MASONICS AND MYSTERY: RESPECT FOR OBSCURITY

Perhaps it is subversive. Perhaps it is foolish; attempting to reconfigure freemasonry into a marketable comodity. Sell it.  500 years of history is hard to ignore but that is what happens when the nature of the masonic order is exposed to attempts to reconfiguration. This is not without impact. Gratefully, strict observance attempts to reverse this type of trending. The advantage of cultural plurality and greater numbers has pushed our philosophy in many directions.  I can't help wonder, if philosophical discussion of virtue, merit, morality can exist in parallel with agendae promoting our reverent Order in the marketplace.

Does adminstration alone, now define freemasonry and to hell with the landmarks and observation? When we face a  task, many perfectly suitable answers fail because their spokemen are not as persuavise as others with weaker solutions. So claiming we don't know what to do or how to do it is misleading. We may be our own worst enemy in that regard. Regardless of the skill of a speaker,essential ideas of freemasonry must never be excised. Obviously our Grand Lodge is the protector of freemasonry. Freemasonry is otherwise vulnerable.

Philosophical discussion has its place as does authority. Respectful debate allows us to explore all sides of a question. The function of freemasonry requires a respectful blend of those equally important talents, weighing options before deciding.When respectful balance is lacking, we find ourselves struggling and frustrated. 

To find merit among persuasive people requires validation. Validation only comes from objective minds. This attitude is suited so well to freemasonry, we would do well to give it respect.  Virtue could be common religion.

Advice?