tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post8116635166574891394..comments2023-10-09T12:55:26.688-04:00Comments on The Burning Taper: The Grand Orient of the United States: Facts & FictionsWidow's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05135009678671539418noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-71029441044287234802009-09-07T19:25:24.261-04:002009-09-07T19:25:24.261-04:00Dear Bro:. Jeff Peace or somebody else. How can I ...Dear Bro:. Jeff Peace or somebody else. How can I can get the information(address, phone number) of the La Fayette Lodge n.89 of the Grand Orient of France in Bethesgda, MD??.<br /> I would like so much to visit them<br /> thank you for the info.Igor Sarmientos Lo Crudo y lo Cocidohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05802378824159769296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-60547066758509084952008-12-01T12:36:00.000-05:002008-12-01T12:36:00.000-05:00Your welcome. There are things I like about the id...Your welcome. There are things I like about the idea, and even bits I take into my own philosophy. I always wondered about if Kant could actually start a philosophy from scratch, as it were. Far too much to remove from the human experience to make it very possible, imho.My Name is Still Nobodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850691431078980626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-13365695102305075452008-12-01T08:16:00.000-05:002008-12-01T08:16:00.000-05:00Thanks for the Light Brother.Note takenThanks for the Light Brother.<BR/>Note takenTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-54605351370673224782008-12-01T02:10:00.000-05:002008-12-01T02:10:00.000-05:00Since this is not fitting a topic for the Masonic ...Since this is not fitting a topic for the Masonic Corral, I present it here as related to the G.O.<BR/><BR/>****<BR/><BR/>I have now discovered the single word in the English language that is a direct definition to the French 'Laïcité', claimed to "Even the word is often used in its French version, as in many languages no litteral (sic) translation is possible."<BR/><BR/>Actually, from this description given on the G.O. of France's website, the EXACT translation for the word is 'conscienceless' used as noun instead of an adjective.<BR/><BR/>""Laïcité" aims to liberate children and adults from everything which alienates or corrupts their minds, particularly atavistic beliefs, prejudices, preconceived ideas, dogmas, oppressive ideology and cultural, economical, social, political or religious pressure. "Laïcité" aims to develop in human nature, within th framework of a permanent intellectual, moral and civic formation, a critical mind along with a feeling of solidarity and brotherhood."<BR/><BR/>We see here that the word, far from 'liberating' anyone, uses everything that 'alienates or corrupts their minds'. It is an oppressive ideology itself, and cannot escape its own claimed desires, because it creates the same pressures it attempts to eliminte. It add 'a feeling of solidarity and brotherhood', which in itself places pressures on the individual. We see here the failure again,<BR/><BR/>"within th (sic) framework of a permanent intellectual, moral and civic formation"<BR/><BR/>Here are additional pressures on the individual to 'perform to expectations'. Of course, pressures put on oneself willingly are still pressures. <BR/><BR/>Only through the word 'conscienceless' as a noun can it be understood in the English language. Even the individual's own conscience is an outside source to judge 'conscience' and puts pressure upon the person's 'freedom of conscience'. <BR/><BR/>Only the "absolute freedom of and FROM conscience" is the proper definition of "Laïcité" in the English language. If not, it was not properly explained on the website. This is possible only through a lack of communicative abilities of the G.O., and seems a frank possibility (pun intended).<BR/><BR/>We also recognize the possibility that the G.O. of U.S. might not possibly understand the word itself as they are Americans and have not the background in French history and possibly many of them do not even know the French language adequately enough to make errors of interpretation (as the G.O. of France made errors into their explanation in English). All-in-all, if the explanation is to be believed, it seems another incident of the G.O. bowing to the whims and pressures put on it by the Catholic church and have no interest in growing a spine against political and religious pressures.My Name is Still Nobodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850691431078980626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-81796593668716451402008-08-31T14:55:00.000-04:002008-08-31T14:55:00.000-04:00New GOUSA web site.http://www.grandorientusa.orgNew GOUSA web site.<BR/><BR/>http://www.grandorientusa.orgHoward Roarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06330868779452286221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-3761469856912278312008-08-28T12:15:00.000-04:002008-08-28T12:15:00.000-04:00One day, I hope, we'll be able to meet as brothers...