OK, A couple of questions then. How do you determine who is a plug and play type compared to a person who is under the impression that things will actually be taught to help them develop into a builder?
Great question Brother Gary!
I take the time to get to know him. I ask him questions as to his reasons and intentions behind his joining. I find out what's driving him. I make effort to find out his end-in-mind for himself. A casual conversation with a candidate or new Mason reveals much if you know what you're looking for. Certain overlapping cues in his responses re-enforce specific keys in his directions.
What's more, I drop hints as to what I see as the end-in-mind, the Work that is involved and how he may benefit should he take what is before him seriously and commit to something other then simply being a member.
In a nutshell, I make a sincere effort to corrupt the Brother toward being more invested in his own welfare through Masonry other than simply doing what is the minimum. I've succeeded more times than I can recall.
And, once again, I know the value of the "plug n play" types. They are critical to the functioning of the Lodge operations, specifically the Degree Work. I just know were my own interest lies and what I am best at supporting.
Each person has a different learning style, and for some it may seem as if our "path" is equal to handing them a gavel and chisel and telling them to build the temple without any plans on the trestle board.
I'm not saying that we should hand them everything on a platter, but some initial education might be the spark for some to want to learn more. Of course, there will be those that are not receptive, or don't care to learn.
You get out of Freemasonry what you put into it, but if your options are not revealed you can't very well navigate the path you want to take effectively.
Agreed!
Keep in mind, I'm not arguing your statements, I'm just looking for more discussion on the topic. The reason I'm doing this is because this was my experience in joining the fraternity. If it weren't for that nagging habit of mine to ask why and what for about everything, I wouldn't know half of what I do today, which ain't much.
My experience too Brother Gary. Words fail to express the utter frustration I felt in continuously being told to memorize the Catechism and all will become clear.
Well, it didn't. And what's more, when I asked questions after I memorized the Catechisms, I was told that no one knew the answers to my questions. It was a "MYSTERY" and that was the joy of Masonry, its MYSTERY.
ARG!!!!!!
I knew there was more but there was no one to support me in my efforts to penetrate the veils and Build Bridges of understanding showing how it all connected together and what it was intended to do.
I'll save the other question for another thread/ time. It's got to do with "proficiency", and your right. It's a whole other topic.
Yuppers! Good call Bro.
