During my interview with the investigations committee, they asked me a question that I wasn't able to fully answer without giving it much more serious thought.  They asked me, quite simply (to them!), what I expected from Freemasonry.  I told them that I was, like many other people, looking for answers to the unanswered questions in my head; that numerous events in my life had lead me to question my faith.  I also told them that I had no interest in dealing with people that were only out for themselves and that the tenants of Masonry provided an environment in which those types of people couldn't hack it.  But, after much thought and contemplation (and a post on Masonic Minute) , I've come to the realization that my expectations for Masonry run much deeper than that. 

I don't want it easy...
I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the tendency of today's society to demand immediate gratification.  I do not want to waltz in to my Lodge and be risen to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in a matter of weeks; that is the antithesis of 'sublime' to me.  To be completely honest, I was absolutely shocked to find out that Masonry had apparently, at least for a period of time, become more worried about the number of people wearing an apron rather than the quality of those wearing an apron. 

I asked myself how an organization that has been around for hundreds of years - and which has its roots in antiquity - would see fit to hold one day classes, churning out McMasons to seemingly bolster their membership numbers.  After reading so much about the traditions and teachings of Masonry, many of which are delivered through the degree rituals themselves, I was disheartened to think that the Craft might have been moving away from that which distinguished itself.  The esoteric traditions of Masonry is precisely what's different about it when compared to other fraternal organizations such as the Rotary and the Elks - and it's that very difference which I think made it so successful.  Now, this isn't to say that some good Masons didn't come out of those one day events - I'm sure they have produced quite a few upstanding brothers - but I am of the belief that those types would have preferred to go through the normal degree process, if not then, then now... at least I do.

Lately,  however,  it seems the desire for change is becoming more and more palpable by the day.  I have read about Grand Lodges discontinuing one day classes and Blue Lodges prohibiting their new blood from attending them; I have seen more and more posts in the blogosphere calling for a return to esotericism; I have heard Brothers declare that it is not enough anymore to just know the rituals - instead, one should be taught their meanings and made to understand them.  I have heard all these things and I'm not even a Mason yet!  Although I have been told in the past that one only gets out of Masonry what they put in, I am excited to see an atmosphere redeveloping where one is encouraged to give it their all instead of just showing up to put a warm body in a chair.  I am of the belief that this commitment to excellence will prove popular because...

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