tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post6839668030307433167..comments2023-10-09T12:55:26.688-04:00Comments on The Burning Taper: Masons gone wild!Widow's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135009678671539418noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-9595355237097929862008-04-19T06:32:00.000-04:002008-04-19T06:32:00.000-04:00Written by Administrator Friday, 20 January 20...Written by Administrator <BR/>Friday, 20 January 2006 <BR/>The Grand Lodge of All England is the most ancient Masonic Grand Lodge in England. Formed by The Congress of Masons of AD 926, the Ancient and Honourable Society and Fraternity of Freemasons meeting since time immemorial in the City of York continues to work according to the Old York Time Immemorial Constitution and under the authority of The Charter of York granted by King Athelstan. It exercises legislative and judicial functions in service of the Fraternity.<BR/><BR/>plus<BR/><BR/>The Old York Constitutions, Ancient Charges, Rules and Regulations set out the Pure, Genuine and Original Plan for Freemasonry throughout the world. Under the jursidiction of The Grand Lodge of All England at York, Freemasonry continues to play a vital and useful role in society. It is an active force which requires thoughtful consideration, and the ability to deal with difficult issues as leaders within our countries, states and communities.<BR/> <BR/>http://www.grandlodgeofallengland.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=25Bill McElligotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06538900228266685052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-78756637335413523042008-01-01T19:40:00.000-05:002008-01-01T19:40:00.000-05:00I have just read this thread and would point out t...I have just read this thread and would point out that The Grand Lodge of All England at York has NEVER stated that its Freemasonry is "the only true Masonry". That is a vicious calumny. In fact, quite the contrary is the truth of the matter.<BR/><BR/>It is simply not acceptable to endeavour to slip such a vile comment under the wire in the hope that it will not be picked up.<BR/><BR/>Brother McElligott, please, in the interest of fairness, either demonstrate where that statement has been made by this Grand Lodge or else issue an unreserved apology. That would be the Brotherly thing to do.Peter Clatworthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00030262957884154625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-37616020179832999962007-09-12T04:42:00.000-04:002007-09-12T04:42:00.000-04:00I died and came back or have the Hiram key.And I'm...I died and came back or have the Hiram key.And I'm not a Mason or with anyone else.Why? And whats with the hell thing.I can explain what happened.But no one wants to talk to me.About it why?STRANGEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09416295017703564111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-82477290406818385992007-07-23T19:12:00.000-04:002007-07-23T19:12:00.000-04:00The Divine Word is the inspiration of Supreme Trut...The Divine Word is the inspiration of Supreme Truth and Goodness in the human heart and soul. Do you not believe that Hiram is the symbol to us of that Word and inspiration? Freemasonry is herself inspired by them, is the Apostle of Truth and the teacher of all that is good. <BR/> She has always made her voice heard, in brave frank utterances denouncing and defying tyranny and persecution: and the Church of Rome has in vain endeavored to stifle her voice and compel her to be silent.<BR/> Proclaiming the great primary truths of philosophy and religion, she has been in all countries the defender of free thought, free speech and free government; and never terrified by the fires rekindled by the church or the scaffolds erected by kings. She has defied the excommunications of the Vatican and laughed scornfully at the decrees of outlawry thundered from thrones; and she has survived all who have harassed and persecuted her, and yet in her prime, and day by day grows greater and stronger, and shall continue to do so until there are no longer wrongs to redress and rights to vindicate in the world.<BR/><BR/>stop the division crap already.