Bevan Jones
Registered User
I finished watching this recent 5-part series on Netflix:
https://www.netflix.com/za/title/80240816
It's very British oriented and follows a couple of story lines within each episode. I particularly enjoyed the Widow's Sons bikers and the consecration of a new Football (soccer) lodge. These were real and interesting Mason's with character and several skid-marks in their personal driveways. Far less interesting were some of the commentators obsessed with grand rank etc. These tended to be less interesting personas, perhaps exactly because they were too concerned with their Masonic advancement.... Hmmm, there's a lesson in there somewhere.
Anyway, I think that laying a huge amount bare in the series was both negative and positive. Negative because it will turn many potential brethren away when they see the more mundane aspects (learning ritual, ranks etc.) of the Craft. But perhaps these are not the brethren we want. Therefore, it's also positive because the more enquiring seeker will see through the mundane aspects, and realise there's a philosophical journey to be had there, amidst the fellowship and mirth of brothers.
I was disappointed that it didn't delve into some of the more esoteric aspects, but then of course I remembered that these are for our own personal discovery, and would only have served to confuse the layperson anyway. Worth watching if you can stand some of the more cringe-worthy British humour and mannerisms.
https://www.netflix.com/za/title/80240816
It's very British oriented and follows a couple of story lines within each episode. I particularly enjoyed the Widow's Sons bikers and the consecration of a new Football (soccer) lodge. These were real and interesting Mason's with character and several skid-marks in their personal driveways. Far less interesting were some of the commentators obsessed with grand rank etc. These tended to be less interesting personas, perhaps exactly because they were too concerned with their Masonic advancement.... Hmmm, there's a lesson in there somewhere.
Anyway, I think that laying a huge amount bare in the series was both negative and positive. Negative because it will turn many potential brethren away when they see the more mundane aspects (learning ritual, ranks etc.) of the Craft. But perhaps these are not the brethren we want. Therefore, it's also positive because the more enquiring seeker will see through the mundane aspects, and realise there's a philosophical journey to be had there, amidst the fellowship and mirth of brothers.
I was disappointed that it didn't delve into some of the more esoteric aspects, but then of course I remembered that these are for our own personal discovery, and would only have served to confuse the layperson anyway. Worth watching if you can stand some of the more cringe-worthy British humour and mannerisms.
