by Christopher Hodapp
I had the pleasure of appearing on Episode 99 of the Masonic Lite podcast, which we recorded last week. It's being released today, for those so inclined. Many thanks to hosts Pete Ruggieri, Larry Merris, Jack Harley, Tim Dedman and producer Josh Lyter for their kind invitation.
Episode #99 is supposed to be posted sometime today. CLICK HERE for the list of the latest Masonic Lite episodes.
Podcasts and other tech ways of communication become ultra important in the face of drastically diminished face to face meetings. Many masonic lodges will not open again even if the virus is contained, because the meeting rooms lack the windows and ventilation systems which are going to be necessities.
ReplyDeleteEven if those obstacles are overcome, the willingness to sit in a limited space for any length of time has permanently been dampened. The membership decline in the next five years will enormously accelerate -- we have to appreciate that the unheeded loss of over 3 and a half million members in the past years indicates a further loss from the present million members to perhaps 500,000, and the very elderly membership will chiefly stay in touch via things like podcast and the internet.
There is little evidence of a collective answer to this. The podcast shows there are people who can effectively use the newer tech tools. But they are a minority.
It won't happen, but an all out effort to send segregation would be a start, including all collateral bodies. Admission of women would be a help. Incorporating relevant Capitular and Cryptic degrees as elsewhere in the world might add interest. Lowering the first degree age to 16 might. Giving each lodge an internet chat program is an idea. Abandoning charity efforts as a vain effort to be relevant and replacing them with serious intellectual content bolstered by academically qualified full time lecturers will only draw chuckles. The lack of imaginative leadership is stunning and the virus is compounding the crisis. Does anyone think the influence of the virus is going to be anything but a calamity for Freemasonry?