Last month I spent a week in Minnesota, and then a couple of very busy weeks at work kept me away from this weblog. But although none of that is really very exciting or interesting to all of you readers out there, I've got some great stuff to share.

First, Bro. Ed King's Masonicinfo has recently posted a very well-written and informative Esotericism FAQ, contributed by an anonymous Mason. In the introduction, Bro. King says,

Both Masons and non-Masons alike are often confused when the subject of esoterica is raised. [...] [This FAQ] is, we feel, a very fair and objective treatment of this area which so very often causes contention, confusion, and concern — even amongst members of the Fraternity as explained below.

Bro. King's willingness in publishing the FAQ on his website is greatly appreciated and applauded. For a long time, Freemasonry has been afraid of its more controversial and easily misunderstood elements (as Bro. Jay Kinney argues in Is Freemasonry Afraid of its Own Shadow?), and I think it's great that a popular and important Masonic website has finally turned its attention in that direction and acknowledged a valuable and important part of our tradition.

Freemasonry for the Next Generation is a web-based magazine dedicated to approaching Freemasonry from new angles and new solutions. In his introductory editorial, WB Tim Bryce tells us,

As an independent publication we will not be encumbered by the rules and regulations of any particular Grand Lodge and will be able to speak freely on those issues concerning the fraternity. [...] I have found that Masons are somewhat territorial in nature. Many cannot think beyond the four walls of their own Lodge. The idea of talking to Brothers in other lodges, districts or jurisdictions is simply incomprehensible to them. This is unfortunate. Freemasonry is a global fraternity and no one Blue Lodge or Grand Lodge holds a monopoly over its interpretation. Therefore, in order for Freemasonry to succeed, our mantra will be, "Think Outside of the Box."

I encourage you visit and support this magazine. They've got some noble goals and they could use our help.

Finally, my last link to share today is The Centre for Research into Freemasonry at the University of Sheffield. According to the website, "The Centre undertakes and promotes objective scholarly research into the historical, social and cultural impact of freemasonry, particularly in Britain." I hope they follow in the footsteps of other serious Masonic historians and bring many new facts to light. The website is certainly worth exploring, as several papers and publications are available for reading and downloading.