by Bro. Omar Ali
I have been a member of the Masonic Fraternity for a relatively short time, about a year and a half. I was drawn to it due to the high membership in my family’s past as well as the numerous great minds in history that have honored the fraternity. Upon joining I was immediately taken by the customs of Masonry and jumped in with both feet! The incredibly elaborate esoteric and philosophical framework of the organization caused me to become heavily involved academically with several intellectual societies which have enabled me to perform fascinating research and write extensively on a variety of diverse topics. But the one thing that spoke to me immediately, in the most profound manner, was our ritualistic work. Shortly after passing through my own initiations I wanted to learn how to do the work myself. After diligently working for several months, the Grand Lodge commissioned me as a Lecturer having been in the fraternity for only a year and one month. This was an incredible honor for me knowing that the great task of preserving our work was entrusted to my care. The source of my ambition was not only the advancement of the Order, but the great passion that results from enabling the “making of Masons.” And that is the great charge of the Symbolic Blue Lodge, making Masons. We confer the first three degrees in Masonry upon which all the others of our concordant bodies rest. These Symbolic degrees, Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, are the cornerstone of a Mason’s career, whereon a Mason builds himself and his future enlightenment.
And what did I find? Freemasonry is not a secret society; it is a society with secrets. It is best defined as a “peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” So why all the secrecy? The purpose of Masonry’s secrecy on the simplest level is a matter of honor. An initiate has taken an oath never to reveal certain aspects of the fraternity; the act of keeping those secrets is more a testimony of him keeping his word, rather than an act of concealment. Furthermore, Masonic secrecy has a contextual purpose. For those outside the organization looking in, much of what goes on may seem strange, macabre or even ridiculous out of its particular context, so we conduct our work privately so as not to confound the uninitiated. As much fun as the conspiracy theorists have, the nature of secrecy in Masonry for the most part serves these practical purposes. And why all the mysterious symbols? As in the ancient mysteries, symbols in Masonry transmit abstractions that cannot be expressed in words. And this is what Masons continue to do to this day. What I would like to address specifically are three sublime precepts we refer to as the tenets of a mason’s profession, which are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love refers to the very nature of fraternity, but also much more than that. Freemasonry is a Universal Brotherhood which stretches across the globe. There exists an unspoken and unbroken bond among us. When you encounter a stranger and by a pin, ring or the turn of a phrase, identify him to be a brother, you immediately feel that sacred bond. Instantly you become aware that this man has gone through the same things you have and that he sees the world the same way you do. In that moment of recognition, you not only uncover a brother, but a true friend. This experience cannot be adequately described in words, but is one of the most profound aspects of Masonry’s universality. As an avid traveler, one of the first things I do when planning a trip is to locate the nearest Masonic Lodge. Having done so, I know where I can go for help should I need it, and rest assured that I will be received with open arms. Brotherly love, a sincere association of men by ties of brotherhood, no conspiracy there.
The second tenet is Relief. Masonry's charitable acts are well known and documented. We have the Shiners’ Hospital for Children and the many charities sponsored by the various bodies of York Rite and Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Our local lodges also provide services to the community through scholarships, academic programs and a child identification program. Within the fraternity we look after our own, providing relief to our brethren in need and looking in on the widows and orphans of our departed brethren. The very act of making a Mason is a charitable one, in that it makes a man more apt to exude the qualities of pure benevolence. Relief, performing acts of limitless charity, no conspiracy there.
And finally, we have the Masonic tenet of Truth. Truth, Masonically speaking, is certainly a favorite topic among conspiracy theorists. Log on to the internet and type Freemason and hundreds of thousands of hits pop up with revelations regarding the so called “Truth” of the Masons that control the world. Nothing could be further from the truth. The best retort I have ever heard in response to these sensationalized theories is, “We can hardly agree on whether to serve turkey or beef sandwiches after our meetings, how could we possibly organize to control the world?” In reality, Truth, that great secret of Masonry is not a tangible secret that gives Masons any measurable power or control in the world. It is a secret that is borne in the heart of a Mason through a sincere participation in our Mysteries, and which remains there forever. It is the very personal secret of an experience, one that cannot be revealed, but rather understood. Think of the act of being in love. What is love? We can describe how we feel and behave when we are in love, but we cannot really express what it is. Another person however, who has experienced love, understands it exactly without words. Through this initiatory experience Freemasonry deposits in the repository of a true and faithful brother the plans and designs of the inner temple of his life. It serves as the key to the door of his own enlightenment, but it is up to him to employ it, seek to uncover, and walk through of his own free will and accord.
