry stands against oppression and totalitarianism (AASR).

• It is non-sectarian yet abhors atheism and promotes religious belief.

• It proposes free-thought and free-conscience for determining truth.

• It has spiritual rituals that can be the subject of ridicule or mockery.

• It has no religious dogma yet invokes the blessings of Deity.

• It has been seen as a conspiracy or prejudicial by the profane (historically).

• Freemasons can be and have been the target of violence.

• Seeks improvement in all human affairs through a select brotherhood.

• Tolerates diverse philosophies in the exposition of truth.

• Science and Religion go hand in hand.

• It stands against ignorance, fanaticism, corruption and hate.

These some of the bigger reasons; our modes of recognition and ritual details are lesser ones but just as important, if only for reverence in what leads to sacredness and respect for what is good and true among men. Tell me what you think. (Picture of figurine courtesy of the London Museum of Freemasonry)

John McCargar, HA

Master

From the West

A human being living alone at -71 deg C in the wilderness of snowy forests isn't affected by any secrecy; or is he part of one? In theory, secrecy and openness are mutually exclusive, meaning they can't exist at the same time just like war and peace. In the information age we live in, anything that brings criticism or vulnerability is termed to have been engulfed in secrecy or layers of it. Esoteric may or may not be a secret but a secret might be esoteric or it loses its definition. Does that make sense? Does secrecy breed incompetence, of course, it does. Maybe that is why it should be handled by the initiated and/or chosen few and not just anyone with a pulse. To avoid dire consequences secrecy acts as a shield. Ask an electrician the meaning of insulation that protects him but only a trusted man well-trained in the craft deserves that protection.

The universe itself holds secrecy, colors don't announce the outcome when mixed.

Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Babylonian civilizations came and went away as time and tide wait for none. The society we live in has been destroyed and rebuilt many a time with the added knowledge that demands secrecy. The attentive ear receives sound from the instructive tongue and mysteries of freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Freemasonry itself has withstood the tide of changing times because of the respect for the esoteric and the eyes that are upon its members. The goodness of heart and purity of intention keeps the tenets of our esteemed institution sacred and solid. The burdens and responsibilities that come with it entitle a Freemason to its benefits and privileges. Classified it is what makes them want it more or more will want it hence keeping classified, is the secrecy we all must deal with. Elite clubs have their limitations.

Shivam J. Sharma, HA

Senior Warden

Thank you to Austin Shifrin for spending some time with us to discuss his new book, Black Ink, Farther Stars. His book is available on Amazon around the world.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Farther-Stars-Austin-Shifrin/dp/B0DBCD7PBM

“Black Ink, Farther Stars”: The title derives from a mixed metaphor, combining a theurgic practice used by the ancient Greeks to talk with their gods, and the modern use of parallax by astronomers to estimate the distance to celestial objects.
The book is 164 pages, and consists of 5 chapters, each a topic that was originally custom-written for presentation to a Masonic audience:
“Ritual Across Time and Space” – how theater and the performing arts have been used by different societies around the world and throughout history for cultural and moral instruction.
“The Chamber of Reflection: Mortality, Morphology, and Meaning” – how contemplation of death can enrich and inspire our lives, drawing on sources from Paracelsus to podcasts.
“The Tarot of Virtue” – how Tarot cards can be used as a visual aid to study the 18 progressive virtues in the system of modern French philosopher Andre Comte-Sponville.
“How the Allied Masonic Degrees and Grand College of Rites Complement Each Other” – the history of two lesser-known Masonic institutions, and the unique and colorful rituals that they preserve.
“The Stuff Freemasonry is Made Of: Physical Properties of the Old Testament” – How we can better understand the stories of Freemasonry and the Old Testament when we have a better grasp of the physical settings and artifacts being referenced; examining both the hard science, and the lore.

• Master's message
• Jr Warden's message
• Freemasonry and Religion are Compatible
• Editor's Notes

Join us for this short episode bringing in the year 2023.

• Master Elect's Message
• Jr Warden Elect's Message
• Editor's Notes

Mackey's Revised History of Freemasonry- chapter 62: The Cathedral at Strasburg