X-Oriente

Episode 006: Fundamentalism and Freemasonry Part 1

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When you think of fundamentalism, what comes to mind? Do you think of radical extremist terrorists with explosive strapped to them? Do you think of TV evangelist preachers or anti-abortion activists? Is it religion or politcs?

Fundamentalism is neither. It is a way of thinking, of behaving and it is one that is dangerous to democratic free societies, and its especially dangerous to Freemasonry. In Part 1 of a multi-part series we'll look at what fundamentalism is, why it's dangerous and what Masonic connection is.

In Part 1, we explore what the definition of fundamentalism is and why it's dangerous.

0:00-5:06 Intro, and we have a new Sponsor!

5:06-6:05 Heading to Washington DC and recovering from the gout.

6:05-7:46 Fundamentalism and cartoons that kill: something is rotten and it's not in Denmark

7:46-8:46 The problem of Islamic Fundamentalism is not Islam

8:46-10:28 Christian Fundamentalists--What would Jesus NOT do? (or say)

10:28-14:15 Defining fundamentalism--it's way of thinking...What do Christian Fundamentalists and Islamic Fundamentalists have in common? FUNDAMENTALISM!

14:15-18:40 The Fundamentalism Project (vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and the 5 characteristics of a fundamentalist movement. All fundamentalists have the same basic agenda.

18:40-19:30 More research on fundamentalist movements

19:30-22:29 Jimmy Carter's book, Our Endangered Values : America's Moral Crisis

22:29-23:50 Masonry and Freemasonry: Can't we all get along?

23:50-25:30 Just in case you're wondering, it's NOT about religion. The difference between evangelical and fundamentalist. True evangelicalism is democratic and open.

25:30-26:10 What's so bad about Fundamentalism?

26:10-27:35 Wrap up, and the Masonic Connection

27:35-28:33 Outro

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this subject and we'll include it in the next show. Let's get the discussion going!

Music:

Theme music by Cruisebox

Back to the Moods by Ernesto Sett

GoshFunk, by Alex Brooke

Ship to Shore by Art Hodge

We have a new sponsor!!!

We are very pleased to announce that X-Oriente has a new sponsor. Carta di Amalfi—Emotions In Paper is a firm in Italy that creates the most beautiful paper with a Masonic watermark. The paper is handmade Amalfi paper, generally regarded as the finest paper in the world. (in my opinion anyway, and I have a bit of a paper fetish) with a subtle square and compasses watermark on the paper.

It is great stuff, especially for special occasions and for one's year as Worshipful Master. They sell a simple linen box of 25 sheets and envelopes or you can get beautiful wood handmade boxes with a full assortment of cards sheets and envelopes. They will also personalize your name and address if desired on the paper.

The Masonic paper isn't cheap, but it is hand made, and hand finished. As someone who has made paper before I can tell you it is a lot of labor. And clearly this is good, square work made with a lot of fraternal love.

I am told that they are preparing to launch a new Masonic paper website soon but you can order from their site. If you do, make sure for now you order on the Italian website as the English website lists the products and prices incorrectly. (If you need assistance contact them or drop me a line--they are fellow travelers and are the nicest people to deal with.)

From time to time we will promote businesses that provide Masons with exceptional products to help us practice our art. Later I'll be doing a show about Masonic artisans and how there are a group of new exceptional artists making beautiful Masonic objects for our enjoyment, and you'll hear more from these guys. If you are interested in sponsoring the show, please drop me a line.