<BR/>regular and irregular.petty nonsenseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-3241747015294288882007-07-23T11:03:00.000-04:002007-07-23T11:03:00.000-04:00William Allen (August 5, 1704 – September 6, 1780)...William Allen (August 5, 1704 – September 6, 1780) was a wealthy merchant, Chief Justice of the Province of Pennsylvania and mayor of Philadelphia. At the time of the American Revolution, Allen was one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Philadelphia. A loyalist, Allen believed the best course of action for the colonies was to redress their grievances with Parliament through constitutional means, not through outright rebellion, and he refused to take up arms against a sovereign to whom he had sworn allegiance.[1]<BR/><BR/><BR/>"and he refused to take up arms against a sovereign to whom he had sworn allegiance.[1]"<BR/><BR/>like GL's.............?<BR/><BR/><BR/>A loyalist, he went in 1774 to England, where he published The American Crisis: A Letter, Addressed by Permission of the Earl Gower, Lord President of the Council, on the present alarming Disturbances in the Colonies, which proposed a plan for restoring the American colonies to crown rule. Allen returned to Philadelphia in 1779, and died at Mount Airy, his mansion outside Philadelphia, the following year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-19848551007371877362007-07-23T10:28:00.000-04:002007-07-23T10:28:00.000-04:00I just want posters to think and just not run off ...<I>I just want posters to think and just not run off a diatribe of complaints. You are being watched here by those who may just be interested in Freemasonry or those who wish to destroy it. What you say may influence young men and women who just dont know, are not sure. </I><BR/><BR/>Bro. Bill, I've been reluctant to get into the middle of this discussion because I can easily understand both points of view. When I first started reading blogs, I initially objected to much of what WS was posting because he seemed like (to steal a phrase) a "nattering nabob of negativity." <BR/><BR/>But as it happens, I, myself, have a skewed perspective on all of this. When I started researching the fraternity about six years ago, I ended up spending a lot of time on the Usenet group alt.freemasonry. There, I read discussions between the Antis and the actual Masons ("mainstream" and other orders), but more importantly, long, <I>unmoderated disagreements </I>between the brothers themselves that make anything on BT seem very tame in comparison. <BR/><BR/>My point is that even after reading these disagreements, and after reading many unflattering things about the Craft, I still ended up with enough appreciation for the fraternity to want to become a member. Yes, while there are many unfortunate situations about some of the members of our fraternity, I keep in mind that any organization composed of human beings is going to be imperfect, and it's up to <I>all</I> of the members to help make it better. If that means pointing out the problems with <I>a small minority</I> of the brethren, then great; as W.C. Fields once said, "No man is totally useless - he can always serve as a bad example."<BR/><BR/>Note that BT has links to a large number of other blogs by Masons (including my own), blogs that present alternate points of view with regard to the Craft. Hopefully, Bro. Bill, anyone "on the fence" about our fraternity reading some of the BT articles would have enough intelligence to investigate further. I'd like to think that anyone who could be so easily swayed by reading one blog is not the type of person we'd like to have in the fraternity, anyway.<BR/><BR/><BR/><I>Just sitting in a room or on an internet blog and patting each other on the back every now and then shouting "O wonderful Masons" isn't going to do it.</I><BR/><BR/>I don't think I understand your point, Bro. Bill. Since some of the web groups are quick to put the kibosh on any bickering, what you describe seems to be <I>exactly </I>what happens (and I think that this is Bro. Jeff's complaint). BT, in contrast, offers a forum (via the Comments section) in which some of the disenchanted brothers can voice their opinions. <BR/><BR/>Yes, there are those that "watch" the Masons and are quick to jump on any apparent ambiguity or complaint about the Craft. So? That particular genus of pond algae have been watching us for years, via web groups, Usenet, and other venues (I've had a perverse sense of pride to see some of my <I>own </I>Usenet discussions on such websites), yet the fraternity remains strong. <BR/><BR/>Again, does WS post <I>some</I> unflattering news and articles about the fraternity? Yes, no question about that. Are such posts <I>harmful</I> to the fraternity? In my own opinion, no. While a small number of people might see them and come away with a poor opinion about Freemasonry, I believe that the number is so small as to be insignificant. I honestly believe that <I>most</I> of the people who read BT are already Masons, and already have formed their own opinions - and that they are working toward their own personal improvement, and the betterment of the fraternity everywhere.