Freemasonry needs to Modernize

BBC1's Heaven & Earth show today included in its interviews, Martin Faulks, speaking on his desire to modernise, open the doors and refocus on "Masonic spiritual teachings".

Martin Faulks is the Marketing Manager of the masonic publisher, Lewis Masonic. He was motivated to join the Masonic Order after reading the book, The Hiram Key.

While it is commendable that Martin has sought this opportunity to discuss Freemasonry in a high-profile television forum, it must be borne in mind that he speaks from a personal position and not in an official capacity on behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England, or any other Masonic body.

Masonic Spiritual Teachings

Martin spoke of the basic benefits of building better men through Freemasonry, while Martin Short, an investigative journalist, felt that Freemasonry was self-serving rather than of benefit to the community.

The negative imagery of Freemasonry having corrupt influence in the police and elsewhere still affected the conversation. It is unfortunate that these instances are so strong in the public consciousness. Why is it that bad news seems to outweigh the good works and good intentions which are undertaken by the vast majority of the Brotherhood.

Martin Short expressed the opinion that established religion has condemned Freemasonry on theological grounds. While this may have been the case in the past, a recent survey by the BBC has suggested that public opinion no longer felt that this was the case.

Although Martin Faulks expressed himself well, the brief nature of the debate meant that issues were being raised without a full opportunity to discuss. I would have been interested to hear more on Martin's views on the spiritual teachings of Freemasonry - partly because I suspect I may have a difference of opinion!

Martin Faulks - a man of his word

Prior to the main debate in the studio, Martin Faulks had taken the presenter round Freemasons Hall in London and set out some of the basic precepts of the Order. To his credit, he declined to reveal those means of recognition which ought rightly to remain known only to our membership. The same cannot be said however of the author Robert Lomas, who felt that he had a right to reveal our ritual into the public domain. I would have to take issue with him that he had been the first to publish an expose - there are well known masonic exposes dating back two hundred years. A fact of which even Martin Short, clearly an opponent of Freemasonry, was aware.

Builder or Brain Surgeon?

The presenter also ventured across the road to the premises of Toye, Kenning & Spencer to try on a Masonic Apron. While there he was given a pair of white gloves to try on. When he asked the reason, the assistant suggested that it permitted the Brethren to meet on the level: by disguising the hands a Brother would not know whether the Brother on either side might be a builder or a brain-surgeon. Not an explanation I have ever heard before - interesting nonetheless.

Promoting Freemasonry

Martin, thank you for taking the opportunity to raise the public profile of Freemasonry. We must all take the opportunity to promote our Order in whatever forum presents itself in our public life. If Martin can do it on National television, we should all be inspired to do our bit...