I will conclude with one final statement revealing one of the greatest secrets regarding what goes on within the confines of a Masonic Lodge. A secret that is simple, yet profound. Within our walls, Masons exemplify the ability of men to truly meet on the level of equality. Having admitted men of all walks of life, religions, ethnic backgrounds, orientation, economic status, political affiliation or any other quality that usually divides humanity, as Masons we agree to disagree and accept each other as brothers in every respect. Therefore, every Masonic Lodge is essentially a microcosm of the ideal civil society; and that is our greatest secret.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Religious Landmark
As this week began we all heard about the "controversial" Islamic center and mosque proposed near the September 11th, 2001 Ground Zero location and how it stirred quite a bit of response. And I began to wonder. How do we, as Freemasons, connect with this story?
Without telling the same old points of what is needed to become a Freemason let us just jump to the point about our belief in a Supreme Being. It is one of the most important ideas our organization sets forth. That we all agree about an Entity, but that we don't have to agree on what or who the Entity is. Remember, the belief of a Supreme Being is not for the Lodge or the Brethren. It's for ourselves. To hold ourselves accountable.
It is our individual belief in our God, our Jehovah, our Zeus, our Allah, our Ra, Ahura Mazda, Brahma, Viracocha, or Almighty Father that allows us the strength to face our individual challenges. Whom holds us to our vows and our oaths. Our Supreme Architect is exactly that, Supreme and ours. And when I sit in Lodge I know that not everyone thinks about faith the same as I do. That leads us to the point that we do not speak about religion in the Lodge.
So, when I heard about the mosque to be developed a couple of short blocks away from Ground Zero and all the commotion surrounding it I began to wonder. How would our Founding Fathers approached this incredible situation?
With Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States
Read it again.
This is the FIRST amendment of our Constitution. Numero uno. (And no, the Constitution does not state English as our National language. Nor that we should all speak American.)
If Congress can't make a law for or against any religious establishment or exercise, then how can we as civilians? We can't. Don't get me wrong, there are actually times when the government has stepped in on religious functions or situations. Think David Koresh and the Branch Davidians or Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple. You might even consider the Salem Witch Trials.
Right, wrong or indifferent, there have been times the government has investigated certain religious groups to confirm their legitimacy and practices. Many of these groups faced allegations of violence, sexual abuse, kidnapping, and polygamy (an often religious practice prohibited in all 50 States, interesting isn't it?). But to request the Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York to review the building in question hoping to receive Landmark status so that the building could not be redeveloped seems so irresponsible. So naive. So callus. So ignorant!
If a group wants to convert a property into an Islamic community center and mosque, let them. We shouldn't care where they want to do it. At least not because of the type of religious organization they are.
According to the first amendment we ALL are allowed to practice what we want, where we want. But mind you, for every action there is a reaction. And thus, if this group wants to move into that area they better be prepared for a lot of religious intolerance and challenges. And a lot of upset tolerant folks too. That was a day we will never forget and we still become very emotional about it. So equally, the Islamic group redeveloping this building must be prepared to be tolerant and seek understanding as well.
We must seek to understand before we can be understood
There is a greater concept here. A greater challenge. A Masonic challenge if you will.
To be better. To make us all better people. It is not a simple task; and for most of us we won't even try to undertake it.