<BR/><BR/>Tom Accuosti<BR/><A HREF="http://masonictao.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">The Tao of Masonry</A>Tom Accuostihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07005315193581153959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-52144253374576077392007-07-23T09:16:00.000-04:002007-07-23T09:16:00.000-04:00Bill,I hope that all who read this blog can make t...Bill,<BR/><BR/>I hope that all who read this blog can make their own decisions and use their minds to figure out what is right and what is wrong. I am a VERY young freemason yet I still joined after being detered by several factors. Besides, if you trusted what everyone said all the time and never stop to THINK about it, I wouldn't want them joining the lodge anyways.<BR/><BR/>"I am left to wonder, if I were to arrive here and say UGLE is a den of vipers, I would be most welcome. Or would I?"<BR/><BR/>- You are always welcome to state your point, but without factual evidence to back that statement up, that would be plain trolling. State your opinion, then WHY you have that view, and perhaps purpose a way to fix it. Internet aguments never get anywhere. DISCUSSIONS communicate ideas to all.<BR/><BR/>We each play a great role in the fraternity. I'm sure you've heard the quote "You get out of it, what you put into it." I find that very true. Others have different roles, some like the charity, some like the rituals, and some the history. But it is everyone together that makes this fraternity so great. WS posts his insight of masonry, events, thoughts, ect. and so he communicates his thoughts and ideas. You can listen to it, or not. Thats purely up to you. This isn't "Official Masonry." This is a blog posted by one brother who I find to be insightful and I agree with many of his views. <BR/><BR/>Some people need to learn when humor is humor and start THINKING for themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-17209834723833756732007-07-23T07:38:00.000-04:002007-07-23T07:38:00.000-04:00EphraimI have not said that BT is all bad, I have ...Ephraim<BR/><BR/>I have not said that BT is all bad, I have just criticised some items of content.<BR/><BR/>Then I ask, why is it that I see many complaints, then why is my complaint not received with the same enthusiasm.<BR/><BR/>I am left to wonder, if I were to arrive here and say UGLE is a den of vipers, I would be most welcome. Or would I? <BR/><BR/>I just want posters to think and just not run off a diatribe of complaints. You are being watched here by those who may just be interested in Freemasonry or those who wish to destroy it. What you say may influence young men and women who just dont know, are not sure. Put myself in their position and on arriving what do they see what impression do they take away.<BR/><BR/>The future of Freemasonry will be determined by you, young men accross the globe and how they conduct themselves and how they are seen to conduct themselves. Just sitting in a room or on an internet blog and patting each other on the back every now and then shouting "O wonderful Masons" isn't going to do it.<BR/><BR/>By your works shall you be judged. ........... not by me.<BR/><BR/>I am one of the most experienced, factually prepared and dilligent Freemasons on the Internet. I do nothing without there being a purpose behind it. All I have asked is that WS thinks about the news items before they are published and those that complain about their GL's put up some workable alternatives. Just moaning aint good enough.Bill McElligotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12254737889533290110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-61679230185226519582007-07-23T07:10:00.000-04:002007-07-23T07:10:00.000-04:00Thanks Bro Peace.Exactly.UGLE and American GL's ne...Thanks Bro Peace.<BR/>Exactly.<BR/>UGLE and American GL's need to be proactive on bringing about Universal Brotherhood, not involved in day to day Lodge functioning.