Brethren, I really want to thank you for all of the responses... The discussion thus far has helped me develop a new understanding of the topics at hand. That said, I would like to elaborate a slight bit in the hopes of further discussion for academic as well as practical purposes...
In my own uneasiness in saying so, I may have understated the extent of one of our petitioners "limitation". I'm not talking about dyslexia, or a mild learning disability, poor memorization skills, or merely "a bit slow". There would be no doubt at all in accepting such an individual based on their desire for light and enthusiasm for knowledge. We have worked with many a brother with such challenges, and have seen them flourish. We have brothers with great willingness and patience put in time and assist with those who need it, and are in fact, more than happy to do so. It gives me great joy to see such a brother light up when they put in the hard work and then conquer their challenge and shine. In fact we have had dyslexic, and "slow" (for lack of a better term) guys go on the be some of the best Masters, their difficulty in memorization does not limit their ability to be good Masons or to lead. In this case we are talking mild to moderately retarded. I'm not sure he will be able to even simply repeat back the o&o given just a few words at a time, let alone review later and absorb any meaning from it. That said, allowing him to try will certainly bring happiness to him. I have love for this fellow, I want to see him succeed and be happy, and it would be great for him not to be left out anymore. THAT said, I have been present for many discussions among Masons over the years in which we talk about the fact that we can make Masons of those with certain disabilities (some physical, some mental) but we don't make Masons when the Mental deficiency will prevent the understanding of the o&o (whether it be madman, fool, or more as in this case). It is this that has me on the fence... Knowing it to be such, what is my duty?
I still am unclear on this one... My heart breaks for this guy... Please continue to discuss, your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
In my own uneasiness in saying so, I may have understated the extent of one of our petitioners "limitation". I'm not talking about dyslexia, or a mild learning disability, poor memorization skills, or merely "a bit slow". There would be no doubt at all in accepting such an individual based on their desire for light and enthusiasm for knowledge. We have worked with many a brother with such challenges, and have seen them flourish. We have brothers with great willingness and patience put in time and assist with those who need it, and are in fact, more than happy to do so. It gives me great joy to see such a brother light up when they put in the hard work and then conquer their challenge and shine. In fact we have had dyslexic, and "slow" (for lack of a better term) guys go on the be some of the best Masters, their difficulty in memorization does not limit their ability to be good Masons or to lead. In this case we are talking mild to moderately retarded. I'm not sure he will be able to even simply repeat back the o&o given just a few words at a time, let alone review later and absorb any meaning from it. That said, allowing him to try will certainly bring happiness to him. I have love for this fellow, I want to see him succeed and be happy, and it would be great for him not to be left out anymore. THAT said, I have been present for many discussions among Masons over the years in which we talk about the fact that we can make Masons of those with certain disabilities (some physical, some mental) but we don't make Masons when the Mental deficiency will prevent the understanding of the o&o (whether it be madman, fool, or more as in this case). It is this that has me on the fence... Knowing it to be such, what is my duty?
I still am unclear on this one... My heart breaks for this guy... Please continue to discuss, your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