<I>One day, I hope, we'll be able to meet as brothers, but until then, I will at least treat you as such.</I><BR/><BR/>Well spoken, Bro. Roper. We appreciate the clarification, and I'm sure that the sentiments are returned.Tom Accuostihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07005315193581153959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-90206845955375958932008-08-28T09:17:00.000-04:002008-08-28T09:17:00.000-04:00French Masons seem to regard the institution as st...French Masons seem to regard the institution as still in its<BR/>infancy, not yet definitely formed, a progressive institution. They<BR/>are not averse to trying out-reforms. They do not consider the<BR/>institution is such as they should be satisfied with and refuse to<BR/>change in any respect. They believe it should be changed, in<BR/>anything but principle, if it will help to realize the dream of a<BR/>world at peace and civilized in a truly Masonic sense. Their<BR/>programme is entirely philosophical. Their Lodges are schools,<BR/>existing to mould independent thinkers, free from prejudice and<BR/>intolerance to take their part in the citizenship of the nation.<BR/>Stated briefly, their principles, etc., as set forth in their<BR/>official pamphlet, "The Freemasonry of the Grand Orient of France,"<BR/>are somewhat as follows:<BR/>They recognise no truths save those based on reason and science,<BR/>and combat particularly the "superstitions and presumptions" of<BR/>French Clericalism. Their primordial law is Toleration, respect for<BR/>all creeds, all ideas, and all opinions. They impose no dogma on<BR/>their adherents. They encourage free research for truths--<BR/>scientific, moral, political and social. Their work among members<BR/>is to develop their faculties and to augment their knowledge by<BR/>study and discussion. Men of all classes are taken into their<BR/>Lodges to work in common "for the emancipation of the human spirit,<BR/>for the independence of the people, and for the social welfare of<BR/>humanity."<BR/>Their system of morality is based on the teaching that to be<BR/>happier one has to be better. The scientific study of the human<BR/>heart establishes for them the fact that social life is the most<BR/>indispensable weapon in the struggle for existence. Those who live<BR/>a common life and band themselves together endure, while those who<BR/>isolate themselves succumb. The association of individuals develops<BR/>love and expands in the heart desire for the welfare of all. They<BR/>particularly point out that morality can be attained outside of<BR/>religious superstitions or philosophical theories.<BR/>French Freemasonry, in addition to striving to emancipate its<BR/>members and separate morality from religious superstition and<BR/>theory, recognises its mission to make citizens free and equal<BR/>before the law--to develop the idea of brotherhood and equality.<BR/>She enunciates the principle that it is the primitive heritage of<BR/>man, his individual right, to enjoy fully the fruit of his work; to<BR/>say and to write that which he thinks; to join himself to his<BR/>fellows when he sees fit; to make that which seems good to him; to<BR/>associate for common purposes of any kind, material or<BR/>intellectual; to put into practice, his ideas and his opinions; to<BR/>teach that which he learns in the course of experience and study,<BR/>and to demand from society respect for the liberties for each and<BR/>all.<BR/><BR/>P. E. KELLETT,<BR/>"President Past Masters' Association, A. F. and A. M., WinnipegTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-71386979510634284062008-08-28T08:28:00.000-04:002008-08-28T08:28:00.000-04:00Anderson's Masonic Constitution,promulgated in 172...Anderson's Masonic Constitution,<BR/>promulgated in 1723, said the following:--"Ye shall cultivate<BR/>brotherly love, which is the foundation and the master stone, the<BR/>cement and the glory of this ancient confraternity, for we as<BR/>Masons are of all races, nations and languages." An eminent<BR/>present-day writer on Freemasonry has said of it: "High above all<BR/>dogmas that bind, all bigotries that blind, all bitterness that<BR/>divides, it will write the eternal verities of the Fatherhood of<BR/>God, and the brotherhood of man." Its origin, past history,<BR/>organization and philosophy all lead in that direction, and have no<BR/>other goal than universal brotherhood.Tubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-42600442161353302982008-08-28T08:18:00.000-04:002008-08-28T08:18:00.000-04:00Brother J. G. Findel, the well known scholar, hist...Brother J. G. Findel, the well known scholar, historian and<BR/>journalist, in writing to the London Freemason in 1878, ably stated<BR/>the contentions of the French body in these words:<BR/>"But it is not my intention to give such general declarations on<BR/>the true meaning of the Royal