<BR/><BR/>The leaders need to lead.<BR/>Leaders need to be real leaders.<BR/>Stand up for right.<BR/><BR/>we as men and masons have two choices on everything we do(black & white checkered floor,light & dark, as above so below, etc.)<BR/>one can choose to follow the "Written Code" (of man), or one can follow the "Moral Code"(of GOD).<BR/><BR/>if the written code and moral code co-exist, great. but if the written code and the moral code differ, what does one do?<BR/><BR/>moral code should always trump written code.<BR/><BR/>so it is tough for me to follow men who adhere to the written code over the moral code.<BR/><BR/>PHA recognition, brother's peaces situation, racism, elitism and cronyism, etc.......<BR/>TGGOTU's temple is the planet and the skies, we are all workmen in His Temple, and to not "recognize" fellow workers, who chose to do Masonic work from TGGOTU's Tracing Board, because of Charters and who warranted it, and jurisdictional disputes, are destructive and distracting from His plan.<BR/><BR/>Moral Code VS. Written Code!<BR/><BR/>You decide.<BR/>Tom Coste<BR/>Halcyon 498Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-30270618995566522142007-07-22T20:35:00.000-04:002007-07-22T20:35:00.000-04:00The Burning Taper does a great service for masonry...The Burning Taper does a great service for masonry everywhere. You read of new, insightful thoughts all the time. Widow's Son simply states his point of view (with some witty sarcasm thrown in) and leaves it at that. You can choose to agree or disagree. Take it as you will. He does not shove it down your throat. Besides, isn't that what Masonry is all about? A society of free and enlightened thinkers sharing their ideas with one another? Don't worry about what others say Widow's Son, just keep doing what your doing. <BR/><BR/>Welcome back.<BR/><BR/>-EphraimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-66978809573323054312007-07-22T16:49:00.000-04:002007-07-22T16:49:00.000-04:00Theron Dunn is indeed a good brother but then agai...Theron Dunn is indeed a good brother but then again so is Tom Coste and Michale Howard. <BR/><BR/>I've known Theron for several years and we do not always agree, but we have always remained friends. <BR/><BR/>As of late Theron has become a bit too narrow in his views of what constitutes Freemasonry, and has lost most of the tolerance he once had for other forms of Masonry. My views are far more liberal and he and I agree to disagree.<BR/><BR/>Bill, I think Tom has a point but it isn't clear to you because of how he is saying it. I believe when he says "loyalist" in regards to the UGLE he is inferring that the US GLs typically don't think for themselves and rely heavily on what the UGLE says and does. The issue with the Grand Lodge of France a few years ago comes to mind.<BR/><BR/>From his perspective the UGLE needs to set a higher standard and become more progressive so that the "loyalist" US GLs will have positive role model.<BR/><BR/>In general I find European Masonry (Including the UGLE) to be far more convivial, realistic and optimistic than any of that practiced in the USA today. I think I would feel much more comfortable in a UGLE lodge than most here in the USA with the exception of Halcyon which is more like a European lodge. But, you must understand that Halcyon had a long hard fight in order to be more like your lodges. It wasn't quick or easy.<BR/><BR/>JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-9257219691477902642007-07-22T16:36:00.000-04:002007-07-22T16:36:00.000-04:00Bill,I always thought of myself as quiet and shy. ...Bill,<BR/><BR/>I always thought of myself as quiet and shy. ;-)<BR/><BR/>JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-47355350075064475062007-07-22T15:30:00.000-04:002007-07-22T15:30:00.000-04:00if the UGLE came out tomorrow and claimed legitama...if the UGLE came out tomorrow and claimed legitamacy and regularity to all orients and co-masonic orders, then the lemmings in the USA would follow suit, but until UGLE steps up and makes such a claim, the USA will still not due what is MORALLY right, instead follow what is written.