The Future of Freemasonry
From About Freemasons
What does the future of Freemasonry hold? Of course, Masons, like the rest of us, have no crystal ball. However, many Lodges do discuss the future of Freemasonry. The future of rituals, the Lodges and membership are frequent topics in these discussions.
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Membership
Many Masons express concerns about the future of membership. Freemasonry, like the rest of society, is “graying” and some Masons are worried that not enough new members will join the ranks to ensure that the Craft continues. Some Masons express concern that today’s youth are not as interested in Freemasonry and do not see it as a desirable fraternity. However, others point out that membership is still doing well and that new Masons do join each year. In addition, some Lodges have created initiatives to encourage education about Freemasons that might pique the interest of potential members. Some Lodges have youth groups and offer scholarships to keep young people aware of the importance of Freemasonry. These groups are sometimes known as DeMolay Chapters.
The modernization of Masonry
Some Masons have debated whether Masonic rituals and even degrees should be modernized. Some have suggested that simplifying Masonic rituals into plain English and eliminating much secrecy would encourage new members to join. Some have pointed out that allowing women members to join traditional Lodges would also create a more modern organization. Others have pointed out that Freemasonry is a fraternity steeped in tradition and holding onto ancient or old rituals is one way of maintaining identity as Masons. These Masons, of course, do not want to see modernization that would significantly change the face of Freemasonry.
The tenets of Freemasonry
Some Masons have wondered whether or not the traditional values of Masons – such as brotherhood and charitable works – are not too outdated and general to be of much use in a modern age. Some Masons have argued that more specialized purposes and values might instill new life in the future of Freemasonry. Others argue that veering from the historic mission of Freemasonry will essentially abolish it and create something else in its place.
Charity
Some Masons have argued that Lodges must change their approaches to charity in order to do more good in a world that seems to need more help. Some Masons have argued that larger organizations are needed to help more people overall. Others argue that local activism would help local communities and would make Lodges again relevant as social and community hubs. These Masons suggest that greater charity in the local spheres can help prevent Lodges from becoming useful but largely overlooked charities, which is the fate of many non-profit organizations.
The future faces and technologies
Many Masons recognize that the world is becoming more global in scope and this has led some Lodges to suggest reaching out to brotherhoods in other parts of the world. At the same time, as technologies change, some Lodges and Masons are wondering how they can use today’s technology in order to further the cause of Freemasonry. Already, there are websites, blogs, and even social networking groups (on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace, to name a few examples) dedicated to Freemasonry. There are videos on YouTube relating to Freemasonry as well.
