🚀 go-pugleaf

This is in reply to Bill Hickey who said:


BH>So, if we have a culture whose religion is apparently sufficiently
BH>in line with Masonic requirements, how do we satisfy the second
BH>criterion for a VSL in this (or similar) case where there is
BH>NO WRITTEN FORM of the language?

BH>It is more an academic question intended to provoke some thought
BH>into an ages old requirement and ritual.



Well I'm not sure what the lodges that are located on Indiana
reservations do.  But they are recognized lodges and part of the
Grand Lodges of their respective states, so they DO have a method of
some sort.  I'm just not sure what it is (G).

Here's a point where we miss the forrest for the trees a little when
we get to wrapped up in technicalities.  There is a very good reason
to require a man to believe in a deity.  The reason is because the
seeds of morality come from a man's basic belief in a higher being
whom he answers to.  This is why Masonry requires such a belief.
This is also why Masonry does not say that it must be a distinct
deity you worship.  It dosn't matter.  Regardless of the name of a
man's God, he DOES always derive some system of morality from that
belief.  And it's morality Masonry is after.  Our purposes would be
ill served by immoral members.  Can we deny that a Native American
derives a deep sense of morality from his belief in The Great Spirit?
Nope, they are deeply morally obligated by their beliefs and as such
are elligable for Masonic membership.  The same goes for any other
religion such as Islam, or Hindu.  The point isn't that there is a
complicated difference between Judeo-Christian beliefs in God.  What
is important to Masonry above all else is: "Is the candidate a good
and moral man because of his belief in HIS God?".


Ron
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 * CMPQwk 1.4 #648 * In Canada there is another word for Sushi.......BAIT!