<BR/><BR/><BR/>UNIVERSAL MASONRY<BR/><BR/>by Rudy Olano<BR/><BR/>Lincoln Lodge No. 34<BR/><BR/>16May06<BR/><BR/>In an article titled Universal Masonry, by the MW Brother Conrad Hahn,<BR/>PGM, Deputy Executive Secretary of Masonic Service Association, he<BR/>elucidated the rough and rugged road towards the realization of what<BR/>he calls a Universal Masonry. In it, he gave us some of the historical<BR/>facts related to the fraternal recognition practices between Grand<BR/>Lodges and Grand Orients. The MW correctly stated that not all<BR/>Freemasons are "free" to communicate with other brethren not"<BR/>recognized" by their own governing body called Grand Lodge/Orients.<BR/>Although the removal of the requirement for a belief in a Supreme<BR/>Being was a popular excuse of withdrawing the "recognition" to other<BR/>Masonic Lodges, the same old myopic excuse of racial bigotry is rarely<BR/>mentioned. A student of the craft don't have to seek far to be<BR/>confronted with fraternal relationship issue with Prince Hall Lodges.<BR/>The notion of Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God is<BR/>somehow became a rhetorical quest for definition of Man and God.<BR/><BR/>Somewhat interesting is the silent response to the accolades<BR/>bestowed to deeds committed by Freemasons whether "regular" or<BR/>"clandestine. " It seems like that we all Freemasons do not feel<BR/>obligated to inform the general public of the difference. When the<BR/>occasion for laurel wreath of victory to rest upon the head, or hang<BR/>jewels to fit the diadem, we seems to forget the affiliation of a<BR/>famous black brother from Prince Hall Lodge or the Grand Orient Lodge<BR/>membership of a brother revolutionary General. Another case in point<BR/>is the fact that Freemasons under the jurisdiction of Spanish Grand<BR/>Orient initiated the Philippine Revolution. The "Masonically inspired<BR/>and lead revolution," Bro.Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the<BR/>Philippines was referring to was not due to the Freemasons under the<BR/>jurisdiction of various Grand Lodges from United States. Grand Orient<BR/>Lodges were already established in the Philippines before the creation<BR/>of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines which calls Grand Lodge of<BR/>California as its Mother Grand Lodge. Under the pretext of being"<BR/>different" these proud (rightly so) Lodges were declared<BR/>"clandestine. " All" regular" Masons are prohibited to engage in any<BR/>Masonic communications with" irregular" Masons. The notion of<BR/>Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God is somehow became a<BR/>rhetorical quest for definition of "standard" Freemasonry.<BR/><BR/>MW Hahn exhorted the readers to continue dream of "a universal<BR/>Masonry, a universal Brotherhood of Man, without undermining the one<BR/>common and universal aspiration of the fraternity which has appealed<BR/>to men in every age and climate. The Brotherhood of Man under the<BR/>Fatherhood of God is the universal dream of men of good will<BR/>everywhere who call themselves Masons. To abandon that dream is to<BR/>abandon Freemasonry. To abolish those tenets is to abolish<BR/>Freemasonry. A Mason must dream if he is to continue his speculative<BR/>building. A universal Masonry? Keep dreaming and building; it's on its<BR/>way!"<BR/><BR/>Our Craft was created by men who united by a common desire<BR/>developed a method of study called Freemasonry which is defined as a<BR/>progressive moral science taught by degrees, veiled in allegories and<BR/>illustrated by symbols. Freemasons came from the same stock of men who<BR/>saddled with human weakness tend to slide back to the slippery slope<BR/>of creature existence. The Craft is not perfect as it was and still is<BR/>composed of men. Men who still struggle to find peace within him. Men<BR/>who knew that someday his "weary feet shall come to the end of his<BR/>toilsome journey and from nerveless grasp shall drop forever the<BR/>working tools of life," men who dreams that the "record of his life<BR/>and action shall be as pure and spotless" as his lambskin apron. Men<BR/>who dreams to hear the welcome words, "Well done my faithful servant;<BR/>enter thou to the joy of the Lord." The spirit of Universal Masonry<BR/>can also be found in a sociological entity called--- religion. The<BR/>notion of Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God is now became<BR/>a rhetorical quest for a question ---- a Universal religion?