It goes by the name of education. To learn a new language is difficult. But, to learn a new religion is mind blowing. It is incredibly challenging. Listen, no one is asking you to change your faith or your views. Just to learn. To try and open your mind, your eyes and ears to the concepts and beauty of another faith. You're NOT converting! Relax. You would be, however, making your Good self Better. You would be making the world better. You would be living proof that the work of our Founding Fathers was sublime and square work. And you would be thinking as a well educated spirit.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardan has been quoted as saying, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."
Let us strive for that position and be a spiritual being having a human experience and do what is right. Stand up for what so many have died for. Our rights as American Citizens. The right to exercise our religion freely. Now, take it one step further and stand up for the rights of someone else to practice their own religion freely. No matter its location.
Without telling the same old points of what is needed to become a Freemason let us just jump to the point about our belief in a Supreme Being. It is one of the most important ideas our organization sets forth. That we all agree about an Entity, but that we don't have to agree on what or who the Entity is. Remember, the belief of a Supreme Being is not for the Lodge or the Brethren. It's for ourselves. To hold ourselves accountable.
It is our individual belief in our God, our Jehovah, our Zeus, our Allah, our Ra, Ahura Mazda, Brahma, Viracocha, or Almighty Father that allows us the strength to face our individual challenges. Whom holds us to our vows and our oaths. Our Supreme Architect is exactly that, Supreme and ours. And when I sit in Lodge I know that not everyone thinks about faith the same as I do. That leads us to the point that we do not speak about religion in the Lodge.
So, when I heard about the mosque to be developed a couple of short blocks away from Ground Zero and all the commotion surrounding it I began to wonder. How would our Founding Fathers approached this incredible situation?
With Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Read it again.
This is the FIRST amendment of our Constitution. Numero uno. (And no, the Constitution does not state English as our National language. Nor that we should all speak American.)
If Congress can't make a law for or against any religious establishment or exercise, then how can we as civilians? We can't. Don't get me wrong, there are actually times when the government has stepped in on religious functions or situations. Think David Koresh and the Branch Davidians or Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple. You might even consider the Salem Witch Trials.
Right, wrong or indifferent, there have been times the government has investigated certain religious groups to confirm their legitimacy and practices. Many of these groups faced allegations of violence, sexual abuse, kidnapping, and polygamy (an often religious practice prohibited in all 50 States, interesting isn't it?). But to request the Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York to review the building in question hoping to receive Landmark status so that the building could not be redeveloped seems so irresponsible. So naive. So callus. So ignorant!
If a group wants to convert a property into an Islamic community center and mosque, let them. We shouldn't care where they want to do it. At least not because of the type of religious organization they are.
According to the first amendment we ALL are allowed to practice what we want, where we want. But mind you, for every action there is a reaction. And thus, if this group wants to move into that area they better be prepared for a lot of religious intolerance and challenges. And a lot of upset tolerant folks too. That was a day we will never forget and we still become very emotional about it. So equally, the Islamic group redeveloping this building must be prepared to be tolerant and seek understanding as well.
We must seek to understand before we can be understood
There is a greater concept here. A greater challenge. A Masonic challenge if you will.
To be better. To make us all better people. It is not a simple task; and for most of us we won't even try to undertake it.
It goes by the name of education. To learn a new language is difficult. But, to learn a new religion is mind blowing. It is incredibly challenging. Listen, no one is asking you to change your faith or your views. Just to learn. To try and open your mind, your eyes and ears to the concepts and beauty of another faith. You're NOT converting! Relax. You would be, however, making your Good self Better. You would be making the world better. You would be living proof that the work of our Founding Fathers was sublime and square work. And you would be thinking as a well educated spirit.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardan has been quoted as saying, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."
Let us strive for that position and be a spiritual being having a human experience and do what is right. Stand up for what so many have died for. Our rights as American Citizens. The right to exercise our religion freely. Now, take it one step further and stand up for the rights of someone else to practice their own religion freely. No matter its location.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
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Chartered in 1923, We are a young, racially and ethnically diverse Masonic Lodge and we welcome regular Masonic visitors and men interested in learning more about the Fraternity. If you would like more information on becoming a Freemason, please visit our FAQ page for more information.
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