Amwell Lodge No.12 F:. & A:. M:.

Dear Brethren,

As I came across a recent column from the NY Times this morning (see link), I realized that as our modern societies move away from the “bookish way philosophy is conceived by most people” and closer to a “dominance of [an] emotional approach of morality”, the traditional way of Freemasonry teaching reveals all its modernity.

The columnist essentially supports the idea that our everyday understanding of morality is far from the conclusion of rational thinking. It is rather the result of our immediate emotions, in light of past experience and education. In the space of a second, one is able to feel – rather than think – whether something is fair/good/proper or not.

Interestingly, this approach is at the very core of traditional Freemasonry. Our craft basically presents a set of symbols from time immemorial, and particular initiatic experiences, designed to impress the candidate and the other members of the lodge with traditional teaching. Furthermore, Freemasonry teaches to practice these virtues at every occasion, particularly in the most mundane gatherings.

Although this approach has been transmitted down to us from remote antiquity – as proven by numerous archeologists’ findings – one may at once perceive its modernity. In times when morality and virtue become mere abstract words, Freemasonry offers a practical, yet very elevated, way for the brethren to meet these qualities in person, through the Three Degrees, and at every handshake with a brother.

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