Are there really two versions of Freemasonry, one a politically correct social club, the other a profound, universal brotherhood?

The following copyrighted article is reprinted with the express and kind permission of its author, Bro. Robert George, from "The Communicator," the newsletter of the Scottish Rite Valley of Seattle, of which Bro. Bob is also editor. The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of Bro. Bob, and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Scottish Rite Valley of Seattle or the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Washington. Please do not republish this article without the express written permission of Bro. Bob. Linking, however, is encouraged.

Bro. Bob writes: "We have to admit that maybe we have taken the wrong path. We have to admit that maybe we have been driving around lost. And if this is the case then driving harder and faster or slower wont help. We need to get back on the path. But here again, a path to where? What is our real destination?"

Recently I was copied on some very profound emails among some of our Scottish Rite Brothers that caused me to embark upon an exploration that I had not expected. And as explorations will have it, it has caused me to wonder and to ponder. The specific topic was the existence of the United Grand Lodge of America. This is not a recognized organization within Masonry. It is apparently considered a clandestine lodge. As I said, this investigation took me to unexpected places. This journey resulted in questions which do not have clear or simple answers; however, these are dangerous questions because they evoke emotion. They are dangerous also, because people may feel the need to give them quick standard answers.

The questions are these: first; how does a group of brothers get the fraternity or even their own Grand Lodge to look at itself and make needed adjustments and take serious course corrections without having to leave the fraternity? Second; what is the real meaning of clandestine and does it get applied to brothers or lodges for true Masonic reasons or just for political control reasons? Third; to many people, Masonry has evolved into being simply a Christian mens social club; is this our charter, or were we supposed be to something much more? Fourth; what will Masonry be in the future and what kind of men will its leaders be who will guide and sustain it?

I said that we should reflect; and reflection demands quiet, open-minded, serious contemplation.

I personally cant answer the question about the meaning of clandestine or even irregular. Naively I would have thought it would mean underground, furtive, profane, and having a negative intent. But in looking around the country it seems that these terms get applied more for political reasons involving power structure and status quo. I didnt know that a Grand Lodge made a man a Mason, I thought that a man was first made a Mason in his HEART!!! I thought that a Lodge was an assembly of like hearted men who choose Brotherhood with other like hearted men.

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