| Introduction
Masonic Education within Lodges has always been one of those subjects which most Brethren acknowledge as being important, but usually that is as far as it goes. Little if any actually takes place.
See Education News.
It must be stated that there are some Constitutions and Lodges, in the world, which do have and support educational policies. However, they all have one thing in common. They regurgitate someone else's interpretation.
This is not what Freemasonry in its rawest form actually teaches!
The number of times I have heard very experienced and learned Brothers tell a new member that the degree he has just taken part in, will appear strange and mystifying, and that he will eventually realise its meaning after seeing it carried out numerous times. In some part this is very true but times change and so does our expectations.
We live in a very different world to that of our forefathers. Although the teachings and the deeper meanings of Freemasonry are as significant today as in the past, in some ways even more so, modern man lives in a new age of instant information and enlightenment.
In order to retain the equilibrium between nature and science, our methodology, not the message has to change.
So how can this be done?
See Education News.
Well, as said before we have to change our methodology. We do this by formulating ways for the Brethren to learn how to interpret for themselves. We go back to ancient times, even as far back as the Land of Sumer and Akkad and reintroduce the very basics of learning through the use of tutors and mentors.
However, this is only part of the solution. We have to teach our tutors and mentors the ways inwhich they can communicate without regurgitating their own views and influencing their student.
That must be the way forward. We have to get the Brethren thinking for themselves. Eventually they may come to simmilar interpretations as some of our learned Brothers, but by that time they will have the tools by which to analyse for themselves and be in a better position to understand other viewpoints.
We build within ourselves this Temple, not made by mortal hands. It has to be our understanding, not that of another. If it were as easy as using another's interpretation, Freemasonry would degenerate into yet another dogmatic quasi religious movement. This we are not!
We in Moray and Nairn are at the forefront of this new educational movement. In conjunction with a new project, instigated by our Substitute Provincial Grand Master, Brother John B. Hutton, we are about to put into place during the coming Masonic Year, a series of courses aimed at establishing tutors and mentors in all our Daughter Lodges. The format has already been piloted within the Province and will shortly be rolled out.
See Education News.
These and other courses have been prepared and presented by the Moravian School of Masonic Studies. This is a new project in Masonic Education and Research set up by our Substitute Provincial Grand Master. It is not yet available outwith our province but it is hoped to be rolled out world wide, early in 2007.
If you have any questions on this article, please feel free to contact our Substitute Provincial Grand Master at the following e-mail address:
spgm@morayandnairnpgl.com |