<BR/><BR/>Tom Coste Halcyon 498Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-75241659296194259002007-07-22T11:53:00.000-04:002007-07-22T11:53:00.000-04:00I must apologise I will spell check etc in future ...I must apologise I will spell check etc in future I hope I have made my points thoughBill McElligotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12254737889533290110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-78113036083648390992007-07-22T11:49:00.000-04:002007-07-22T11:49:00.000-04:00Bro. TomWhere on earth are you getting this "Briti...Bro. Tom<BR/><BR/>Where on earth are you getting this "British claim to have authority over Masony" from. It is not supported by the official line from UGLE.<BR/><BR/>From UGLE Web Site:<BR/>Q Is Freemasonry an international Order?<BR/>A Only in the sense that Freemasonry exists throughout the free world. Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent, and whilst following the same basic principles, may have differing ways of passing them on. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry. <BR/><BR/>Other than either recignising or not UGLE has no power of your Lodge or any other outside England and Wales.<BR/><BR/>Has loyalist become a dirty word now? I thought being loyal was one of the basic elements of Freemasonry.<BR/><BR/>Why do you say we wont talk to you , we are happy to talk, you just det annoyed when we dont agree.<BR/><BR/>I will take a bet with you Tom, I bet your Halcyon Lodge is a whisker away from my Lodges in content abd structure, why is it so, becuase the members wish it to be that way.<BR/><BR/>Remember this , The British were not forced out of Canada , India , Austalia and all points north, south east and west. well not much, so it is the question of were they pushed or did they jump. The empire was unstastainable throughut history no one but the british could ever say the sun never sets on our lands. It was simply to big and too expensive to keep under one roof. Today we have a Commonwealth.<BR/><BR/>You look upon me and Theron as the enemy, we are not. all I want is the same as you say you want , a healthy Masonic community with high standards. You do not achive that by slagging off other freemasons or publishing material that harms or distorts Freemasonry.<BR/><BR/>Now you and Jeff are no wilting violets, you say what you think. So why should I not have the same right. <BR/><BR/>Let me tell you this about Theron Dunn. And you can check with Jeff. if you need a Brother , night or day, in your Masonic obedience or not, if you were stuck in a fox hole with bullets flying , if you were alone a penniless, pray to God you know Theron. Because he will be there for you all you have to do is ask.<BR/><BR/>But dont mix that with having an opinion. He has his , I have mine and you have yours.<BR/><BR/>We are Brothers under the name of Freemasonry, dont worry I will be around to remind you if you forget.<BR/><BR/>You are noy happy with T3P , but many Freemasons are and you should respect that.<BR/><BR/>You may find this hard to believe , but not everyone like me. I know weird isn't it, but its true.<BR/><BR/>So my message to you Bro. Tom is dont fight me listen to me and respect me, I dont give a dam if you like me. I will promise to extend the same curtesy to you.Bill McElligotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12254737889533290110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-25347119543629608262007-07-22T08:14:00.000-04:002007-07-22T08:14:00.000-04:00here here brother peaceexcellent post and observat...here here brother peace<BR/>excellent post and observation...<BR/>myself and anothe rPM from my lodge both were kicked off t3p and KOTN place as well. Innocent masons who had very bad experiences within their lodges and district, voiced their opinions at these places and were banned as well...so cory has had a different experience than mine and WB Howard......<BR/><BR/>Some of the other "liberal" forums are slowly being run over by the loyalists who refuse to hold intelligent conversations with others who disagree and like a pitbull, they are relentless and willbeat you down till you do not want to associate with any masons on the net, why , the loyalists will jump you and ridicule down till you want no discourse with them.<BR/><BR/>do they sign some contract with their GL's to attack any and all no matter how LOGICAL the discussion may be and how illogical and infintile they seem/?<BR/>no flexabiity when it comes to men and women with the masonic ideals they have , but the 1813 british claim to authoity of masonry holds sway over americans, but britian's claim to authority over our government was not stood for, but for some reason we will give them masonic authority?