What makes something a “ritual?” Is it an evil connotation? Is it something sinister? Why then is Freemasonry considered a ritual practice? How could something so full of moral virtues practice something ritualistic?
The use of the word ritual is described as the regular practice of the same series of ceremonies at each meeting.
Often there is a connotation of something sinister or counter to popular practice by the use of the term ritual.
To the contrary, it is instead meant to imply that the degree rituals are an established or prescribed practice to convey the knowledge and symbolism of the Fraternity in a repetition to impart their teachings.
What this means is that the same ritual ceremony is practiced with each candidate to induct him into the fraternity so that each man undergoes the same experience creating a unifying shared experience. That practice imparts the three principal tenets of the fraternity which are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
More in the series:
What is Freemasonry? – Part 1: What is a Freemason?
What is Freemasonry? – Part 2: How Old is Freemasonry?
What is Freemasonry? – Part 3: Why are Freemason’s Secretive?
What is Freemasonry? – Part 4: Is Freemasonry a Patriotic Body?
What is Freemasonry? – Part 5: Why Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth?
What is Freemasonry? – Part 6: Why is Freemasonry a Ritual Practice?
What is Freemasonry? – Part 7: Why Does Freemasonry Use Odd Symbols?
From the ebook: What is Freemasonry?
Hey family, hope all is good not well, I know a lot of Mason and known of them show a differents all are level headed my wife uncle was the same OK here is that word again judgement let it roll off brothers, Moving Forward.
I believe that meaningful ritual (whatever the source) is emotionally and psychologically valuable, and, unfortunately, there is all too little of it (again, of the meaningful variety) in modern life.
In terms of the Masonic experience (and except on those rare occasions when discussion and debate wax contentious), I rarely come away from Lodge without feeling renewed and focused. Perhaps it is the mental challenge of the memory work that refreshes the mind or, maybe, it is an escape from the mundane that comes with considering ideas and principles of lasting value. At the very least, I know that even the simple opening and closing ceremonies provide a few moments of clarity and provide an opportunity to consider things at a higher level: the importance of meeting ‘upon the level’ with a group of men from disparate backgrounds or the ideal ‘dwelling together in unity.’
The Craft is a model for what mankind can be, if it cares enough about what is truly important, and ritual is the tool for effectively impressing those principles upon the mind.
hahaha its like asking a roman catholic,why do you do the cross sign before and after praying.
Fraternal love.
blessings.