Art, as it seems more necessary to<BR/>help to a right understanding of the resolution of the Grand Orient<BR/>of France. Our French brethren have not deserted the belief in the<BR/>existence of God and immortality of the human soul, in striking out<BR/>the discussed words of the first article of the constitutions, but<BR/>they have only declared that such a profession of faith does not<BR/>belong to Masonic law. The Grand Orient has only voted for liberty<BR/>of conscience, not against any religious faith. Therefore, the true<BR/>meaning of the French constitution is now only, that each brother<BR/>Mason may believe in God or not, and that each French Lodge may<BR/>judge for itself which candidate shall be initiated or not. The<BR/>French vote is only an affirmative of liberty of conscience, and<BR/>not a negation of faith.<BR/>"The excommunication of the Grand Orient of France by the Masonic<BR/>Grand Lodges, is therefore an intolerant act of Popery, the<BR/>negation of the true principles of the Craft, the beginning of the<BR/>end of cosmopolitan Freemasonry. The excommunication of the Grand<BR/>Orient of France only proves the sectarian mind of the<BR/>excommunicating Grand Lodges, which have forgotten that Masonry has<BR/>for its purpose to unite all good men of all denominations and<BR/>professions: they profess the separating element, and destroy the<BR/>Craft, and waste the heritage of our more liberal and more tolerant<BR/>forefathers. The Masonic union will in future be a mere illusion,<BR/>if the AngloSaxon Masons condemn the French, German, Italian<BR/>Masons, &c., and vice versa."<BR/><BR/>Intolerable act:de-recognitionTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-30412940970228322852008-08-28T08:15:00.000-04:002008-08-28T08:15:00.000-04:00"The Grand Orient of France, while it respects all..."The Grand Orient of France, while it respects all philosophical<BR/>beliefs, insists upon absolute liberty of belief. This does not<BR/>mean that we banish from our lodges the belief in God. The United<BR/>Grand Lodge of England on the contrary desires to make a belief in<BR/>God in some manner compulsory. The Grand Orient of France is much<BR/>more liberal, since in proclaiming the absolute liberty of belief<BR/>it permits to each one of its members the liberty to believe or not<BR/>to believe in God, and by so doing desires to respect its members<BR/>in their convictions, their doctrines and their beliefs.<BR/><BR/>Logic and Reason can progress humankindTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-833656669008311952008-08-28T08:13:00.000-04:002008-08-28T08:13:00.000-04:00on September 14th, 1877, theGrand Orient of France...on September 14th, 1877, the<BR/>Grand Orient of France voted to eliminate from its ancient<BR/>constitution the following article: "Freemasonry has for its<BR/>principles the existence of God, the immortality of the soul and<BR/>the solidarity of mankind." It adopted in lieu thereof, the<BR/>following:<BR/>"Whereas Freemasonry is not a religion and has therefore no<BR/>doctrine or dogma to affirm in its constitution, this Assembly has<BR/>decided and decreed that the second paragraph of Article 1, of the<BR/>Constitution (above quoted) shall be erased, and that for the words<BR/>of the said article the following shall be substituted:<BR/>1. Being an Institution essentially philanthropic, philosophic, and<BR/>progressive, Freemasonry has for its object, search after truth,<BR/>study of universal morality, science and arts, and the practice of<BR/>benevolence. It has for its principles absolute liberty of<BR/>conscience and human solidarity. It excludes no person on account<BR/>of his belief, and its motto is 'Liberty, Equality and<BR/>Fraternity."'<BR/><BR/>With both friends and enemies of Masonry unreservedly condemning<BR/>the action of the French Brethren it would seem that there must be<BR/>little justification or defense. But as is usually the case there<BR/>were two sides to the issue. There were some peculiar circumstances<BR/>including such a radical departure, and the most interesting part<BR/>of this discussion will be to learn the motives and objects which<BR/>actuated those responsible for it. Do not forget, that if allowed<BR/>to exist at all in Catholic countries, as frequently they could<BR/>not, Masonic Lodges necessarily had to he much different in<BR/>character than are ours in this "land of the free and home of the<BR/>brave." France and the French people had been under the dominion of<BR/>the Catholic Church from time immemorial and at that period a large<BR/>majority of the population were its members. The Church controlled<BR/>all affairs of the State. Of course Masons were struggling for<BR/>liberty, justice and equality in order to accomplish the separation<BR/>of the Church and State and to loosen the hold of the Church on the<BR/>school system and public affairs, it was essential that the<BR/>reformers should be united and that none should be excluded by<BR/>reason of his belief. Thus the Grand Orient stood as the logical<BR/>nucleus around which an organization might be effected. They needed<BR/>the support of all men of every shade of religious belief, hence<BR/>the declaration of absolute freedom of thought and the elimination<BR/>of all dogma, always,--as they expressed it--"the starting point of<BR/>narrowness and persecution." This was in 1877. In 1907--thirty<BR/>years later--France accomplished the division of the Church and<BR/>State and Catholicism no longer remained "The Religion of France."