MYTHS OF MASONIC ESTRANGEMENT

I'm  wondering how the Craft organization is preceived.  Long ago, we became organized into Grand Lodges that protect and preserve. If we ask 'what is freemasonry, we would learn some saying it is Grand Lodge; others ritual; others lifestyle- all accurate.   I wonder if these views ever compete to be the truth and then I think this is a lesson in tolerance, that ebbs and flows.  It's an idea worth considering that each element of the Craft is up for discussion.

Is a mason complete as an Entered Apprentice? Can we guide him into an understanding of symbols and metaphysics.  Much easier to focus on rank and ritual which explains a lot.  So you absorb the experience of Lodge, but then beging thinking deeper thoughts. The dialogue of a Lodge is practical- administration and metaphor- ritual. The venecular slips a little when education, debate, discussion are optional, occasional add-ons so not to compete with the assumed functions- Ritual and management. Too much? Ridiculous! Unmasonic?  Thank you Copernicus. Thank you Galileo. Thank you Kepler! We cannot be so ponderously locked into a conflict model can we?  Conflict- they're dropping out; too many distractions; we're not doing enough to recruit!  We've all heard it. The follies of the father have returned to haunt the son.  Isn't it folly to think we can suspect judgement about who we bring into masonry and believe think we are bringing like-minded men together?  Experience seems to suggest we are stratefied, socially, academically and intellectually.  Emphasis is about reduction. Remove memory work. Remove study. Remove discussion and debate among gentlemen. Remove the spiritual nature and sacred space of Lodge. The music: except for a few scattered lodges-that too has stopped.