<BR/><BR/>starnge twist of fate that would have all our masonic forefathers rolling over in their graves....<BR/>giving back masonic independance is what ran off Franklin and Washington from the ANitien Sysytem of 1813!<BR/><BR/><BR/>LOYALISTS to the british crown, oops, GL, in 2007...what wasthe fight for? freedom, except masonically, because the brits put rules in place saying that this is the way, if you want to be recognized, that is, where is the american feedom fighting pride in us? Did our masonic fore fathers just quit after the war? or were they too tired to keep fighting masonically against the likes of theron and bill?<BR/>I do not know, but our forefathers would turn their backs on the LOYALIST approach to UGLE!<BR/>Tom Coste PM<BR/>Halcyon 498<BR/>Cunningham Chapter 187, HPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-78326209827993232272007-07-21T20:44:00.000-04:002007-07-21T20:44:00.000-04:00Bro. Cory,You've always been a good brother to me,...Bro. Cory,<BR/><BR/>You've always been a good brother to me, and one of the most sincere Masons that I know. I hold you in the highest esteem. <BR/><BR/>The brothers and sisters will be civil towards one another once politics is removed from the Masonic equation. The core of the present problems lie in the ugly politics between Grand Lodges. If the GL's vaporized tomorrow the brothers and sisters would quickly heal the wounds of the past between themselves. <BR/><BR/>Look at all the forums on the net. Brothers and sisters from all forms of Freemasonry are freely conversing and learning from one another. When a fight breaks-out it is almost always over some silly rule created by this or that GL. This leads to finger-pointing about who is "regular" and who is not. An outsider looking in would have to laugh at how foolish it all really is. All of these people are Freemasons and all enjoy learning about the many varied facets of our fraternity. They want to work and play together but ugly politics hinders this natural process.<BR/><BR/>It's all very sad. Maybe one day they will recognize that their friendship and brother/sisterhood outweighs all politics, and do what should have been done fifty years ago.<BR/><BR/>Fraternally,<BR/><BR/>JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-72658250238802541012007-07-21T20:25:00.000-04:002007-07-21T20:25:00.000-04:00I forgot about MFOL (Masonic Forum of Light)! Yes,...I forgot about MFOL (Masonic Forum of Light)! Yes, they too have some great forums that are open to all. LRUS and LRUK are both run by Bro. Bill, and when I mentioned LRUS I meant to imply all of his forums. All of these are definitely worth a visit by all brothers and sisters. Of course the Burning Taper is a great place to post too. :-)<BR/><BR/>What I've discovered is that the best forums are typically run out of Europe. The English and other European brothers are far more pragmatic in their approach to Freemasonry. So many American Masons have become GL zealots that it's difficult to carry on a logical conversation with them without them resorting to ugly rhetorical tricks and questioning one's honor and integrity. <BR/><BR/>I primarily post to the Hermes list because I enjoy the depth of the discussion and freedom of everyone to express their opinions without being attacked. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for reminding me of the other forums. :-)<BR/><BR/>JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-49338555346089161612007-07-21T18:38:00.001-04:002007-07-21T18:38:00.001-04:00JPThe most open and honest masonic sites on the ne...JP<BR/><BR/>The most open and honest masonic sites on the net are LRUK (Bills UK based Forum) & MFOL. Where all comments are welcome by all Masons, irrespective of Gender, Race or CreedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-10522599935281122832007-07-21T18:38:00.000-04:002007-07-21T18:38:00.000-04:00JeffI respect your opinion and can't argue with yo...Jeff<BR/>I respect your opinion and can't argue with you if that is how you feel. <BR/>Some how some way it would be nice if the brothers could find a way to be civil with each other on all boards and in the lodge.<BR/><BR/>CoryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-10601832917967551812007-07-21T17:44:00.000-04:002007-07-21T17:44:00.000-04:00"It's a great place (T3P) if all you want to do is..."It's a great place (T3P) if all you want to do is chat with friends about Masonic esoterica.