Destructive Diversions

by George Peter, MPS

For centuries Freemasonry has provided a stabilizing force to society. It continues to do so but in a much less effective way. In great part the decline in influence results from an inability to continue to attract the highest caliber leaders to the Craft.

We have not upheld the highest standards and we have allowed the less than noble characteristics of humans to divert us from the true mission of Freemasonry.

That true mission is to search for knowledge and to help individuals grow in their understanding of the proper attitudes to have toward their God and toward their fellow human beings.

While we mouth the words about being in "search of knowledge" and of "being on the level," we succumb to the more base nature of humans. We allow the quest to receive more titles and fancy aprons to get in the way of what we really came here to do. We must change. We no longer can afford to be more obsessed with titles and aprons than with providing service to humanity.

Less than qualified leaders, interested in higher titles than the highest of all - my brther, apply for those titles. How do they gain the same over those who are better qualified? It is done by being present, as warm bodies at every lodge and/or concordant body function. Eventually those with the time and desire for titles and aprons attend every function until they are accepted to "go up the line." By the time they arrive at the "exalted" position of master, high priest or commander, etc., they select others, who have the same interests, to follow them.

We have seen the results in some of these bodies where quarrelsome, power hungry officers clamor for more titles and aprons in more Masonic bodies. The ultimate is to be selected to be a member of the KYCH. Big deal! It can be made up of no more than warm bodies willing to be present at Masonic functions five and six nights per week.

What does this do for Freemasonry? I say, "nothing good." It diverts all of us from the true mission of the Fraternity. Better qualified men refuse to succumb to the destitute state of leadership. They stay away and are repulsed by a system that has diverted itself into deterred agendas.

This may be considered heresy by some, but just perhaps the sooner these concordant bodies die of their own weight of excess baggage, the better chance Freemasonry will have to "shed its beneficient influence on all mankind." The sooner we consider one apron - the white leather apron, and one title - my brother, the better off we will be. We can then concentrate on our intended business of study, education and service.

This is not to deny that the work and the lessons of these concordant bodies is important. This is to suggest that the Masonic Fraternity needs to overcome the pressure to maintain existing hierarchies. These groups could be melded into a single unit to minimize the damage done by the attraction to titles and power.

Experts have offered explanations and proposed remedies, but the crux of the problem has not been addressed. The Scottish Rite has made some headway, but there is a long way to go. The least that should be considered is a restructuring of the total Masonic system.

©This article, appearing in the August 1999 edition of "The Philalethes", was copied in its entirety with the express permission of The Philalethes Society.