<BR/><BR/>http://www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artmay01/grande_lodge_of_france.htmTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-64983759081794545472008-08-28T08:11:00.000-04:002008-08-28T08:11:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Tubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-15403734741008272232008-08-28T02:11:00.000-04:002008-08-28T02:11:00.000-04:00dcharles18,On a related note, RoM and RRCG, which ...dcharles18,<BR/><BR/>On a related note, RoM and RRCG, which were the same organization with different names after it was realized that RoM was getting confused with Memphis-Mizraim, didn't work because they were an attempt to work from the inside. We did try to get it recognized but it was a mess trying to navigate through all of the masonic politics and we proved that we weren't the best politicians. Water under the bridge.<BR/><BR/>CF was a study group that was non-masonic and always stated so. It was created so that those who could not join masonry or did not want to join masonry to come together for intellectual pursuits. In fact, the leader of the CF at the time was not a mason.<BR/>It never had rituals, signs, grips or passwords, just meetings in Atlanta and a forum that was pretty wide open. It died from lack of interest after a while. <BR/><BR/>Not trying to be an apologist because you are in correct in sense that they failed. However, the people involved perservered and with the help from brothers in MI, OH and CA were able to form the GO and obtain a patent from a very formidable organization in the GOdF. A feat we didn't even think we could pull off. Future success will depend on brothers who accentuate the positive and put their energys in building our fraternity, not trying to tear down yours. <BR/><BR/>One day, I hope, we'll be able to meet as brothers, but until then, I will at least treat you as such.<BR/><BR/>S&F<BR/><BR/>Brian Roper<BR/>Sirius #7<BR/>GO USA<BR/><BR/>(sorry to be so long-winded, haven't posted in a while)Young Wolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16515884012836355137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-74179279100168306872008-08-28T01:59:00.000-04:002008-08-28T01:59:00.000-04:00dcharles18,As former treasurer of RoM, I can tell ...dcharles18,<BR/><BR/>As former treasurer of RoM, I can tell you it was never about money. In fact, we had very little money. It was envisioned that there would be high dues in order for people to have "skin in the game" and not treat lodge as a dinner club or mere social gathering. It was supposed to be very serious and thus was not going to come cheap. Sadly, it never got off the ground. CF never had any money so that it is a red herring. I was the last head of the RRCG and can attest that what little money we had went to props for the degrees and much of that was financed by Jeff and myself. Not sure where you got your information, but I'm happy to discuss it here in a civil manner.<BR/><BR/>S&F<BR/><BR/>Brian Roper<BR/>Sirius Lodge #7Young Wolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16515884012836355137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-26313238135658529482008-08-26T09:45:00.000-04:002008-08-26T09:45:00.000-04:00That's simple. We're more interested in helping pe...That's simple. We're more interested in helping people than studying Freemasonry for the sake of Freemasonry.<BR/><BR/>In Freemasonry we find the brotherhood and solidarity to be able to reach out and help others, and to produce positive changes in society.<BR/><BR/>I think many Masons are so used to thinking of Freemasonry within the limits of a certain defined box. They categorize it with terms like esoteric, Theosophical, social, charitable, Mixed-Gender, Masculine, Feminine. <BR/><BR/>We do not view Freemasonry as an exercise done solely for the purpose of being a Freemason, or personal growth. We view it as a portal to something much bigger than itself.<BR/><BR/>The degrees are a period of learning. Afterwards we expand and act upon what we have learned. Freemasonry is then no longer the object of understanding but the means.Howard Roarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06330868779452286221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-78393961823648464872008-08-25T22:00:00.000-04:002008-08-25T22:00:00.000-04:00Yep Dcharles, and I do just that :) Thanks for cle...Yep Dcharles, and I do just that :) Thanks for clearing<BR/>that up for me.