Jeans and T-shirt Lodge

I cannot understand why we have such a strict (and oppressive) dress code in Freemasonry. I wear a suit and tie to work all day. The last thing I want to do is wear a suit in the evening when I want to relax. I associate it too much with work. There is a Dutch saying: 'Freedom rarely comes wearing a tie.' Whilst I recognise some people's desire to dress smart, is anybody interested in starting a 'jeans and T-shirt' Lodge? ;-)

Liberal traditions

One of my regrets about Freemasonry is that it seems to have forgotten the liberal traditions on which it was founded. This is part of what originally attracted me to Freemasonry - the values espoused in the ritual.

The use of the phrase 'liberal tradition' is a deliberate oxymoron. Traditions are usually associated with normative organisations such as the armed forces schools and churches. Liberal thought is associated with independent thought. A liberal tradition evolves. Freemasonry is not evolving. Rather it is obssessed with its past.

Is Freemasonry a Universal Truth?

Is Freemasonry a Universal Truth?

When it comes to public opinion I find Freemasonry is one of those subjects like fox hunting, the smoking ban or that state of England football team. Most people seem to have an opinion of it, and most people have varying degrees of informed thought on the matter.

Indeed the only Universal Truth is, there is no Universal Truth. Views are strongly polarised between anti-masonic paranoia and well, people like me trying to persuade people like you that Freemasonry is a force for good in society.

Having accepted that there is no such thing as a Universal Truth, I have to accept that some people are going to disagree. The question then is, how many?