Three Dangers of Freemasonry

January 1, 2021 Sociocultural Issues No Comments

Depth needs effort. Lots of effort ― even more so if one thinks to make enough effort already. There are many forms of pseudo-depth, especially when shrouded in secrecy,

Looking for a combination of depth and rationality,

a few years ago, I ventured into the world of freemasonry.

A lot of information about it is on the internet. I find Wikipedia on Freemasonry a good introduction.

I stayed till right before becoming a ‘master,’ gradually finding it a waste of time, basically ― apart from the social coziness. To top it off, however, one appallingly coo-coo ritual made me jump straight out of it in a rush. I had enough. On top of this, being responsible for AURELIS, I cannot tolerate any association with freemasonry.

Interesting experience, nice people ― especially some ‘seekers.’

However: no satisfactory rationality, nor depth. At least, nothing more than can be found in other places without the intermingling of meaningless secrecy.

Trying to look at it objectively, I see three dangers that freemasons themselves should be aware of.

These are serious dangers worth mentioning. They are also worth asking the field of freemasonry, in general, to provide some answers publicly. Contrary to this, the combination with ‘secrecy’ makes it more challenging. Things can fester on this way under the rug, which is hardly healthy.

Let us delve a bit into the threesome, each of them being depth-related. [see: “What is ‘Depth’?”]

About searching depth

People attracted to ‘depth’ (and rightly so!) see what is being made of this in freemasonry and may think nothing of depth anymore for the rest of their lives.

For seekers, I would point at bombast – a lot of it in freemasonry – as a particular sign that some organization aspires to but doesn’t achieve in attaining depth. In most cases, it is a sign of immaturity.

About finding depth

Some people who enter freemasonry do happen to get some profound experiences. The trouble here is that in this tradition, there is hardly any support. This carries the risk that some may fall into an abyss.

It’s like playing with fire while keeping the fire far away, unknowingly. Some do get nearer somehow and risk burning themselves. The danger is, for instance, psychosis.

About abiding with little depth

Many people enter freemasonry, accommodate to the thought of being busy with something special, and keep stumbling for very long. Probably, to some, this is better than what they find at other places.

Some may find it’s worth it. I don’t. It’s like climbing a ladder a few steps and being stuck. Towards going further, this ladder is a no-go, so one needs another instrument or support while the present ladder may be hard to leave. It’s an aid and obstacle at the same time, depending on one’s aspirations.

In my view, it’s a pity, really. It’s up to any reader to form his own opinion. Dear reader, if you are a freemason, the least you can do is to see it this way for a while. Take care!

Main lesson

Depth is essential. It should be looked upon openly ― no secrecy by far. That may make it more challenging to attain some form of depth. On the other hand, precisely this challenge may make things more interesting.

Depth = Openness, not only conceptually but also, well, in profundity. Openness is the hallmark of proper depth.

Otherwise, it’s muddy water.