<BR/>S&F,<BR/>BCMagus Masonicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17740839444564909542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-46558460772256005552008-08-25T21:05:00.000-04:002008-08-25T21:05:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Howard Roarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06330868779452286221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-70176310833995287022008-08-25T13:03:00.000-04:002008-08-25T13:03:00.000-04:00I am well aware of what LeDroit Humane (co-masonry...I am well aware of what LeDroit Humane (co-masonry) and Memphis Misriam are, (I may even belong to one or both ;) ) What I am looking for is an explanation from someone affiliated with RoM/CF/RRCG/UGLA/GOUSA to tell me how your organization(s) differ from them.<BR/><BR/>As for magnus, an operative mason is one who builds things . . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-48554871464628570292008-08-20T14:38:00.000-04:002008-08-20T14:38:00.000-04:00Very nice article brother Peace. And I'm happy to...Very nice article brother Peace. And I'm happy to be witness to things going well in the organization.L Tzuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558916759542626495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-73059559703163072132008-08-20T02:23:00.000-04:002008-08-20T02:23:00.000-04:00I meant to state that the M.E.A.P.R.M.M. is operat...I meant to state that the M.E.A.P.R.M.M. is operative not speculative. That is what I get for late night blogging :)<BR/>S&F,<BR/>BCMagus Masonicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17740839444564909542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-10741403832994501752008-08-20T02:22:00.000-04:002008-08-20T02:22:00.000-04:00Memphis-Misraim is a Rite (as are Memphis and Misr...Memphis-Misraim is a Rite (as are Memphis and Misraim by themselves) but there is also a Grand Lodge of Memphis-Misraim USA.<BR/><BR/>Now those are both speculative Freemasonry. My Memphis-Misraim order the M.E.A.P.R.M.M. is a speculative and seperate order.<BR/><BR/>I hope that this helps to clarify.<BR/><BR/>S&F,<BR/>BCMagus Masonicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17740839444564909542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-11940084568249914982008-08-19T13:28:00.000-04:002008-08-19T13:28:00.000-04:00I am no expert but as I understand it, Memphis-Miz...I am no expert but as I understand it, Memphis-Mizraim is a rite, not a different branch of Freemasonry. There are some fringe groups though that have adopted the MM rite. These groups tend to be esoteric/occult in orientation. Regarding Co-masonry, the GOUSA, like the Grand Orient of France, recognizes Feminine Masonry, however both groups only initiate men into their lodges. GOUSA and GOdF are masculine jurisdictions.San Diego Freemasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12138769022498075405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-34518763188619181682008-08-19T13:00:00.000-04:002008-08-19T13:00:00.000-04:00@ 2 bowl cain,Not trying to be a comedian, just po...@ 2 bowl cain,<BR/><BR/>Not trying to be a comedian, just pointing out the truth. In spirit I agree with what you claim your outer purpose to be. MS FM is absolutely broken, the baby was thrown out with the bathwater well over a century ago. Many new Masons are very disappointed with their experiences.<BR/><BR/>What you are hoping to achieve however already exists in multiple iterations; Co-Masonry, Memphis-Misriam, etc. Why add yet another body to further dilute the already shallow pool of Masons seeking something more than a mediocre meal and a night out of the house a few times a month?<BR/><BR/>RoM was a great concept, IMO it failed because it became too political and too much about money. CF was also, IMO about the money. I did not follow the RRCG much, but am aware that it ruffled some GL feathers in Georgia.<BR/><BR/>The knowledge some of us seek is beyond value, and should be passed down without material costs. You don't need fellowship in front of a Lodge plasma, fancy websites, or high dues.<BR/><BR/>In all seriousness, I would like to see a post that explains how the GOUSA is different than Memphis Misriam and Co-Masonry?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-51518622525678464662008-08-19T12:58:00.000-04:002008-08-19T12:58:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.ItCoHEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08328003305113587791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15872122.post-12079568121062387022008-08-18T09:06:00.000-04:002008-08-18T09:06:00.000-04:00"The interval between the decay of the old and the..."The interval between the decay of the old and the formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transition which must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wild and fierce fanaticism."<BR/><BR/>john calhounTubal Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00704479584240584425noreply@blogger.com