Why do people join organizations, and why do they stop? In this solo episode, Troy Spreeuw takes on the decline of community, the philosophy of freedom of conscience, and the case that Freemasonry's future depends on rediscovering what it means to belong, not just on counting petitions.

Troy starts with Dr. Robert D. Putnam and his book Bowling Alone, the documentary Join or Die, and the idea of social capital: bonding capital among people who are alike, and bridging capital across differences. Freemasonry, Troy argues, is at its best when it does the second, and he asks whether lodges are offering something members cannot get by scrolling their phones.

From there he turns to freedom of conscience, ahead of his Freedom of Conscience presentation at Capilano Lodge No. 164. Troy makes the case for Freemasonry as a big tent where the esoteric Mason and the fellowship Mason each have a place, looks at the uncomfortable history of conscience and why a Brother's private beliefs are not public property, and explains why freedom of conscience is not freedom from disagreement.

He closes with the work of The Mystic Tye and the Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference, three Join or Die screenings in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, upcoming District 17 visits, and a new round of Five Minute Ritualist classes on Zoom.

Coming up with Troy

October 27: Official visit and a double Entered Apprentice Degree, North Shore Lodge No. 93, 7:30 PM

October 28: Freedom of Conscience, a new presentation, Capilano Lodge No. 164, 7:30 PM

November 10: Official visit, Triune Lodge No. 81, 7:30 PM

November 14: Join or Die screening and discussion, Northshore Masonic Hall, 1371 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver. Free admission. Doors 6:30 PM, film 7:00 PM

November 28: Join or Die screening and discussion, Freemasons Hall, 508 Agnes St, New Westminster. Free admission. Doors 6:30 PM, film 7:00 PM

December 5: Join or Die screening and discussion, Vancouver Masonic Centre, 1464 W 7th Ave, Vancouver. Free admission. Doors 6:30 PM, film 7:00 PM

End of November: The Five Minute Ritualist classes return on Zoom. Sign up for the newsletter at mystictye.com for details.

Books mentioned in this episode

Bowling Alone, Robert D. Putnam

Also mentioned

Join or Die, the documentary on Robert D. Putnam, presented by the Vancouver Lodge of Education and Research

Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference, Seattle, and Troy's debrief with Brett Wolfe and Ken Lane (Episode 57)

Salman Arif and the Episode 56 conversation on Masonic ritual

Lon Milo DuQuette, Ike Baker, and Julian Rees, past guests

Links and resources

• Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.com

• RSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.com

• Mystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.com

• Patreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com.

Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist.

Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.