I disagree. They appear to have responded to aspects of your question that pushed it in directions not desired or perhaps anticipated. But they also appear to understand the essence of the problem the question is addressing. IMO
--These respondents jumped off topic. The poll is NOT about what individual Masons should do, but what GRAND LODGES AND LODGES should (or should not) do.
That cannot occur until the majority of Freemasons understand Freemasonry. The majority don't, hence, to instruct the public upon things that one doesn't understand would be malpractice.
--I agree, that the majority of Freemasons, have a limited and "spotty" knowledge of Masonic history and precepts. I would guess that the majority of Freemasons do not own a single book about the Craft, and have never read one. And I agree that to have individual Masons attempt to instruct the public about a subject on which the majority hold a limited understanding, is NOT the way to go.
That is why some Grand Lodges undertake to hold statewide "open houses". That is why Grand Lodges undertake to publish brochures, so that non-Masons can get an introduction, that is accurate. That is why some Grand Lodges create instructional videos. Here is one of the best:
Individual Masons do not have the resources to create videos or publish brochures. This is why Grand Lodges must step up, and undertake to educate the public about the Craft.
Not if you want to start the process properly. The GL and it's respective LODGES ARE the MEMBERSHIP! Educate them and you educate the GL and its respective LODGES.
--This discussion is not about educating Grand Lodges/Lodges about Freemasonry. The question is whether Grand Lodges/Lodges should educate the public, and increase the public's "literacy" about the Craft.
Especially when that 1% hasn't a clue with which to begin!
--NO dispute that individual Masons have a limited knowledge about the Craft. That is why Grand Lodges/Lodges should serve as the conduit. Individuals do not have the knowledge nor the resources.
Yes, and if they did, they would likely focus on the propaganda they were fed by unknowing Brothers and not the facts.
--All the more reason that Grand Lodges should take the initiative, and work to deliver the truth!
What do well known names have to truly do with Freemasonry other than being members of the society? Where they well known before or after joining? Did Joining contribute anything whatsoever to their becoming well known? The list of questions associated with the mere mention of well know names goes on and on..
--Many organizations use celebrities to reach out to the public. We should too. Some men were Masons many years before fame occurred (ex: Douglas MacArthur). Some men were famous for many years before they petitioned (Richard Dreyfuss was an academy-award winning actor decades before he joined). .
I hope not many. To become known as a proselytizing organization would be detrimental. Besides, the nearly 95% of the actual Organizational meetings that I have attended, if a video where made of them, would bore the life out of anyone that was not a member. If you were to go through with your original question's proposal, you would want to share the stark reality of the organizational meetings, that would scare a lot of Pre-Masons away.
--Some Grand Lodges permit limited recruitment. Most do not. But, the question under consideration is: Whether Grand Lodges and Lodges should work to increase the public's knowledge. Recruiting is not on the agenda. You will hear no argument from me that most stated meetings are BORING. Whether showing a video to people of a lodge meeting, is not really in the scope of this topic.
As much as such information is endearing, it is a small portion of what the actual activities. .
--Agreed.
But is shall always be Informed Individuals that support this. The responders to your question knew this when responding. IMO