The Hows and Whys

Erasmus was a 16^th century theologian who wrote a collection of Ciceronian dialogs in his works, The Colloquies.  One particular dialog, The Godly Feast, touches on a topic which was a focus of discussion for a Brother and I over a past weekend. 

We spoke of the importance of Masonic Education, whereas, I often have no problem with finding help or instruction on the “HOW” to perform ritual, as a young and newly raised Mason, I find it rather difficult to find help on the “WHY” we do what we do.  Other than being given a book and told, “read this”.  As an Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft, it was most difficult as I was not privy to certain bits of information that I am now.  Through certain “advanced degrees” I have had a number of “Ah Ha” moments, which help translate some of what I read, but there is not much available out there for the general “Master Mason” populace to partake in with out certain affiliations or invitations, and even then, one I attended, focused more on the fellowship rather than the content of the instruction. 

Erasmus wrote in the Godly Feast, “ …God rejects “them” not because they would keep the rites of the law, but because , foolishly puffed up by keeping them, they would neglect what God especially requires of us.”  He goes on to say, “ … They thought God much in their debt because they frequented the temple on holy days, offered burnt sacrifices, abstained from certain foods, and fasted occasionally.  They embraced the shadows, and neglected the substance.”  Erasmus indicates that King Solomon said, “ To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

What does he mean by these passages?  One could say through context of the dialog, which was a Christian Humanist publication touching on corruption in the Church, that when you focus merely on the ritual itself, we sometimes lose focus on what the ritual itself means and why we perform the rituals.  Some puff themselves up in pride if they can perfectly perform a ritual or they can say that they regularly attend Temple, but can they truly or accurately tell you why that ritual exists or what does it mean? 

Erasmus adds, “… these become displeasing to God if a person relies on such observances but neglects the works of mercy when a Brother’s need calls for charity.”   If we perform the act, but lose sight of the meaning of the act, do we hold the beliefs in our hearts?  His words tell me that to be worthy of the Title Master Mason, the ability to perform the ritual is merely a small part of the whole.  Not only is it truly important to know why we do the ritual and what it symbolizes is the second part of a threefold way of life.  The final factor is to understand the “WHY” and live my life in accordance with the system of morality it represents.  To “walk the walk and not just talk the talk” and not become a MINO.  A phrase I recently heard, “A Mason in Name Only”. 

Erasmus finishes that portion of the dialog by saying, “ … And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.  One does not keep the law unless one keeps it in accordance with God’s purpose.”  This strengthens my thought that unless we know the purpose of the ritual, and live the ritual, it holds little meaning. 

My Brother and I discussed the fact that as Masons, we see a great deal of focus on how to perform the rituals.  While I find this extremely important, to keep our age old customs and rituals, I think we have lost touch with why a lot of this is done.  Finding Masonic Education is rare, almost as if the “Secret” of Freemasonry is even “Secret” to its members.  I co-founded the Evanston Masonic Research Society to help dispel that concept and to help Brothers, old and new re-focus on the why rather than the hows in the ancient craft of Freemasonry.  I am one who does not wish to be a Mason in Name Only, nor do I have the time or ability to become what one Brother coined, a “Super Mason”.  I mearly hope to make the motto of our fledgling society hold more truth, “not more men in Masonry, but more Masonry in men”