I think we are dancing around the point that joining the fraternity for social gain, isn't what the purpose is. Joining just so you can be a Shriner or whatever, is not serving the Blue Lodge.
Well, that begs the question: What is the
purpose, as you see it for the Lodge to exist in the first place? I agree that joining just to be a Shriner does not serve the Blue Lodge, but where is it written that the only valid reason to become a Mason is to serve the Blue Lodge? I joined this fraternity 'looking for light', and I have found more than a glimmer or two along the way. The Blue Lodge will always be my primary focus, because, to be frank, that's where I found the most light. But I've met, sat with, and loved (in a brotherly way, of course.
) many, many Masons, almost all of whom are
really there for social reasons. I look at them and I can not say that their presence is somehow diminished because they're not after the same things I am.
While each man may or may not choose to delve deeper into the Esoterics of our order, the fact remains that even in a literal interpretation of our teachings it's not about being just a good guy in a social circle.
Once again, I agree. But, it appears, that many of our members do not agree with that. How can it be that you and I are 'right' and they are 'wrong'?
What really sticks in my craw is that these socialites are the ones who wind up dictating how our Lodges function. To beat a dead horse, I'll use Masonic Education for an example. The only thing being taught here in Florida is the GL constitution, rules and regulations. And the occasional smattering of redundant history. ANYTHING outside of the "list" is taboo.
Yeah, that sort of thing gets to me, too, sometimes. But as is the case with most of the 'mystery schools' I've studied, the real work is in your own heart anyway (or, in the Greek mysteries, in your liver, but I digress). So I, for one, do my own work using what I've learned in the Lodge (and elsewhere). Occasionally, very occasionally, I run into another Brother who 'thinks the way I do'. Then it gets really fun! I still truly enjoy going to Lodge and hanging out with my brethren, though. And every time I hear them parrot back the work, I find something (no matter how small) that hits me differently than it ever did before, increasing my 'light'.
Keep it simple for the socialites. I strongly disagree Brother. Long live Hiram!
Who said, "keep it simple for the socialites"? All I said was that, according to our rules as I understand them, the socialites have as much right to the Lodge as I do.