<BR/>"<BR/><BR/>So, you can just go to NOS and LRUS and others that will allow you to talk about yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-66733060671126755692007-07-21T15:54:00.000-04:002007-07-21T15:54:00.000-04:00Cory,It was fair and truthful from y perspective. ...Cory,<BR/><BR/>It was fair and truthful from y perspective. Any brother who mentions corruption, injustices, or other nefarious acts of individual Masons, lodges, Masonic bodies, and Grand Lodges is immediately silenced by banning them in the name of peace and harmony.<BR/><BR/>Under these conditions truth has a difficult time surviving long, unless it is the "truth" the mods on T3P want to hear.<BR/><BR/>The most open and honest forums on the net are LodgeroomUS (run by Bros. Bill & Theron) and Novus Ordo Saeculorum (run by Bro. Mike). On Yahoo you have the excellent list run by Bro. Tim Bryce. There may be some other good forums too, but in my opinion T3P is the last place to go looking for the truth. It's a great place if all you want to do is chat with friends about Masonic esoterica.<BR/><BR/>JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-86328991850551601252007-07-21T10:17:00.000-04:002007-07-21T10:17:00.000-04:00"T3P is nothing short of a den of pit vipers who h..."T3P is nothing short of a den of pit vipers who have absolutely zero interest in the truth or the facts concerning what's taking place in Freemasonry. I wouldn't give a hoot in hell for any of them or what they all "Freemasonry".<BR/><BR/>Jeff- that wasn't a fair or truthful statement at all.<BR/><BR/>I'm a mod there and we most certainly care about the state of Masonry and the men who belong to it.<BR/><BR/>Yes it's true the people have been asked to leave and have been banned but it was for the total wellfare & harmony of the board. Sometimes an individual causes more problems than good for the group and a measure has to be taken to make sure we continue to <BR/>keep the majority in a peacefull manner.<BR/><BR/>Cory siglerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-76982816968401909192007-07-20T23:33:00.000-04:002007-07-20T23:33:00.000-04:00Great debate.I remember reading in Brother Allen R...Great debate.<BR/><BR/>I remember reading in Brother Allen Roberts book, The Craft and It's Symbols, a description of the Jewels of a Fellowcraft.<BR/><BR/>"The Jewels of a Fellowcraft are the Attentive Ear, Instructive Tongue and Faithful Breast. In the art of communication - conveying information from one person or group to another person or group - the ability to listen properly is difficult indeed. Listening, strange as it may seem, is one of the most important steps in communicating effectively" (page 55)<BR/><BR/>As I read the chatter, and enjoy the diverse opinions of what is or is not good for our gentle craft, I wonder who is trying to get the last word and end this communication.<BR/><BR/>Only Brother Peterson commented on who can have the last word and view our work here on this terrestrial ball as well done. But until then has our Great Architect not given us each a plumbline to build our masterpiece by? My line falls perpendicular to the ground I stand on and I must judge what is true at that place. My brother's line is just as plumb but will never be the same as mine because we live on a curved surface.<BR/><BR/>I believe this set of comments is the most I have seen here on the Burning Taper and I think it proves one thing, that men still seek the light of Truth, Relief (Tom Accuosti) and Brotherly Love. I hope many of those Anti M's who stop by from Freemasonry Watch will see what masons do outside of Lodge as well as in it. The pursuit of our most excellent tenets.<BR/><BR/>I hope all that made sense to someone.David Peronnet, RAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13949317009439268458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-6072833224742980172007-07-20T20:40:00.000-04:002007-07-20T20:40:00.000-04:00Hmmm. Seems like Freemasonry Watch finds most of ...Hmmm. Seems like Freemasonry Watch finds most of their news from Burning Taper.<BR/><BR/>Unlike the others, I'm not saying that what you post is bad, but you are a favorite of sorts for those hoping to find the sordid truth under every rock.<BR/><BR/>Me, I think it's all very fascinating.<BR/><BR/>Thumbs up!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com