Restaurant at the End of the Masonic Universe

This video is an analogy comparing the current state of Freemasonry with a fast food chain, which offers bland food.

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• Freemasonry
• masonic
• masonry
• freemasons

[bigeasy750]

you must be in the wrong lodge, sounds like you are a little bitter. apply to another lodge

[StephenDafoe]

No, I'm in a wonderful lodge - two of them in fact. This film is a video version of an editorial I wrote for the September 2006 issue of Masonic Magazine. It is intended to be an allegory.

I've also delivered this and other themes to several Grand Lodges on how our declining membership numbers are due to demits and suspensions.

There is no bitterness here. Simply using allegory to illustrate that WE and only wee can retain members.

[myway43]

Very well done Sir! I think you have hit the nail on the head. I have seen this in my own Lodge. What is the answer in your opinion?

[StephenDafoe]

I think the answer is that if those who want to effect change do so with a hard headed approach, they will hit an equally hard wall. The answer would seem to be to attempt to introduce changes in small doses. Pretty soon educational or other programs of interest to the younger members will become regular - simply because "Well we've always done it that way before."

[karnermm]

thanks! i pride myself on my humor. coming from someone who doesn't shave yet[i saw your pic]your comment means a lot. LOL!!! [btw-not actually a grandparent yet,but when i am if my grandkids are as socially mal-adjusted and paranoid as yourself- i will pay for their counsling]

[richcapo]

@Vertigo6911 "im not a mason either, but i know for a fact that masons dont worship anything."

We worship God.

[richcapo]

The biggest problem we face is how apolitical and anti-nepotistic we've become. We watch from the sidelines as far right Christian and other groups promoting un-Masonic values exploit their resources to get their voices heard in government and corporate America, and do nothing to counter or stop that. We no longer do what we can to put Masons in as many civil and private positions of leadership as possible. 

We've let our power atrophy for some ungodly reason, and now we're paying the price.

[GoldenEars69]

A bit of a harsh conclusion. Allegory aside, new members do need to know that FM sometimes moves at near-glacial speeds and that some things take time.

[The3antarofLeb]

@KilshawInt

If you are a M.'.M.'. then I do call you to remember your charge. In specific your right to correct the irregularities of your uninformed brethren.

The poster of the video expressed a point of view, you need not call him depressed and needing psychiatric assistance etc.

Any metaphor or allegory can be used to portray a certain reality, and the point of this video is that We are not doing enough to fulfill our promise towards the newly joined young Brethren. This is very true.

[The3antarofLeb]

@proudmason98

The poster of the video knows exactly what he is talking about. And in the video there is NO mention WHATSOEVER regarding seeking riches or business opportunities.

The metaphor strictly alludes to the fact, that WE as FREE MASONS, are not doing our best, to make GOOD men BETTER, and taht there is a significant amount of resistance to transmute our Physically existent Order into a Glorious edifice, a Spiritual/Celestial Temple for mankind to contemplate upon.

[The3antarofLeb]

Oh Fortunate Free Mason,

Do not be oppressed by the forces of ignorance and delusion!

But rise up now with resolve and courage!

Entranced by ignorance, from beginingless time until now,

You have had more than enough time to sleep.

So do not slumber any longer, but strive after virtue with body,speech and mind!

[The3antarofLeb]

This video wonderfully and metaphorically depicts the current status of FreeMasonry.

However, there is no specific number of Brethren to blame for this degeneration, we are ALL responsible for the present form af Masonry.

Free Masonry is a Living Spirit at its core and is independent of it's outer manifestation (the Brethren and the Lodges). Depending on our efforts,the Lodge either reflects the Three Great Lights of Masonry, or otherwise, is like a corpse whose spirit has long departed.

[proudmason98]

I've been a Mason for 1 year and my life HAS changed for the better. If this young man got into Freemasonry seeking "Riches" and/or "Business Contacts" he surely left disappointed. Freemasonry is about Freemasonry.

By posting this video it is obvious to any Mason that you have no idea what you are talking about.

When you join a bowling league you join to bowl. Not for personal or financial gain. Masonry delivers what it promises I am living proof

[KilshawInt]

Freemasonry is based upon esoteric principals, not stubborn cooks or bland food. This is not a true masonic metaphor, if it was, you would be happier. I think you are depressed and should seek professional psychiatric help.