ESSENTIALS OF UNDERSTANDING MASONIC ADJUSTMENTS

Have we actually had a fall from grace? If we have it has left freemasonry not as icon but relic. We have let the mirror of time hide an enriched philosophical environment behind a dusty mantle. If we read the opinions of freemasonry over the centuries we quickly realize this observation is not new.  By 1740, the idea of being a doppelganger of the Royal Society had already fallen out of favour. It is difficult to imagine that idea has such gravitas that the drift away from the appeal of thoughtful, meaningful discussion has taken us three hundred years down the road before this period of market adjustment is forcing us to rethink what this means to our future.

We are way past the problems of being thin skinned and muscular in our defence of the status quo. The ice is already cracking under foot but somethings need to be said about changing the narrative and making adjustments inclusive of our fraternal principles.  

We loose ground everytime buffoonery goes unchallenged.  Here in Canada we are known for our good manners and friendliness. We are tolerant, quiet managers of change. These are the traits needed most to help our fraternity and our Grand Lodges. Many of the sources we drew upon to replenish the Order are gone.  Migration from country to city has accelerated. Economics require most young couples to both work. Retirement savings are being wiped out by global banking trends. Women are equals in form  but are paid substandard wage. Owning a house is a dream many couples will never achieve. Marriage is not expected. Divorce is. We are living longer, and becoming dependent on others. Canada has grown into a multicultural country, where we want new-comers to learn our languages and accept the culture of Canada.  The good life still requires sacrifice and effort.

It is about preserving three essential ideas. We cannot live as yesterday and we can adjust. We must.