In this final installment of the Faith Hope and Charity series, we consider the symbolism of charity, or perhaps better called love. It is this attribute that allows the fraternity to "find in every clime a brother, and in every land a home," the subtext of which Mackey defines in his text from his … [Read more...] about Charity in Freemasonry
faith
Hope in Freemasonry
In this installment of the Symbols and Symbolism of Freemasonry, we examine the text of Albert Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry on the symbolism of Hope. Much derided, today, hope is one of those indispensable utilities that carries many of us over the final miles of a trying journey through … [Read more...] about Hope in Freemasonry
Faith in Freemasonry
In this installment of the Symbols and Symbolism of Freemasonry, we consider a reading of Albert Mackey's text on the subject of Faith as it pertains to Freemasonry. Distilled to a single word, Mackey gets to the essence of what that faith means in the fraternity and why it is so critical to the … [Read more...] about Faith in Freemasonry
God and Freemasonry | Symbols and Symbolism
In this episode we look at a reading of Frank C. Higgins from The Beginning of Masonry. In this piece, Higgins explores the philosophical relationship of God and Freemasonry. There is no place in Masonry for dogmatic controversy affecting the current convictions of brethren of the craft. In its … [Read more...] about God and Freemasonry | Symbols and Symbolism
Volume of the Sacred Law
In this episode of Masonic Symbols and Symbolism, we explore the symbolism behind the Volume of Sacred Law as used in Freemasonry. Few elements are as contentious as this "indispensable book" in the lodge. Perhaps because of the diversity of faiths who claim ownership of the “one true religion…” … [Read more...] about Volume of the Sacred Law
Masonic Traveler, The Book
A book review by Frederic L. Milliken Masonic Traveler, the book, was something I looked at often on the site I am part of, Freemason Information, and said to myself I have to order that book. Next month I reminded myself, order that book but I didn’t. Next month I reminded myself again but I … [Read more...] about Masonic Traveler, The Book
Freemasonry’s Religion
For some reason, I have noticed a lot of people talking about how religion influences Freemasonry lately. Some folks have proclaimed that the foundations of Masonry are found in Kabbalah or Hermeticism. Others argue that Masonry is essentially a Christian art. Quite frankly, I disagree with both … [Read more...] about Freemasonry’s Religion
Freemasonry, The Religion of Not Being a Religion
The following comes from a piece I wrote in 2007 on the Masonic Traveler blog. It addressed, at that time, question of Freemasonry being a religion. While the ideas may have evolved some over the years, the message in it seems to still bear some resonance in light of the question rearing its head … [Read more...] about Freemasonry, The Religion of Not Being a Religion
The Age Old Question: Is Freemasonry A Religion?
Is Freemasonry a Religion? Yes, Freemasonry Is Religion, And It’s Incompatible With Some Christian Beliefs. Here’s Why. http://youtu.be/75gCDrOhWfg I’ve been a Freemason for only about four years, but I’ve already done a lot of changing in my views. One view I used to have, which I think most … [Read more...] about The Age Old Question: Is Freemasonry A Religion?
A Modern History of the OTO
Originally published on Jan 10, 2013, in the video author and publisher James Wasserman shares his experience in the development of the modern Thelemic movement, some observations on the contemporary scene, and his continued enthusiasm for the spiritual teachings of Aleister Crowley. Wasserman, you … [Read more...] about A Modern History of the OTO