Introducing Open Lectures on Freemasonry
In this era where knowledge becomes more reachable through digital technologies, Open Lectures on Freemasonry (OpenLFM) aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of research into Freemasonry through online lectures.
Lectures are audible, within technical limits, to those who are interested in the topic to be presented.
OpenLFM is an independent, informal and benevolent initiative unrelated to any masonic body or scientific institution.
It is a collaboration of a researchers’ group with different formations and coming from various parts of the world.
Lectures
Lectures are in English. Each lecture lasts for 25 minutes followed by a 15 minutes Q&A session moderated by the session chair. The lectures will be held live on Zoom and past lectures will be available on Soundcloud and YouTube.
Participation requires prior registration. Registration is free of charge. Registered users will be informed about forthcoming activities. OpenLFM beholds the right to reject any registration with no further explanation.
Register: Here
Research in a Time of Coronavirus
by: Dr.Andrew Prescott
26 April 2020
Research in a Time of Coronavirus: Resources and Opportunities The most pressing need in research into the history of Freemasonry is to escape from the distortions caused by over-reliance on secondary literature. We need to seek out and engage more strongly with primary source material. The global lockdowns offer unexpected opportunities for us to pursue this research as some archives and libraries are opening up their digital resources for free access and lists of free online materials are being developed. This talk will illustrate how you can pursue research into primary documents relating to the history of freemasonry while in lockdown.
Speaker: Andrew Prescott in a session chaired by Susan Sommers. The event was a great success with an audience from America, Europe, Africa and the Middle-East.
Changing the Paradigm in Freemasonry
by: John L. Cooper
23 May 2020 19:00 BST
Freemasonry is an initiatic institution. Individuals are brought into it through a process which we call initiation. When properly understood, this process makes a deep and lasting impression on the initiate.
However, this great strength has become a barrier when applied to the degrees beyond the three basic ones of Ancient Craft Masonry, and to the wider study of symbol and allegory itself.
Moreover, the division of Freemasonry into differing jurisdictions with the concomitant problem of recognition, deprives Masons of the opportunity to study Freemasonry, and share the results of that study, across jurisdictional boundaries.
Eliminating the initiatic paradigm for anything beyond the first three degrees of Freemasonry should be explored.
Speaker: John Cooper pursued a career in public education as a high school teacher and administrator. He is a past grand master of the Grand Lodge of California and an internationally recognized researcher into Freemasonry.
Session Chair: Allan Casalou is the grand secretary of the Grand Lodge of California. He’s been the editor of the California Freemason magazine since 2002.
Article Source: OpenLFM
Forthcoming Lectures: – https://sites.google.com/view/openlfm/lectures
OpenLFM welcomes selected works relevant to Freemasonry. You may submit your paper at OpenLFM@gmail.com
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