MWS
Active Member
There's an interesting thread developing on the working tools. Some interesting interpretations and debate. My jurisdiction, although similar, illustrates them in a slightly different light. I reached for my Book of the Work but caught myself...the tools themselves are blotted out.
Got me thinking, I've been told during our education nights that all is open to discuss for Masons and non-Masons alike. Only the obligations and a few other parts are meant for those ready to partake in the degrees. Why then are the working tools not clearly present?
I consider myself dually chastised for limiting my discussion to "shallow" topics, license plates and such. A fair accusation...but as far as the tools, I'll be content to see how it develops from the sidelines. I'll try to contribute more of course, but am interested to hear how strongly you folks take your obligations? Please let me be clear, I'm not judging ANY discussions. Like I mentioned, as far as I'm concerned only the ob's, grips and tokens are off limits for me on a untiled forum. I love Masonic discussion, but doesn't it irk you a bit when you see everything out in the open...open degrees where families are invited? Masons being raised less than a week after initiation?? What is there to "earn"...where is the pride in spending months, years working towards the light? A potential candidate knocked on the door of the Lodge and wanted to sign up that night. A PM gently, and in a very friendly manner spoke with him and said, "come back one year from today and I will be happy to sign your petition." He returned and is now a promenant member. A wonderful story I thought.
Sorry, not meaning to rant. Let me rein it in with a question. Do you think modern or progressive Masonry has become too "easy?" I'm aware that this has come up in other threads, but it is still something I struggle with. Please feel free to answer, or tell me use the search function...I'm mainly writing this to come to my own understanding...
Got me thinking, I've been told during our education nights that all is open to discuss for Masons and non-Masons alike. Only the obligations and a few other parts are meant for those ready to partake in the degrees. Why then are the working tools not clearly present?
I consider myself dually chastised for limiting my discussion to "shallow" topics, license plates and such. A fair accusation...but as far as the tools, I'll be content to see how it develops from the sidelines. I'll try to contribute more of course, but am interested to hear how strongly you folks take your obligations? Please let me be clear, I'm not judging ANY discussions. Like I mentioned, as far as I'm concerned only the ob's, grips and tokens are off limits for me on a untiled forum. I love Masonic discussion, but doesn't it irk you a bit when you see everything out in the open...open degrees where families are invited? Masons being raised less than a week after initiation?? What is there to "earn"...where is the pride in spending months, years working towards the light? A potential candidate knocked on the door of the Lodge and wanted to sign up that night. A PM gently, and in a very friendly manner spoke with him and said, "come back one year from today and I will be happy to sign your petition." He returned and is now a promenant member. A wonderful story I thought.
Sorry, not meaning to rant. Let me rein it in with a question. Do you think modern or progressive Masonry has become too "easy?" I'm aware that this has come up in other threads, but it is still something I struggle with. Please feel free to answer, or tell me use the search function...I'm mainly writing this to come to my own understanding...