The ABCDEF

One of the podcasts I follow pretty closely discusses a LOT about clandestine Masonry. What is legit Masonry and what is not. They have brought former members of clandestine lodges on the show and have discussed everything from being “beat in” and other such hazing, to 99 degrees. I think it is pretty safe to say the majority of folks know all that stuff is bunk. But a number of people buy into it and still do.

It is my understanding that there have been people who have left clandestine Lodges and joined legitimate Masonic Lodges because of their work. Thank you for that.

There is a guy’s page I will visit from time to time. More for the humor of it than anything else. There is always a picture of him in his “Grand Lodge” apron, jewel, etc., and the vast majority of his posts have the same echo: “me, me, me.” Oh, and sometimes he will mention the “Boones Farm” groups. Inside joke, if you know, you know. But even those posts end with the spotlight on him.

First, let me say that in my 15 years as a Mason in the state of Kansas, I have NEVER heard anyone from my Grand Lodge line ever, and I mean ever, utter the word “me”. I have heard a lot of “you” but never me. They are some solid Brothers like that, and I do not see it changing anytime soon.

Now, while I was bouncing around online looking at this page, that page, this group, that group. I thought of a document I have not thought about or used in a VERY long time. I know a few that read this blog that have used it as well,  The ABCDEF, or in its longer title - The Advanced Bonewits’ Cult Danger Evaluation Frame.

This document was first written in 1979 and updated in 2008. Remember that during that time, there was "Spiritual McCarthyism” where every group was a “cult.”  There was a pretty big “panic” going on in the 80s, especially around Earth-Based spirituality.

Anyway, while Isaac is no one I would use as a character witness if I ever needed one. For many reasons. This document is well worth looking at.

It has 18 points to consider and a scale of 1-10. Where in your opinion does your group land on this scale? In order for this to work you have to be open and honest with yourself and about your group. Be it you Lodge, church, or other such order.

Let me give an example. This one is number 1.

“Internal Control: Amount of internal political and social power exercised by leader(s) over members; lack of clearly defined organizational rights for members.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, where does your group land on Internal Control? Does it have more drama than nighttime TV or an episode of Jerry Springer? Is there one faction plotting against another? Do you know your rights and responsibilities within the group? Do you have a voice? You may not have a vote, but are your opinions listened to and considered by the rest of the members?

Of course, it goes on for 17 more topics, all on the same scale, and asks questions on each topic.  Each requires you to be honest with yourself and take the blinders off. If your group doing ok? Or is it getting a little questionable?

I have known groups that have broken this out and used to once a year, once every six months, to even once a quarter.

Now, let me ask this. What is your Lodge doing to stay on the straight and narrow? Of course, in my jurisdiction, we have DDGM visits in the spring and fall.  There are a number of things in the reports, such as following by-laws, community work, etc. etc, etc.

But, outside of that, is your Lodge working to meet the needs of its members? Are you being listened to? Are your ideas being considered? Maybe not used or used fully? But are they being looked at? Are you being Masonically fed? Can the members of the Lodge back up their claims? Do you hear “me” more than you hear “you, or us”? Something to think about.

Again, this document is online if you want to look for it. If you use it, you may want to consider the time it was written, and the author has a very serious religious bias.

 

I love you, and may we govern ourselves accordingly.