Post by Tamrin on Oct 25, 2009 10:46:12 GMT 10
Unlocking the mystery of a not-so-secret society
Humber Masonic Lodge opens its doors
to counter controversy ignited by
Dan Brown's lastest work of fiction
[Excerpts - Article by Cynthia Reason, Inside Toronto, 20 October 2009 (thanks T3P) - Linked Above]
Humber Masonic Lodge opens its doors
to counter controversy ignited by
Dan Brown's lastest work of fiction
[Excerpts - Article by Cynthia Reason, Inside Toronto, 20 October 2009 (thanks T3P) - Linked Above]
For a 'secret society' of best-selling proportions, the Freemasons sure aren't doing a lot to hide - in fact, they're doing just the opposite in the wake of the release of Dan Brown's latest exposé cum thriller novel.
In The Lost Symbol, which sold more than a million copies on its first day, Freemasonry is used as the shrouded backdrop of symbolotry [sic] and allegory through which hero professor Robert Langdon must navigate in order to find a hidden pyramid and unlock the "Ancient Mysteries" concealed within for the evil Freemason hellbent on becoming God who kidnapped his good friend.
In The Lost Symbol, which sold more than a million copies on its first day, Freemasonry is used as the shrouded backdrop of symbolotry [sic] and allegory through which hero professor Robert Langdon must navigate in order to find a hidden pyramid and unlock the "Ancient Mysteries" concealed within for the evil Freemason hellbent on becoming God who kidnapped his good friend.
To join the Mason's, though, is a somewhat rigourous procedure. First of all, no member is ever invited or solicited to join, but must seek out a Mason of his own accord. Then, they are often encouraged to go to their local lodge, to talk to a Mason about what the fraternity is all about. Should they wish to continue, a petition is filled out, promising that the applicant expects no monetary gain from membership. A three-member interview with the man and his family follows, along with an investigation into his past moral conduct (no one with a criminal record need apply) and if the results are favourable, a ballot goes out to every member of the lodge. Only once the initiate has gained the confidence of his brethren, can a man be initiated.
And only then can the true secrets of Freemasonry be revealed, Daniels said, describing the brotherhood as self development in a five stage process - self examination, self discovery, self analysis, self realization and self fulfillment.
"We initiate 1,300 men a year in Ontario, and many of them are young men who are well-educated and well-informed, but are looking for something they can't find in society today in a time when there's little stability at work or in the home. There are very few trustworthy role models out there who can provide that continuity, stability and spirituality these men want and need. We're not saying we can find that for them, but we can point them in the right direction - the best part of the experience is sharing it," he said.
"We have that bond, and that's the real secret Freemasonry. It can't be put into words. It can't be explained. It must be experienced."
And only then can the true secrets of Freemasonry be revealed, Daniels said, describing the brotherhood as self development in a five stage process - self examination, self discovery, self analysis, self realization and self fulfillment.
"We initiate 1,300 men a year in Ontario, and many of them are young men who are well-educated and well-informed, but are looking for something they can't find in society today in a time when there's little stability at work or in the home. There are very few trustworthy role models out there who can provide that continuity, stability and spirituality these men want and need. We're not saying we can find that for them, but we can point them in the right direction - the best part of the experience is sharing it," he said.
"We have that bond, and that's the real secret Freemasonry. It can't be put into words. It can't be explained. It must be experienced."
